Nigeria, based in West Africa, has the largest economy and most populous country in Africa. It has a great amount of natural resources, such as oil, yet it remains one of the poorest countries globally, with an estimated 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line. There are many reasons for endemic poverty in the region but one of these is the state of the rule of law in Nigeria, in particular, the nature of corruption and violence. These two features exist as persistent structural problems in the region. They undermine development efforts, job creation and service delivery. Poor Nigerians are most affected by these problems as they depend most on security and public institutions. These two issues weaken institutions and efforts to reduce poverty. Here are some of the ways that the state of the rule of law in Nigeria affects poverty.
Corruption and Poverty
Nigeria remains one of the most corrupt countries in Africa with a score of 26/100 from Transparency International, an organization dedicated to monitoring corruption. There is poor government accountability. Public institutions routinely suffer from embezzlement, ghost workers and contract fraud.
These practices drain funds that are meant for poverty reduction initiatives such as social welfare and infrastructure projects. Corrupt officials also often divert aid or demand bribes to release public goods. While there are some anti-poverty programs like N-Power, they often fail to reach the poorest and political favoritism further reduces their impact.
Corruption also worsens access to services. Citizens sometimes have to pay bribes to access health care, school enrollment, land documents or housing support. This inflates the cost of these services and makes them inaccessible to the poorest who need them the most.
Corruption also shapes access to job opportunities as nepotism and bribery influence public sector jobs, scholarships and government contracts. Poor people, lacking money or political connections, are often excluded from these opportunities. This reinforced cycles of inequality and poverty as elites stay empowered while the poor stay locked out. The poor state of the rule of law in Nigeria, as it pertains to corruption, reduces trust in the system and discourages participation in government programs or elections, furthering the cycle of poverty.
Violence and Poverty
Violence in Nigeria, since the fourth republic, has largely been concentrated in the northern and central regions. These regions also experience the highest poverty rates in Nigeria. Several studies have drawn the link between insecurity and deprivation in these regions.
In particular, in the north-east (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa), Boko Haram has terrorized civilians in their attempt to overthrow the government, leading to mass displacement. Meanwhile, in the north-west (Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto), there is widespread banditry, kidnapping and extortion. Additionally, in the middle belt of the country (Benue, Plateau, Taraba), there are herder-farmer conflicts and communal violence which lie along ethnic and religious lines.
In these regions, their poverty rates range from 60-80%. In contrast, the southern regions, such as Lagos and Anambra, have much lower poverty rates, suggesting a geographic overlap between insecurity and extreme poverty.
While it is likely the case that extreme poverty has led to violence in these regions, the violence itself has exacerbated poverty and its plight. It affects food production by reducing farming and livestock output and leads to great food insecurity as tens of millions are put at risk.
It also affects education as the destruction of schools and fear leads to dropout and inaccessibility. Likewise, Internally Displaced Persons from the violence, generally lack stable housing, health care and clean water. The weakened rule of law in Nigeria produces great violence which worsens poverty now and makes it more difficult to escape it in the future.
Anti-Corruption Initiatives
There have been some recent promising efforts to tackle corruption. In 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured 4,111 criminal convictions and recovered about $214.5 million USD in looted funds. The establishment of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPS) has gone a long way to eliminate ghost workers. The launch of the Open Treasury Portal in 2019 has provided public access to federal government expenditures.
These initiatives have had some effect on tackling poverty. Recoveries help plug fiscal gaps for services, although they have limited impact on direct poverty alleviation. The elimination of ghost workers helps free up some salary funds. Transparency tools can build long-term trust and enable advocacy which is crucial in the fight against poverty although they currently remain underused or inconsistently updated.
Security Reforms & Community-Based Approaches
Some efforts recently taken to address violence include military offensives such as Lafiya Dole against insurgents. The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has increasingly involved itself in local defense. Additionally, the government has initiated peacebuilding and deradicalization programs in Borno and Zamfara and has further emphasized community policing and state security networks.
These efforts have allowed the return of displaced persons in some areas such as in Borno, which goes a long way in tackling poverty. However, poverty reduction is slow due to damaged infrastructure, trauma and loss of livelihoods. Localized success stories exist but are not yet scalable or systemic. However, efforts in bolstering the rule of law in Nigeria goes a long way in facilitating poverty reduction in the country.
Looking Ahead
Nigeria faces complex and varied challenges, with insecurity, poverty, and corruption, but these difficulties are not insurmountable. Recent steps show a growing awareness that change is both urgent and possible. There remains real hope that Nigeria’s immense potential can be more fully realized.
– Seun Adekunle
Seun is based in Scotch Plains, NJ, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Ending Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission in Botswana
A Triumph Against the Odds
Botswana has long been one of the nations hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, with adult prevalence rates among the highest in the world. Yet, through committed public health efforts, the country has demonstrated that even in high-prevalence settings, eliminating new pediatric HIV infections is achievable.
The WHO’s Gold Tier status is awarded to countries that meet rigorous criteria for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission, including maintaining transmission rates below 2% and sustaining this achievement over time. Botswana’s attainment of this status is a testament to its effective health policies, strong political will and dedicated community programs.
Keys to Success: Universal Treatment and Comprehensive Care
Central to Botswana’s success has been the provision of universal free antiretroviral treatment (ART) to all pregnant women living with HIV. This policy ensures that pregnant women receive the medication necessary to suppress the virus, drastically reducing the chance of passing HIV to their babies.
Moreover, Botswana boasts high rates of antenatal care attendance and widespread HIV testing among pregnant women. Early diagnosis and continuous monitoring throughout pregnancy enable timely intervention and care adjustments, maximizing the chances of a healthy, HIV-free birth.
Complementing clinical care, robust community-based health programs have played a critical role. These programs provide education, support and follow-up services, ensuring that women stay engaged in treatment and adhere to prescribed regimens.
A Model for the World
Botswana’s achievement in reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission not only saves countless children from HIV but also offers a blueprint for other countries facing high HIV burdens. It challenges the notion that eliminating vertical transmission is unattainable in resource-limited, high-prevalence environments. The country’s success underscores the power of integrating free, accessible health care services with community engagement and strong political commitment. It also highlights the importance of sustained investments in maternal and child health programs.
While Botswana’s milestone is cause for celebration, continued vigilance is essential. Maintaining low transmission rates requires ongoing support for pregnant women, access to ART and community outreach. Indeed, Botswana’s experience demonstrates that with the right strategies and resources, the goal of an HIV-free generation is within reach, even in the most challenging settings.
As global health organizations and countries worldwide strive to eliminate pediatric HIV, Botswana stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with determination and comprehensive care, vertical transmission of HIV can be stopped.
– Meagan Beaver
Photo: Flickr
Fragility and Rule of Law in Nigeria
Corruption and Poverty
Nigeria remains one of the most corrupt countries in Africa with a score of 26/100 from Transparency International, an organization dedicated to monitoring corruption. There is poor government accountability. Public institutions routinely suffer from embezzlement, ghost workers and contract fraud.
These practices drain funds that are meant for poverty reduction initiatives such as social welfare and infrastructure projects. Corrupt officials also often divert aid or demand bribes to release public goods. While there are some anti-poverty programs like N-Power, they often fail to reach the poorest and political favoritism further reduces their impact.
Corruption also worsens access to services. Citizens sometimes have to pay bribes to access health care, school enrollment, land documents or housing support. This inflates the cost of these services and makes them inaccessible to the poorest who need them the most.
Corruption also shapes access to job opportunities as nepotism and bribery influence public sector jobs, scholarships and government contracts. Poor people, lacking money or political connections, are often excluded from these opportunities. This reinforced cycles of inequality and poverty as elites stay empowered while the poor stay locked out. The poor state of the rule of law in Nigeria, as it pertains to corruption, reduces trust in the system and discourages participation in government programs or elections, furthering the cycle of poverty.
Violence and Poverty
Violence in Nigeria, since the fourth republic, has largely been concentrated in the northern and central regions. These regions also experience the highest poverty rates in Nigeria. Several studies have drawn the link between insecurity and deprivation in these regions.
In particular, in the north-east (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa), Boko Haram has terrorized civilians in their attempt to overthrow the government, leading to mass displacement. Meanwhile, in the north-west (Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto), there is widespread banditry, kidnapping and extortion. Additionally, in the middle belt of the country (Benue, Plateau, Taraba), there are herder-farmer conflicts and communal violence which lie along ethnic and religious lines.
In these regions, their poverty rates range from 60-80%. In contrast, the southern regions, such as Lagos and Anambra, have much lower poverty rates, suggesting a geographic overlap between insecurity and extreme poverty.
While it is likely the case that extreme poverty has led to violence in these regions, the violence itself has exacerbated poverty and its plight. It affects food production by reducing farming and livestock output and leads to great food insecurity as tens of millions are put at risk.
It also affects education as the destruction of schools and fear leads to dropout and inaccessibility. Likewise, Internally Displaced Persons from the violence, generally lack stable housing, health care and clean water. The weakened rule of law in Nigeria produces great violence which worsens poverty now and makes it more difficult to escape it in the future.
Anti-Corruption Initiatives
There have been some recent promising efforts to tackle corruption. In 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured 4,111 criminal convictions and recovered about $214.5 million USD in looted funds. The establishment of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPS) has gone a long way to eliminate ghost workers. The launch of the Open Treasury Portal in 2019 has provided public access to federal government expenditures.
These initiatives have had some effect on tackling poverty. Recoveries help plug fiscal gaps for services, although they have limited impact on direct poverty alleviation. The elimination of ghost workers helps free up some salary funds. Transparency tools can build long-term trust and enable advocacy which is crucial in the fight against poverty although they currently remain underused or inconsistently updated.
Security Reforms & Community-Based Approaches
Some efforts recently taken to address violence include military offensives such as Lafiya Dole against insurgents. The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has increasingly involved itself in local defense. Additionally, the government has initiated peacebuilding and deradicalization programs in Borno and Zamfara and has further emphasized community policing and state security networks.
These efforts have allowed the return of displaced persons in some areas such as in Borno, which goes a long way in tackling poverty. However, poverty reduction is slow due to damaged infrastructure, trauma and loss of livelihoods. Localized success stories exist but are not yet scalable or systemic. However, efforts in bolstering the rule of law in Nigeria goes a long way in facilitating poverty reduction in the country.
Looking Ahead
Nigeria faces complex and varied challenges, with insecurity, poverty, and corruption, but these difficulties are not insurmountable. Recent steps show a growing awareness that change is both urgent and possible. There remains real hope that Nigeria’s immense potential can be more fully realized.
– Seun Adekunle
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy: Improving the Health Care System in Haiti?
Thanks to its location in the center of Cap-Haitien in Northern Haiti and available services, Justinien University Hospital is one of the largest public hospitals in the country. The hospital is also the second-largest teaching hospital in Haiti. Justinien University Hospital serves a population of more than 1 million in the surrounding area of northern Haiti
Renewable Energy Use at Justinien University Hospital
Beginning in 2024, Justinien University Hospital has been transitioning to a renewable energy model to power their medical facilities. As of May 2025, 60% to 75% of daily energy needs within the hospital are supplied by renewable sources. Justinien University Hospital used to rely heavily on diesel generators for power. As an administrator commented to a World Bank reporter, “We used to buy 120 gallons of diesel every day, which would cost nearly $22,000 per month. The installation of the renewable energy system has allowed us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by more than 60%. Now, we reallocate these funds to other services and improve the quality of care offered.”
Hospitals Turning to Solar Energy
In addition to Justinien University Hospital, the Ministries of Health and Public Works of Haiti, the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Bank have come together to implement renewable energy in five hospitals across Haiti. These hospitals have implemented a solar photovoltaic and battery storage system that provides a clean and reliable energy system to their medical facilities. Because of the quantity and reach of hospitals that have implemented this energy model, more than 1.5 million people could benefit, according to the World Bank. This increased energy security for medical facilities means a revolutionary increase in access to healthcare within Haiti
The Future
Access to energy is an ongoing issue in Haiti. Political upheaval and the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, leave the country struggling to establish a widespread power grid. Despite the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative aiming to provide universal energy access by 2023, there is still a long way to go within some Caribbean nations
Several sectors feel the impacts of this, but none so dire as the health care system in Haiti. In recent years, however, the Haitian government, along with several NGOs, has initiated the implementation of renewable energy sources in hospitals across Haiti. This has significantly improved healthcare access in Haiti, cutting hospital operating costs, making services more consistently available, and expanding the reach of the hospital within the local community.
– Gwyneth Connor
Photo: Flickr
USAID Programs in Armenia: Light in the Battle Against Poverty
USAID programs in Armenia have evolved over the course of almost 30 years, moving from providing immediate humanitarian assistance to allowing inclusive, long-term development plans. At this point, USAID funds about 32 projects in all 10 Armenian regions, improving social services, economic opportunity and democratic institutions.
The Community Level Access to Social Services Project
One notable work is the Community Level Access to Social Services (CLASS) project. CLASS assists community social service providers in establishing accessible, inclusive support networks, especially for families facing financial difficulties and children with disabilities. These services help people achieve long-term stability and meet their immediate needs by connecting them to health care, education and employment opportunities.
The program fights poverty at its source while preserving each person’s dignity by promoting inclusive growth, strengthening community resilience and investing in sustainable local capacity for future generations.
The Armenia Support Initiative
USAID assisted the Armenian government during the 2023 humanitarian crisis brought on by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It provided $8.5 million to address housing needs and psychosocial support for displaced persons and refugees. These efforts safeguarded human welfare during the emergency by promptly ensuring that vulnerable populations received food, housing, medical assistance and emotional care. Beyond immediate relief, the aid supported long-term recovery by strengthening local service providers and reinforcing community resilience against future crises.
Another essential component of USAID’s work in Armenia is economic development. The organization has set lofty objectives to increase agricultural productivity, develop clean energy infrastructure and encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship in its 2020–2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). The goal of USAID programs in Armenia is to lessen rural poverty and foster economic resilience by assisting industries that generate long-term jobs and income growth. The strategy strengthens Armenia’s integration into global markets, supports small businesses and builds sustainable pathways for inclusive economic opportunity.
Rather than relying on short-term aid, USAID programs in Armenia emphasize sustainable solutions driven by local partnerships. One community at a time, this people-first strategy enables Armenians to create better futures.
Conclusion
USAID programs in Armenia are changing lives through practical, empowering and locally based interventions. From improving social services to supporting displaced populations and strengthening economic opportunities, these programs embody the best of what international development can be.
– Kyra Cribbs
Photo: Pixabay
Addressing HIV/AIDS in Kyrgyzstan
HIV/AIDS Demographics
The median age for HIV/AIDS in Kyrgyzstan is about 31. The prevalence rate is nearly 15% among those who inject drugs, and 0.2% rate among the entire population–about 14,600. Men account for a slight majority, having about 60% of the cases while women account for the latter 40%. Impoverished communities—especially injecting drug users, sex workers and migrants—normally have higher HIV vulnerability due to their economic strain, need and limited access to resources.
Health Care Challenges
Kyrgyzstan’s health care system faces big challenges when it comes to managing HIV/AIDS. While the country provides free antiretroviral therapy to people living with HIV, access to consistent and high-quality treatment is not equitable or equal, especially in rural and mountainous regions.
Diagnostic tools and lab equipment are not always available or up to international standards, and logistical delays can mean late diagnoses—when the virus has already progressed significantly, leading to more probable death.
Barriers to Prevention
One of the most significant hurdles to stopping the spread of HIV in Kyrgyzstan lies in social and cultural attitudes. HIV/AIDS is still highly stigmatized and is often associated with marginalized groups such as people who inject drugs or sex workers. This creates an environment of fear, where individuals at risk are reluctant to get tested for HIV.
In schools, education on this topic is minimal or nonexistent. As a result, many young people grow up without basic knowledge about how HIV transmits or how people can prevent it. Additionally, many have misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Public health campaigns have improved over the years, but they often fail to reach the most at-risk communities, such as rural communities.
Injection drugs–via needle–remains one of the main transmission routes of HIV in Kyrgyzstan. Harm reduction strategies do exist, but their reach is limited, commonly only reaching citizens in either Osh or Bishkek and being held back by the stigma.
The Way Forward
To address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kyrgyzstan, investment in health care infrastructure is critical. This means not only economically supporting increased medical equipment and laboratories through donors, but also training health care professionals in modern HIV treatment protocols and in how to provide care without stigmatization. Improving access to health care in rural and underserved areas through mobile clinics could bridge existing gaps.
Many NGOs in Kyrgyzstan are already doing essential work in reaching vulnerable populations and offering services including the CDC–PEPFAR Partnership in Kyrgyzstan. The CDC–PEPFAR project began in 2011 when the U.S. CDC launched HIV programs under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Viral load suppression improved from around 44% in 2016 to 95% in 2024, PrEP became available to high-risk individuals and ART has now been provided in 26 AIDS centers, serving more than 4,150 individuals.
Looking Ahead
The fight against HIV/AIDS requires collaboration between the government, citizens and the international community. More importantly, however, the mitigation of HIV/AIDS in Kyrgyzstan requires a commitment to the wellbeing of every citizen.
– Jackson Mailer
Photo: Unsplash
How Afghan Women Entrepreneurs Are Rebuilding Communities
Women at the Frontlines of Economic Recovery
Despite Taliban restrictions, Afghan women entrepreneurs are launching small businesses and cooperatives. However, they face struggles accessing capital. According to Reuters, 41% of surveyed female entrepreneurs rely on informal loans to finance their ventures and about 70% must have a male guardian to travel to market. Nevertheless, many use tailoring, food preparation, dairy cooperatives and handicrafts to build income and resilience.
In Bamyan province, dairy entrepreneur Mahroo supports women farmers by organizing cooperatives that process milk into cheese and yogurt. She provides training and equipment, purchasing their produce at fair prices. “Many don’t even know they can sell their milk or cheese,” Mahroo explained. These cooperatives strengthen community resilience by bringing women farmers into the formal market while preserving traditional livelihoods.
Another example is the revival of underground skills schools. Led by Ideas Beyond Borders, more than 8,000 students have enrolled in covert schools across Afghanistan since 2021. The students learn essential skills like sewing, literacy and business without Taliban interference. About 38 such sites operate discreetly nationwide. These initiatives echo earlier efforts like the Golden Needle Sewing School, but now focus on empowering women to launch income-generating enterprises.
Furthermore, Kabul Sewing Circle, founded by Afghan activists including Mina Sharif, provides sewing skills and business training to women in private homes. Sharif told Teen Vogue, “They are meant to not need a thing and be prepared for their first round of business.” The project operates quietly and is funded via hawala transfers, blending economic empowerment with a supportive community.
Challenges Remain
Taliban edicts threaten this progress: they have restricted work permits, shuttered female-run NGOs and barred women’s travel and NGO employment. The U.N. estimates Afghan women’s labor force participation dropped from 11% in 2022 to about 6% in 2023.
Nonetheless, data shows a surge in women’s entrepreneurship. The Afghan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry reports that female-led businesses grew significantly after 2021. These ventures increased from 600 to more than 10,000, mostly small and home-based enterprises focused on handicrafts and food products.
A Path Forward
A 2024 survey by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) illustrates Afghan women entrepreneurs’ struggles and resilience: 41% of more than 3,100 surveyed are in debt, with only about 5% having secured formal bank or microfinance loans. Yet 80% of these women-led businesses remain the primary income source for their families.
UNDP reports that its targeted support, combining microloans, digital literacy and market access, has benefited 75,000 women-led ventures and created 900,000 jobs, supporting more than 4.5 million Afghans.
Economic Empowerment as Resistance
Afghan women entrepreneurs like Frozan, Mahroo and the members of Durkhanum are reclaiming autonomy through enterprise. They are not just making products; they are building community resilience, preserving cultural identity and pushing back quietly against injustice. As one participant said, “This work gives us dignity.”
– Meral Ciplak
Photo: Pixabay
Combating Dengue Fever in Indonesia
According to the Indonesian Health Ministry, nearly 250,000 Indonesians contracted dengue in 2024. The virus claimed 1,418 lives that year. Despite a swift government response that continues through today, dengue remains a serious public health threat. By examining how Indonesia is combating dengue fever in impoverished communities, we can also learn how to fight it in other countries.
How Dengue Fever Impacts Impoverished Communities in Indonesia
Mosquitoes easily infiltrate the porous, open housing common in Indonesia’s low-income communities, making it easier for dengue to spread. Families in these areas are also more likely to work outdoors, increasing their exposure to mosquitoes, unlike higher-income earners who often work in air-conditioned offices. Although Indonesian law mandates paid sick leave for all workers, including those with dengue, deaths still occur.
For struggling families, the loss of income from illness can be financially devastating and the death of a loved one brings intense emotional pain. Severe dengue cases often come with high out-of-pocket medical costs. When hospitalizations surge, public hospitals, relied on by low-income communities, can become overcrowded. This strains medical staff and reduces their ability to treat other life-threatening conditions, leading to increased deaths even when dengue itself is under control.
What Indonesia Did To Combat Dengue Fever in 2024
Summary
Indonesia is tackling dengue fever in low-income communities through advanced technology and community-based solutions. From Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes and data-driven surveillance to school vaccinations and the 3 Ms Program, the country targets the virus and the conditions that allow it to spread. Though challenges persist, these efforts offer a practical model for other countries battling dengue.
– Jeff Mathwig
Photo: Unsplash
ILO’s Decent Work Agenda Shaping Minimum Wage Policies
Additionally, the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda, launched in 1999, aims to promote rights at work, fair remuneration and equal opportunity regardless of gender. Under this agenda, the ILO has supported initiatives in countries such as Namibia, Indonesia and Vietnam for progress in wage reform and labor protection.
Namibia
Although Article 95 of the Namibian constitution sets out the principle of fair remuneration, this is ineffective in practice. Many workers, particularly women, still struggle to access fair pay and efforts to increase wages have often just led to increased job losses. In response, the Namibian government, supported by the ILO, initiated the drafting of new labor legislation to set up a new minimum wage system.
A National Wages Commission was first established to hold public hearings nationwide to incorporate feedback from workers and employers. Following this, the ILO gave Namibia a recommendation based on its proposal to gradually increase the minimum wage to give industries time to adjust.
From January 2025, Namibia implemented the new policy, which sets the national minimum wage as N$12 ($0.68) per hour. Incorporating the ILO’s recommendations, this rate will gradually increase to N$15 ($0.85) per hour in 2026. Furthremore, N$18 ($1.02) per hour in 2027. The new policy also addresses the gender pay gap. Women in Namibia make up 40% of the workforce but represent more than half of those earning below the minimum wage. This includes raising wages in female-dominated sectors and the ILO’s continued support in monitoring compliance.
Indonesia
Indonesia has faced ongoing challenges in enforcing the minimum wage, leading to other issues such as job insecurity and poverty. Hence, the nation launched the Better Work Indonesia initiative with the support of the ILO and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to improve compliance with regulations regarding wages and working conditions.
At the national level, the mission provides training to wage council members. It conducts assessments to understand the impact of wage structures. It has also helped develop more effective minimum wage monitoring systems for better compliance. At the workplace level, the initiative offers compliance advisory services, on-site training and independent assessments to ensure wage regulations are followed.
These efforts protect workers and put Indonesian industries in a more competitive position in the global market, where ethical labor practices are increasingly valued.
Vietnam
Vietnam has also made notable progress under the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda. During the first phase of the Decent Work Country Program, Vietnam reformed its labor code with the ILO’s support. It has increased the national minimum wage since then. However, this progress has slowed recently, as almost 12% of workers earn below the minimum wage.
In response, the Decent Work Country Program Vietnam 2022-26 was launched in cooperation between Vietnamese workers, employers, the government and the ILO. The program is now in its fourth phase. It focuses on social policies for strengthened rule of law, enhanced governance and responsive institutions. In particular, it aims to achieve a gender-responsive economic transformation for all workers to benefit from inclusive, high-quality social services.
Minimum wage in Vietnam is also regularly reviewed with the support of the ILO. For instance, the Setting Adequate Wages (SAW) project helps determine appropriate wage levels. It achieves this by conducting independent wage assessments, publishing wage reports and identifying relevant factors such as socioeconomic factors, inflation and family situations. Based on this information, wages are negotiated to establish a fair rate reflecting the real living cost.
Final Remarks
Namibia, Indonesia and Vietnam show how the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda can shape fair minimum wage policies. These policies help fight poverty and raise workers’ living standards. Today’s consumers increasingly demand ethical and sustainable industries. As a result, fair labor practices and minimum wage compliance are more important than ever. They boost global competitiveness and fuel long-term economic growth.
– Lucy Cho
Photo: Unsplash
Child Poverty in Slovenia: Child Guarantee National Action Plan
This ambitious plan focuses on reaching the most vulnerable children, including those from low-income, Roma, migrant and institutionalized backgrounds, through targeted interventions in education, nutrition, health care and social inclusion.
The Child Guarantee National Action Plan
Slovenia’s Child Guarantee National Action Plan was first introduced on April 26, 2023, as part of the broader European plan to secure equal opportunities for all children. The plan focuses on tackling poverty and exclusion among the country’s most vulnerable children.
Since its launch, the plan has shown measurable progress. The percentage of Slovenian children at risk of poverty and social exclusion dropped from 11% to 10.3%. This improvement is largely due to targeted funding from both the EU and the Slovenian government, directed toward early childhood education and care, health care, nutrition, housing and related services.
Each of these services has helped reduce the cycle of generational poverty and made social inclusion more accessible to the country’s youth.
Leading by Example
Slovenia’s approach stands out, not only for its results, but for the value that drives it. The country treats child poverty as a human rights issue rather than a simple economic challenge. This is evident due to Slovenia’s integration of public policy and country involvement.
Nonprofit organizations such as ZPM Ljubijana Moste-Polje have played a crucial role, partnering with government agencies to deliver aid directly to needy families. Supports include emergency housing, tutoring programs and family counseling, particularly for children affected by domestic instability and economic hardship.
Slovenia offers a reputable model for other countries to follow by combining state policy with local community involvement. It shows that real change is possible when children are seen not as statistics but as people.
Learning From Slovenia
Slovenia’s success shows that ending child poverty is not a dream. It’s a combination of policy decisions and wise investments. The country has built a support system that uplifts its youngest citizens through targeted acquisitions, cross-sector partnerships and long-term political planning.
Other countries, especially those still struggling with child poverty, can draw from Slovenia’s blueprint. For those countries to succeed, they need a long-term vision, community collaboration and policies that place the well-being of their children at the center of national development.
Slovenia reminds the world that progress is possible for the millions of children facing child poverty across the globe. The country shows that it all begins with the desire for other countries worldwide to protect their most vulnerable, the children.
– Jaden Hartfield
Photo: Flickr
Nonprofits Fighting Poverty in Rwanda and the Congo
Rwanda–Congo Conflict
Conflict between Rwanda and the Congo dates back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, where nearly 800,000, mostly Tutsi, people were killed by Hutu extremists. Lately, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, allegedly supported by the Congolese and the M23 rebels, whom Rwanda supports, according to United Nations (U.N.) investigators, have plagued the region with violence.
The violence has killed thousands of people in recent years and displaced millions of others to refugee camps that have little food, water or basic services. These camps leave displaced women and girls at risk of mass rape and in the hands of armed gangs; additionally, men and young boys fear being forcibly recruited by militant groups. In response to the devastation, nonprofit organizations provide relief for those in poverty in Rwanda.
The Congo: The Panzi Foundation
Founded in 1999 by Dr. Denis Mukwege, the Panzi Foundation provides healing and life-saving care to survivors of sexual violence in the Congo. After witnessing women suffering from inadequate maternal care at Lemera Hospital, he decided to specialize in gynecology and obstetrics. Later, when a woman came to him after being raped, he and his staff became specialists in sexual-violence treatment and gynecological trauma.
His foundation’s services include medical treatment for gynecological injuries, sexually transmitted infections and pregnancies that survivors suffer from. Additionally, since survivors also have post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, the foundation also provides psychological support such as psychotherapy, follow-up care and community awareness.
Armed groups in the Congo use sexual violence to instill terror in villages and impose economic and political control in the area. In 2023, the U.N. reported nearly 123,000 cases of gender-based violence in the Congo. As part of the Panzi Model, the foundation also provides holistic healing, socioeconomic support and legal services for survivors. This includes vocational training, loan programs, legal assistance and civil registration support. According to the foundation, it treated more than 87,000 survivors and performed above 25,000 gynecological surgeries in the past 25 years.
Poverty in Rwanda: CARE
Helping in Rwanda is CARE, an organization that directly combats poverty. CARE operates in 24 of Rwanda’s 30 districts, providing food, health care and emergency relief. While the organization supports many other countries, it has been active in Rwanda since 1984. During the genocide against the Tutsi people, CARE provided relief to hundreds of thousands of refugees from Uganda.
Afterwards, it provided immediate aid to millions through food, shelter, HIV prevention, improved water systems and more. CARE also claims to be one of the few NGOs leading efforts to advance justice for girls and women in Rwanda. In 2017, for instance, it launched a strategic program that identified impoverished women and girls as a central focus.
One way CARE has supported women in Rwanda is through education. In 2016, under CARE Rwanda’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment program, nearly 45,000 women and girls received literacy and numeracy training. Through initiatives like Safe School for Girls and Better Environment for Education, CARE has also worked to break down the barriers that limit women’s access to secondary and higher education.
Final Remarks
Though the results of the recent peace agreement are yet to be seen, many hope it can lead to more peace and prosperity in the region. Regardless, several nonprofit organizations, such as these, have worked for years to give survivors of the region’s conflict a chance at a better life.
– Seth Pintar
Photo: Flickr