World Population Day (July 11th): Importance & 2020 Theme
July 11, 2020 marks an important day to raise awareness about the world population and issues relating to family planning, gender equality, child marriage, human rights, health rights, and more. Communities can participate in activities including seminars, discussions, educational sessions, public contests, slogans, workshops, debates, songs and kids-based educational games. People who are unable to participate directly can learn from news channels, radio broadcasts, and podcasts.
What is World Population Day?
If you haven’t heard of it, here are some facts:
- The world population is 7.8 billion as of May 2020
- Every year, the global population increases by approximately 83 million people
- By 2030, the world population is expected to reach 8.6 billion, and in 2050, 9.8 billion!
- 30% of the world population came from unwanted or accidental pregnancies
- Approximately 800 women die due to pregnancy-related complications every day, 20% of which are inIndia
Effects of Overpopulation
With overpopulation comes scarcity of resources like fresh water and food. This results in starvation and malnutrition, consumption of natural resources (such as fossil fuels) faster than the rate of regeneration, and a deterioration in living conditions. In fact, it is estimated that every 20 seconds, a child dies due to poor sanitation. Additionally, 10% of the world’s population, or about 664 million people, don’t have access to clean water.
The Annual Theme for 2020
This year’s World Population Day theme is: “Putting the breaks on COVID-19: how to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls now.” The COVID-19 crisis has affected people and economies all over the world. Women make up the largest share of healthcare staff on the front lines and they are putting themselves at risk. Supply chains across the globe are experiencing disruptions, affecting contraceptive supply and thus increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. Due to lockdowns in several countries, hospitals and health centers prioritize COVID-19 patients. As a result, sexual and reproductive health services are sidelined. At the same time, gender-based violence and mental health issues are on the rise.
How to Spread Awareness
What steps can you take to acknowledge this day and share the information you learned?
1. Do your research
First of all, find information, statistics, and facts about topics such as overpopulation and female reproductive needs. Rising population growth may not feel like something that concerns you, but it has an effect on everyone.
2. Share what you learn with your network
Let your friends, family members, co-workers, and others in your social circle know about what you’ve learned! If you are posting on social media, be sure to use the hashtag #worldpopulationday.
3. Donate to organizations dedicated to population issues
These organizations educate women about contraception and family planning, help families fight poverty, and help settle refugees. By making a financial contribution, you can help these nonprofits reach more people and reduce unwanted/accidental pregnancies.
Conclusion
This World Population Day, let’s raise awareness about the sexual and reproductive health needs of women, the dangers of overpopulation, and health rights. Together, we can reduce unwanted pregnancies and address rising population growth.
Sources:
https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/world-population-day-1562764015-1
http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/world-population-day/
https://nationaltoday.com/world-population-day/
https://www.unfpa.org/
