UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, yesterday appointed Nigerian actress and activist, Stephanie Linus as the UNFPA Regional Ambassador for West and Central Africa.
While
acknowledging the honour, she said, “It is my aspiration that access to
reproductive health care for women and girls, especially family
planning, will be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a
human right to be fought for. Fought for, not just because of equality,
but because we are tired of women dying while giving birth, tired of
teenage girls dropping out of school because they got pregnant too
early, tired of women not having a choice to decide if, when and how
many children they wish to have. I know I am tired of this. This is why I
feel honoured to partner with UNFPA and to use my network to make these
issues widely known.”
As Regional Ambassador, She will help
advocate and raise awareness on these issues, whilst encouraging
policies and laws that protect the rights and dignity of the girl child,
and the critical investments needed for young people to fulfill their
potential and for Africa to reap its demographic dividend.
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