…Urges radical rethink of how countries address changing demographics
BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– New data has revealed population anxieties are widespread and governments are increasingly adopting policies aimed at raising, lowering or maintaining fertility rate.
However, efforts to influence fertility rates are very often ineffective and can erode women’s rights, according to the UNFPA’s State of World Population report, released today.
The State of World Population report produced by a panel of external advisers, researchers and writers, who work alongside UNFPA technical staff and editors, bringing the insights of leading independent experts together on issues related to the UNFPA mandate.
According to the report, the landmark report calls for a radical rethink of how population numbers are framed, urging politicians and media to abandon overblown narratives about population booms and busts.
In a zoom interview with this publication UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem said women’s bodies should not be held captive to population targets.
“To build thriving and inclusive societies, regardless of population size, we must radically rethink how we talk about and plan for population change.” she said.
In addition, she said a staggering 44 percent of partnered women and girls in 68 reporting countries which include the Kingdom of Eswatini do not have the right to make informed decisions about their bodies when it comes to having sex, using contraception and seeking health care.
Meanwhile the State of World Population report is UNFPA’s annual flagship publication. Published yearly since 1978, it shines a light on emerging issues in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights, bringing them into the mainstream and exploring the challenges and opportunities they present for international development.
This year’s report includes contributions from two UN partners: the International Organization for Migration and the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
