This week, more than 190 countries came together at the United Nations to pave the path forward toward the Sustainable Development Goals. And today, as the week comes to an end, we are reminded that women’s rights remain at the heart of these goals. Today is World Contraception Day, a day honoring modern methods and reminding each of us that the fight is not over to ensure a healthy planet.
What do contraception and climate change have to do with one another?
The fight for climate justice and the fight for women’s equality and health are deeply connected -- for women, when climate catastrophes hit, they hit hard. Of the twenty-six million people displaced by climate change since 2010, twenty million are women. Women are 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters than men.
Environmental justice means that all people, women included, are able to lead healthy lives -- and access to voluntary family planning and health services for women is critical to that goal. Women with options about childbearing have better chances of raising healthy families, have greater access to education and in turn foster a healthier, more thriving environment. Unfortunately, more than 225 million women around the world want to plan, space or delay childbirth, but are currently not using a method of contraception. The reasons for this unmet need are varied and complex, but are in no way a permanent roadblock.
But this is an uphill battle – one we’re even still fighting on the home front. Just last week, Congress took great measure to defund Planned Parenthood.
So what can be done?
We can all be better friends of the earth if women are empowered, treated equally and have the ability to meet their basic needs. From the household to the national level, women bring a unique and necessary view on climate disruption, adaptation, and mitigation to the table. While women may be more vulnerable to climate change, they are also our best defense against it. Countries with higher female parliamentary representation are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties.
The UN made a strong declaration of equality this week with the Sustainable Development Goals which have been applauded as a victory for women and girls the world over. Now that the roadmap has been finalized, the time has come to roll up our sleeves to achieve these ambitious goals. This journey to successful implementation will demand interdisciplinary, practical, locally relevant, and long-lasting solutions.
Member states must recognize universal access to contraceptives (SDG targets 3.7 & 5.6) as the lynchpin of advancing women’s empowerment, global health and sustainable development and make strides towards fulfilling these targets.
This week’s events serve as an inspiration for all those fighting for a more just and healthy future.
But this is just the beginning. While this week was marked with many powerful declarations, we are now on the road to action. Let’s come together to make sure that women’s health and the health of the planet are both protected.