‘HER’ center in Quezon City to benefit over 300 underprivileged women

A health, empowerment, and recovery (HER) center for disadvantaged women called Better World has been opened in Cubao, Quezon City.

According to San Miguel Corporation (SMC), it launched its fourth Better World facility in commemoration of this year's International Women's Day.

Better World Cubao (BWC) aims to empower underprivileged women, especially mothers, who have gone through difficult times and/or abuse. A total of 360 women have already signed on to the program. 

Through BWC and its non-profit partners, mothers will gain access to health services, learn more about their rights and how to communicate their needs effectively, and receive support from other women.

"Right now, our focus is on launching our health clinic, women's rights workshops, and legal consultations, as well as safe space classes. Our vision is to eventually turn BWC into a community hub that brings together several community agencies to provide programs and services to empower women," said SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

Ang said the adverse effects of the pandemic on women, especially mothers from poor communities, also made the company build its fourth BWC.

Based on surveys and research commissioned by SMC, the most common impacts of the pandemic were on women's health, rights, and mental well-being due to limited access to government clinics because of lack of transport, limited health staff, or reduced clinic hours.

"Women's experiences at home, even their health, work, and economic security have all been affected negatively by the pandemic. We hope to address issues they face by bringing together advocates who will help provide interventions. [In addition], we want to create a community of women that supports other women," said Ang.

"With BWC, we hope to give our mothers from disadvantaged communities the tools and guidance they need to be healthier, stronger women for themselves, their families, and communities," he said.

SMC has built Better World community centers since 2019 in Tondo, EDSA, and Diliman. – Hermes Joy Tunac/RC, GMA News