#wegotmail: Turning setbacks into pushbacks: An urgent appeal to enact the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Law

International Day of the Girl: Empowering Girls for a Sustainable Future

October 11 has been recognized as the International Day of the Girl Child by the United Nations since 2011. This day serves as a platform to advocate for the rights and welfare of girls worldwide. As we commemorate this year’s International Day of the Girl, it is essential to assess the progress made, identify the remaining challenges, address setbacks, and emphasize the collective action needed to improve the lives of girls.

The Importance of Investing in Girls

Approximately 600 million adolescent girls worldwide are poised to become future leaders and decision-makers. In the Philippines, children below 15 years old make up about 30% of the population. It is crucial that we provide them with unwavering support as they transition into adulthood.

• Girls face numerous challenges that hinder their rights to education, health, participation, and protection from violence.
• The Philippines has enacted legislation on reproductive health and rights, prevention of violence against women and girls (PVAWG), and other measures to advance girls’ rights.
• Legislations such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law, Act Raising the Age of Sexual Consent, and Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act reflect the nation’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Filipino children.

Challenges Faced by Adolescent Girls

Despite legislative measures, adolescent girls still experience gender-based discrimination and violence. Studies show that young girls initially have advantages in health, nutrition, and education but lag behind as they grow older. Early childbearing, early union and cohabitation, and unequal gender norms and stereotypes are barriers to their development and equal participation in society.

• The Philippines has the second-highest adolescent birth rate in Southeast Asia, with alarming numbers of pregnancies among 10- to 14-year-old girls.
• Adolescent pregnancy poses life-threatening risks to girls’ physical and mental health and hinders their educational and socioeconomic prospects.
• The economic cost of adolescent pregnancy extends to households and the country, resulting in foregone income and potential annual losses.

Empowering Girls for a Bright Future

To ensure that girls are not held back, they must be protected and empowered to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Access to accurate information and adolescent-friendly services is crucial. Adolescent parents should also be provided with healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities to pursue their dreams while navigating parenthood.

• The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) Bill aims to address early childbearing among Filipino adolescents by instituting preventive measures that protect adolescents’ rights while recognizing their evolving capacities.
• Unequal gender norms and stereotypes must be addressed early on to enable girls to fully participate in society.

Investing in Girls for a Sustainable Future

Every girl deserves a fair chance at a bright future. It is society’s responsibility to support their needs through policies, programs, and an enabling environment. The Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) calls on Congress, particularly the Senate, to swiftly pass the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill. National government agencies should prioritize allocating substantial resources for programs that promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. By investing in girls and ensuring their access to education, information, and services, we can safeguard their well-being and unlock their full potential.

– Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.7: By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
   • Indicator: Adolescent birth rate

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Indicator: Access to education for girls

3. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
   • Indicator: Gender-based discrimination and violence

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
   • Indicator: Unequal gender norms and stereotypes

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

– Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.

– Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls have access to free, equitable, and quality education.

– Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against women and girls.

– Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age or sex.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The indicators mentioned are:

– Adolescent birth rate: This indicator relates to Target 3.7 and measures progress in ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.

– Access to education for girls: This indicator relates to Target 4.1 and measures progress in ensuring that all girls have access to free, equitable, and quality education.

– Gender-based discrimination and violence: This indicator relates to Target 5.1 and measures progress in ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls.

– Unequal gender norms and stereotypes: This indicator relates to Target 10.2 and measures progress in promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age or sex.

The article highlights the challenges faced by girls in terms of their rights to education, health, participation, and protection from violence. It also discusses legislative measures taken to address these challenges, such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law, the Act Raising the Age of Sexual Consent, and the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act. The article further emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions and investments to address the pressing concern of adolescent pregnancy. The indicators mentioned or implied in the article reflect the progress and setbacks in addressing these issues and can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: sunstar.com.ph

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