Body Politics: How to ensure Self-Determination in Sexual and Reproductive Health

By 2050, Africa will be the most populous continent. The growth trend has positive and negative aspects; 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. Frequent and especially early births hinder women’s educational careers, limit their self-determination, and impede their economic success. They also put their health and that of their children at risk.

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 Global Financing Facility (GFF) replenishment in October 2023 signals internationally the importance of the issue and Germany’s strong commitment.

Many global shocks in recent years, including Covid-19 and increasing food insecurity, have severely impacted women’s health and especially family planning options. In which areas is there currently the greatest need for action, how can Germany become more active, and what examples should be used as positive examples?

Eliya Zulu (Executive Director, AFIDEP) will present the results 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. They are paying particular attention to young women. Under the patronage of Ulle Schauws, MdB, the German government’s development policy perspective will be outlined.

Policy paper “Unfinished Business in Family Planning Equity: A Focus on Adolescent Access” >>