Niger

Among the world’s poorest countries, Niger struggles with a stagnant economy and a rapidly expanding population. Child marriage is prevalent, and maternal mortality is high. UNFPA began its support in 1983 with programmes to help position family planning in national development plans and to increase the quality of and access to reproductive health services. UNFPA also assists with the production of demographic data; encourages human rights norms in education, health and demography policies; advocates for gender equality to improve laws and responses to human rights violations; and supports the greater participation of women and youth in public decision-making.