Devex: Keeping our promise to 120 million women and girls
Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“…The largest generation of young people in history are about to enter their reproductive years, yet we aren’t doing enough to meet their unique needs. In sub-Saharan Africa, and South Central and Southeast Asia, more than 60 percent of adolescents who want to avoid pregnancy, are not using a method of contraception. … Following where the evidence points will help us get back on track. And the International Conference on Family Planning in Indonesia in November provides a good opportunity for policymakers and experts from around the world to plan how to fill the critical gaps. This is the only way we will translate our ambition into action and make good on our FP2020 pledge [to ensure that 120 million more women and girls in the poorest countries have access to the education, services, and the method of contraception they want and choose to use]…” (10/8).