The Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Cairo, presented a new approach on population and development issues as well as in the of human rights field, particularly
women rights.
This article shows the progress made from previous conferences and analyses some of the aims and goals defined as priorities to achieve sustainable development and a better quality of life for both men and women.
It also presents, a short description of the demographic situation in the World and in Portugal, over 15 years after Cairo, as well as some national actions related to reproductive health.

keywords: population, development, gender equality, education, Health, reproductive health