Somos Muchas, Optio’s partner and a national platform working to advance reproductive rights in Honduras, has sent out an international alert, asking Human Rights Organizations to speak out against a reproductive rights hate speech campaign that was launched this month by the National Party of Honduras. Optio has signed onto the alert and is doing everything in its power to prevent this campaign from gaining traction. 

Our Access Program Director, Clara López MD, participated in a press conference November 10th to speak out against the campaign and to support the local women’s rights organizations who are leading this effort.  

Somos Muchas’ call to Action (translated):

For the freedom and life of women in Honduras, we ask the international community to speak out against a hate campaign toward women that was launched by the National Party and its presidential candidate, Nasry Asfura. 

Context 

On November 28, 2021, 14 political parties will participate in a historic Presidential race that could radically change the future of Honduras. 

Hate Speech Campaign

Two weeks ago, the National Party launched an aggressive and violent campaign that discriminated against Xiomara Castro, the female presidential candidate running for the opposition party, and any woman who supports the decriminalization of abortion for three circumstances (read about the recent constitutional claim that Optio and Somos Muchas filed). November 7th, the National Party hosted a public demonstration, where they forced public employees to show violent images of women who had interrupted a pregnancy.

In addition to discriminating against women, “This type of campaign can impact women running for public offices at all levels. The campaign is sending a message to any woman that has dreamed of participating in politics, or aspires to be president: “When you get there, or try to get there, you will be attacked, abused and prevented from participating actively in the political decisions of this country.” – Name Avila, a feminist attorney.

Call to action

Sign onto the international alert, and show your support for women’s life and liberty in Honduras.