Experts warn UN Women and UNFPA merger could weaken global SRHR commitments

World leaders convened for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) as the international community debated a proposed merger of two key agencies: UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The BMJ’s special collection of expert articles cautions that combining these institutions could dilute the focus and resources dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), thereby undermining global commitments to gender equality.

UN Women is tasked with advancing women’s rights, eliminating gender-based violence, and promoting women’s participation in political and economic life. UNFPA, meanwhile, focuses on population dynamics, reproductive health services, and family planning. The BMJ experts argue that a merger would create administrative overlap and shift priorities away from the specialized programs that have historically driven progress in SRHR. They note that the distinct mandates of each agency have enabled targeted advocacy, data collection, and funding mechanisms that could be compromised by consolidation.

The experts call for maintaining the separate structures of UN Women and UNFPA to preserve the momentum achieved in gender equality and SRHR initiatives. They emphasize that any restructuring should preserve the agencies’ unique mandates and ensure continued investment in programs that support women’s health and empowerment worldwide.