Many global shocks in recent years, including Covid-19 and increasing food insecurity, have severely impacted women’s health and especially family planning options. Dr. Eliya Zulu (Founder and Executive Director, African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP)) will present findings from three case studies in Malawi, Kenya and Senegal at the breakfast. The researchers have studied what factors are critical to the success of family planning and sexual and reproductive health. Their particular focus is on young women. Under the patronage of Ulle Schauws (Member of the German Parliament, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), the German government’s development policy perspective will be outlined.

By 2050, Africa will be the most populous continent. The growth trend has light and dark sides; in any case, high birth rates are a major (financial) challenge for many countries in the global South. 49% of pregnancies in low- and middle-income countries are unintended; there are 164 million women worldwide who want to delay or avoid pregnancy and do not (cannot) use any contraceptive method, and 21 million girls between 15 and 19 years of age become pregnant every year in developing regions. Much and especially early childbearing hinders women’s educational careers, limits their self-determination, and impedes their economic success.

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is one of the most important cornerstones of equality and the basis for a self-determined life. Family planning and sexual health are therefore the focus of a feminist foreign policy, and a key component of feminist development policy. Germany’s hosting of the replenishment of the Global Financing Facility (GFF) in October 2023 signals internationally the importance of the issue and Germany’s strong commitment.