Report of the YANAA #AbortionSolidarity Tweetathon
By Dominique Ogreanu (YANAA Co-Coordinator, Communications)
Date: 26 September 2024
Time: 12:00 – 14:00 BST
Platform: X/Twitter
Overview
On the 26th of September, YANAA hosted a two-hour Tweetathon focused on the theme of #AbortionSolidarity. Five organizations, TARSHI India, Alliance for Choice (Northern Ireland), Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia, SheDecides, SRHRPh Malaysia, and one individual, Pushpa Joshi, from Nepal participated.
The Tweetathon focused on discussing the legal frameworks of abortion, sharing personal and regional perspectives on solidarity, and highlighting the role of youth in advancing abortion rights. The event culminated in calls for more funding for abortion movements and resources for those seeking abortions.
Key Topics Discussed
1.Legal frameworks of abortion in different countries.
- The meaning of #AbortionSolidarity in diverse regional contexts.
- The role of youth in leading abortion rights movements.
- Areas where more funding and support are needed for abortion movements.
- Resources and support available for those seeking abortions.
Amplifying Global Voices on Abortion Rights
The Tweetathon provided a space for organizations and individuals from different regions to share their unique challenges and perspectives on abortion. By highlighting diverse voices, we broke down the often limited, country-specific views on abortion rights, showing the global nature of the struggle for reproductive justice.
“Abortion is LEGAL in Malaysia to protect lives, and mental & physical well-being. But many are misinformed! Unfortunately, we inherited a draconian law from the colonial power, hence, abortion provision is still in the Penal Code.” – Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance, Malaysia
Fostering Abortion Solidarity
What does #AbortionSolidarity mean to you in your regional context? How does solidarity for abortion rights look where you are?
The event emphasized the importance of solidarity in abortion rights movements. Participants shared how solidarity is not just about policy or access but also about community support and collective liberation. Abortion is an inter-generational, intimate practice in many regions, and this Tweetathon helped foster the sense that we are all interconnected in the fight for reproductive freedom.
“#AbortionSolidarity is community-led initiatives, collaboration with intersectional movements, raising awareness about safe abortion, advocating for policy change, and breaking the stigma surrounding it.” – Pushpa Joshi, Nepal
“#AbortionSolidarity in India is about advocating for the right to safe & legal abortion for everyone. It’s essential to work towards promoting spaces where challenges related to abortion are understood and resolved through a lens that is inclusive and intersectional.”
– TARSHI India
Supporting Youth Leadership
How are youth leading the fight for abortion rights in your country? What message do you have for them on International Safe Abortion Day?
Youth involvement is crucial in the abortion rights movement, as highlighted by the discussion on how young people are leading these efforts in various countries. The Tweetathon showcased their role in challenging the dominant narratives and driving meaningful change, making it clear that the future of abortion rights lies in the hands of young people.
“The student movement, which is mostly young people, has been instrumental in driving change in Northern Ireland and previously in the Irish Repeal referendum.” – All for Choice
“Every young person should have the power to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures without fear, stigma or coercion. Our network of champions celebrate youth expertise and youth-led solutions to global bodily autonomy challenges!” – She Decides
Raising Awareness About Funding Gaps
For which aspect of abortion rights do we need more funding in your country?
Participants were able to highlight the areas where abortion movements require more funding – whether in service delivery, advocacy, research, or on-the-ground mobilization. This was an important call to action for donors and supporters to invest in abortion rights movements that are fighting for reproductive justice in regions where resources are scarce.
“A message to donors: Support awareness and advocacy around abortion – especially information dissemination about laws and rights on abortion, and how one can access them. #AbortionRights” – TARSHI India
“In Northern Ireland we need more funding for service delivery, abortion care needs to be rolled out more broadly as well as telemedicine introduced to ease waiting times and improve access. We also need training amongst the medical profession.” – All for Choice
Sharing Resources and Expanding Networks
What resources or support does your organization provide for those seeking abortions?
The Tweetathon gave space for organizations to share the resources and support they provide to those seeking abortions. This not only connected people in need to help but also expanded networks of care, vital for advancing the cause of safe abortion access.
See resources from the participating organizations here:
TARSHI – https://www.tarshi.net/site/resources/
All for Choice – https://www.alliance4choice.com/
She Decides – https://www.shedecides.com/bodily-autonomy-for-all-young-people/
Reproductive Rights Advocacy Alliance Malaysia – bit.ly/rraamhotline
YANAA – Read more and join the network https://www.safeabortionwomensright.org/network/yanaa/