Rutgers - For sexual and reproductive health and rights

They say there are two sides to every story... we say there are many more! Can we truly understand a topic as complex as safe abortion without hearing different perspectives? With our new series, we’re highlighting the real stories behind the statistics on abortion in Cameroon. Cameroon’s abortion laws are highly restrictive, although there can be exceptions when a woman is raped or if the pregnancy endangers her life. As a result, unsafe abortions are common, leading to preventable maternal deaths. In fact, an estimated 25% of maternal deaths in Cameroon are due to unsafe abortions. But that 25% isn’t just a statistic—it represents real people with diverse experiences and stories. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share six of their stories. Watch their stories 👉🏾 https://lnkd.in/ezKFuKsf #SafeAbortionDay #AbortionSolidarity #ISAD24 #Cameroon #ReproductiveHealth #SafeAbortion #SheMakesHerSafeChoice #SheDecides  

🌍 What is CEDAW and why should it matter to you? 💡   The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international agreement that advances gender equality and women’s rights. The policies shaped by CEDAW directly impact how governments and organizations protect the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) of women and girls. 🙌 These are rights we actively support and advocate for, especially in places where gender equality is under threat. Right now, CEDAW is held in Geneva, and some of our partner advocates from Benin are engaging with their governments to ensure they fulfil their commitments to gender equality✨ 👀 Stay tuned for their stories! 🎥 Watch our video to learn how CEDAW works and how you can use it: https://lnkd.in/ebyQiH4S #CEDAW #WomensRights #SRHR #Advocacy #GenderJustice #EqualRights #GenderEquality #UNWOMEN #RutgersInternational WO=MEN, Dutch Gender Platform  

“I would advise parents who are against abortion to be open-minded, listen, talk and educate their children without stigmatising, judging or rejecting them.” Can we truly understand a topic as complex as safe abortion without hearing different perspectives? 💭 With our new series, we’re highlighting the real stories behind the statistics on unsafe abortion in Cameroon. Today we share the perspective of a parent whose daughter had an unsafe abortion. Watch this story via 👉🏾 https://lnkd.in/eUGkASEH All other stories are live and can be found via https://lnkd.in/eraPGp6G #SafeAbortionDay #AbortionSolidarity #ISAD24 #Cameroon #ReproductiveHealth #SafeAbortion #SheMakesHerSafeChoice #SheDecides | SheDecides

“I faced many challenges trying to get a safe abortion, because it is illegal in most cases in my country. The consequences of going through an unsafe abortion were severe for me.”    Can we truly understand a topic as complex as safe abortion without hearing different perspectives? 💭    With our new series, we’re highlighting the real stories behind the statistics on abortion in Cameroon. Today we share the first of six perspectives on unsafe abortion in Cameroon: a survivor of unsafe abortion.    Watch this story via 👉🏾 https://lnkd.in/eWJw893i All other stories are live and can be found via 👉🏿 https://lnkd.in/eraPGp6G   #SafeAbortionDay #AbortionSolidarity #ISAD24 #Cameroon #ReproductiveHealth #SafeAbortion #SheMakesHerSafeChoice #SheDecides | SheDecides

She decides. Whether to fall in love, or not. Whether to have sex, or not. Whether to have children, or not. It is her choice. A choice to make her own decisions, to feel supported—without fearing for her health. Yet, nearly half of the women in the world are still unable to make decisions about their own bodies. When others decide for her, she cannot live the life she wants or deserves. Unsafe abortion remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. But today, there is a growing awareness of its devastating impact on women’s lives and wellbeing. Open conversations are breaking the stigma and taboos that prevent access to safe abortion. These conversations are the first steps toward lasting change. When it comes down to it, it is her choice. And we stand with her. Marieke van der Plas, executive director Rutger and SheDecides Champion Read the SheDecides statement for #SafeAbortionDay ➡ https://lnkd.in/dM6aB3sF #AbortionSolidarity #StrongerTogether #SheDecides #ISAD24 #SheMakesHerSafeChoice

Our partner ABAAD - Resource Centre for Gender Equality in Lebanon works tirelessly to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation during this humanitarian crisis, we stand in solidarity with them. Preventing abuse is a collective responsibility, and we commend Abaad for their unwavering dedication during these times.

Today is World Contraception Day! On this day, our Ado Avance Ensemble partners in Francophone West Africa kicked off the joint campaign: InformerProtéger. This campaign is all about young people and their freedom to make informed choices about their lives and sexuality, and their own contraception! 💪🏼 But... to make informed decisions, you need knowledge. On World Contraception Day, Rutgers wants to emphasise the importance of making reliable information about all contraceptive options widely accessible, no matter where you live. Read our full article on making smart contraceptive choices via 👉🏾 https://lnkd.in/exipK8Fe ✍🏽 Burcu Koleli for IPPF x Fine Acts #AdoAvanceEnsemble #InformerProtéger #PowerToChoose #RutgersInternational #WorldContraceptionDay #WCD2024 | Burcu Koleli | International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) | Fine Acts

🌍 Rutgers at the UN Summit of the Future: calling for youth-driven agendas on sexual health and rights 🌍   Rutgers is joining the UN General Assembly at a crucial moment. Yesterday, the Assembly has adopted the Pact for the Future, a new global framework for sustainable development and human rights, including gender equality. As rights related to gender and equality face increasing resistance, civil society organizations play a key role in holding decision-makers accountable. Rutgers is committed to ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) stay on the international agenda.   We’re also focused on the unmet needs of young people globally. The Pact for the Future provides a vital platform for collaboration and accountability on youth SRHR, and youth experts and voices must be at the forefront. Let’s keep pushing for a future where gender equality and youth SRHR are prioritized! 💪 Read more on how and why youth voices should be included: 👉 https://rb.gy/6em51e #OurCommonFuture #PactForTheFuture #SummitoftheFuture #EmbraceOurRights #SRHR #YouthVoices #HeartoftheMatter #IPPF

Tomorrow marks the start of the United Nations Summit of the Future, kicking off with Action Days for civil society! Rutgers will be there to champion young people's sexual health and rights, and driving progress toward a more inclusive and equitable future. 💪🏾🌏 Right now, it’s important to ask: shouldn’t young people be at the centre of these conversations? Recent months have seen youth and civil society organisations raising their voices, sharing their vision for a more equal world, and calling for their inclusion in global decision-making. 🗣️ Now is the time to turn these recommendations into concrete actions! Read the full article via👇🏽 https://lnkd.in/e3Y4sjpj to learn more and join us in ensuring that youth perspectives shape the future!    #SummitOfTheFuture #Youth4SOTF #EmbraceOurFuture #OurCommonFuture #RightHereRightNow #RHRN #CSE4All

Yes! Thank you Saskia Hüsken for being an advocate of our work. Rutgers and partners have always and will continue to advocate for access to safe products and quality services. Because, as Saskia says: "her choice should always be a safe choice." 💪🏼💗