There is little reproductive freedom for women in the country

Reproductive freedom remains a limited right for most women in Mozambique. Only one in three women has decision-making power over their sexual and reproductive health, according to the State of World Population 2025 Report, released this week in the country's capital.

The report, prepared by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), shows that, despite advances in some sectors of health, education and gender, strong social, cultural and economic barriers persist that prevent Mozambican women from freely deciding on issues such as the use of contraceptives, the number of children they want to have and the spacing between pregnancies.

The fertility rate in Mozambique remains high, standing at 4.9 children per woman, significantly higher than the global average of between two and three children. Experts warn that this scenario could intensify challenges related to sustainable development, worsening poverty levels, food insecurity, and pressure on public services such as health, education, and housing.

According to demographic projections, Mozambique could reach 60 million inhabitants by 2050. Given this rapid population growth, academics and national institutions emphasize the importance of investing in sexual and reproductive health as a key factor for the country's social and economic progress.

Eduardo Mondlane University, in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics, has been conducting studies and raising awareness to promote public policies that ensure greater access to information, family planning, and quality health services.