The big 5-0. It’s not just a milestone in age. It’s a milestone in my journey as an activist and as someone deeply shaped by the economic, cultural, and societal landscape at home, and challenged and influenced by global realities.
As a social justice activist, feminist, and advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights, I am proud of my grassroots activist background that is deeply rooted in my principles and values. But the activism and resolve did not come out of nowhere.
Like many activists, my journey emanated in part from anger.
Anger at glaring social injustice and violence. I am originally from Mindanao, Philippines, the southernmost part of the country. At about nine years old, my mother would bring me to rallies and mobilizations calling for an end to Marcos’ martial law. As a young girl, I did not understand all of it. What I did understand, though, was that I was afraid to hear bombs and the sound of helicopters hovering over our town.
As I grew older, it became almost natural for me to find spaces to express that anger, fear, and frustration. And that anger led me to realize that when you talk about social justice, you really have to tackle the distinct struggles women face because of their gender. And when you’re talking about women’s rights, you must also confront the violations of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
However, conversations about sexual rights and abortion were often steeped in silence, stigma, and misinformation.
While conversations about abortion were hush-hush, I was also confronted with many stories of people suffering because they couldn’t access safe abortion services. With the legal restrictions on abortion in the Philippines, what could a 19-year-old do?
Again, I used my natural tendency to seek out the collective space where I didn’t need to feel ashamed to say the word “abortion.” On campus and after college, I joined feminist organizations, collectives, and NGOs working on social justice, gender justice, and reproductive health.
In 2009, I found myself applying for a job at a reproductive rights network and was asked during the job interview, “Will you be willing to talk about abortion in the Philippines?” I said, “I admit that it would not be easy in this context, but it is also not impossible, given the support from those who are committed to changing the status quo.”
As I delved into safe abortion advocacy, I found myself continuously learning and engaging with others.
In 2016, with colleagues in the Philippines, while I was working with SAAF grantee partner Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) – one of the leaders in the abortion rights movement – we founded the Philippine Safe Abortion Advocacy Network (PINSAN). PINSAN has been a powerful force in advancing safe abortion rights in the Philippines through collective actions that challenge abortion stigma. PINSAN’s ‘3D strategy’ guided our work namely,
- Destigmatization: Breaking the silence and addressing the shame surrounding abortion by sharing stories and fostering open conversations.
- Demystification: Countering myths and misinformation with facts and evidence-based knowledge.
- Decriminalization: Advocating for legal reforms to ensure abortion is treated as a healthcare issue, not a criminal act.
This strategy isn’t just about policy change—it’s about transforming how society views abortion and the people who seek it.
Photo from PINSAN
The decriminalization of abortion in the Philippines is a long-haul journey, and access to safe abortion remains a challenge.
We are aware that advocacy is never easy. There have been moments of exhaustion, fear, and frustration. But there have also been moments of deep connection, hope, and victory. Through it all, I’ve learned that persistence isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s also about resting, healing, and finding strength in community, friends, family.
Reaching this milestone, I feel gratitude—for the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard, and the lessons I’ve learned. The journey isn’t over. There is still so much work to do.
What is true about my journey is that anger, fear, and frustration can be transformed into collective power. And every conversation matters, every story shared has power, and every step forward brings change closer.
Here’s to the next chapter—more courage, more conversations, and more collective victories.
By Marevic Parcon, SAAF board member and Membership Support and Development Director for IPPF ESEAOR.