Among the 29.7 million people who live in Nepal, 340,000 adolescents have made suicide attempts. Furthermore, in 2020, UNICEF reported that 470,000 teens had contemplated suicide. These figures position Nepal as having the second-highest youth suicide rate in South Asia, indicating a pressing crisis in youth mental health in Nepal that necessitates immediate intervention.
Background
The 2015 earthquake had a profound impact on Nepal, exposing children to severe psychological stress and long-term emotional strain. It added another layer of trauma to a nation already struggling with poverty and inadequate mental health care. Anxiety, grief and other forms of distress were among the many mental health challenges children faced in the aftermath.
A large-scale epidemiological study reported a prevalence of 19.1% for emotional and behavioral problems in children, indicating that it approximately affects one in every five children in Nepal.
The 2020 National Mental Health Survey indicated a 5.2% prevalence of diagnosable mental disorders among teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Nepal, with 2.8% attributed to neurotic and stress-related conditions.
Availability of Services
The pervasive stigma and insufficient comprehension of mental health are resulting in a high percentage of children and adolescents, particularly in remote locations, being unable to access essential care.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) unit at Kanti Children’s Hospital has remained Nepal’s only full-time outpatient clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry up until 2020.
As of 2022, Nepal had just three outpatient mental health facilities dedicated to children and adolescents, and no inpatient units in the public sector. Additionally, the country’s mental health workforce included approximately 144 psychiatrists, of whom only three specialized in child psychiatry.
When children needed hospitalization for psychiatric issues, they had to go to adult psychiatric facilities, which represents a breach of children’s rights and failed to meet international standards.
Collaborating for Change
In response to these pressing needs following the 2015 earthquake, UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, and Plan International initiated a collaborative initiative to enhance children and adolescents’ mental health.
Following the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, their efforts concentrated on establishing secure and uniform environments for children to initiate emotional recovery, UNICEF reports.
The initiative established child-friendly spaces, and trained 512 community members to facilitate children’s emotional expression through play, routine, and peer contact. Through receiving training in psychological first aid, 3,395 educators and 20,000 community members learned to identify signs of distress and provide basic support, according to UNICEF.
Youth activities had a goal for adolescents to restore confidence and foster connections, while instituting support programs to enhance caregivers’ capacity to care for their children under significant demand.
Jo Malone London and UNICEF
Jo Malone London, in partnership with UNICEF and the Government of Nepal, is undertaking initiatives to improve youth mental health in Nepal by teaching health professionals to better comprehend and treat the mental health requirements of adolescents. The objectives of these trainings are to identify mental health issues, offer counselling, and link patients with specialized care via tele-mental health services at Kanti Children’s Hospital in Kathmandu, UNICEF reports.
This partnership is a component of UNICEF’s overarching strategy to strengthen mental health systems in marginalized regions by addressing challenges such as stigma, awareness, and the scarcity of mental health professionals in rural areas. This ensures that children and adolescents receive the necessary care they need.
UNICEF–Z Zurich Initiative
UNICEF combined global best practices with locally adapted approaches to promote the mental health of Nepal’s adolescents and their caregivers through socio-emotional learning (SEL) tools, with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation. Karnali Province, one of the most disadvantaged regions in the nation, was the primary focus of this initiative. The resources, which include stress management techniques and feelings charts, aim to assist students in identifying their emotions and coping with challenges.
The impact of the UNICEF–Z Zurich Foundation helps students increase comfort in expressing their emotions and their growing willingness to seek help across Western Nepal.
Youth Mental Health in Nepal
The youth of Nepal are starting to articulate what was previously concealed. From classrooms in Karnali to clinics in Kathmandu, transformation is occurring via skilled health professionals, emotional learning resources, and programs founded on trust. The upcoming difficulty is scalability. With sustained dedication, these initial advancements can evolve into enduring advocacy for youth mental health in Nepal, ensuring no child is left unheard.
– Imge Tekniker
Imge is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Food Systems in Pakistan
Pakistan’s Agricultural Sector
Agriculture drives Pakistan’s economy with around 44% of the labor force and contributing nearly a quarter of the country’s GDP. Aside from this sector being vital for economic stability, 67% of rural households also rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, challenges arise within environmental and systematic divisions, including chemical fertilizer overuse, poor irrigation techniques and outdated farming methods that have led to soil degradation, salinity and waterlogging.
However, agricultural abundance does not automatically translate into national food security. As an example, Pakistan has produced bumper wheat crops in recent years, greater than 23 million tons in 2006 alone, yet millions still suffer from food insecurity due to poor distribution networks. The imbalance between production and access showcases a deep-rooted problem within the food system in Pakistan: a discrepancy between supply and sustainable delivery. Climate shocks, infrastructure gaps and a lack of investment in rural supply chains further exacerbate this disconnect. To ensure long-term food security, Pakistan must go beyond crop yields and focus on building a resilient and equitable food system. Addressing inefficiencies in the distribution of the food supply chain and ensuring that sustainable agricultural practices are supported from farms to households is not just a logistical challenge but a moral imperative.
Distribution of the Food Supply Chain
The distribution of food systems in Pakistan is facing challenges impacting farms and consumers. The causes of substantial post-harvest losses, from perishable fruits, vegetables and dairy are due to inadequate rural roads, lack of cold storage, unreliable transportation and market access barriers. About 30–40% of these goods never make it to the market, which threatens food availability, resulting in an annual economic loss of millions.
Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities. Investments in rural infrastructure and more localized supply chains may reduce spoilage and stabilize food prices; one major issue is the highly unequal distribution of land and water; only 37% of rural households own land, and most of those own fewer than five acres, which limits the ability of small farmers to benefit from agricultural growth. To address this, Pakistan has introduced programs aimed at improving rural infrastructure, such as expanding rural road networks and electrification projects, which may help reduce transport costs and increase access to markets. However, many rural enterprises still face frequent power outages and limited credit access, hindering productivity. Policies that invest in human capital and support both farm and non-farm rural sectors to build a more inclusive and resilient food system in Pakistan must complement these efforts.
Upgrading Infrastructure for Sustainable Food Systems
Action Against Hunger, for example, is a non-government organization that began working in Pakistan in 2005 to combat hunger and malnutrition, especially in vulnerable rural areas. The organization focuses on improving food security by supporting home gardens, promoting climate-resilient agriculture and distributing livestock and fish to boost access to nutritious food. In the Sindh province, where child malnutrition is highest, it has helped more than 314,000 people in the past year through programs like Farmer Field Schools and vertical gardening. Its efforts have led to more diverse diets, increased crop yields and promoted better nutrition for families across 10 districts.
– Hibah Iqbal
Photo: Unsplash
Poverty and Unemployment in The Philippines
Within the Philippines, there are wage/salaried workers in private companies or the army. There are the self-employed/family businesses, retail stores or drivers with low-paid employees. Then there are farming towns and family members who technically do not have jobs but still receive allowances.
Workplace Quality
While hospitality and food service jobs are on an employment rise of 377,000, careers in administration and agriculture have largely decreased by almost a million. In STEM, they’ve had a shorter decrease of -68,000. These facts are distressing because they reflect the lack of skill or education that the people of the Philippines have access to or have completed, which directly reflects the unemployment and poverty in the Philippines.
The reasoning behind these statistics could be the unmanageable population rate, or it could be the lack of sufficient education. Asian Development Bank (ADB) lists that the major factors of poverty in this nation revolve around weak employment generation, increasing populations, recurring trauma of natural disasters, income inequalities, etc.
ADB research found that poverty is directly related to the accessibility of education. Families with many children tend to be the first affected by poverty and unemployment in the Philippines. It also found that the government still has a hand in the reason why chronic poverty levels have not improved, with little action on poverty reduction programs.
“Self-Rated” Poverty and The Employment Gap
In his recent article, entrepreneur and President of the National Economic Protectionism Association (NEPA) Brian James Lu explores the highest rates of what he calls “self-rated” poverty. Theoretically, the job market holds plenty of opportunities, but the people qualified for these roles are few. This is where the employment gap and issues of poverty intersect. Last December, SWS reported that 63% of Filipinos claimed themselves as unemployed.
“The characteristic of Philippine employment is that while more Filipinos are technically employed, many are underemployed, working jobs that offer meagre wages, lack security, or provide limited hours,” according to Lu.
There is an average of 20 typhoons annually, with limited financial success, especially with families who are involved in agriculture, and only 5% of lower-income households use health services. The findings break down the gap between primary and secondary education with a difference of 96% over 73%. In turn, Filipinos who live in poverty face discrimination when applying for jobs.
A New Future
A 2024 Labour Force survey found that almost 50 million people have a job in the Philippines, lowering unemployment rates by 13.9%. Jobs providing a stable life for most include jobs in services and agriculture. Their Department of Finance have taken measures by creating a program dubbed Growth-Enhancing Actions and Resolutions (GEARS) that has aided their economy and, in turn, has invested in more valuable employment options for all citizens.
Another recent initiative, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, has brought in further investments to the country. A notable mention includes President Bongbong Marco’s Build Better More program focusing on employment prosperity.
Active Solutions
Skill development programs like the Philippines Skill Framework (PSF) focuses on quality education and organizations such as The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have provided training programs, especially in STEM/Medical careers and “Trabaho Para sa Bayan” (TPB) planning on the technology field have started to make a positive impact on the livelihood of many Filipino families. The need for “multi-skilled” individuals is a desired outcome for rising market demand.
– Melody Aminian
Photo: Flickr
Reducing Poverty in Georgia
Georgia’s Accomplishments
Based on the international poverty line standard, Georgia has reduced poverty by 15% since 2000, dropping from around 20% to just 5%. Over the same period, the country has also reduced inequality by 5%, as measured by the Gini index. These achievements are particularly impressive given Georgia’s diverse population, which includes several ethnic groups.
Georgia has reached these milestones through reforms across several sectors, contributing to poverty. One of its key approaches is combating political corruption through the use of technology. Georgia has implemented Blockchain technology, which securely processes transactions, identities and other sensitive information, acting as a registry system, and its performance has received positive feedback.
This registry combats corruption by replacing the old system, where politicians often accepted bribes to expedite document processing. The new system ensures that processing fees are redirected back to the registry, preventing funds meant for the government and its people from being misused. Proof of trust in Georgia’s anti-corruption reforms is evident in a 2004 national survey. Initially, 97% of respondents considered the Civil Registry the most corrupt agency in the country. However, within just two years, the same percentage of respondents agreed that the agency was free of corruption.
Georgia’s Education Reforms
Georgia is also reforming its education system to address inefficiencies, a lack of resources and outdated methods. The country is modernizing its education system by adopting the European education model and increasing funding. The reformed system aims to provide students with knowledge of technological innovation, independence, civic responsibility and more. Georgia is improving its curriculum and implementing evidence-based policymaking. To support these changes, the government is increasing state education funding to 6% of the GDP, ensuring more resources are available for students and educators alike.
Reducing Poverty in Georgia
Over the past few decades, Georgia has made remarkable progress in reforming areas critical to poverty reduction. What sets this country apart is its innovative approach to addressing poverty. While traditional social programs are often the primary tools for poverty alleviation, Georgia has demonstrated that modern techniques can also be highly effective.
By assessing its unique challenges and acting accordingly, Georgia has proven that there are alternative methods to address poverty beyond conventional social program investments. Its 2004 national survey also shows that Georgia made the right decision by listening to its people and addressing political corruption.
– Nicholas East
Photo: Flickr
5 Charities Operating in Tanzania
5 Charities Operating in Tanzania
Looking Ahead
Tanzania continues to make progress in reducing poverty, due to the efforts of local and international charitable organizations. These five charities exemplify how targeted interventions in health, education, environmental sustainability and child protection can transform communities. Indeed, as the nation pushes toward sustainable development, the work of these charities operating in Tanzania offers a roadmap for continued growth, resilience and hope.
– Janae Bayford
Photo: Flickr
Boca de Rua Empowers Homeless Individuals Through Journalism
About the Newspaper
Founded in 2000 by journalists Rosina Duarte and Cristina Pozzobon, Boca de Rua—which translates to “Word on the Street”—operates as a quarterly publication where contributors attend weekly editorial meetings and determine the paper’s content. Vendors sell each issue for R$3 (around $0.53) and keep the proceeds.
According to Global Voices, about 50 people contribute to each edition. Topics range from street abuse to positive community stories, with recent issues covering tragedies like a fire at a state-run homeless shelter and flood impacts on the city. More than a source of income, the paper builds confidence and public presence for its contributors. Since its founding, Boca de Rua has supported more than 400 individuals through this model of participatory journalism.
Addressing Homelessness in Brazil
Homelessness remains a significant issue in Brazil. According to Development and Cooperation, the population of unhoused individuals grew by 38% between 2019 and 2023, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2022, more than 281,800 people were registered as homeless in Brazil and economic insecurity remains the leading cause. In response, the Brazilian government relaunched the Minha Casa Minha Vida (“My House My Life”) program. Initially implemented in 2009, the initiative offers housing subsidies to low-income families, particularly those earning under $400 per month, according to The Rio Times.
Stories of Ambition and Impact
Elisângela Escalante, a contributor for six years, shared with Global Voices how the paper helped her transition off the streets and into a home. Previously dependent on her partner financially, Escalante was able to regain independence through earnings from the newspaper. “Through it [Boca de Rua] I got a lot of things and I helped a lot of people too,” she said.
A memorable edition that she worked on featured the cover story “Why Can’t We Be Mothers?”—a piece that explored the challenges of motherhood while experiencing homelessness. During production, some participants even reconnected with their children, underscoring the paper’s emotional and social reach.
Another contributor, Michael Vasconcelos, told The Guardian that he became homeless after a family fallout. He later joined Boca de Rua, where he describes himself as a “paperboy and journalist.” “Now, I steal people’s attention and deal in information,” Vasconcelos said.
Media Representation and Inclusion
Community-led media initiatives like Boca de Rua play a crucial role in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering media diversity. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), empowering Indigenous voices in the media is essential for fostering pluralism and diversity, which are vital elements of a vibrant society.
Despite this progress, gaps remain. As of 2025, UNESCO reported that:
By offering contributors a direct platform, Boca de Rua helps counter these inequities and drives awareness through lived experience.
Looking Ahead
As Boca de Rua continues to grow, its impact reaches far beyond housing. Co-founder Rosina Duarte emphasizes that the paper’s core mission is to provide income and reduce the harm caused by silence and isolation. The organization aims to deepen its role as a platform for dignity, self-expression and community-driven change.
Contributor Michelle Marques dos Santos, who joined as a teenager living on the streets, is now preparing to publish a book about her life—an opportunity she attributes to the confidence and visibility gained through the newspaper. Now expecting her seventh child—the first she will be able to raise herself—Santos’s story reflects the transformative potential of community-led media initiatives. As Boca de Rua continues its work, it holds promise not only for current contributors but also for future generations seeking visibility and purpose.
– Clarissa Dean
Photo: Flickr
Youth Mental Health in Nepal: A Collaborative Push for Support
Background
The 2015 earthquake had a profound impact on Nepal, exposing children to severe psychological stress and long-term emotional strain. It added another layer of trauma to a nation already struggling with poverty and inadequate mental health care. Anxiety, grief and other forms of distress were among the many mental health challenges children faced in the aftermath.
A large-scale epidemiological study reported a prevalence of 19.1% for emotional and behavioral problems in children, indicating that it approximately affects one in every five children in Nepal.
The 2020 National Mental Health Survey indicated a 5.2% prevalence of diagnosable mental disorders among teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Nepal, with 2.8% attributed to neurotic and stress-related conditions.
Availability of Services
The pervasive stigma and insufficient comprehension of mental health are resulting in a high percentage of children and adolescents, particularly in remote locations, being unable to access essential care.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) unit at Kanti Children’s Hospital has remained Nepal’s only full-time outpatient clinic for child and adolescent psychiatry up until 2020.
As of 2022, Nepal had just three outpatient mental health facilities dedicated to children and adolescents, and no inpatient units in the public sector. Additionally, the country’s mental health workforce included approximately 144 psychiatrists, of whom only three specialized in child psychiatry.
When children needed hospitalization for psychiatric issues, they had to go to adult psychiatric facilities, which represents a breach of children’s rights and failed to meet international standards.
Collaborating for Change
In response to these pressing needs following the 2015 earthquake, UNICEF, Save the Children, World Vision, and Plan International initiated a collaborative initiative to enhance children and adolescents’ mental health.
Following the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, their efforts concentrated on establishing secure and uniform environments for children to initiate emotional recovery, UNICEF reports.
The initiative established child-friendly spaces, and trained 512 community members to facilitate children’s emotional expression through play, routine, and peer contact. Through receiving training in psychological first aid, 3,395 educators and 20,000 community members learned to identify signs of distress and provide basic support, according to UNICEF.
Youth activities had a goal for adolescents to restore confidence and foster connections, while instituting support programs to enhance caregivers’ capacity to care for their children under significant demand.
Jo Malone London and UNICEF
Jo Malone London, in partnership with UNICEF and the Government of Nepal, is undertaking initiatives to improve youth mental health in Nepal by teaching health professionals to better comprehend and treat the mental health requirements of adolescents. The objectives of these trainings are to identify mental health issues, offer counselling, and link patients with specialized care via tele-mental health services at Kanti Children’s Hospital in Kathmandu, UNICEF reports.
This partnership is a component of UNICEF’s overarching strategy to strengthen mental health systems in marginalized regions by addressing challenges such as stigma, awareness, and the scarcity of mental health professionals in rural areas. This ensures that children and adolescents receive the necessary care they need.
UNICEF–Z Zurich Initiative
UNICEF combined global best practices with locally adapted approaches to promote the mental health of Nepal’s adolescents and their caregivers through socio-emotional learning (SEL) tools, with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation. Karnali Province, one of the most disadvantaged regions in the nation, was the primary focus of this initiative. The resources, which include stress management techniques and feelings charts, aim to assist students in identifying their emotions and coping with challenges.
The impact of the UNICEF–Z Zurich Foundation helps students increase comfort in expressing their emotions and their growing willingness to seek help across Western Nepal.
Youth Mental Health in Nepal
The youth of Nepal are starting to articulate what was previously concealed. From classrooms in Karnali to clinics in Kathmandu, transformation is occurring via skilled health professionals, emotional learning resources, and programs founded on trust. The upcoming difficulty is scalability. With sustained dedication, these initial advancements can evolve into enduring advocacy for youth mental health in Nepal, ensuring no child is left unheard.
– Imge Tekniker
Photo: Flickr
Advancing Gender Equality in Ecuador Under SDG 5
Legal Reforms Supporting Gender Equality in Ecuador
In 2023, Ecuador passed two major laws aimed at increasing women’s economic participation:
These reforms address long-standing barriers to women’s participation in the labor market in Ecuador, where approximately 552,284 women were engaged in unpaid labor as of Oct. 2024. Women aged 15 and older spend nearly 19.2% of their day on care work and domestic tasks (four times more than men). These laws seek to dismantle structural barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the labor market.
U.N. Women have supported gender-sensitive workplace practices in Ecuador through technical assistance and funding for programs that promote equality. Notably, U.N. Women have advocated for the implementation of the Violet Law which mandates that companies with 50 or more employees must develop an equality plan registered before the Ministry of labor. These efforts align with broader feminist frameworks like the ‘Purple Economy’ which advocates for a caring and gender-equal economic model.
Women’s Participation in Politics
Legislative change has also led to historic gains in political representation. For instance, in 2023, women held 43.1% of seats in Ecuador’s National Assembly. Meanwhile, the cabinet of President Daniel Noboa included 47% women, the highest in Ecuador’s history.
Gender parity reforms in the electoral code have largely driven these advances in gender equality as they require political parties to progressively increase the percentage of women heading candidate lists.
Persistent Gender Gaps in Employment and Pay
Despite legal reforms, gender disparities remain prominent in Ecuador’s labor market. For instance, in 2023 female labor force participation was 53% for women compared to 76% for men. According to the UNDP, women-led households are more likely to live in poverty due to fewer job opportunities, lower wages and care responsibilities. For instance, 38.1% of the population lived in multidimensional poverty in 2022. In rural areas, that number stood at 70%. These figures highlight how continued efforts are needed to create inclusive economic opportunities for women.
The Urgent Issue of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is another significant challenge to achieving SDG 5 for Ecuador. According to Encuesta de Violencia Contra las Mujeres, 65% of women in Ecuador have experienced some form of violence in their life. The government has responded by reinforcing the 2018 Law to prevent and eradicate violence against women and amended the penal code to criminalize femicide and gender discrimination.
For women subject to gender-based violence, a lack of financial resources often makes it harder to escape abusive environments, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. A lack of access to support forces many women to remain in unsafe situations. Governments and organizations must target investment in economic and legal support to break this cycle.
Collaborative Efforts to Advance SDG 5 in Ecuador
However, organizations like Fundación María Guare aid turning policy into practical support. Since its establishment in 1990, the organization has provided legal aid, counseling and shelter to more than 232 women escaping violence. These programs help vulnerable women access their rights and rebuild their lives.
Ecuador’s pursuit of gender equality reflects a culmination of policy progress and persistent social challenges. New laws, rising female leadership and grassroots programs demonstrate that change is mobilizing. However, further action is required to close gender labor gaps and end violence. Collaboration between government, international partners and local organizations will be crucial for achieving SDG 5 and ensuring lasting, inclusive development.
– Rebecca Lee
Photo: Unsplash
Tyla Supports South African Women’s Education Through Charity
Barriers to Women’s Education
Women in South Africa often face gender-based obstacles in pursuing education and professional advancement. Cultural expectations and unequal domestic responsibilities limit their ability to attain higher education. Although the South African Constitution prohibits discrimination, persistent stereotypes suggest men are better suited for leadership roles. A study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic at a University of Technology in the Free State Province revealed the structural barriers women face in higher education. Female staff reported challenges including harassment, stereotyping, maternity leave concerns and doubts about their qualifications. These findings highlight the need for gender-responsive reforms to promote economic and social development through inclusive education.
Tyla’s ‘Bliss Smoothie’ Initiative
In April 2025, Tyla partnered with U.S.-based health food store Erewhon to launch the “Bliss Smoothie.” Proceeds from smoothie sales support 18twenty8, a South African nonprofit focused on women’s education and personal development. Tyla selected 18twenty8 because of its long-standing mission to empower women through education, recognizing that access to schooling plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty. The organization received renewed attention following the donation, which founder Refiloe Seseane called “a motivator to continue the work that [they] have been doing.”
18twenty8’s Impact
Since registering in 2011, 18twenty8 has supported women ages 18 to 28 through life skills workshops, financial assistance, leadership camps and peer mentorship. The organization aims to build women’s confidence and equip them with tools for success. Graduates featured on the organization’s website have shared stories of how tuition assistance and mentorship enabled them to pursue their degrees and long-term goals. Tyla’s contribution may help more women access higher education and challenge the cultural norms that have historically limited their potential.
Expanding Opportunities Through the ‘Big Sister Network’
In addition to its core programs, 18twenty8 operates the Big Sister Network, a mentorship initiative that pairs young women with professional female mentors. This program provides guidance, career exposure and support, addressing the lack of positive female role models and academic mentors in many communities. Through these relationships, participants gain insights into various career paths and develop the confidence to pursue their goals. The ‘Big Sister Network’ exemplifies 18twenty8’s commitment to holistic empowerment, fostering a supportive environment where young women can thrive.
Looking Ahead
As Tyla continues to expand her influence, initiatives like the Bliss Smoothie partnership aim to open new avenues for global engagement in gender-focused development. Sustained support for organizations like 18twenty8 could strengthen the pipeline of South African women’s education and skilled professions in South Africa. Future collaborations with public institutions and the private sector could also help scale impact through scholarships, digital learning tools and mentorship infrastructure. According to UNESCO, each additional year of secondary education for a girl can increase her future earnings by up to 20%, highlighting the long-term benefits of educational access. By investing in women’s development early, communities may see improved health, reduced poverty and higher levels of civic participation.
– Sarina Francis
Photo: Flickr
Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Saint Lucia
Gender Wage Gap in Saint Lucia
The gender wage gap in Saint Lucia reflects broader inequalities within the job market. Women make up 62.9% of the labor force, significantly trailing men at 75.6%. This disparity does not result from a lack of motivation or capability, but is largely due to the weight of unpaid domestic work carried by women. These societal expectations limit women’s full participation in the workforce, reducing their economic independence and contributing to poverty.
Also, the insufficient accommodations and resources available to support mothers balancing family responsibilities play a significant role in the high poverty rates among women in Saint Lucia. Because women frequently occupy lower-paying jobs, they have less access to the social protections that often receive funding from insurance and social security contributions, which puts them at a further disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.
Power of Education
According to UN Women, women in Saint Lucia earn approximately 10% less than men. However, data from the Saint Lucia Central Statistical Office shows that higher levels of education correlate with a smaller wage gap. This demonstrates the importance of access to quality education in empowering women and enhancing their earning potential. Investments in education are key to addressing the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia and alleviating poverty.
However, Saint Lucia has made meaningful strides in empowering women and promoting educational opportunities that play a crucial role in advancing gender equity among the workplace. Ongoing commitment to these initiatives remains important for further closing the income divide and building a society that thrives on principles of equality and fairness.
Time for Change
One promising initiative tackling the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia is the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project, launched by the World Bank. This clean energy initiative prioritizes gender inclusion by awarding scholarships to women in engineering fields. Since its start in July 2022, the program has awarded 17 scholarships to women pursuing degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, fields historically dominated by men. This program offers a path for women to access higher-paying, high-demand jobs in the STEM field, thereby helping reduce the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia.
Recently in Saint Lucia, young ladies gathered with female leaders to discuss women’s empowerment and networking. The Department of Gender Affairs organized the event in partnership with the UN Women Multi-Country Office through the Build Back Equal Programme. The stories that these leaders shared inspired the girls, showing them that individuals like themselves can thrive despite facing institutional barriers. This event marked the beginning of more opportunities for young women to gain knowledge and feel empowered in their professional journeys.
The milestones achieved through initiatives like the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project and the Build Back Equal Programme are very meaningful. By actively creating spaces for women to enter and thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields, these programs help close the gender pay gap and also lay the groundwork for stronger economic development across Saint Lucia.
Looking Ahead
Despite the country’s small population of under 180,000, Saint Lucia is making bold strides toward gender equity. Such progress deserves greater recognition. Highlighting these efforts brings much-needed attention to the power of investing in women. When women gain access to quality education, professional mentorship and high-paying careers, the benefits extend outward; strengthening families, communities and the nation as a whole. Empowering women is not only a matter of fairness; it is a bridge for a more resilient society.
– Knia Parks
Photo: Flickr
TB in the Philippines: A Persistent Public Health Crisis
The Burden in the Philippines
The Philippines has one of the highest TB incidence rates in Southeast Asia. In 2023, approximately 37,000 people in the country died from TB out of the 739,000 who were diagnosed. This places the national incidence rate more than six times the regional average. The WHO classifies the Philippines as a “high burden” country for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and TB/HIV co-infection. Despite recent economic growth, the Philippines remains classified as a lower-middle-income country by the World Bank, with a poverty rate of 15.5% in 2023. TB-related mortality and infection remain elevated, particularly in urban slums, prisons and overcrowded housing environments that allow the bacteria to spread quickly through close human contact.
Link Between Poverty and Infection
TB transmission in the Philippines is not strongly correlated with national wealth, as countries with smaller economies like Cambodia and Laos report fewer cases. Instead, population density, limited health infrastructure and barriers to treatment access help explain the high infection rate. Many patients cannot afford to miss work to complete the full six-month treatment regimen. A 2016–2017 national survey found that 42.4% of TB-affected households spent more than 20% of their annual income on treatment. TB is preventable and curable, but treatment gaps continue to affect the poorest populations most. Patients who cannot access affordable health care risk worsening infections and higher transmission rates. The burden is particularly severe for those with MDR-TB, which requires longer, more expensive treatment courses. TB/HIV co-infection further complicates recovery, especially in vulnerable communities.
Addressing Social Determinants
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “TB is the definitive disease of deprivation.” In this context, tackling TB in the Philippines means improving access to nutrition, housing, education and affordable health care—factors that directly influence disease outcomes.
The Filipino government provides public TB treatment programs, but implementation remains challenging. Many affected individuals cannot afford to complete treatment. In 2024, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) committed $10 million to TB testing and prevention efforts in the Philippines. NGOs like the Global Fund and Doctors Without Borders continue to support screening, awareness and treatment in high-risk communities.
Drug Resistance and the Need for Global Action
Treatment success rates in the Philippines remain below 60%, largely due to the rising prevalence of drug-resistant TB. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, emerging TB strains that resist standard antibiotics threaten to undo decades of progress in global TB control. Without sustained investment, the spread of MDR-TB could escalate, placing additional pressure on health care systems.
Looking Ahead
Addressing tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines necessitates a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes early detection, affordable treatment and community-based care. Enhancing surveillance systems, deploying mobile clinics and integrating TB programs into primary health care networks could improve treatment adherence. Expanding support for individuals living in poverty is also crucial.
According to the World Bank, the treatment success rate for new and relapse TB cases in the Philippines was 78% in 2022, which is below the global average of 88% reported by the World Health Organization. This underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve treatment outcomes.
International partnerships, combined with sustained political commitment, offer an opportunity to reduce TB-related deaths and transmission in the Philippines. While challenges remain, comprehensive efforts focused on health care and poverty reduction could improve outcomes for thousands of Filipinos each year.
– Maxwell Marcello
Photo: Flickr