Adolescence is a period of emotional and social development, growing independence and changing relationships within families, friendships and communities. Associations between risk behaviours, poverty and inequality are complex. Research has established that social and structural deprivation, intersecting with gendered norms that disempower girls and women, are key drivers of risky behaviours and poor health outcomes. These deprivations include poverty and exclusion, income shocks, mental health distress, stigma, harsh parenting and abuse. Exposure to multiple stressors can have cumulative effects, maximising risk behaviours. In addition, these risk behaviours are primarily extra-clinical, occurring beyond healthcare facilities, in contexts in which adolescents and youth live, have fun, and take risks. the last thing an adolescent needs is to feel judged by the person who they are reaching out to for help which has been the case in many clinics and sexual reproductive health facilities.
You are here
UNFPA prides itself in improving the lives of those most vulnerable. We continue to break the cycle of poverty, strengthen the social fabric and create a sustainable future. It’s our objective to respond to tomorrow’s challenges today. We are driven to ensure that the reproductive health and rights of women and young people remain the centre of our work. UNFPA tackles gender inequality and violations of rights through education for young/adolescent girls, women’s economic empowerment, women’s political participation and the balancing of reproductive and productive roles.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the ground breaking International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which took place in Cairo in 1994. At that conference, 179 governments adopted a Programme of Action, recognizing that reproductive health, women's empowerment and gender equality are the pathway to sustainable development. The youth advocates around the world are gearing up for the Summit which will be held in Nairobi from Tuesday the 12th of November 2019 to Thursday the 14th of November 2019. At key events throughout the year, they have been reviewing achievements, assessing needs, seeking solutions and developing commitments. Here's what some of them have had to say.
Countdown to #NairobiSummit & some of our 25 year old Youth Advisory Panel are talking about effective programmes aimed at young women & how the principles of #ICPD25 are key to achieving not only the SDGs, but also the vision set out in National Development Plan.
I joined the #SRHR field in 1994, same year that the #ICPD Programme of Action came into being. I started marching whilst in the NGO sector & continue to march today while in the multilateral sector. Listen to why #iMarch as we head towards the #NairobiSummit
Sharing the SABC Morning Live interview with Dr. Natalia Kanem, which was broadcast live on the sidelines of the 8th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights.
Barnabas Yisa, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge for South Africa, on the Fund’s distinctive achievement in the country.
The publication and video has demonstrated a shift away from working for young people, to working in partnership with young people
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, talks about what role governments and civil society can play to help the world achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3, which calls for good health and well-being