The world has seen significant progress over the years in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, but this progress has not been even, leaving many people behind. Communities from Small Island Developing States, commonly referred to as SIDS, are a distinct group of people that are at risk.
Their vulnerability to economic, social and environmental shocks combined with their remote geographic locations and the increasing frequency and scale of natural disasters in these locations, continue to critically hinder the progress and development of small island communities. These challenges further exacerbate the discrimination and inequalities that women and girls face, making them more vulnerable to health and safety risks.
Despite the unique and complex challenges, we must draw inspiration from the remarkable and sheer resilience of these islanders. This booklet, ‘Island Voices’, is a collection of stories that highlight the issues, but also the actions that women and young people are taking across SIDS in Asia and the Pacific.
UNFPA will continue its work in highlighting the imperative of ensuring women and girls have access to sexual and reproductive health services, comprehensive sexuality education, and gender-based violence support services to ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, and their safety.
