October 3, 2022
Luis’ Story
World Population Day is particularly monumental this year, as the global population is predicted to reach 8 billion by the end of 2022. It is also a stark reminder that now, more than ever, we need to ensure that as a global community we develop programs and policy to ensure equality and access to a healthy and fulfilling life for all. Regardless of gender, race, disability, class, nationality, sexuality, religion, or any of the barriers that have been used to divide us.
This year’s theme is the health and human rights of women and girls. After the events that have unfolded this year, it’s time to reflect on the direction that the world is going in. Some monumental steps have occurred, like Colombia’s legalization of abortion. But progress has not been universal, many women have seen their rights and health challenged. In the USA, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, and policy targeting women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health has occurred globally. Women’s choices about their autonomy and freedom have been stripped by policy and law, without them having a say about it.
These mega trends have far-reaching consequences. They affect economic development, employment, income distribution, poverty and social protections. Women represent half of the world’s population and will play a vital part in building a better, more sustainable and equitable world. Doctors of the World will continue its fight for women’s rights, by advocating for equity and continuing its many programs that focus on supporting women, so that they can continue the important work that they do for our world. For those that would like to know more about World Population Day and the 2022 status of women’s rights, click on the link to see the United Nations publication: https://www.unfpa.org/data/world-population-dashboard