Context
A recent UNFPA survey found that although most young Indians want to have children, economic pressures and gender inequality are leading many to delay parenthood.
About UNFPA
- UNFPA is the United Nations agency that promotes sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population and development.
- It was established in 1967 as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities and was renamed the United Nations Population Fund in 1987, while retaining the abbreviation UNFPA.
- It provides technical, financial, and policy assistance to countries for population and reproductive health programmes.
- It helps countries conduct population censuses, demographic surveys, and other statistical activities, but does not directly collect primary demographic data.
- Its major areas of work are:
- Sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, maternal health, and prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Population and development through demographic research and evidence-based policymaking.
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment, with emphasis on reducing gender disparities, particularly in education.
- UNFPA is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organizations, foundations, the private sector, and individuals. It does not receive funding from the UN regular budget.
- It functions under the overall policy guidance of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- Headquarters: New York, United States
