Sexual and Reproductive Health
Every year around 350,000 women die as a consequence of pregnancy and birth—and of this, 99 per cent occur in developing countries although most deaths could be prevented (read more >). DSW implements development projects and does advocacy work in order to increase access to health care services. Attention needs to be raised to assure a healthy young population and safe motherhood. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health and rights need to be a subject that is advanced to the top of the political agenda.
Our basic concept refers back to the Cairo Programme of Action of 1994. Ever since, sexual and reproductive health has become a major concern around the world. Starting in 2000, eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were signed by 189 member states of the United Nations (UN). MDG 5 aims to combat maternal deaths by decreasing its number by three-quarters and assuring universal access to reproductive health. Today, this remains the MDG with the least progress.
DSW Berlin
Putting Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights on the Political Agenda
For many years, DSW has held regular discussions with the German development ministry (BMZ) to ensure substantial political and financial support for SRHR. As a member of the SRHR working group of the Federal Government we participate in strategic meetings and consult the government. Through the All Party Parliamentary Group on Population and Development we cooperate closely with numerous members of the German Bundestag and organize expert meetings. more >
- Photo: JLogan, CC licence BY-SA 3.0
DSW Brussels
Universal Access to Reproductive Health
Within Brussels, DSW is regarded as an expert on budget matters for reproductive health, and works with fellow Brussels-based SRHR advocates to intervene in successfully placing RH within the EU budget. We advocate for an increased recognition of RH in policy, and have advocated for increased donor funding. Working with MPs and MEPs who champion these issues in parliamentary debates, and forging strong partnerships with European Commission policy officials, is an important step towards translating rhetoric into action. more >
Symposium at World Health Summit: “Access to Reproductive Health Supplies – Challenges, Barriers and Opportunities in Developing Countries”
On October 21st DSW held a symposium on reproductive health supplies at the World Health Summit in Berlin. more >
"Mothers' Night" - Sensitising on Maternal Health Issues
Mothers' Night is an initiative launched by DSW in 2008 to increase awareness of the high global maternal mortality in advance of Mother's Day. We have since successfully brought on board nine other large organisations in support of this important initiative, including CARE, Oxfam and World Vision. With Mothers' Night, we call on the Federal Government to strengthen health systems in developing countries through investments in the training of healthcare professionals and to advocate for universal access to sexual and reproductive health by 2015.
more >
Advocacy Activities in our Focus Countries
DSW’s advocacy efforts concentrate on stressing the need for improved health information, services and supplies, coupled with sufficient, stable health financing from both the Government and its development partners.
Learn more adout DSW's advocacy activities in...
