Doctor Kanem thinks, “Will that girl be able to finish her studies, will she take her place in the world? Or she will be distracted from the path due to child marriage, female genital distortion (FGM), or extra poverty?”
This echoed question – not only in the context of that particular girl, but also for millions of girls like this – UNFPA’s executive director became introduced during Dr. Kanem.
Dr. Kanim, from his first work to the ground level of East Africa, has given the UNFPA a direction between global changes, political protests and ideological challenges to lead the $ 1.7 billion agency working in more than one and a half hundred countries.
Most importantly, she led the revolutionary change in the lives of millions of women and girls.
Doctor Natalia Kanem is removing his post in July (2021) before the scheduled time.
At the beginning of the year the agency is 70 years old when addressing a video message to about 4,000 employees
Roots and height aircraft
Born in Panama and trained as a doctor, Dr Natalia Kanem, after a successful career in Philantropy, decided to join UNFPA on the 21st.
He, under the determination to serve the “great purpose of the United Nations”, first took charge in Tanzania, where he was influenced by the firm commitment and service consciousness of the workers working at the ground level.
“Our real value has been proved to be provided at the local level at the local level,” he said in a conversation with the United Nations News.
However, this responsibility was not easy. When he adopted the agency’s command in the 21st, the UNFPA was in a difficult time – its visibility was diminishing, the financial situation was unstable, and frequently faced opposition from conservative forces.
Nevertheless, UNFPA has achieved an end not only at the budget level, but also in its world fame.
He said, “When I (this company) came, we believed that we were a small and threatened organization, about whom people don’t know what it is. But I think the picture is now more clear.”
This precision is partially derived from the conceptual leadership, which Dr. Kanem actively encouraged, challenged the misconception of reproductive or to fight against the increase in sexual violence through technology, brought the UNFPA to the front line of global lectures.
He said, “We work in the market of ideas.
Under her leadership, the company trained millions of midwives, distributed billions of contraceptive ways and increased access to women and girls in the humanitarian crisis -whether it was the Rohingya camp in the Cox’s Bazaar, the war -torn Ukraine.
The presence of UNFPA in the criminal region is not only systemic, but also Symbolic It was also very important.
A common tent, which is adorned with sanitary pads, blankets and soap in regions like Sudan, Syria and Gaza, can also become a woman’s safe haven.
Dr. Kanem said, “This is a symbol of relief and respect that any woman is most needed during the crisis. That is why we call these kites a ‘prestigious kit’.”
Conversation
Doctor Natalia Kanim went ahead of the service in a political and socially polarized world, bringing the UNFPA role to a new height as an ideological leader.
He created the agency as an active part of the public debate that is difficult and sensitive – such as adolescent pregnancy, climate anxiety, fertility rate and online oppression. He strongly supported the right -based approach on each issue.
Dr. Kanem says, “The girl of the ten -year -old is really present. What her parents, religious leaders and communities think -it is very important so that she can be prepared for the challenges of life and when the rituals and traditions are forced to face them, they understand how they face them.”
The impact of his impressive leadership was not only limited to thoughts, but was clearly visible on the data.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kanem, UNFPA has made a significant investment in the development of real -time -based dashboards for the formation of reproductive health policies on the basis of increasing cooperation in the national census and on behalf of policy makers.
Every year World population report This year, traditional concepts like “Population Crisis” have been seen with a new vision.
The report made it clear that many women and men were delaying or avoiding children, not because of the ideological reasons, but for economic disability.
Doctor Kanem youths say that they do not want to have children for fear of increasing the climate crisis. However, he made it clear that the figures present some more pictures.
He explained, “Today’s global fertility rate is not a threat to the world. In facts that you should make the same children that you can support in a safe and respectable way.”
In the era of turmoil focus on rights
Doctor Natalia Kanim led the UNFPA at the time when the attack on reproductive rights was intensified, nationalism was increasing, and multi -collection institutions were deepening.
During this period, he cut off the money provided in the United States for years, including existing administration discounts. Nevertheless, the demand for UNFPA services increases.
He said, “UNFPA was not so wealthy today. But they have also proven to be insufficient in front of the floods of need.”
Only resources cannot confirm the future of any organization – reliability and perseverance It is equally necessary.
Dr. Kaneem warned, “Today, when the multilateral system is most needed, the question is being raised at the same time.
As such an important partner Private sector I’m out In 2021, with the UNFPA, with technical agencies, a development influence was introduced in Kenya, which provided adolescent concepts and new HIV infections – adolescent sexual health care was provided to adolescents.
Progress Its criteria – Change
UNFPA has worked tirelessly to eliminate harmful practices like female genital distortion (FGM) and child marriage.
Under the leadership of Dr. Natalia Kanim, this attempt was not limited to just change in law – it is a broad Thoughts and mentality A campaign has been made for the change.
When asked if he was really progressing, he replied with full confidence, “Yes, it was very important to look at the religious and traditional leaders who are now standing against some harmful practice …”
“And we’re working closely with the school systems so that girls themselves understand these risks and make more aware of their options and decisions strong.”
He acknowledges that Covid -10 is a big push. When the schools were closed, the traditional thawing conducts of some communities began to take place quickly. Nevertheless, UNFPA has recorded a significant reduction in these practices in many countries, including population-grades like Indonesia.
The feat goes to those youngsters who From within their own community They are raising their voices against these harmful traditions.
The next generation – and the next chapter
When Dr. Natalia looked at the future, they emphasized the possibilities, not on uncertainty. He said, “We have changed ourselves, modernized. The possibilities in front of UNFPA are limitless.”
He spoke of his personal future that he would now take a complete vacation for a few days – in it he would be able to find time for music, his family and the end for himself. However, they will not be able to sit peacefully for a long time.
He said, “I know that my passion for women and girls will never be less. This is a loving service for me.”
His departing message? Once again, the same girl is returning to the one who is always at the center of her thoughts and service.
He said, “When the 10 -year -old girl is successful, the success of all of us is guaranteed then this world becomes a really better place.”