In remarks for “Bodily Autonomy and SRHR for Generation Equality: What Kind of Leadership is Needed?” at the 65th session of the Commission of the Status of Women, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem emphasized the importance of women’s and girls’ right to make decisions about their bodies. The foundation of gender equality, bodily autonomy empowers women and girls politically and economically, leading to prosperous, peaceful societies from which we all benefit.

At the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, leaders from governments and international organizations called for specific actions to address the financial and socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19. UNFPA's Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem called for leaders to urgently support the health, rights and welfare of all.

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, stands in solidarity with all those responding to the novel coronavirus: from the medical staff and volunteers bravely tending to the sick, to the bus drivers and care-workers who have been catapulted onto the front line of the response. And we grieve with the growing number of those who have lost loved ones in the greatest global health crisis in a century.

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Statement by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, on ending child marriage.