ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH

International Women's Day

By, Nickie
Member of the International Youth Leadership Council

March 8, 2007 - to many, this date has no real significance. But for those of us who care about international issues – March 8th is International Women's Day.

And for 2007 International Women’s Day, I’d like to dedicate this post to the United National Population Fund (UNFPA). Why is UNFPA significant and how does it relate to women? Well, UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the rights of every woman, man and child to enjoy a healthy life filled with opportunity. Moreover, UNFPA supports countries that use population data to support policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.

At first glance, it may appear that this organization is on its way toward creating a perfect world where all people are treated equally, regardless of gender or age. Well it is not as easy.

UNFPA was created in 1969 to support family planning and reproductive health services, including maternal and child health care in low income countries. Under former President Nixon, the United States played a leading role in its creation. But the United States went from being an active participant on the Executive Board made up of 36 UN member boards and the largest country donor to completely cutting all funding in 1985 under former President Ronal Reagan. In fact, from Reagan’s administration until 1992, the United States withheld all contributions to UNFPA, even though the funding was approved by the Congress. This ended in 1993, when former President Bill Clinton restored all funding to UNFPA. However, in July 2002, the Bush Administration ignored a recommendation from the State Department’s investigating team to continue funding UNFPA, and again withheld the United State’s contribution. UNFPA is still unfunded by the United States government.

Why, you might ask, would the US cut all funding for an organization that it played a leading role in creating? What is so wrong with an organization concerned about improving reproductive health by providing universal access to accurate information, safe and affordable contraceptive methods, and sensitive counseling? UNFPA works toward prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. It works towards making motherhood safer by providing family planning options to reduce unintended pregnancies and ensuring skilled care at all births. It supports adolescents and youth by providing healthcare and education, works to prevent HIV/AIDS by promoting safer sexual behaviors, promotes gender equality, and protects human rights.

A significant US contribution is essential if UNFPA is to meet the growing need for family planning and reproductive health care in developing countries, especially since the US only provides population assistance to a smaller number of countries. In addition, the uncertainty surrounding the annual US contribution makes long-term planning difficult for UNFPA and the countries it assists.

UNFPA is the most prominent international advocate for reproductive health and rights, including the right of families to determine the number, timing, and spacing of children.

So, from now on, when you think of March 8th, think about all women and girls around you—your mother, sister, friend, girlfriend, neighbor, roommate. Think about the millions of people just like you who also have women in their lives who are directly affected and suffer from this administration cutting off all funds to UNFPA.