Strengthening Reproductive Health in the Philippines A Special Presentation by Amina Evangelista Swanepoel Co-Founder/Executive Director of Roots of Health

Strengthening Reproductive Health in the Philippines
A Special Presentation by Amina Evangelista Swanepoel
Co-Founder/Executive Director of Roots of Health
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Blacktown City on 5 May 2026

Amina Evangelista Swanepoel co-founded and leads Roots of Health/Ugat ng Kalusugan, bringing experience from Human Rights Watch, the Guttmacher Institute, and UNHCR India, in human rights, youth health and HIV education. A Wellesley and Columbia graduate, she is an Atlantic Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, Equity Initiative alumna, Asia Society Young Leader, and board member of the Forum for Family Planning and Development.

Reproductive health is a major concern in the Philippines, where many women and young people in marginalised communities lack access to essential education and clinical services. This gap drives high rates of adolescent pregnancy and deepening socio‑economic disadvantage, limiting opportunities for healthier, more secure futures. Adolescent pregnancy has become an urgent national social and health issue.

For over 15 years, Roots of Health has been the only reproductive health organisation operating in Palawan, and one of the very few in the country, delivering life‑changing education, clinical care, and community programs to women, adolescents, and families in under-served and disadvantaged communities. Their work improves health outcomes and helps lift the socio‑economic lives of the people they serve.

Rotary Club of Blacktown City is honoured to welcome Amina Evangelista Swanepoel, Executive Director of Roots of Health. Amina will present powerful insights into the challenges faced in remote communities and the transformative impact of Roots of Health’s services. This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from a leader creating real, measurable change on the ground.

We warmly invite you and your Club on 5 May 2026 to meet and listen to Amina.  Roots of Health is a recent recipient of a Rotary District Foundation Grant.  Advancing the advocacy is essential, as the need is great, and ongoing support and shared commitment truly matter.

The event is supported by the Australian Filipino Women’s Support Network.  It is a free event, but RSVP is appreciated for venue and catering purposes.

Let us join in the vision of Roots of Health: self‑reliant women, young people, and families leading healthy reproductive lives and building stronger socio‑economic futures across the Philippines.