The Initiative for Change in Access to Health (IPAS) Indonesia Foundation has partnered with three regencies in Central Sulawesi to enhance the resilience of the reproductive health system amidst the impacts of the climate crisis through the CERAH project (Capable Women in Facing the Climate Crisis). This partnership was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding by the governments of Sigi, Donggala, and Parigi Moutong Regencies.
This project is a follow-up to research conducted by the IPAS Indonesia Foundation in collaboration with Hasanuddin University in 2022-2023. The study indicated that the climate crisis affects reproductive health vulnerabilities, especially in primary healthcare services. Among these are worsening menstrual health, increasing unintended pregnancies, and contributing to the rise in gender-based and sexual violence.
“Therefore, the objective of this project is to strengthen the resilience of the reproductive health system against the impacts of the climate crisis, specifically by reinforcing the flow of reproductive health and gender-based violence services for women and adolescent girls,” stated the Executive Director of IPAS Indonesia Foundation, Marcia Soumokil.
She added that reproductive health and the climate crisis are intertwined issues. For this reason, collaboration from the community, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and community organizations is crucial. Collaboration is key to enhancing resilience in reproductive health.
“This collaboration aims to ensure disaster impact reduction and mitigation so that the health system, especially in primary services, has the capacity to respond effectively in both disaster and non-disaster situations,” she explained.
Regarding the CERAH project collaboration, the Acting Regent of Donggala, Moh. Rifani, responded positively. He, along with the Donggala government officials, will support the implementation of this project. “Let us collectively support the CERAH program, as this program is very important for Donggala Regency,” said Moh. Rifani.
Similar support was also expressed by Sigi Regent Mohamad Irwan. He stated that this project could serve as a good example in addressing the impacts of the climate crisis and enhancing community resilience and well-being.
“Together with the IPAS Indonesia Foundation and involving local partner, the KPKP-ST Foundation (Central Sulawesi Women’s Equality Struggle Group), we hope to empower women and the community of Sigi Regency in efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. May this collaboration proceed well and have a positive impact on governmental functions in Sigi Regency,” he said.
Richard Arnaldo, Acting Regent of Parigi Moutong, also gave a positive response: “As the Regional Government of Parigi Regency, we thank the IPAS Indonesia Foundation for the CERAH project, which is for the benefit of the community in Parimo Regency.”
The CERAH project will be implemented in 59 villages across Sigi, Donggala, and Parigi Moutong Regencies over a three-year period. This project focuses on three aspects:
- Reducing the vulnerability of women and adolescent girls to the climate crisis.
- Strengthening the resilience of the health system among relevant local actors against climate crisis shocks.
- Fostering an enabling environment for gender-transformative climate action.