Do Women in Africa Have Control Over Their Own Bodies?

Learn why sexual health and reproductive rights are pivotal to empowering women.

What to know:

  • Everyone has the right to choose what they do with their bodies yet many are denied this basic human right.
  • Gender equality and empowerment of women is only possible when sexual health and reproductive rights are realised.
  • Take our quiz and learn how far African women are from achieving basic rights like these.

Learn More about this cause:

Every individual has the right to make their own choices about their sexual and reproductive health, yet many women and girls around the world are denied these basic human rights.

The greatest burden of ill-health among women and infants is concentrated in places where health systems are weak and services are insufficient. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, as well as high rates of unintended pregnancies, early marriage, and unsafe abortions. 

If all pregnant women were to receive adequate care or if women who want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy had access to contraceptives, then maternal deaths, unintended pregnancies and many other devastating consequences would drop. 

Gender equality, and the true empowerment of women and girls is only possible when sexual health and reproductive rights are realised. And we all benefit. Take this quiz and find out how far Africa is from achieving this.