The United Nations released a report stating that the Earth’s population has reached 8.1 billion people, with projections of reaching approximately 9.7 billion by 2050. The growth rate has slowed to one percent per year, with two-thirds of the global population living in countries where birth rates have dropped to levels necessary for population sustainability. However, some regions, such as Africa, still have high birth rates, with women having an average of four children. The population in Africa is expected to nearly double by 2050.
The world is transitioning towards countries with low fertility rates, posing challenges for social systems. The Lancet also predicts that by 2050, the birth rate in 155 countries will fall below the replacement level of 2.1, leading to shrinking populations by 2100. Eight states, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, and India, will contribute more than half of the world’s population growth. India is set to surpass China as the largest country by mid-century, with Nigeria projected to become the third largest.
Germany has experienced population decline for decades due to low birth rates, relying heavily on immigration for population growth. The report emphasizes the importance of women having autonomy in family planning decisions. Despite progress, millions of women, especially in Africa, still lack access to contraception. Efforts are needed to reduce teenage pregnancies through increased education and access to contraceptives. The UN Population Fund is concerned about potential cuts in development aid from Germany and stresses the importance of continued support.
The demographic trends highlighted in the report are expected to significantly impact the world, with aging populations in some countries and younger populations in others. Disparities in population growth, economic development, and other factors could accelerate global migration and pose risks to migrant women’s health and rights. The UN emphasizes data as a human right, calling for the collection and use of disaggregated data to identify and support vulnerable groups and track progress effectively.
Structural discrimination can only be addressed through the collection of representative data broken down by different population groups. Without this data, it is challenging to identify discriminatory laws, policies, and programs. Many countries still lack reliable data on women’s autonomy in sexual relationships, contraceptive use, and abortion decisions. High-quality, disaggregated data is needed to support vulnerable groups, track progress, and ensure that laws and policies are not inadvertently discriminatory.
