About us
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, expands the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in South Africa works to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. We focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and youth empowerment, while promoting population data and demographic research to support sustainable development.
Key Areas of Focus:
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Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): UNFPA supports the South African government in ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health, and HIV prevention, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
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Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: We work to prevent and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), empower women and girls, and advocate for gender equality. This includes collaboration with partners across sectors to address GBV and promote women’s rights.
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Youth Empowerment: UNFPA South Africa prioritizes the needs of adolescents and young people, especially adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). We promote youth-friendly health services, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), and opportunities for youth leadership and economic empowerment.
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Population and Development: Through the collection and analysis of demographic data, UNFPA supports South Africa's efforts to use population dynamics to inform policy-making and national development strategies.
Our Approach:
UNFPA collaborates with the South African government, civil society, private sector, and other UN agencies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on health (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), and partnerships (SDG 17). Through evidence-based advocacy, we champion the rights and needs of women, girls, and young people, contributing to national policies and programs that leave no one behind.
UNFPA’s mission is to create a South Africa where every individual, particularly women and youth, can lead healthy, dignified, and productive lives, free from inequality and violence.
