Every Woman Every Child’s Global Strategy Explained
Women, children, and adolescents are among the most vulnerable populations globally, especially in low-income and conflict-affected regions. In response to persistent health and development challenges faced by these groups, the United Nations launched the Every Woman Every Child (EWEC) global movement. It aims to mobilise governments, civil society, the private sector, and global citizens to ensure that every woman, child, and adolescent can survive, thrive, and transform their world.
In this article, we will explore the objectives, pillars, and impact of the EWEC Global Strategy, and why it is a critical framework for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What Is Every Woman Every Child (EWEC)?
Every Woman Every Child was launched in 2010 by then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as a call to action to address major health challenges. The movement specifically focuses on:
- Maternal and newborn health
- Access to reproductive and sexual health services
- Child survival and nutrition
- Adolescent wellbeing and empowerment
The initiative brings together a wide coalition of stakeholders, including governments, international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the private sector.
The EWEC Global Strategy (2016–2030)
In 2015, following the end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the EWEC movement updated its strategic plan to align with the Sustainable Development Goals. The resulting document, known as the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030), outlines an ambitious vision centred on three objectives:
1. Survive
End preventable deaths of women, children, and adolescents by ensuring access to essential healthcare, skilled birth attendance, and immunisations.
2. Thrive
Promote health and wellbeing by addressing malnutrition, poor education, and violence. It includes mental health, early childhood development, and adolescent health.
3. Transform
Expand enabling environments through education, social protection, clean water, and infrastructure to ensure long-term, equitable progress.
The Global Strategy recognises that health outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, including poverty, conflict, discrimination, and gender inequality. It thus adopts a holistic, rights-based approach.
Key Targets of the Global Strategy
By 2030, the strategy aims to achieve the following:
- Reduce maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births
- End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age
- Eliminate epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria
- Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare
- Provide universal health coverage and financial risk protection
It also aims to enhance adolescent wellbeing by improving access to information, services, and education that support mental health, bodily autonomy, and life skills.
Why the EWEC Strategy Matters
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 295,000 women die each year during and following pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these deaths are preventable. Additionally, 5 million children under the age of 5 died in 2021 alone—often from treatable causes like diarrhoea and pneumonia.
Adolescents, meanwhile, face unique health risks related to early marriage, unsafe sex, gender-based violence, and poor mental health. The EWEC strategy focuses on breaking cycles of poverty and inequality that perpetuate poor health outcomes across generations.
Partnerships and Accountability
One of EWEC’s greatest strengths lies in its multi-stakeholder model. Governments lead national implementation plans while international partners provide technical and financial support. NGOs help build awareness and reach marginalised populations, while the private sector contributes innovation and investment.
To monitor progress, the EWEC movement supports data collection and performance tracking using a robust set of indicators. Countries report on health outcomes, service coverage, and equity measures, which are shared through global reports and dashboards.
Examples of EWEC in Action
India’s Commitment:
India has aligned several national programmes with EWEC goals, such as the Janani Suraksha Yojana (Safe Motherhood Programme), and Poshan Abhiyaan (Nutrition Mission). These initiatives provide cash incentives for institutional births, improve nutrition for mothers and children, and track health indicators through digital platforms.
African Initiatives:
In countries like Ethiopia and Rwanda, EWEC has supported the training of community health workers to provide basic maternal and child healthcare in rural areas, significantly improving outcomes like immunisation rates and antenatal care visits.
Challenges and Roadblocks
Despite notable progress, the implementation of EWEC strategies faces several hurdles:
- Funding gaps: Limited national budgets and inconsistent donor contributions hinder large-scale rollouts
- Political instability: Conflict and corruption disrupt healthcare delivery and data collection
- Gender inequality: Deep-rooted cultural norms continue to restrict access to services for girls and women
- COVID-19 setbacks: The pandemic reversed many health gains due to diverted resources and overwhelmed health systems
Real-Life Impact
Case Story: “My daughter was born in a small village in Kenya,” says Amina, a 26-year-old mother. “I had complications during pregnancy, but because of the new maternal health clinic supported by Every Woman Every Child partners, I received timely care. My baby and I are both healthy today.”
EWEC and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Global Strategy contributes directly to SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, but also intersects with goals on education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10).
In short, improving health for women, children, and adolescents lays the foundation for progress in all other sectors—from economic growth to climate resilience.
How Can Individuals Contribute?
Every individual has a role in advancing EWEC goals:
- Support maternal and child health NGOs through donations or volunteering
- Raise awareness by sharing accurate health information online
- Advocate for reproductive rights and gender equality in your community
- Hold governments accountable by engaging in public discussions and elections
FAQs About Every Woman Every Child Global Strategy
What is the main aim of EWEC?
To ensure that every woman, child, and adolescent not only survives but thrives and contributes to a better world by 2030.
Is the strategy only for developing countries?
No. Although the focus is often on low-resource settings, the strategy is global and applies to health disparities in all countries.
How is success measured?
Through indicators like maternal mortality, child vaccination rates, adolescent health outcomes, and service accessibility.
Can individuals get involved in EWEC?
Yes. Through advocacy, volunteering, and supporting programmes aligned with EWEC goals.
Does EWEC address mental health?
Absolutely. Mental health and psychosocial support are integral to the ‘Thrive’ pillar of the strategy.