Pioneering Namibian MP, Indonesian Family Planning Board, Wins 2022 United Nations Population Award |
The individual winner is MP Emma Theofelus, who is currently the Deputy Minister of Information of Namibia and the youngest person ever to win the Prize.
Institutional laureate from Indonesia, BKKBN, is a government non-ministerial agency that develops national policies, implements family planning initiatives, and advises experts in the field. population dynamics.
Empowering women
Ms. Theofelus has been recognized for her advocacy work for women’s empowerment and adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Namibia.
Born in 1996, she is one of Africa’s youngest cabinet ministers, and has used her youth-friendly stance and experience as a sexual and reproductive health advocate, to directly address the country’s youth problem.
As deputy minister, she led the country’s public media campaign about COVID-19 in Namibia, and as an MP, she pioneered legislation to make feminine hygiene products considered duty-free goods.
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Theofelus was a member of the Namibian chapter of AfriYAN, a youth-led organization in the region, where she led pioneering efforts to combat teen pregnancy and protect sexual and reproductive health of young people.
UNFPA
The National Population and Family Planning Commission in Indonesia wins the 2022 United Nations Population Award.
Successful family planning stories
In the organizational category, BKKBN has been recognized as a shining example of successful, innovative and rights-based family planning initiatives in the Republic of Indonesia, which continue to be sustained even in COVID-19 pandemic UNFPA.
Among its many accomplishments, it has trained population specialists, engaged with faith and non-governmental organizations on population issues, and developed programs to assist families with care. Elderly.
It played a leading role in campaigning against harmful practices, helping to raise the minimum age of marriage for girls from 16 to 19 in 2019.
About the award
The United Nations Population Awards have honored individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to population, development and reproductive health, since 1983.
The committee for the 2022 awards is chaired by Amal Mudallali, Lebanon’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and includes representatives from nine other UN member states. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) represents the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the committee and UNFPA administers the award.
