The 21st of March marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history. Human Rights Day is linked to the atrocities that occurred in Sharpville on March 21, 1960. At this time in South Africa, Apartheid was in full force under the National Party regime. It was a system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in the country from 1948 until 1994.
International Women’s Day – #BalanceforBetter
‘Better the balance, better the world.’ This uplifting statement expresses the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day which takes place on 8 March 2019. The theme focuses on the need for continued efforts by everyone, no matter where you are, to create a gender-balanced world.
Blue Ribbon Campaign – Safe Abortion is Legal in South Africa
Cape Town. ‘My Body, My Choice.’ The Blue Ribbon campaign supports women’s rights to safe and legal abortions.
Furthermore, we aim to empower women with access to accurate information and resources about safe abortions so that they are able to make an informed choice about their sexual and reproductive health.
The importance of the Blue Ribbon campaign’s mission is reiterated by the following frightening statistics: according to the Gutthmaker Foundation, ‘an estimated 52% of women get their abortion service from the illegal market’, and Amnesty International stated that ‘[only] 40% of TOP-designated facilities in South Africa actually provide the service.’
We want to reach the day when all women in South Africa can proudly say, ‘I am in control of my body! I have the legal right to have a safe abortion performed by high-quality women’s healthcare facilities.’
“The Blue Ribbon campaign is a platform through which we are able to raise awareness about women’s legal rights to a safe abortion in South Africa. We want to erase the stigma attached to the word, ‘abortion’. ‘My Body. My Choice’ is more than a slogan, it’s an assurance that we support women every step of the way to ensure they are able to make an informed decision about their sexual and reproductive health,” says Whitney Chinogwenya, Head of Marketing for Marie Stopes South Africa.
By helping us spread knowledge and sharing Marie Stopes South Africa’s vision, you’ll be helping us raise awareness about accessibility to women’s healthcare facilities throughout the country. Let’s work together towards a future where every birth is wanted.
For more information, please visit www.blueribbon.org.za/
About us
Established in 1993, Marie Stopes South Africa is the country’s largest non-profit provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services. We are part of the 38 country-strong Marie Stopes International Global Partnership, allowing us access to the latest innovations and expertise in the field of sexual and reproductive health.
In South Africa, we operate 17 centres across 7 provinces and are a Section 21 non-profit organisation recognised for the quality of our clinical services and our non-judgemental, client-friendly approach. The fees we charge for our services are cross-subsidised across our network, meaning centres are able to offer prices that best suit the communities they serve.
‘Female Viagra’ – is it safe?
You may have heard about ‘female Viagra’; Flibanserin (sold under the trade name, Addyi) is an FDA-approved ‘Viagra-like’ drug prescribed for the treatment of female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) in premenopausal women. If you think you may be suffering from this arousal disorder, you can visit one of Marie Stopes South Africa’s women’s wellness clinics where tests can be run to see if there may be an underlying cause.
What you need to know about masturbation
Many people masturbate and there’s no need to be ashamed. In fact, masturbation (the act of touching yourself for sexual pleasure) has health benefits and it’s 100% safe – there’s no chance of catching an STI or falling pregnant.
Addiction and pregnancy: Is your baby at risk?
The life-threatening risks of abusing any type of drugs e.g. heroin, painkillers such as oxycodone, cocaine, methamphetamines (crystal meth, ecstasy) and marijuana are well documented. However, if you abuse these drugs while pregnant, you’re risking your baby’s health too.
MSSA – World AIDS Day 2018 – ‘Know your Status’
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December 2018 – a day when people from around the world unite in order to support, fight, educate and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS.
This year, the theme is ‘Know my Status’, aimed at encouraging everyone to get tested for HIV/AIDS and depending on the outcome, have the knowledge to take the appropriate action. It’s vital to understand that with the right treatment, anyone with HIV can live a long and happy life.
What age is ‘too late’ to have a baby?
Every woman’s fertility timeline is different, but the short answer, according to experts, is that the ability for a woman to become pregnant decreases quite dramatically after the age of 35 – but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to have a baby.
16 Days of activism – #CountMeIn
It’s time to for our voices to shout from the rooftops: ‘No more violence against women and children!’ The 16 Days of Activism campaign endeavours to spread awareness, discuss the causes and find solutions to curb this epidemic. Show your support by wearing a white ribbon and using the hashtag, #CountMeIn on social media platforms.
I AM: How Dr Marie Stopes shaped our vision and commitment to female empowerment
This Women’s Month we launch the I Am campaign: Promoting and celebrating Female Empowerment by proudly claiming the fundamental human rights of all South African Women.
Powerful, self-affirming statements like “I am In Control” and “I am Free” drive the key Marie Stopes ethos of Empowering Women to take control of their futures by providing knowledge and services for women’s sexual and reproductive health.
MTV Shuga’s Zamo on The battle for likes
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World AIDS Day: 6 Of The Most Important Things It’s Achieved
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Trans Day of Remembrance, 20 Nov: 6 ways to support transgender people
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I am a nurse. What’s your superpower?
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Abortion Provider- Dr. Eddie Mhlanga
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Abortion Provider- Elna McIntosh
Today, we continue with the build up to Abortion Provider Appreciation day (10 March) and take into account that it is International Women’s Day so we see it fit that we celebrate a phenomenal woman, Professor Elna McIntosh. … Read More
Abortion Provider Appreciation- Vikar Singh
As we approach Abortion Provider Appreciation day on the 10th Of March, we would like to celebrate some of the medical heroes who are working to provide safe abortion care for South African women.… Read More
Breaking up is hard(er than ever) to do
When last did you meet someone who isn’t on social media? These days, practically everyone is using social networks, be it Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram or many others. It’s great for connecting with friends and loved ones, and for sharing all those loved-up pics of you and your mate. But what happens when you go through a breakup, and it’s time to detangle your life from your ex’s – both IRL (in real life) and online?… Read More