The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) and the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc. (UPCWSFI) recently conducted the book launch and exhibit of Pasya, Laya, at Sining: Reshaping SRHR from the Margins. The book is part of the Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) project, in partnership with Oxfam Pilipinas. The SHE Project aims to enhance the capacity of women’s rights organizations, institutions, and alliances to influence and advocate for the full implementation of laws, policies, and programs related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). 

This book is the culmination of the four-year long SHE research project. Using an intersectional approach, the research identified multifaceted challenges in realizing SRHR in the Philippines. It focused on inclusivity and sensitivity to overlapping social identities, offering tailored recommendations for different excluded groups to advance their SRHR and prevent gender-based violence. Following feminist research principles, it aimed to address gender inequalities and transform patriarchal structures. Grounded in feminist standpoint epistemology, the project centered the experiences and voices of vulnerable individuals. It adhered to feminist research ethics, prioritizing reflexivity, inclusivity, diversity, non-hierarchical relationships, collaboration, autonomy, consent, and participant well-being. 

The team conducted a series of creative workshops nationwide, engaging diverse sectors. There were a total of 346 participants in the research with an average of 49 participants for each cluster, namely, children, adolescents, adults, older persons, Muslims and indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The data-gathering was conducted in North Luzon, Central Luzon, South Luzon, Mindanao, Visayas, and the National Capital Region. The creative outputs from these workshops were used as qualitative data for further analysis. 

Access the book here.