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Events
Power Breakfast Forum for Women’s Health
“Action Towards Women’s Health”
As we advocate for full access to women’s reproductive health options in the U.S. healthcare reform debate, we are mindful of the millions of women worldwide who do not have access to basic healthcare.
At the first Power Breakfast Forum on Women’s Health (PIWH) hosted by the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health, journalist and author Michelle Goldberg described these challenges as the global battle over women’s sexual and reproductive freedom. Michelle’s poignant remarks were echoed by an enthusiastic and insightful audience of advocates, policy makers, researchers and funders – topping off an inspirational morning at the beautiful City Club of San Francisco.
Guests gathered over a wholesome breakfast to discuss practical strategies that U.S. and global leaders can take to improve and protect women’s health and rights worldwide – from greater awareness and public education to policy work that improves access to reproductive health technologies.
We were so honored to have convened leaders from myriad organizations foundations, including The Wohlford Foundation; IBIS Reproductive Health; Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health; Beacon Program at Mission Neighborhood Center; EngenderHealth; and the University of California San Francisco - organizations committed to elevating the status of women’s health in the U.S. and abroad.
We were especially thrilled to present the first PIWH Visionary Partner Award to Francine Coeytaux and Daniel Grossman. The Visionary Partner Award is presented to individuals who work to improve women’s sexual reproductive health worldwide and who promote women’s access to the full range of reproductive health options, including access to new reproductive health technologies.
Highlighting her new book, The Means of Reproduction: Sex, Power, and The Future of the World, Michelle Goldberg’s keynote address reminded us about the complexities of female oppression around the world and the various fronts on which advocates must battle to ensure reproductive freedom. Michelle told the story of “Rosita”, the 9-year old Nicaraguan girl, who was prohibited by the Church and government to receive an abortion, even though carrying the pregnancy to term would endanger her life.
While the ultimate life-saving medical procedure was obtained for “Rosita”, the international pressure mobilized the Catholic Church, with support from Nicaragua’s president – to pass a draconian law that outlawed abortion even when the life of the mother is in danger.
“Rosita’s” story, like many women’s stories, embodies the need to work with allies on different fronts to address women’s health and rights.
PIWH President and CEO, Belle Taylor McGhee, said “We believe women need support so that they can manage their reproductive lives – free from violence and intimidation.” PIWH is committed to leading this discussion with our myriad allies and partners.
2009 VISIONARY PARTNER AWARDS
PIWH is pleased to present its first Visionary Partner Award (VP) to two deserving champions of women’s reproductive health. The VP award is given to individuals who work across the globe to support women’s access to the full range of reproductive health options, including the latest reproductive health technologies. The VP envisions a world in which women have the information, resources and freedom to make decisions about their reproductive health and works tirelessly to make this vision a reality.
Please join us in honoring our 2009 Visionary Partners:
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| Francine Coeytaux |
Dan Grossman |
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