The Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development is taking place 25 years after the first conference was held in Cairo in 1994. The Summit gathers civil society, youth activists, UN leaders, ministers and heads of state in the Kenyan capital this week. There are very many aspects as to why this Summit comes at a critical time. We asked grassroots advocates: “why is the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 important to you?” Here’s what they said…
At the Nairobi Summit commitments are made to accelerate progress and meet goals to eliminate gender based violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation and maternal mortality. Commitments include advancing all aspects of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including comprehensive sexual education, LGBTQI rights and access to safe abortion. Other key issues include gender equality, forced migration, indigenous people, and climate change.
“It’s a time to recognize ourselves as decision-makers. That if we stick together and we keep a unified message to protect, defend and ensure our human rights, we are stronger together.”
- Genesis Luigi, IPPF and Safe Abortion Access Fund
Girls’ Globe has asked grassroots youth advocates for their input through other channels too. Today, Jennifer Kayombo, a sexual and reproductive health and rights advocate from Tanzania took over the Girls’ Globe Instagram stories to share her views on why the summit is important. Yesterday, Sonali Silva, a SheDecides 25×25 Champion from Sri Lanka gave us her opinions and priorities through her takeover.
We know that these voices matter. If women and girls are being listened to at the Summit true change is possible. A lot has happened since 1994, thanks to the women’s rights activists that spearheaded the Programme of Action that was adopted in Cairo. Now is the time for the next generation that is marching and taking action to lead.
We agree! #climateaction and #reprorights are integral parts of our lives. Dr. @gita_sen encourages leaders who were at the 1994 Cairo conference to pass the baton to the next generation. #NairobiSummit #ICPD25
— Girls’ Globe (@GirlsGlobe) November 12, 2019
Follow the summit live: https://t.co/773lLnFBl6 pic.twitter.com/Q8Z4xxSzd3
Find out more about the Nairobi Summit here and find all of Girls’ Globe’s coverage here.
This video was produced by Y Dowedoit for Girls’ Globe. Reporting at the Nairobi Summit was supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundaiton.
