It needs to become as easy to get hold of a condom in a poor country as Coca Cola

It needs to become as easy to get hold of a condom in a poor country as Coca Cola

Clare Short, a former British politician and prominent advocate for global development, has long been a vocal proponent of increasing access to contraception in developing countries. In a world where over 214 million women in developing countries have an unmet need for modern contraception, Short has been a leading voice in calling for increased funding and support for family planning programs.

Short's famous quote, "It needs to become as easy to get hold of a condom in a poor country as Coca Cola," succinctly captures the urgency and importance of ensuring universal access to contraception. Just as Coca Cola is readily available in even the most remote corners of the globe, so too should condoms and other forms of contraception be easily accessible to those who need them.

The barriers to accessing contraception in many developing countries are numerous and complex. Cultural taboos, lack of education, and limited resources all contribute to the high rates of unmet need for family planning. Short has been a tireless advocate for breaking down these barriers and ensuring that women and men have the information and tools they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Short's call for making condoms as easy to obtain as Coca Cola is not just about increasing access to contraception, but also about promoting gender equality and empowering women. When women have control over their reproductive choices, they are better able to pursue education, employment, and other opportunities that can lift them out of poverty. By ensuring that contraception is readily available, we can help to break the cycle of poverty and improve the health and well-being of women and families around the world.