Women's autonomy over their own bodies is a luxury afforded to barely half of partnerships, as per SOS Children's Villages' declaration on World Population Day, July 11; emphasizing the importance of fortifying the rights of girls and women.

Women's autonomy over their own bodies is a luxury afforded to barely half of partnerships, as per SOS Children's Villages' declaration on World Population Day, July 11; emphasizing the importance of fortifying the rights of girls and women.

SOS Children's Villages, a global aid organization, is dedicated to protecting and empowering women's rights, particularly in crisis zones and war-affected areas.

In these challenging environments, SOS Children's Villages provides age-appropriate sexual education and counseling services on topics such as contraception and menstrual hygiene. This is crucial, especially in regions like Gaza, where water and soap are scarce, and only 25 percent of the need for menstrual pads is covered. This situation leads to health risks such as urinary tract infections, increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases, and long-term damage to reproductive organs.

SOS Children's Villages also offers free medical care to mothers and their children in their clinical centres. This care is vital in areas like Ethiopia, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates worldwide. Sadly, 65 percent of maternal deaths occur postnatally due to bleeding or infections. The ongoing civil war and tensions in Ethiopia have also resulted in many healthcare facilities being destroyed or closed, increasing the risk of maternal death.

In war-torn regions like Syria, SOS Children’s Villages conducts family tracing and reunification efforts to prevent children's separation from families. They collaborate with local authorities and humanitarian organizations to safeguard vulnerable children and women in volatile environments.

SOS Children's Villages also engages in gender equality initiatives. In Ethiopia, they have developed gender equality training courses to empower women through education and awareness, addressing gender rights and equality more directly. Their emergency response programs strengthen families during crises, helping women maintain family unity and support children’s wellbeing.

The organization advocates for the right to self-determination of girls and women, their access to education, and equal opportunities. However, patriarchal structures, strengthening of authoritarian governments, and global crisis hotspots impede girls and women from having unrestricted access to healthcare.

In Sudan, an estimated 7 million people will require assistance due to gender-based violence in 2024. The war in Sudan has caused massive cases of rape and resulting unwanted pregnancies.

While the focus is primarily on children and family protection, these efforts inherently contribute to protecting and empowering women’s rights globally, especially in fragile contexts where women face heightened vulnerabilities due to war and crises.

For more information about SOS Children's Villages and their work, contact Boris Breyer, their press spokesperson, at the provided phone number, email address, or website.

[1]: Source: ots, SOS Children's Villages worldwide Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Germany e.V. [2]: Source: ots, SOS Children's Villages worldwide [3]: Source: news aktuell [4]: Source: SOS Children's Villages worldwide Hermann-Gmeiner-Fonds Germany e.V. and various reports [5]: Source: SOS Children's Villages worldwide and various reports

1. SOS Children's Villages offers sexual health education and menstrual hygiene services as a vital resource in crisis zones, particularly in Gaza, where access to water and sanitation is limited.
2. In Ethiopia, SOS Children's Villages provides medical care for mothers and children in their clinical centers, which is critical given the country's high maternal mortality rate.
3. In war-torn Syria, SOS Children’s Villages facilitates family tracing and reunification efforts to prevent children's separation from their families.
4. SOS Children's Villages conducts gender equality initiatives in Ethiopia, focusing on education and awareness to empower women and address gender rights and equality.
5. The organization advocates for girls and women's right to self-determination, education, and equal opportunities, but faces obstacles due to patriarchal structures, authoritarian governments, and global crisis hotspots.
6. In Sudan, SOS Children's Villages focuses on assisting victims of gender-based violence, as an estimated 7 million people will require aid due to such violence in 2024.

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