Because *She Matters*

It is often said only a woman can make a person happy and sad – surprisingly both at the same time.

When Emee Aquino lost her sister to cervical cancer way back 2008, she started to talk to friends and colleagues about the illness.  Her advocacy to promote awareness on cervical cancer finally led to the realization of *She Matters*.

The mission of the SEC-registered organization is to educate both men and women about cervical cancer and more so, to promote self-care and precaution to all women at risk.

“Although they (men) don’t have cervix, men must have at least a woman that matters. We are encouraging men to do their part in protecting her,” Emee said.

She Matters is relying on volunteers, students and professionals alike, who want to take part in the fight against Cervical Cancer. The volunteers edit videos, make reading materials and help organize forums in schools, offices and religious groups.

“There are many ways to help,” Emee said.

This month, the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, She Matters together with the OB-Gyne Department of Vicente Sotto Hospital organized the “Lantern Walk” to uphold awareness on cervical cancer especially to Cebuanos. On May 27, She Matters will participate in the Global Health Forum to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“We will continue to reach out and educate everyone on how to protect themselves from cervical cancer with a hope that eventually, we will have a cervical cancer-free Philippines,” Emee added.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer on women between ages 15-44 in the country, next to breast cancer.