We’re at the intersection of several crises

Globally, 800 women are dying every day in childbirth. 218 million women in low- and middle- income countries have an unmet need for modern contraception — meaning they want to avoid a pregnancy but are not using a modern method. Women are already bearing the brunt of our changing climate as they care for their families through weather disasters, conflict over strained resources, and more. Now, research shows key metrics of gender equality are eroding with an estimated timeline of 132 years to attain gender equality if we continue at the rate we have been moving – an unacceptably slow pace. And because of gendered power dynamics, funding for family planning globally remains deprioritized, difficult to secure, and overly politicized; amidst shrinking democratic spaces that threaten achievements in human rights.

It’s enough to make many global leaders throw their hands up and decide to focus their attention – and their resources – elsewhere.  But that would be a mistake of colossal proportions, and it’s one the world can’t afford for us to make.