By Gladys Fred Kole
National Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare highlighted that over 40 percent of women worldwide are unable to make important decisions, such as whether or not to have children.
Minister Ayaa Benjamin Warille in event to mark World Population Day in Juba stressed the importance of empowering women and girls through education.
She said women and girls should also have access to modern contraceptives to support their aspirations and lead fulfilling lives.
She called for a focus on people’s lives rather than just population numbers, emphasizing that women deserve equal opportunities and a platform for their voices to be heard.
“In aging societies that worry about labor productivity, achieving gender parity in the workforce is the most effective way to improve output and income growth.”
She noted that it’s only when people claim their rights that it will lead to a future that can bring equality and prosperity to all, realizing sexual and reproductive health and rights as the foundation for gender equality, dignity, and opportunity.
“Empowering women and girls, including education and access to modern contraception, helps to support them in their aspirations and to judge their own lives.” Mrs. Ayaa underscored.
Instead of focusing on the number of people, the minister urges people to focus on people’s lives.
“As the female gender makes up 49.7% of the global population, it is their right to obtain equal opportunity and a platform for their voice, but they are largely ignored.” She stressed.
The world is bound to achieve voicing against the pervasive injustice that keeps women and girls out of school, making informed decisions about their health, sexual, and reproductive lives, and avoiding or at least understanding the helpful practices that heighten their vulnerability to violence and maternal death.
“Let us unite to imagine a world in which every one of us has an equal opportunity to strive and let us join forces to ensure a reality in which every nation wins, no matter the size or stage of development.” Minister Ayaa emphasized.
For his part, Dr. Ademola Olajide, UNFPA country representative, said the government should listen to the voices of the young people, especially in business, politics, and every other sector in the country.
“We must create a community that gives equal opportunities to everyone, especially people with disabilities, women, and everyone else,” he said.
Ademola further stated that people should endeavor to maximize those opportunities once they arrive at them.
The UN World Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) emphasized the need to unlock the full potential of women and youth to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future.
Advancing gender equality is crucial to addressing population concerns, whether it be improving output and income growth in aging societies or fostering inclusive economic growth in countries with rapid population growth.
The event also highlighted the need for governments to listen to the voices of the young people in various sectors, including business and politics.