2023 WPD: UNFPA worries over challenges that limit women, girls’ potential

Ulla Mueller, the Country Representative of the UN Population Fund in Nigeria (UNFPA Nigeria), has expressed concern over obstacles and systemic barriers that limit women's and girls’ potential.

She made this known in a statement made available by the Fund’s Media Associate, Hajiya Kori Habib, in Abuja on Friday, ahead of the commemoration of the 2023 World Population Day (WPD).

Supreme News reports that WPD is an annual global observance celebrated on July 11 to raise awareness about global population issues and emphasize the significance of sustainable development.

The global observance has “Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality: Uplifting the Voice of Women and Girls to Unlock a World’s Infinite Possibilities’’ as the theme for 2023.

The country representative, therefore, said discrimination and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) limit access to healthcare and education, while unequal economic opportunities continue to impede women and girls’ progress.

She said, “We continue to live in a world replete with gender inequality, and we are witnessing renewed attacks on women’s rights, including on basic healthcare services, particularly sexual and reproductive health.

“Complications associated with pregnancy and labor continue to be the leading cause of maternal mortality. Nigeria has the third-highest Maternal Mortality Rate in the world.’’

She explained that to maximize the infinite opportunities inherent in the world’s population growth, which is currently at eight billion, it is essential that the rights of all individuals are thoroughly realized.

She said “the consideration of women’s rights and, in particular, sexual and reproductive health and choices, the right to decide if, when, and how many children we want, is of utmost importance.

“We must ensure that everyone has the right to make decisions regarding their reproductive health. Access to family planning information and services is a human right and a prerequisite for a sustainable future for all people.

“To unleash the power of gender equality, we need to eliminate the obstacles that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential.”

Mueller also said that detrimental social norms, stereotypes and unequal power dynamics perpetuate discrimination and limit women and girls’

potential must also be addressed.

The UNFPA boss, who added that gender equality is a fundamental human right, emphasized that when women and girls are empowered, they become change agents, drive economic development, foster innovation, and create just and inclusive societies.

She said, “Education is crucial in releasing the potential of women and children, and as such, we must ensure that every girl has access to quality education that equips her with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue her ambitions.

“By eliminating gender disparity in education, we create infinite opportunities for future generations and transform societies. When women have equal access to education, they are better able to enhance their own lives and contribute to the growth of their communities.

“In addition, when women are financially independent, they can provide for themselves and their families, thereby breaking cycles of poverty with far-reaching consequences.

“By amplifying the voices of women and girls and providing them with equal opportunities, we can foster an environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute to a world with infinite possibilities.