Equipop would like to congratulate Natalia Kanem, who has been appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), succeeding Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin.
The Panamanian doctor, a long-time advocate for women's sexual and reproductive rights and health, is therefore beginning a four-year term, which she intends to focus on combating maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancies, gender-based violence, and promoting family planning.
“Equipop welcomes the appointment of Natalia Kanem as head of UNFPA. The period we are currently experiencing presents many challenges in terms of promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights. More than ever, we need to join forces, working closely with local communities and within international diplomatic arenas. UNFPA is a powerful ally," emphasizes Aurélie Gal-Régniez, Executive Director of Equipop.
Equipop was founded in 1993 by doctors and journalists in the context of the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development. Based in Ouagadougou and Paris, Equipop works to mobilize political leaders, launch pilot projects, and support civil society in improving the health and rights of women and girls. In West Africa, Equipop leads a consortium of 21 associations in six countries. In France, its members work with institutions to integrate gender into public policy. The NGO also advocates for the sexual and reproductive rights and health of women and girls at the national level with Coordination Sud, at the European level, and in UN forums.
