Became the voice of all the girls that the world forgot: Natalia Kanem’s legacy – eSHOP24X7

Dr. Kanem thinks: “Can that girl complete her education, will make her place in the world? Or will she deviate from the way for reasons such as child marriage, the genital deformity of women (FGF) or excessive poverty?”

This question echoed, not only in the context of that particular girl, but also for millions of girls like that, the executive director of the UNFPA became the identity of the mandate of Dr. Kanem.

Dr. Kanem, from early work at soil level in East Africa to lead the agency of $ 1.7 billion that operated in more than 150 countries, gave UNFPA a strong guide among global changes, political protests and ideological challenges.

The most important thing, directed a revolutionary change in the lives of millions of women and girls.

Dr. Natalia Kanem is withdrawing her position in July (2025), before scheduled time.

70 -year -old Dr. Kanem, while approaching a video message to approximately 5,000 agency employees at the beginning of the year, said: “Now the time for responsibility has come.

Roots and height flights

Born in Panama and trained as a doctor, Dr. Natalia Kanem, after a successful career in the field of philanthropy, decided to join UNFPA in 2014.

He, under his resolution to serve “the great objective of the United Nations”, took charge for the first time in Tanzania, where he was influenced by unwavering commitment and the spirit of service of employees who work at soil level.

He said in a conversation with UN news: “Our real value is demonstrated when the services are provided at the local level.”

But this responsibility was not easy. When he assumed the agency’s command in 2017, UNFPA was experiencing a difficult period: its visibility was decreasing, the financial situation was unstable and faced a frequent opposition from conservative forces.

However, UNFPA continued to gain an advantage not only at the budget level, but also in its global reputation.

He said: “When I entered (this agency), it was the belief that we are a small and threatened institution, about which people do not know what they do. But I think the image has become clearer now.”

This clarity is partially comes from “conceptual leadership”, which Dr. Kanem actively encouraged, either challenging the wrong concepts related to breeding or to combat sexual violence that grows through technology, brought the UNFPA to the first line of global discourse.

He said: “We work in the ideas market. We have to present the truth in such a way that it is not only reliable, but also so effective that the colleagues that this movement demands must be motivated to join us.”

Under his leadership, the agency trained millions of midwives, distributed billions of contraceptive media and increased access to women and girls in areas that fight with the humanitarian crisis, whether they are Rohingya fields of Bazaar de Cocxay, a war of war or a anger.

The presence of UNFPA in criminal areas not only systemic, but also symbolic It was also very important.

In areas such as Sudan, Syria and Gaza, a simple store equipped with sanitary pads, blankets and soap can also become a safe shelter for a woman.

Dr. Kanem said: “It is a symbol of relief and respect that a woman needs more in times of crisis. That’s why we call these kits ‘dignity kit'”.

Change of conversation

Dr. Natalia Kanem advanced to provide services, in a political and socially polarized world, brought the role of UNFPA to new heights as an ideological leader.

He made the agency an active part of public debates that were difficult and sensitive, such as teenage pregnancies, climatic concern, fertility rate and oppression online. He firmly defended the correct approach on each topic.

Dr. Kanem says: “That ten -year -old girl is really present. What do her parents, religious leaders and communities think? This is very important so that she can prepare for the challenges of life and understand how to face them when customs and traditions are imposed by force.”

The impact of its impressive leadership was not limited only to thoughts, but is also clearly visible on the data.

Under the guidance of Dr. Kanem, UNFPA made a notable investment in increasing cooperation in the National Census and the development of real -time -based panels so that political leaders shape policies related to reproductive health based on solid and reliable figures.

Every year World population status report This year, traditional concepts such as the “population crisis” were seen with a new vision.

It was clarified in the report that many women and men are delaying or avoiding children, not for ideological reasons, but for economic disability.

Dr. Kanem appreciated the philanthropic thinking of young people who say they don’t want to have children for fear of increasing the climatic crisis. But he also clarified that statistics present some other images.

He explained: “Today’s overall fertility rate is not a threat to Earth. The facts say that the same children that can be maintained in a safe and respectful way.”

Focus on rights on the era of agitation

Dr. Natalia Kanem directed UNFPA at a time when attacks against reproductive rights intensified, nationalism increased and the institutions of sincere multiple were deepening.

During this time, he faced a reduction in help in the money granted by the US for years, including the deduction of the existing administration. In spite of this, the demand for services of UNFPA continued to increase.

He said: “UNFPA has never been so many resources today. But they also prove insufficient in front of the avalanche of needs.”

Only resources cannot guarantee the future of an agency: reliability and perseverance It is equally necessary.

Dr. Kanem warns: “Today, when the multilateral system is more necessary, questions are asked at the same time. We have to demonstrate our value every day. And when there is an error of us, we have to get up and improve it, and we have to find partners who may be with us.”

As an important couple Private sector It came out. In 2023, UNFPA, together with technical companies, launched a development effect in Kenya, through which adolescents received sexual health services based on mobile devices, to prevent new cases of conception and HIV infection in adolescence.

Progress The criteria of – Changing mentality

UNFPA has worked tirelessly for a long time to eliminate harmful practices such as female genital deformity (FGM) and child marriage.

Under the leadership of Dr. Natalia Kanem, this effort was not limited only to the change in the law: it is an integral Thought and mentality A campaign has been made to change.

When asked if he really progressed, he replied with full confidence: “Yes, it has been very important to see that religious and traditional leaders are now standing against some harmful practices …”

“And we are working in close collaboration with school systems so that girls understand these risks and can make more conscious and strong decisions about their options.”

He admitted that Kovid-19 was a great setback. When schools closed, traditional rituals in some communities began to be done quickly. However, UNFPA has registered a significant decrease in these practices in many countries with population graduation as Indonesia.

Credit goes to those young people who From within their own communities They are raising their voice against these harmful traditions.

Next generation – and next chapter

Dr. Natalia Kanem, while looking at the future, insisted on the possibilities, not on uncertainties. He said: “We have changed ourselves, modernized. The possibilities in front of the UNFPA are unlimited.”

She told her about her personal future that now a complete vacation will be taken for a few days, in which you can find time for music, your family and, ultimately, for itself. However, they cannot sit peacefully for a long time.

He said: “I know that my passion towards women and girls will never be less. This has been a loving service for me.”

Your farewell message? Once again, returning to the same girl, who always remained in the center of her thinking and service.

He said: “When that 10 -year -old girl is successful, then the success of all of us ensures. Then this world really becomes a better place.”