Report on Women’s Rights Rally at Five Corners

Introduction

On the eve of the three-year anniversary since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a significant rally took place at Five Corners, where dozens of participants of all ages gathered to advocate for women’s rights, improved healthcare, and the decriminalization of abortion. The event underscored key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Event Organization and Themes

• The rally was organized by Indivisible Martha’s Vineyard, Feminist Action Team, and Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard under the banner “Our Bodies, Our Power, Our Future.”
• Participants carried colorful signs addressing women’s justice, including messages such as “Control Guns, Not Women,” “Stop the MAGA War on Women,” and “Same Fight, New Signs.”
• A symbolic presence was noted with a participant dressed in a red cloak and white bonnet, referencing “The Handmaid’s Tale,” highlighting concerns about women’s autonomy and rights.

Speeches and Advocacy

1. Laurie David’s Address:

   Environmental activist Laurie David emphasized the injustice of laws restricting women’s control over their bodies and healthcare, calling for empowerment and solidarity. This aligns with SDG 5 by advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

2. Community Response:

   The crowd responded emphatically, reinforcing collective action and the importance of amplifying women’s rights messages nationally and globally.

3. Political Leadership:

   Laurie David highlighted the importance of electing leaders who protect women’s rights, citing Cape and Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois as an example of leadership committed to equality.

District Attorney Rob Galibois’ Commitment

• Galibois identified the local district attorney’s office as a critical defender of women’s reproductive health, stressing that criminalization does not stop abortions but endangers safe access, supporting SDG 3.
• He reflected on the impact of the Dobbs decision and noted progress made, including hiring women in leadership roles and expanding abortion services in Massachusetts.
• Galibois signed a petition from Fair and Just Prosecution pledging not to prosecute abortion seekers or share out-of-state abortion information, demonstrating commitment to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
• He acknowledged the introduction of abortion services on Cape and Islands, including access to Mifepristone at multiple locations.

Access to Abortion Pills and Healthcare Equity

Island author and chef Cathy Walthers highlighted the significance of abortion pills as a revolutionary healthcare option, especially in “reproductive deserts” where access to reproductive health services is limited or criminalized. This reflects the goals of SDG 3 and SDG 10 by promoting equitable healthcare access.

• Walthers noted that 50% of pregnant women receive healthcare through Medicaid or Planned Parenthood, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to safe abortion medications.
• She advocated for public awareness to keep women’s health issues at the forefront of policy and social discourse.

Conclusion

The rally at Five Corners served as a powerful platform to advocate for women’s rights, healthcare access, and equality, directly supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals. The event highlighted the ongoing struggle for reproductive justice and the critical role of community activism and political leadership in advancing these objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Focus on women’s healthcare and access to safe abortion services.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Advocacy for women’s rights, reproductive rights, and gender justice.
   • Emphasis on equality and empowerment of women.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Discussion on legal protections, criminalization of abortion, and the role of district attorneys in protecting reproductive rights.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Proportion of women who have access to safe abortion services and reproductive healthcare (implied by the availability of abortion pills and new abortion services in Massachusetts).
   • Availability of reproductive health facilities in “reproductive deserts.”
2. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of women in leadership roles (e.g., women hired in leadership positions in the district attorney’s office).
   • Legal frameworks protecting reproductive rights and gender equality.
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of district attorneys and officials who pledge not to prosecute abortion cases (e.g., the petition signed by five Massachusetts district attorneys).
   • Existence and enforcement of laws ensuring access to reproductive healthcare without criminalization.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mvtimes.com