UNFPA Asia and the Pacific

🙋♂️ Meet Abu, a 16-year-old boy from Cox’s Bazar, #Bangladesh, who’s stepping up for gender equality. From advocating for shared responsibilities at home to hosting discussions with his peers on equality, he’s inspiring change in his community. 💪 ✨ Learn more about his story: https://lnkd.in/eVj2g4-3 #GenderEquality

In the lead up to the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development next year, Member States, civil society, and partners met in Bangkok at the High-Level Regional Consultation on Financing for Development in Asia and the Pacific from 17-18 December 2024. During the consultation, UNFPA encouraged Governments to allocate more domestic public resources to education, healthcare, social protection, and economic empowerment programmes for women and girls, which will in turn increase women's participation in the labor force, expand the tax base and revenue, and stimulate economic growth. Delivering UNFPA's statement, Mr. Pio Smith, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific said, "Targeted investments have yielded much progress in sexual and reproductive health in the Asia-Pacific region over the past decades. Yet, persistent inequalities remain, and these particularly impact the lives of millions of women and girls," urging Governments, International Financial Institutions, and the private sector to ramp up investments to uphold the rights of women and girls across #AsiaPacific. "This is not only a moral imperative; it is also a smart choice. UNFPA's research shows that investing in #MaternalHealth, #FamilyPlanning & ending harmful practices generates significant returns, ranging from US$8-US$33 for each US$1 invested", he further stated. On Day 2 of the consultation, UNFPA met with Members of the Asia Pacific Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism (APRCEM) to discuss critical areas for engagement, including equity in health access, equity in taxation, gender-responsive budgeting, and the role of the private sector, while spotlighting innovative, localized solutions. Working together with Governments, IFIs, the private sector, and civil society, UNFPA is committed to shape a robust pathway towards sustainable development by unlocking economic benefits and building an inclusive and prosperous future for all. United Nations ESCAP #FfD4 #InvestInHer

Tata, a young woman from #indonesia, founded Tenggara Youth Community to give young people in East Nusa Tenggara safe spaces to learn about reproductive health. 💡 “Know your body, love your body.” In #Indonesia, her work has empowered 4,000+ youth to protect themselves. 📖 Discover how she’s breaking barriers: https://lnkd.in/eqbRBAxt

In Nepal 🇳🇵, survivors of #GenderBasedViolence are reclaiming their lives with support from @UNFPA’s One-Stop Crisis Centres, that provides free medical care, legal aid and counselling. @UNFPA’s programmes like ‘Rupantaran’, which means ‘transformation’, challenges harmful norms, empowering girls like Rupa to dream of equality and inspire change within their families and communities. 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eePjVJAd UNFPA Nepal | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) #RespectAndEmpower

📈 By 2050, 1/4 people in #AsiaPacific will be over 60. With 670 million people already in this age group 👵 👴, it’s time to reimagine how we empower older people to age with dignity and live fulfilling lives. Ageing is not a problem—it’s an opportunity to build stronger, more inclusive societies that value every generation. 📖 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGksfZf3

#Localization is key to effective #humanitarian assistance. In #Myanmar 🇲🇲, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 's partnerships with local women-led groups are a lifeline for vulnerable groups, providing much needed financial support. 📖 Learn how local action is driving real change in #Myanmar: https://lnkd.in/ecAupXE6

🌟 30+ #youth, interactive theatre & a mission for change. Recently, UNFPA #AsiaPacific brought together young leaders to address sexual and reproductive health, #GenderEquality & girls’ empowerment. They shared and found creative ways to raise awareness about challenges in their communities. 📺 Watch the video to learn more about their vision for change! #YouthLeadership

Women’s rights are human rights. Their bodies are their own. Their safety must be a priority. Their dignity must be respected. Their futures must be protected. #GenderBasedViolence must end—once and for all. #HumanRightsDay #NoExcuse #16Days16Ways #RespectAndEmpower #16days

Technology-facilitated #GenderBasedViolence silences women. In Asia, many women face abuse and harassment just for expressing themselves online. But many refuse to back down — they are fighting for safer digital spaces and amplifying their voices for change. 🎥 Watch the video to learn more. Let’s stand together #MakeAllSpacesSafe 🧡 #16Days16Ways

Thank you #Australia for committing AUD 56.8m to advance sexual & reproductive health & rights in Southeast Asia. 🌟 The programme with Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade support will enhance efforts by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) & partners towards strengthening capacity to make data-informed policy decisions to help prevent maternal & newborn mortality and support progress towards eliminating #GenderBasedViolence, and harmful practices including #ChildMarriage and #FemaleGenitalMutilation. MORE: https://lnkd.in/eXHa2rHR