Theme: "In Solidarity We Resist: Our Fight, Our Right!"

Overview and Significance

The International Day of Action for Women's Health is observed annually on May 28. Established in 1987, this day serves as a global platform to advocate for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It mobilizes activists, organizations, and communities worldwide to demand that governments fulfil their obligations to protect and advance SRHR, recognizing these rights as fundamental to gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development.

2025 Theme and Focus

The 2025 theme, “In Solidarity We Resist: Our Fight, Our Right!”, highlights the urgency of collective resistance against a growing global backlash on SRHR. This backlash is driven by well-funded and organized anti-rights groups, including right-wing, nationalist, religious fundamentalist, and authoritarian actors. The campaign calls for unified action to defend bodily autonomy and resist efforts to roll back hard-won gains in women’s health and rights.

"On May 28, the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, activists and allies around the world will mobilize in feminist resistance and unwavering solidarity to defend and reclaim sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and justice for all.

History

• The day was first recognized at the International Women’s Health Meeting in Costa Rica in 1987, proposed by the Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Health Network (LACWHN).
• The Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) has played a key role in global coordination of the campaign since its inception.
• Over the years, the day has focused on issues such as access to quality healthcare, safe and legal abortion, government accountability, HIV/AIDS, violence against women, and youth SRHR.

Key Issues Highlighted

• Women’s bodily autonomy and the right to make informed decisions about their health.
• Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and information.
• Combating discrimination, violence, and regressive policies that threaten women’s health and rights.
• Addressing gender disparities in healthcare, including misdiagnosis and under-treatment of women’s health conditions.

How It Is Observed

• Activists and organizations worldwide hold events, campaigns, and educational initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes.
• The day serves as a call to action for governments, health professionals, and the public to prioritize women’s health and uphold SRHR as non-negotiable human rights.

The International Day of Action for Women’s Health 2025 is a critical moment to stand in solidarity, resist regressive forces, and assert the right of all women, girls, and gender-diverse people to health, dignity, and bodily autonomy.