Although the Islamic Republic of Iran has
experienced a revolution, a war, a major earthquake and political
upheaval over the last few decades, it has made sustained progress
in the areas of population and reproductive health. Continued
progress in these areas is critical, because half of the country's
population is under 20. The economic, political and reproductive
behaviour of young people will be a powerful force shaping the
country's future. The country also has one of the largest refugee
populations in the world, including significant numbers of person
displaced by the political situations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The partnership between UNFPA and the Iranian
Government offers a vivid example of how political commitment, in
the broad sense, can bring about a sea change in development in
record time – even in a rapidly changing and culturally complex
political environment. The following features examine how this
partnership has generated progress in the arenas of women's
education, family planning and emergency preparedness:
New
Opportunities and Options for Iranian Women Through its adult education programmes, the Literacy
Movement Organization spreads messages about reproductive health,
builds life skills and provides vocational training. In so doing, it
reaches vulnerable and underserved populations throughout the
country and advances social development. Full
story…
A
Holistic Approach Underpins Success in Family Planning
The Islamic Republic of Iran
is a textbook example that demonstrates how rapidly fertility rates
can change in a supportive environment. Elements of Iran's success
include a strong national consensus (forged with the help of Islamic
clergy) to meet the economic needs of the population, strategic and
concerted policies that link resources to population dynamics, and
accessible reproductive health services offering a wide mix of
contraceptive options. Full
story…
Minimizing
the Impact of Disaster Addressing the specific needs of women and young
people in the wake of a crisis is a development priority for this
earthquake-prone country. UNFPA is embarking on an initiative to
strengthen the nation's preparedness to meet reproductive health
needs whenever emergencies strike the country. Full
story…
Page last updated: 9 February
2006 |