The MenEngage Africa Alliance joins individuals, organisations, institutions and nations across the world to express a collective sense of loss and deepest sorrow at the passing on this week of Dr Babatunde Osotimehin, who at the time of his death was the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a position which he held since 2011.
Dr Osotimehin was appointed to the position for an initial four-year term which was renewed in 2014. This was due to his remarkable champion leadership of the lead UN agency on reproductive health matters. Under his leadership, UNFPA has recently been known for its worldwide campaign against early and forced child marriages, obstetric fistula and female genital mutilation in many parts of the world where these practices are rife.
The world has, indeed, lost a true champion of health, human rights and well-being for all – a global public health advocate who was admired for his passion and commitment to improving the health of women and girls in particular.
To you, champion, we say thank you for your leadership and contributions which have shaped our responses and approaches as MenEngage Africa and many other partners working with men and boys to promote justice, a transformed gender perspective and well-being for girls and women. Your guidance has amplified our work and we will remain truly grateful to you and we will continue to be inspired by your work and values.
For enquiries, please contact:
Itumeleng Komanyane
International Programmes and Networks Unit Manager
Sonke Gender Justice
E-mail: [email protected]
(O) 011 339 3589
(C) 084 202 2788
Bafana Khumalo
Co-Founder and Senior Strategic Advisor
Sonke Gender justice
E-mail: [email protected]
(O) 011 339 3589
(C) 082 578 4479