BecauseSheCounts 2020 campaign – sexual and reproductive health and rights in development aid

European donor governments have proved their commitment to women and girls’ safety and freedom through their policy and funding decisions on sexual and reproductive care.

This campaign will reflect on the progress made so far and on the impact of the current health crisis on the achievements made.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues the determination of European donors must not waver.

Around the world, sexual and reproductive care providers and advocates know that people still need access to contraception and other services, even in the midst of a pandemic.

A continuation of the current lockdowns can leave 47 million women in low- and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to a projected 7 million additional unintended pregnancies. Another six months of lockdowns could result in an additional 31 million cases of gender-based violence.

We are asking European donors to maintain current and future ODA funding and to support civil society, partner countries and multilateral organisations through a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes critical investments in health and support to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Our #BecauseSheCounts social media campaign asks decision-makers to put universal health care, human rights and equality at the core of all public policy and funding decision, amid the pandemic and always.

To join our campaign, share our #BecauseSheCounts messages and visuals and tag us @C2030Europe! Ask your governments to continue to prove that solidarity goes beyond borders and should not be limited to European Union countries.

Find our social media campaign package here.

See what our partners are doing in their countries.