WOMEN'S HEALTH - A SMART INVESTMENT IN TROUBLED TIMES

  • by Thoraya Ahmed Obaid
  • Inter Press Service

The financial crisis that started in rich countries has deepened into a global economic crisis that threatens to reverse hard-won gains in education and health in developing countries, and women and children are among those hardest hit. That is why the theme of this year's World Population Day, 11 July, focuses on increased investments for girls and women to boost economic recovery and long-term equitable growth, writes Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

In this article, the author writes that even before the crisis, women and girls represented the majority of the world's poor. Now they are falling deeper into poverty and face increased health risks, especially if they are pregnant.

The current crisis provides an opportunity to use the world's resources, technology, and knowledge to put people first, especially girls and women. Action now to protect the health and rights of women will set the stage not only for economic recovery, but also for economic growth that reduces inequity and poverty. There is no smarter investment in troubled times.

(*) Thoraya Ahmed Obaid is the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

© Inter Press Service (2009) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service

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