IN the dynamic landscape of health care, one area that is often overlooked and under-prioritized is women's health. This is particularly significant, considering that women constitute a substantial portion of the workforce and are considered the backbone of society. In the Philippines, the labor force consists of over 50 million Filipinos ages 15 years and older with women making up 21.9 million of this total. With a labor force participation rate of 64.1 percent and an employment rate of 96.0 percent for women as of April 2024, it is evident that Filipino women play a pivotal role not only in the workforce but also in the nation's development and resilience.
Health care company Organon recognizes that women's health is a complex tapestry woven from various needs. From their teenage years, when preventing unplanned pregnancies is crucial, to their prime childbearing years and beyond, Organon offers a variety of solutions.
"Filipino women's contribution in our society is undeniable. This is why Organon's purpose is to create a better and healthier every day for every woman, and we believe that women's health should be prioritized at every stage of life.," says Emmanuel Tiglao, country lead at Organon Philippines.
"Our diverse portfolio reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive health care solutions that empower women to live their best lives. From adolescence to menopause, we are here to support and advocate for their health and well-being," adds Tiglao.
The decision of when — and whether — to start a family is one of the most important choices a woman can make. However, nearly half of all pregnancies worldwide (approximately 121 million annually) are estimated to be unplanned, leading to health risks and reduced educational and employment opportunities for mother and child — challenges which can span generations.
Unplanned pregnancies are in part caused by a lack of access to contraceptive information and services. Globally, of the 257 million women who want to avoid pregnancy, almost 67 percent are not safe, modern methods of contraception.
World Population Day, celebrated every July, underscores the critical importance of family planning in empowering individuals and societies worldwide. However, the Philippines currently grapples with one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates among Association of Southeast Asian Nation member-states with a staggering 183,000 adolescent girls either becoming pregnant or giving birth annually. This alarming statistic surpasses global and regional averages, as reported by the United Nations Population Fund.
This is why Organon is actively advocating to expand access to family planning methods through multi-stakeholder collaboration that are fueling public health solutions, addressing inequities and giving women more opportunities to pursue education and economic independence. In fact, Organon has been named to Fortune's 2023 Change the World list for its leadership in helping women and girls around the world take control of their reproductive health.