Dr. Mari Stefanie Segundo-Dimatatac, MD, FPOGS, FPSUOG, MHPED is a board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Obstetrics and Gynecology Ultrasound Subspecialist. A Cum Laude graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, she holds a Master in Health Professions Education and is passionate about teaching, research, and lifelong learning. She is actively involved in cervical cancer prevention and women’s health advocacy, serving as a Department of Health Master Trainer for the Cervical Cancer Elimination Program. She is also an active consultant, researcher, and clinical educator dedicated to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for women.

Women's Health as Women's Empowerment: Lessons from the Sentrong Aruga para sa Kababaihan, a Community-Based Women's Wellness Center in the Philippines Mari Stefanie M. Segundo-Dimatatac, MD  Abstract Access to quality healthcare is fundamental to women's empowerment, yet millions of women continue to face financial, cultural, and systemic barriers that limit their access to preventive and essential health services. Addressing these challenges requires innovative, community-centered models that promote equitable access while empowering women to make informed decisions about their health.  This presentation highlights the Sentrong Aruga para sa Kababaihan (SAK), a local government supported Women's Wellness Center in Muntinlupa City, Philippines, established to provide accessible and comprehensive healthcare services for women free of charge. More than a healthcare facility, SAK serves as a safe space where women receive integrated services—including cervical and breast cancer screening, gynecologic consultation, family planning, health education, counseling, and patient navigation—in an environment that promotes dignity, trust, and autonomy.  Recognized by the Philippine Commission on Women as a Local Learning Hub, SAK has expanded its impact beyond direct patient care by strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers and local government units across the Philippines. Through training programs, technical assistance, and benchmarking visits, SAK has shared its community-based model with other institutions seeking to establish or enhance women's wellness services within their own communities. This collaborative approach has fostered the replication of best practices and strengthened local health systems in support of women's health and gender equity.  The presentation will describe the development of SAK, the partnerships that have sustained its growth, and the strategies that have improved access to preventive healthcare for underserved women. It will also highlight how investing in accessible, integrated, and community-centered women's health services can create lasting social impact by empowering women, strengthening families, and inspiring health system innovations beyond a single community.  Drawing from the Philippine experience, this presentation offers practical lessons for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community organizations seeking to develop sustainable and scalable models of women's healthcare that advance women's empowerment and gender equity.  Ultimately, it demonstrates that when women are given equitable access to quality healthcare, communities become healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.  Keywords: Women's empowerment, women's health, gender equity, community health, women's wellness center, cervical cancer prevention, health systems strengthening, Philippines.