Can better reproductive health make us more equal?

Can better reproductive health make us more equal?

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The health of women in their most physically vulnerable moments affects the health of entire societies and the prospects for our next generation. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to two years old, is the most critical period for brain development. A mother’s health and nutrition deeply influence the health of her child, even in utero. Access to healthcare, such as ante and postnatal care, or to skilled birth attendants, is the key to better survival rates for mothers and babies.

How society treats a woman during pregnancy and childbirth is also a signal of women’s status in society. We explore how improving reproductive health can improve gender equality across various dimensions, helping women become better educated, participate more in the workforce, and overcome chauvinism.

• DHS Survey Nigeria 2008
• DHS Survey Nigeria 2013