Wednesday, November 09, 2011

African Women Need Choice

Reaching 7 billion in population is a feat worth noting.  However, the true nature of this marking is much more complicated and destructive than we realize.  The current growth rate anticipates 78 million more people each year.  How many is too many we ask? 

The increase in population growth is attributed to the conditions of developing nations.  Africa’s population growth rate is at 2.3%, which doubles that of Asia’s.  The reason for this rapid increase in population lies within gender, believes Tewodros Melesse, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Foundation.  Being stripped of the freedom to choose whether or not they want to have a child is the root of the problem.

With poor accessibility to contraceptives, lack of education, and pressures of society essential to economic survival, constant reproduction is what becomes of these women.  In many countries, girls are married off at a young age, become pregnant too early, and their education gets cut so that they can care for their young family.

Light needs to be shed on this matter.  Women need empowerment and to know that the number of children they bear does not determine their own self-worth.  Be provided with easier accessibility to resources, medical care, and information when needed.  Ultimately, be given a choice.   

 -Georisa Chang

SOURCE: CNN