Family planning is widely practiced in Asia but remains controversial in the Philippines. The government is debating a bill to make contraceptives available to the poor. Supporters say it would save lives & give poor women more options. UNFPA Asia, 2010.

As global population rises, projected to reach 7 billion in October 2011, so does the population of the world's cities. Thousands of young people live as homeless on the streets of Mexico City, the world's eighth largest city. Many of them, who had fled their homes because of lack of jobs or family violence now find themselves in squalid and often dangerous conditions.

Graça Machel, advocate for the rights of women and children, addresses the issues facing women in Africa. February 16, 2009, Johannesburg, South Africa.