Advocating Informed Choices and Gender Equality Among the Youth
October 15, 2024 – University of the Cordilleras Auditorium, Baguio City.
The University of the Cordilleras Youth and Adolescents Sexuality and Reproductive Health Hub (UYAHH), in partnership with FPOP Baguio-Benguet, Balay Marvi by LoveYourself, and the UC College of Nursing Student Council, successfully hosted the seminar “Empowerment Through Options: A Guide to Contraceptives.”
The event served as an educational platform that promoted reproductive health awareness, gender equality, and informed decision-making among the youth. It aimed to equip students with accurate knowledge on contraceptive methods and the importance of responsible sexual health practices.
Advocating Awareness and Health Education
The seminar featured insightful lectures from Ms. Christine Lyzandra Andrade, RMT, of Balay Marvi, who discussed the role of contraceptives in preventing HIV and STIs, and Mr. Arjay Bentic Empizo from FPOP, who debunked common myths about contraception. Their talks encouraged open, stigma-free discussions about sexual and reproductive health.
Through these engaging sessions, participants gained valuable knowledge on the importance of accessible reproductive health services and empowerment through education, especially for young women and men navigating their health and personal choices.
Empowering Youth and Promoting Equality
The event concluded with the distribution of free condoms by Balay Marvi, reinforcing UYAHH’s commitment to promoting safe and accessible reproductive health options for students.
This initiative exemplified UC’s dedication to fostering health equity, youth empowerment, and gender-sensitive education. By advocating informed health choices, UC-CON continues to shape socially aware nursing professionals and youth advocates who champion public health and gender equality.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3.7 – Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services.
The seminar promoted awareness and accessibility of contraceptive options to improve youth reproductive health. - SDG 5.6 – Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
The event empowered women and girls through education, fostering equality and informed decision-making. - SDG 17.17 – Encourage effective partnerships between the public, private, and civil sectors.
The collaboration among UC, FPOP, Balay Marvi, and UYAHH demonstrated the power of partnerships in advancing health education and advocacy.
