Lea Salonga’s Solidarity Message for International Women’s Day - March 8, 2011

Hello, Everyone! I'm so sorry that I can't be here with you in person, but I am with you in spirit, sending good vibes for a successful event from thousands of miles away.

On March 25, 1911, 146 garment workers, many of them women died because their safety and well-being were not provided for by the people that should have been looking out for them, perishing in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. It is now 2011, nearly 100 years to the day, and 11 of our own women die everyday due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications, because they aren't being provided for by the people that should be looking out for them.

But the tides are changing. Our voices are getting louder. The so-called weaker sex is going from strength to strength, as we call out for change. We are calling out for recognition of our fundamental right to emergency health care as we carry and give birth to new life. We are calling out for the right to choose our family size, as well as the means to determine that. We are calling out to keep ourselves safe from AIDS, HIV, and STDs, as well as other diseases that would and could compromise our health and our families. We are women calling out for the passing of a bill that would guarantee that all these are finally given to us.

I join you today in solidarity and support today, International Women's Day, as you march, shout, scream, and beat the drum for women all over the country. Reproductive health is our fundamental right. Our country needs the RH Bill now.

Thank you, and may God bless you.