We support women to enjoy the right to make decisions about their own life, health and bodies without discrimination or coercion. HERICO empowers women and girls to make free, informed decisions about their own bodies, health and sexuality without coercion, violence or discrimination. These interconnected rights are fundamental to human dignity, gender equality and sustainable development, encompassing access to contraception, safe abortion and comprehensive education.
Key Aspects of our work on Bodily Autonomy and SRHR
1.Bodily autonomy is the right to control one’s own body—what to wear, who to love, and whether to reproduce.
2. Core SRHR Components- These include access to sexual and reproductive health services, safe abortion, consent and comprehensive sexuality education.
3. Women’s rights- SRHR is recognized as a human right. It emphasizes freedom from violence and discrimination, particularly for women and girls
4. Core Principles-The realization of these rights requires that women can decide if, when, and how to have children and to live free from harmful practices.
Challenges and Threats
1. Violations - Lack of bodily autonomy leads to child marriage, female genital mutilation and forced sterilization.
2. Barriers to Access - Restrictive laws, such as strict abortion bans and violence against LBTQ+ women, restrict access to necessary healthcare.
3. Funding Gaps - Policies like the "Global Gag Rule" have restricted funding for or access to, reproductive services.
4. Environmental Factors - Climate change, including heat and pollution, affects maternal health and exacerbates inequalities in accessing care.