New York, 7 November 2019 –Women Deliver released the following response to the Nairobi Statement on ICPD25: Accelerating the Promise in anticipation of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 taking place on November 12-14:

On the 25th anniversary of the historic ICPD Programme of Action, Women Deliver, a global advocate for gender equality and the health and rights of girls and women, welcomes the Nairobi Statement on ICPD25: Accelerating the Promise and urges nations and stakeholders to sign on in support and to make further bold commitments. This statement is a launching point for countries to reaffirm and expand their commitments to the ICPD Programme of Action and to invest in and act on the unfinished business of ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people.

Access to modern contraception and sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion, is the bedrock of gender equality, economic development, and progress for all. When a woman can decide whether, when, and with whom to have children, the chance that she will finish school, get and keep a job, participate in the economy and live her full potential is much greater.

While notable progress has occurred in the past 25 years, conservative forces have reversed hard-won rights and threaten to further restrain progress on the health and rights of girls and women. Governments, civil society, and the private sector must all use their power to push back on the pushback and invest in gender equality and girls’ and women’s health and rights in order to continue to build inclusive and prosperous societies that leave no one behind.

To deliver on the promise of the ICPD Programme of Action, we call for increased investment in advocacy and integrated, gender-responsive programs and services for all people. That includes ensuring that Universal Health Coverage implementation includes building and funding comprehensive healthcare systems that are accessible and affordable for all people, including girls and women, and that they invest in maternal, sexual, and reproductive health and rights.

We urge governments and stakeholders from all sectors to reflect on the original ICPD Convention and channel its bold vision. A gender equal world is healthier, wealthier, more productive, and more peaceful. And a gender equal world is possible—but only if we think big and translate commitments into action.

Women Deliver’s ICPD25 commitment can be found here. 

Additional information about the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 from November 12-14, can be found here. 

###

About Women Deliver: Women Deliver is a leading global advocate that champions gender equality and the health and rights of girls and women. Our advocacy drives investment – political and financial – in the lives of girls and women worldwide. We harness evidence and unite diverse voices to spark commitment to gender equality. And we get results. Anchored in sexual and reproductive health, we advocate for the rights of girls and women across every aspect of their lives. We know that investing in girls and women will deliver progress for all.