The day in essence allows decision makers the opportunity to reflect on some pressing population dynamics as well as trying to find solutions to some of these problems that the world is facing.
However, the theme for this year's celebration is 'unleashing the power of gender equality; Uplifting the voice of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities.' However, the event also witnessed the launch of the State of World Population Report 2023, a UNFPA flagship initiative that shapes dynamics and brings to light dynamics and indications of this population growth.” It is no hidden secret that the world is fast changing at an unprecedented level.
Looking around, one would realise that our societies are becoming more interconnected while our economies have expanded exponentially with technology dictating our way of life.
This day, therefore, should serve as a reflection and thought-provoking strategies on how to better communities. On a daily basis, millions of people go hungry. This calls for concerted efforts to better the living conditions of the world's poorest.
From health, education to better housing, there are tonnes of challenges that need urgent action.
This report, therefore, calls for the focus to be on the rights and choices of the individual woman, rather than slipping into an anxious narrative which exaggerates and blames, as stated by UNFPA country rep.
According to the most recent data from 68 countries, an estimated 44% of women who are in relationships are unable to make decisions about their health or their use of contraception. As a result, a woman’s fundamental human right to choose freely and responsibly how many children she wants to have is violated by the fact that about half of all pregnancies are unintended. This indeed calls for re-visit of existing legislations in countries where this act is prevalent.
In The Gambia, the commemoration comes as the government of the Gambia through the Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare amplifies mechanisms geared towards promoting gender equality, stated minister of Gender.
It is an undeniable fact that the world’s population is growing at an alarming rate.
People should realise that amid all these developments people are faced with population growth and access to equal opportunities will continue to be issued for years.