DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commended African leaders for demonstrating the political will and investments needed to dismantle barriers that prevent women and girls from achieving their potential.
Mark Bryan Schreiner, the UNFPA representative in Tanzania, made the commendation in a statement issued on Friday commenting on the recently ended Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit held in Tanzania's commercial hub of Dar es Salaam.
He said the leaders demonstrated the political will and investments needed to dismantle the economic, social and environmental barriers that prevent women, girls and young people from achieving their potential and to deliver the greatest returns for the largest numbers of people, and those most left behind.
"When a youthful population enjoys good health, continuing education, and can contribute to economic growth -- the national economic payoff can be substantial, and a demographic dividend can then be achieved," said Schreiner.
However, achieving a demographic dividend was not automatic, he said, adding that it required multiple investments, with the most essential being building the capabilities of people to realize their rights and achieve their potential.
He said for women and girls especially, this means respecting their right to realize their desired fertility, which requires achieving gender equality. ■
