News and Events
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2009
New York, Kathmandu, Mahottari - 17 October 2009
This year, as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is marked, an unprecedented financial and economic crisis continues to spread around the globe. The crisis threatens efforts to reduce poverty, and sets back progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
The number of people living in extreme poverty around the world is estimated to be 55 million to 90 million higher than was forecast before the recession. And those who are vulnerable, such as poor families, migrants, women and girls, will suffer the most.
To expand gains in human development and to realize rights that have been agreed to by nations around the world including Nepal, now is the time to invest in women and girls - in their health, education, participation and well-being.
'There are more than half a billion adolescent girls in the developing world and they can make a powerful contribution to ending extreme poverty. If they are able to stay in school, postpone marriage and delay pregnancy, they will seek opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of their families. One family at a time, they can help fuel economic growth and prosperity' -said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, UNFPA Executive Director on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Sagufa with her parents
Alam Ansari, a father of six from Kolhuwabagiya, located in Mahottari district says 'I wish all parents understood that education is the ultimate gift they can give their children, no matter which school they may be able to afford.' As testament to the premium he places on education, his eldest daughter Sagufa Khatoon is the first girl from their village to obtain a School Leaving Certificate (SLC). At seventeen years of age, with UNFPA's support, she has recently completed an ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) course. All of Alam's children are going to school, to Madrasa (Muslim school) where there is no charge for basic education.
In Nepal UNFPA has been working closely with the Government to empower adolescent girls. Through programmes like 'Choose Your Future' the adolescent girls get the chance to form groups, learn about reproductive health and to consider their options to go back to school or learn vocational skills. At the same time their parents are approached with the message of the importance of education for daughters. Using this framework, UNICEF and UNFPA are working with local partners for the reintegration of conflict affected girls in Kapilvastu and Rautahat districts.
'Focusing on these issues can bring gains in the future for women and girls throughout Nepal and peace and prosperity for all Nepalese,' added UNFPA Representative, Ian McFarlane.
For more information on UNFPA work in Nepal contact Anna Adhikari, Communications Officer at adhikari@unfpa.org
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