Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocacy Project (SRHAP) is a two year participatory action research and advocacy project, representing a diverse group of organizations and a broad set of strategies to address the social justice implications for advancing a sexual and reproductive health and justice agenda in Louisiana. SRHAP’s focus is to prioritize the needs and leadership of marginalized and under-served women, their families, and their communities. The initiative engages key community representatives and organizations in advocacy efforts that emphasize women’s sexual and reproductive health needs, enhance the mental health and wellness of women and girls, and empower residents to participate in the community rebuilding efforts by advocating on their own behalf.

IWES envisions a transformative sexual and reproductive health and justice movement in Louisiana that empowers women and marginalized communities to access the social, economic, political, mental, and spiritual resources and opportunities to need to live whole healthy lives free of control, exploitation, and regulation.

You can view the findings here: Crisis Logic Model

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A Vision for Health Care Reform: Women are strong supporters of health reform, and believe the economic challenges our families are facing make it even more important that we achieve quality, affordable health care for all.  We believe that health coverage should be:

-Lifelong

-Portable from job to job and from workplace to home

-Non-discriminatory

-User-friendly

-Affordable for our families

Raising Women’s Voices (RWV) is a national initiative working to make sure women’s voices are heard in the health reform debate and women’s concerns are addressed by policy makers developing national and state health reform plans.

IWES is the Louisiana Regional Coordinator for Raising Women’s Voices.

We place a priority on inviting women to share their experiences navigating the health care system and advocating for the health care we need, including:

-Women’s health care across the lifespan

-Comprehensive reproductive health care

-Pre-natal care

-Maternity care

-Primary and preventative services

-Acute care and chronic care

-Dental care

-Mental health care

RWV was founded by the Avery Institute for Social Change, the National Women’s Health Network and the MergerWatch Project of Community Catalyst.

Want to stay informed? Contact us at info@iwesnola.org for more information about speak outs, community events and updates on health care reform!