Passage of RH Bill, appropriate for 100 years of women’s day march

Risa Hontiveros together with members of Akbayan-women re-affirmed their support to the reproductive health bill saying the passage of the proposed law would be a groundbreaking occasion as the sector celebrates the 100th anniversary of international women’s day march. The group said it would be a shame if the bill is not passed this year—the centenary of the international women’s day march.

“As we celebrate 100 years of women activism and accomplishment, we ask our legislators to pass the reproductive health bill as their contribution to the overall struggle to broaden women rights,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros said despite the strong opposition from the Catholic church hierarchy, they are hopeful that Congress will pass the proposed legislative measure this year. “With the help of the women’s fervent advocacy, we are very confident that before the year ends, the reproductive health bill will be passed as one of the landmark victories of modern Filipino women fighting for reproductive health rights and the expansion of their freedom to choose.”

It was reported that the date—March 8—was chosen to celebrate women’s rights because of an event that had occurred on that day in the United States. A women protest was organized on March 8, 1908 to demand the right to vote. The demonstration was such a success that the date was designated to become the “international women’s day” dedicated to honour the continuing struggle for equal rights for all women in all countries.

In 1911, the first international women’s day march took place. This year, women are celebrating the centenary of the first march.