UNFPA releases report on women’s bodily autonomy

On April 14, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) released a report on women’s bodily autonomy. According to the report, in nearly 57 developing countries, nearly 50% of women are deprived of the right to decide whether or not to have sex with their partner, to use contraceptives or to seek healthcare.

According to UNFPA’s “State of the World Population 2021” report, violations of women’s bodily autonomy can take many forms, ranging from rape and forced sterilization to virginity tests and genital mutilation. It can lower economic productivity, undermine skills mobilization, and create additional costs for the justice and health systems.

Key figures from this report show that: 

– Only 55% of women are fully able to make health and contraceptive choices and to accept or refuse sex;

– Only 75% of countries have laws to ensure full and equal access to contraception;

– Only about 80% of countries have laws that support sexual health and well-being;

– Only about 56% of countries have laws and policies that support comprehensive sexuality education.

For Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, « disempowerment is a violation of women’s and girls’ human rights that reinforces inequality and perpetuates the violence caused by gender discrimination ».

The same report also refers to other forms of violation of the bodily autonomy of women, men, girls and boys. For example, 

– 20 countries or territories have laws that allow perpetrators of rape to marry their victims in order to escape criminal sanctions;

– 43 countries have no laws prohibiting marital rape (rape by a spouse);

– More than 30 countries restrict women’s right to travel outside the home;

– Girls and boys with disabilities are almost three times more likely to be victims of sexual violence, with girls being the most vulnerable. 

The report shows that measures to combat such abuse sometimes lead to further violations of bodily autonomy. According to the study, real solutions to this problem must take into account the needs and experiences of those affected.