Giving Compass' Take:

• An annual report by the United Nations Population Fund finds that gender inequality is preventing women and girls from receiving access to the necessary sexual and reproductive health care resources and services. 

• Despite increasing access to health care services and contraceptives, gender inequality continues to prevent girls and women from exercising their rights and control over their own bodies. In what ways can policymakers and donors help access to proper health care? 

• Learn how sexual education is key to achieving gender equality and global health for all.

Though the world has made major strides in increasing access to reproductive and sexual health over the past few decades, many girls and women are still unable to exercise their rights.

Gender discriminatory norms and social attitudes persist around the world and prevent women from making decisions about their own bodies — including if and when they want to marry, have sex, or start a family – a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found.

The annual report assesses access to reproductive and sexual health around the world, and this year, for the first time, also included data on women’s decision-making power when it comes to health care, use of contraception, and sexual intercourse.

And the results showed there is still much work to be done.

Read the full article on how gender inequality is preventing global access to reproductive and sexual health care by Daniele Selby at Global Citizen.