©AfreePress-(Lomé, juily 12, 2023)– Like the international community, Togo celebrated World Population Day (WPD) on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
Recommended by the United Nations since 1989, this commemoration aims to raise awareness among policymakers and populations about issues related to global demographics.
This year, the chosen theme is « Harnessing the Power of Gender Equality: Elevating the Voices of Women and Girls to Unlock the Endless Possibilities of Our World. »
« The population is the main driver of development through its human resources, men and women, youth and adolescents, who contribute to economic growth through production and consumption. Aware of this reality, the United Nations has made improving the living conditions of populations one of its major concerns, » stated Olga Sankara, the Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) office in Togo, during the celebration of the day in Lomé.
In 2023, the commemoration of WPD in Togo was marked by the official presentation of the State of World Population 2023 report by UNFPA.
The report, titled : « Eight Billion People – An Infinite Horizon of Possibilities: Upholding Rights and Freedom of Choice, » highlights the importance of taking measures to prevent unintended pregnancies among women and young girls.
Globally, it is indicated that every year, half of all pregnancies, which amounts to 121 million, are not the result of deliberate choices.
« Approximately 60% of these unintended pregnancies end in abortion, of which around 45% are performed under dangerous conditions, thereby increasing the risk of maternal death, » the report emphasizes.
Governments are recommended to adopt policies focused on gender equality and rights, including parental leave programs, tax credits for parents, measures promoting gender equality in the workplace, as well as universal access to health and sexual and reproductive rights.
The Minister of Social Action, Women’s Promotion, and Literacy, Mawuto Apedoh-Anakoma, took this opportunity to highlight the government’s concerted efforts in promoting women’s rights in Togo.
« Under the leadership of the Head of State, the government has made the promotion of women a priority in the Government Roadmap 2020-2025, which aims to make Togo a peaceful country and a modern nation with inclusive and sustainable economic growth, » she declared.
Anika A.
