"Amid prolonged conflicts, it's not uncommon for women to become the primary victims. I am grateful to the Republic of Korea for lending strength to save their lives." Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), expressed this sentiment during a meeting at the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on March 6th.
The UNFPA, headquartered in New York, has been cooperating with the Republic of Korea on family planning, population issues, and more since 1974. A native of Panama, Dr. Kanem has been leading the UNFPA since 2017, and this visit marks her third to the Republic of Korea following those in 2017 and 2019.
On this day, the UNFPA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KOICA to prevent sexual violence and assist survivors in conflict-prone areas such as Africa and the Middle East over the next three years. Both organizations, which have jointly implemented humanitarian projects related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) since 2007, have pledged to further expand their cooperation. The SRHR-strengthening project focuses on diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases, promoting family planning through contraceptive education, and providing care for pregnant women as well as newborns from childbirth to postpartum recovery. Additionally, GBV prevention programs include distributing sexual violence treatment kits, establishing response procedures, enhancing the capacity of medical personnel, and setting up shelters plus counseling centers for victims. With a total budget of $32.7 million, benefiting approximately 700,000 people, the project aims to assist countries such as the Central African Republic, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Palestine, and Lebanon. Dr. Kanem emphasized the importance of this MOU, stating that it marks a significant momentum for the UNFPA as it celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. She explained that amidst severe social unrest caused by conflict, there is an urgent need to provide care to women facing situations such as a surge in child marriages and childbirths.
Dr. Kanem cited the success achieved in Côte d'Ivoire through fistula treatment, which cured women suffering from complications due to female genital mutilation. Many of these women experienced fistulas, causing urinary and fecal incontinence, resulting in not only health complications but also social isolation due to the stigma associated with the condition. She added that half of the 1,000 women who have been cured through this program have been economically empowered and supported to become active members of their families and communities, which has contributed significantly to their well-being.
Dr. Kanem praised the Republic of Korea as a "superpower" and a "Global Pivotal State" in the field of development cooperation, highlighting its transformation from a recipient of aid to a donor country despite overcoming the pain of war. She credited the Republic of Korea's "education" and "gender equality" as the keys to this achievement, and expressed gratitude to the Korean people for supporting efforts to create a safer, healthier, and more just world for women and girls. She also held a discussion with UNFPA interns during her visit to the Republic of Korea, emphasizing the importance of empowering young people in broadening nationwide understanding and support. Dr. Kanem, introducing KOICA's close cooperation with the UNFPA, lauded the agency as a "best partner" based on her 35 years of experience, especially highlighting its sincere and respectful approach towards local perspectives while implementing projects in impoverished and developing countries.
Dr. Kanem expressed optimism regarding the Republic of Korea's low fertility rate, stating that the country possesses all the conditions to address population decline, such as a highly educated workforce, high productivity, and increased life expectancy. However, she stressed the need to alleviate the burden on "working moms," who often face excessive expectations and demands while balancing work and family life. She proposed increasing men's participation in household chores and childcare, while creating a work environment that allows both parents to pursue adequate work-life balance. Dr. Kanem further mentioned a study demonstrating increased productivity in companies that operated breastfeeding rooms for mothers and extended paternity leave for male employees, advocating for the spread of such family-friendly corporate cultures.
For more details, please contact: seoul.office@unfpa.org
