World Population Day 2020: July 11

United Nations(UN) World Population Day is observed annually on July 11 to raise  awareness about population issues like family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights. The day also highlights the issues and aftermath of overpopulation on the environment and development.

Theme of 2020– The theme of 2020 is to safeguard the sexual and reproductive health care, protect the health and rights of women and girls, and end gender-based violence.

“Putting the brakes on COVID-19: Safeguarding the health and rights of women and girls’’

UNFPA research 

i.As per the recent United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) research its been forecasted that if the lockdown on goes for another 6 months with vast health related issues, it may prevent about 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries to get access to modern contraceptive measures that in turn results in 7 million unplanned pregnancies. 

ii.In addition to this, it is also predicted that this will also pave way for 31 million gender-based violence cases. 

iii.Around 2 million female genital mutilation cases and 13 million child marriages between 2020 and 2030 could be avoided if the UNFPA’s programmes happen.

Women in COVID-19

i.Not everyone is equally affected by COVID-19. Women who make up the largest front-line health workers are much exposed to it, along with women who work in insecure labour markets 

ii.The supply chains around the world are disrupted, which impacts the access to contraceptives and increases the risk of unintended pregnancy.

iii.As countries struggle on lockdown and health systems strive to cope, the sexual and reproductive health services are being sidelined and gender-based violence is rising.

iv.About 60% of women around the world work in the informal economy, at greater risk of falling into poverty. 

v.As a result of school closures and the increased needs of older people, women’s  unpaid care work has increased.

Background

• The day was established by the then-Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, inspired by the interest generated by the Day of Five Billion observed on 11 July 1987.
• The United Nations General Assembly by resolution 45/216 of December 1990 decided to continue observing the day.
• The first  Day was marked on 11 July 1990.

About UNFPA:
Headquarters– New York, United States
Executive Director– Natalia Kanem

About UN:
Headquarters– New York, United States
Secretary General– António Guterres