World Population Day: Uplifting the voices of Nigerian women and girls

By Aisha Dasgupta

Today, July 11th is World Population Day, which provides an opportunity to take a look at population dynamics affecting humanity both today and in our shared future. Late last year, the global population reached 8 billion, which is a milestone we cannot afford to ignore. The theme for this year’s World Population Day is “Unleashing the power of gender equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world’s infinite possibilities”.

Nigeria today is estimated to be the 6th most populous country globally. However, the exact population size today is uncertain, because Nigeria has not had a census for 17 years. The United Nations Population Division projects Nigeria to grow to somewhere between 300 million and 475 million people by 2050, becoming the third largest country after India and China. The reason Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly is because women have on average 5 births over the course of a lifetime, amongst the highest in the world. High rates of childbearing are largely driven by gender inequalities, norms and expectations of women to have children, limited access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, and low educational attainment particularly of girls. 

In recognition of these population dynamics, the 3rd revision of Nigeria’s Population Policy was launched in 2022 to take stock of Nigeria’s situation, and draw attention to the impact of rapid population growth for national development, including risks for education/health services, employment, poverty reduction, food security, environment, and safety and security. The Policy also outlines the strategies that are needed to initiate a rapid decline in fertility, and support Nigeria to achieve sustainable development. 

Critical to these strategies will be a focus on addressing gender inequality. Frequently, women and girls are marginalised, experience gender-based violence, have limited access to education and healthcare, and unequal economic prospects. Too often, barriers to women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, including limited access to contraception, prevents women from having the families they want. Gender equality enables women to determine their own futures, brings about freedom, boosts prosperity, and builds resilience to deal with future demographic change.

The United Kingdom is working with partners including governments, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and World Bank, across the world and in Nigeria to tackle gender inequality and stand up for the rights of women and girls. We champion women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, education of girls, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. Empowering women to have greater control over their own lives, and the tools and opportunities to fulfil their potential is at the heart of our approach. For example, empowering women and girls to choose whether, when, and how many children to have by increasing access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, gives them greater control to plan their lives and also to play a vital role in their country’s future. 

Today, World Population Day serves as a reminder of the intricate issues surrounding demographic dynamics and the implications for sustainable development for tomorrow, and not just today. 

* Dasgupta is Demography Adviser, British High Commission Abuja