The Philippines: Sylvia Estrada-Claudio
Sylvia was a high school student when she started organizing against the Philippine dictatorship. Later, as a medical doctor, along with other doctors, students, dentists and psychologists, Sylvia formed the Medical Action Group (MAG). During the most intense periods of military repression and violence under the Philippine dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, MAG organized health missions to various parts of the country, where they treated psychological trauma, as well as physical injuries. Sylvia's experiences subsequently led her to complete a doctorate in psychology.
Sylvia and Dr. Junice Melgar, a close friend who was also a health activist in the democracy struggle, later formed Likhaan. A national women's health organization, Likhaan assists poor women to establish their own community associations and health programs, trains health workers, develops educational materials, and advocates nationally for women's rights.
Inter Pares has known Sylvia for many years, and we continue to support the work of Likhaan. We admire the energy and creativity she, Junice and their colleagues bring to their work with women, their critical analysis and feminist process, and their commitment to social justice.
Sylvia and her Likhaan colleagues, as well as Inter Pares staff members Molly Kane and Karen Seabrooke are featured in a film by Villagers Media Productions, entitled Women Creating Healthy Communities. The film is part of "The Global Villagers" series, aired nationally on Vision TV in the fall of 2003 and the spring of 2004. For a copy of the video version of this film, please contact Inter Pares.
Lessons from the Philippines: Public Health, Privatization, and Women's Activism, by Dr. Sylvia Estrada-Claudio of Likhaan at Inter Pares Annual General Meeting, "Democracy, Health and Justice: Health Care in the Public Interest," April 2006
Back to the Activist profiles page
| Reviewed November 1, 2006 |  |
Publishing Policies |
