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'Power of choice' bolsters social, economic growth: UNFPA

Fathmath Shaahunaz
18 October 2018, MVT 14:54
During the launching of 'The State of World Population 2018' report by the UNFPA. PHOTO/UNFPA
Fathmath Shaahunaz
18 October 2018, MVT 14:54

Enabling families with the power to choose the number, timing and spacing of children can boost the economic and social development of a nation, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed in its new report.

The sexual and reproductive health agency of the UN, UNFPA published its annual 'The State of World Population 2018' report on Wednesday night in a special ceremony held at Maldives National University (MNU).

This year's report titled “The Power of Choice: Reproductive Rights and the Demographic Transition”, focuses on the importance of family planning and reproductive rights, which are linked to the right to adequate health, education, and jobs. According to the report, countries can achieve social and economic development when its people are accorded these rights, while withholding them impedes such growth.

The report also sheds light on the demographic transition across the various regions of the world, highlighting where fertility levelled off, declined, or has been low for several years.

“The power of choice - this year’s State of World Population theme - presses on a human rights-based approach that will save lives, reduce poverty, promote economic growth", said Ritsu Nacken, the UNFPA Maldives Country Director, at the launching event.

'Demographic bonus' in Maldives

Country Director Ritsu Nacken stated, in an interview with The Edition, that the Maldives is amongst several countries currently experiencing a demographic bonus, with a higher youth and working population compared to dependents.

Ritsu Nacken, the UNFPA Maldives Country Director, speaks at the launching of 'The State of World Population 2018' report. PHOTO/UNFPA

This demographic window is the result of Maldivian women having up to six children in the 90's, while this amount has since reduced to two or three children per woman, according to UNFPA. Currently, the proportion of the country's population is highest in the age group 15-64 at 67 percent in 2014, compared to young (28 percent) and old dependents (5 percent) combined.

However, consequently, the ageing population of Maldives is expected to double in the next 40 years, while UNFPA also projects that the total population will number close to one million by 2054.

Hence, UNFPA emphasises the importance of ensuring the right social, economic and good governance policies to prepare the people, the youth in particular, for the changing age structure in Maldives.

"For the youth, it is not only reproductive health issues but broader life skills related to sexuality education are important," Nacken stated, stressing how proper education was needed to help each individual to make an informed decision regarding their relationships and family planning.

"Investing in youth is really important. Young people who have the right kind of knowledge on sexuality and reproductive health, and good education, will be productive workers with a better chance to live a healthy, aged life by the time they retire."

Increasing awareness and discourse

As part of its efforts to encourage young people to discuss the current population issues and shed light on the changing age structure of the Maldivian population, UNFPA partnered with MNU's Student Union and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to conduct a debate on "providing flats as a solution for increasing population", in connection with the launch of 'The State of World Population 2018' report.

UNFPA has also partnered with Society for Health Education (SHE) to raise awareness about reproductive health issues, and to empower the people with the power of choice in family planning.

"SHE runs a safe space event for young people who, without fear of judgment or discrimination, can talk about issues considered taboo in different societies," said Nacken.

UNFPA and SHE also launched a mobile application on sexuality education called “Siththaa”, which disseminates information on a variety of related topics such as sexuality education, contraception, pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Consent, available in both English and local language Dhivehi.

"To make freedom of choice a reality," reads The State of the Population report, "countries can prioritize universal access to quality reproductive health care, including modern contraceptives; ensure better education, including age-appropriate sexuality education; advocate for a change in men’s attitudes to be supportive of the rights and aspirations of women and girls; and make it easier for couples to have more children, if they want them, by enabling greater work-life balance through measures such as affordable childcare."

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