May 28: A global day to champion women's health and rights

Each year on May 28, communities around the world come together to recognize the International Day of Action for Women’s Health. This important date is a powerful reminder of the need to protect and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all individuals, especially women and gender-diverse people.

The theme for 2025 - "In Solidarity We Resist: Our Fight, Our Right!" - calls attention to the growing challenges people face in accessing essential healthcare and making decisions about their bodies. From access to contraception and safe abortion to gender-affirming care and the right to live free from stigma, these issues are closely tied to individual well-being and broader public health.

Across the globe, barriers to healthcare are becoming more complex. In some places, laws make it difficult to access services like safe abortion or gender-affirming treatment. Elsewhere, cultural stigma, misinformation, and economic limitations restrict people’s ability to make informed choices about their health.

Even in countries with strong legal protections, gaps in service delivery can mean that rights don't always translate into real-world access. For instance, healthcare providers may decline services based on personal beliefs, or misinformation online may deter individuals from seeking care. These obstacles can have a lasting impact, especially on those who are already vulnerable due to age, income, or social status.

The importance of May 28 lies in its ability to unite voices around a common cause: the right to quality healthcare and bodily autonomy. It's a chance for people everywhere to advocate for solutions that are grounded in compassion, equity, and science.

While the challenges are significant, so is the collective effort to overcome them. Organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and activists are working together to share accurate information, promote respectful care, and influence policies that put people’s health and dignity first.

How you can get involved

May 28 is more than a symbolic date; it’s a chance to make a real difference. Here’s how you can be part of the movement:

• Learn: Educate yourself about SRHR and why it matters to individuals and communities alike.
• Share: Use your voice to raise awareness by posting on social media, attending local events, or joining virtual conversations. Hashtags like #May28, #WomensHealthMatters, and #SRHRisEssential help spread the message.
• Connect: Support organizations that focus on healthcare access, reproductive rights, and gender equity.
• Advocate: Reach out to local leaders and decision-makers to let them know you care about policies that support access to safe, inclusive, and affordable healthcare.

For more information, resources, and ways to participate in the campaign, visit may28.org.

Let’s work together to ensure that everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, can access the care and support they need. On May 28 and every day, health is a human right.