WFS
World Fertility Survey (WFS) is the international programme of research on human fertility carried out between 1974 and 1982. At the time, the World Fertility Survey was the largest social survey undertaking ever, with nationally representative, internationally comparable surveys carried out in 42 developing and 20 developed countries.
Window period
The period of time from infection with HIV until antibodies are detected.
Withdrawal
The method of contraception in which the man withdraws his penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Also known as coitus interruptus. Not an effective method of preventing pregnancy.
Womb
Another term for uterus (see uterus)
Women's empowerment
The process through which women are empowered economically, socially and politically which in turn contributes to achieving gender equality and gender equity.
Women who have sex with women (WSW)
The term ‘women who have sex with women' is useful as it includes not only women who self-identify as lesbian or homosexual and have sex only with other women but also bisexual women as well as women who self-identify as heterosexual but have sex with other women. As with the term ‘men who have sex with men' it is preferable to write out the term.
World Assembly on Ageing
The Second World Assembly on Ageing was convened in Madrid in 2002 to address the challenges of rapid population ageing. The outcome document, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, was adopted by 159 countries. It focused on mainstreaming older persons in development, advancing health and well-being into old age, and ensuring enabling and supportive environments for older persons.
