International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The inclusion of faith-based organisations (FBOs) in the campaign to promote female sexual and reproductive health can ensure greater international progress, it has been claimed.

According to Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund, religion is "the final frontier" in attempts to promote human rights, including those of women.

Even where issues considered by many to be taboo are concerned – including sexual orientation, gender identity, abortion and sex work – FBOs can provide an important voice to help drive progress, she suggested.

Ms Obaid commented: "In our complex world, the task of our generation, whether we are religious or secular, is to build a global community where people of every persuasion can live together free of fear and want, in peace, justice and equality."

She added that there is still "a long way to go" to realise a vision where every woman is treated with dignity and respect, and the right to sexual and reproductive health is protected.

Last month, Ms Obaid claimed that greater international efforts are required to tackle the issue of maternal mortality.

Posted by David Smith