International Women's Day

For the first time in 11 years, International Women's Day (March 8, 2002) will be observed in Afghanistan. In a symbolic show of support for Afghan women, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and First Lady Laura Bush will preside over opening ceremonies for International Women's Day at the United Nations in New York. Population Action International joins them in commemorating the spirit and the courage of women everywhere, and in particular, Afghan women.

While the events of September 11th have focused the world's attention on the women of Afghanistan, their struggles with reproductive health issues are not new. According to a 2001 PAI study, A World of Difference: Sexual and Reproductive Health & Risks, Afghan women have minimal, if any, access to family planning services. As a result, Afghan women have among the highest rates of maternal mortality and lowest life expectancy in the world. They lack the information and resources they need to decide the number or spacing of their children. They rarely receive prenatal care or give birth in the presence of a trained attendant. Women in Afghanistan give birth, on average, to seven children.

Unfortunately, the women of Afghanistan are not alone in their plight. The challenges they face are shared by millions of other women throughout the developing world. With women comprising half of the world's 6.1 billion population, there remains a tremendous need for continued outreach and investment in women's health and well-being.

One organization that has worked tirelessly to improve and save women's lives is the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), that has helped bring reproductive health services to millions of women and men in the some of the world's poorest countries. Regrettably, UNFPA's work is currently threatened by the Bush Administration, which has frozen the $34 million in funding approved for UNFPA by Congress last December. As long as these funds remain in limbo, UNFPA's programs in 140 countries - and the lives of those who depend on them - are in jeopardy.

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.