These days, in Nairobi, Kenya, the largest summit on reproductive rights and equal opportunities for women and girls is being held. The delegation of the Republic of Moldova affirmed in the forum the country's commitments to the agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), 25 years ago, when 179 governments demanded that women and girls be able to manifest themselves in all spheres of life and decide on their sexual and reproductive health, IPN reports.
A press release of UNFPA Moldova, mentions that officials from the Moldovan delegation include civil society members, demographic researchers, young people and activists who advocate the rights, reproductive health and equal opportunities of women, girls and young people. The commitments reconfirmed by the Republic of Moldova are related to reducing the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy, increasing the access of young people to health education and youth-friendly services. Commitments include developing opportunities for youth participation, ensuring access for people with disabilities and other vulnerable categories to sexual and reproductive health services.
"We have come a long way since then (since ICPD), But we still have much to accomplish until we can say that reproductive rights and health are a reality for everyone," said Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director. "We must enhance our efforts to make modern contraception available to all who want and need it, to improve maternal health care services and to protect women and girls from gender-based violence," mentioned the source.
Globally, it is estimated that more than 800 women die from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth, and 33 thousand girls are forced into marriage. 232 million women want to prevent pregnancy, but cannot do so because they do not have access to modern contraception, and every year over four million girls are subjected to female genital mutilation.
To date, over a thousand commitments have been made for implementing the 1994 ICPD Action Plan. Achieving ICPD objectives is also essential for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The Nairobi Summit brings together thousands of people from around the world. The event takes place on November 12-14, being organized by the Government of Kenya, Denmark and UNFPA.
