Since the outbreak of war in 2011, millions of Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, creating one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent history. Natalie, a Syrian refugee in Lebanon and shared her challenges in an interview with The Borgen Project. She mentioned the support received from organizations like the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the current circumstances of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
The Impact of the Crisis
The Syrian refugee crisis was born out of the devastating war that ravaged the country. Lebanon, as a neighboring country, became a significant host country for Syrian refugees, including Natalie, as they sought safety and stability away from the conflict.
Natalie’s story provides a glimpse into the human side of the crisis, highlighting the strength and determination of Syrian refugees.
Arrival in Lebanon
Natalie embarked on a challenging journey that brought her to Lebanon, where she encountered various challenges. The devastating war inflicted widespread destruction, resulting in the displacement of families, the disruption of lives and a strain on resources. Like countless others, Natalie had to start anew, rebuilding her life from the ground up.
During the interview, Natalie shed light on the invaluable support she and her family received from the UNHCR. She expressed deep gratitude for the neighboring country, highlighting Lebanon’s generosity in opening its borders to all Syrian refugees.
Before Natalie sought refuge in Lebanon, she lived in Homs, a city bordering the northern town of Tripoli in Lebanon. This proximity enabled her to manage her escape somewhat more easily when the civil war escalated. She made the decision to leave Syria on June 29, 2012.
Undoubtedly, leaving behind friends and family in Syria was a difficult experience for Natalie. However, she found solace in the fact that Lebanon shares a border with her hometown, allowing certain family members to visit occasionally. Unfortunately, her friends have dispersed across various parts of the world in search of refuge, resulting in limited opportunities for them to reunite.
UNHCR’s Support
Amid the crisis, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) played a vital role in coordinating the protection response for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. UNHCR provided assistance in various forms, including health care, shelter, education and addressing gender-based violence.
Upon their arrival in Lebanon, the UNHCR provided Natalie and her family with essential provisions. Before leaving Syria, her family had fallen into a state of extreme poverty, with nothing left but her mother’s gold jewelry, which proved inadequate for their survival.
Natalie expresses her gratitude for her fortunate circumstances. Her uncle, who worked as a professor at Kuwait University, sent them financial assistance to cover rent, food and basic necessities.
Natalie regarded herself as comparatively more fortunate than many other Syrian refugees due to her Lebanese heritage from her mother’s side. This meant she had a place to stay and her uncle continued to support her family until they regained stability. Furthermore, her father, a successful dentist in Syria, successfully secured a position at a dental clinic in Lebanon. It took the family approximately five months to regain their financial footing.
Notably, Natalie’s resilience and determination led her to accomplish remarkable achievements. She pursued and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the Lebanese International University.
The Current Reality
Unfortunately, the situation for Syrian refugees in Lebanon has become increasingly difficult. Reports indicate rising incidents of deportation and harassment, casting a shadow of fear and insecurity over the Syrian community residing in Lebanon.
Natalie explained that while the ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon has significantly exacerbated the challenges faced by Syrian refugees, her family did not experience an exceptional amount of suffering. Her family encountered similar experiences to those of a typical Lebanese household. They lost their savings and, like many others, are now facing financial constraints due to hyperinflation.
The latest figures provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlight that Lebanon currently grapples with a complex and challenging situation concerning Syrian refugees. The country faces an overwhelming number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, with a staggering 3.9 million individuals requiring support. Among these, 2.1 million are Lebanese citizens, 1.5 million are Syrian refugees, 211,000 are Palestinian refugees and 81,000 are migrants.
The Economic Impact
The influx of Syrian refugees has strained Lebanon’s already limited resources and infrastructure, worsening existing socioeconomic issues. It has created an increased demand for public services such as health care, education and housing. Consequently, both the Lebanese population and Syrian refugees have experienced rising poverty rates, contributing to the challenging circumstances faced by these communities.
The economic repercussions of hosting a substantial refugee population have also affected employment opportunities, leading to higher unemployment rates for both the local population and refugees. Job scarcity has resulted in wage depression and exploitation in some instances, further compounding the difficulties experienced by both communities.
The strain on resources and the socio-economic situation have heightened tensions between host communities and the refugee population, posing challenges to social cohesion and integration.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the European Union (EU) has stepped forward to provide substantial funding for Lebanon’s support. In 2023 alone, the EU allocated €60 million in humanitarian aid. Since 2011, the EU has contributed a total of €2.7 billion, with nearly €860 million specifically designated for humanitarian aid. The primary objective of this generous support is to alleviate the burden on Lebanon and ensure the provision of essential services and assistance to both the local population and refugee communities.
Looking Ahead
Natalie’s story provides a glimpse into the lives of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, accentuating their struggles and resilience in the face of adversity. As the Syrian refugee crisis persists, sharing such stories can potentially nurture empathy and understanding, fostering greater support and compassion for those impacted by the crisis. Addressing the needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon remains an urgent concern, demanding continuous attention and collaboration from both national and international stakeholders.
– Tanya Hamad
Photo: Flickr
Social Protection in Vietnam
Social Protection in Vietnam
While Vietnam is a middle/upper middle-income country undergoing rapid socioeconomic development, social protection programs are still crucial to tackling relative poverty, social exclusion and increasing inequality. According to a 2019 World Bank report, the three main priorities of social protection are social insurance, social and welfare assistance and labor market programs.
Social protection aims to provide a safety net for individuals and households, protecting them from various risks and vulnerabilities. By addressing issues related to education, employment, health care, social welfare and poverty reduction, social protection in Vietnam seeks to enhance public well-being and quality of life and promote social cohesion within societies.
Successes and Achievements
Reports from the United Nations (U.N.) and the World Bank note rising access to social protection in Vietnam, such as education, health care, housing for the poor and disadvantaged, safe water, improved infrastructure, emergency relief, education and more.
The following are some of Vietnam’s developments in social protection:
At the beginning of 2022, The Vietnamese Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) began constructing a climate governance system, highlighting the country’s commitment to addressing climate change. The focus on streamlined policies, budgeting processes and climate finance planning demonstrates a proactive approach to achieving climate goals. The recognition of international support, including expertise, technology transfer and climate finance, showcases Vietnam’s determination to accelerate its green transition and ensure the sustainability of social protection in Vietnam.
Barriers and Challenges
Vietnam faces challenges due to the independent design and implementation of social protection and social insurance systems, resulting in coverage gaps, fragmentation and insufficient benefits. Consequently, Vietnam’s current social protection system fails to adequately protect children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Many medical facilities in Vietnam operate under poor-resourced conditions: outdated facilities, chronic overcrowding and inadequate medical equipment. Furthermore, a shortage of qualified medical staff adds to the challenges, with doctors and nurses working under stressful conditions and receiving relatively low wages. Therefore, despite high health care insurance coverage in Vietnam, the quality of care remains inadequate and insufficient, particularly for impoverished, vulnerable groups.
As stated in a 2016 Vietnamese Government and UNDP report, the social assistance transfer system offered limited coverage and minimal impact on poverty reduction. Social assistance transfers are government programs or initiatives to support individuals in extreme impoverishment through cash transfers, food assistance, housing subsidies, education grants, health care subsidies and more. Compared to other middle-income countries, the value of social transfers in Vietnam is minimal, undermining their potential impact on family well-being and economic growth. Delivery systems of social protection are undeveloped, with limited use of technology for implementation. The provision of social care services is inadequate, with a shortage of professional social workers and insufficient support for vulnerable individuals.
Improvements to Social Protection in Vietnam
Although Vietnam has made tremendous progress in social protection, challenges remain. There appears to be a need for the country to make additional efforts that aim to strengthen coordination among programs, expand coverage and benefits for vulnerable groups, improve health care infrastructure and education, enhance the capacity of social workers and health care professionals and mobilize resources and international support. Implementing these measures could reinforce Vietnam’s social protection system and ensure the well-being and inclusion of all its citizens.
– Freya Ngo
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Poverty in the Bahamas
Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in The Bahamas
As of 2021, 17.2% of Bahamians struggle with “moderate to severe food insecurity.” Their plight with food insecurity largely stems from the country’s heavy reliance on food imports, due to unpredictable climate conditions such as droughts and hurricanes that present challenges to agricultural success.
Only 10% of the food that people consume in The Bahamas is produced domestically, leaving the food supply vulnerable to international factors outside of the country’s immediate control. The structure of The Bahama’s food system often leads to inconsistent availability, prices and distribution of nutrient-dense foods, with residents of remote areas more susceptible to these shortages.
Globalization and the “growth of multinational food companies” have also made cheap, processed food much more accessible to Bahamians across all regions. This disproportionately high access to non-nutritious foods has resulted in mounting obesity and malnutrition, with the Caribbean region having the highest prevalence of overweight individuals in the world. Currently, 41% of Bahamian adults and 19% of Bahamian children are obese.
Housing Crisis in The Bahamas
As a country made up of islands, The Bahamas faces increased threats of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tropical storms. Not only do these natural disasters wreak havoc on the country’s food supply, but they are capable of destroying Bahamians’ homes and businesses. In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck The Bahamas, a category 5 storm that demolished the homes of around 70,000 people, leaving approximately 17% of the Bahamian population without housing.
According to the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the overall cost of damages to Bahamian housing infrastructure totaled approximately $1.5 billion. In the hardest hit areas of the country, communities were left in complete rubble, with people seeking refuge at highly overcrowded shelters, or “in [any] houses that [were] still standing.” Rebuilding efforts were challenged with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic just months later, and there remains a considerable amount of rebuilding.
Unemployment in The Bahamas
Maintaining a labor market predominately reliant on tourism comes with its ups and downs. Global events that halt tourism such as natural disasters and pandemics take a massive toll on the stability of the Bahamian workforce, as this specific field accounts for approximately 60% of the country’s total GDP. Since the early 1990s, unemployment rates in The Bahamas have been unstable, with more recent rises and drops happening in correspondence to events such as Hurricane Dorian and the outbreak of COVID-19.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, The Bahamas experienced an “economic contraction” of 12.5% throughout 2020, with 13% of the Bahamian labor force claiming unemployment by May 2020. Additionally, the number of households earning below the minimum wage more than doubled between January and April 2020. With the post-COVID rebound of tourism, the current unemployment rate in The Bahamas sits at about 8.8%. However for Bahamians under the age of 25, the current unemployment rate is a startling 18.7%.
Government Actions
In January 2023, the Bahamian government announced the creation of a new National Food Policy. The Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs will oversee the National Food Policy, which aims to increase food security by strengthening Bahamian agriculture. This policy will work toward “[driving] domestic investment” in agriculture by aiding and incentivizing Bahamian farmers, with the goal of establishing a sizable internal food system and making the country less reliant on food exports.
Additionally, The Bahamas has taken steps to ensure the sustainability of its growing food market by attending the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit, making the commitment to align its agricultural goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Small Home Repair Program
In the face of the massive displacement of Bahamians at the hands of Hurricane Dorian, the Bahamian government has made “significant payouts” directly to affected individuals, amounting to more than $1 million. In order to mitigate the catastrophic damage done to thousands of homes, the Bahamian government enacted the Small Home Repair Program through its Disaster Reconstruction Authority.
As of 2020, this program has allocated approximately $3.3 million to repair homes and businesses and has assisted approximately 2,000 individuals. This program has also funded further debris removal done by Bahamian contractors. Aside from assistance from the government, humanitarian organizations such as All Hands and Hearts have been working since 2019 to provide disaster relief and reconstruct homes lost in the storm. As of November 2022, All Hands and Hearts has assisted 67 households and has had more than 700 volunteers.
The Skills for Current and Future Jobs in The Bahamas Program
While it appears that tourism may remain the predominant part of the Bahamian economy, the government of The Bahamas is working to create a labor force adaptable to other emerging markets and technologies. The Skills for Current and Future Jobs in The Bahamas Program introduced in 2019 specifically targets the most unemployed demographic, people aged 16 to 40, and teaches people essential skills that are vital to The Bahamas’ growing labor markets.
Through a 12-month apprenticeship, participants receive hands-on experience in maritime, medical and allied services and information communication technology sectors, transforming them into ideal candidates for modern Bahamian employers. The Bahamian government is also aiming to improve The Department of Labour’s internal technologies and infrastructures in order to match job-seekers to potential employers better. As this program is very young, it could take several more years for The Bahamas to record measurable results.
A Hopeful Outlook
In addition to poverty in The Bahamas, the country also struggles with food insecurity, homelessness and unstable employment, particularly in the midst of recent pandemics and natural disasters. While there is no quick fix, the Bahamian government, U.N. and humanitarian aid organizations such as All Hands and Hearts are committed to reducing poverty in the Bahamas and keeping the country on track toward a sustainable future.
– Reagan McDaniel
Photo: Flickr
How Singapore Is Eliminating Poverty
Singapore’s History
The “little red dot” has always been an entrepôt for different cultures. From the ancient Malay kingdom of Srivijaya to the British Straight Colony, it was not until the 20th century that modern Singapore emerged.
Following the British departure from the region in 1963, Singapore, alongside Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak, established the country of Malaysia, and it did not take long for Malaysia to grow uncomfortable with Singapore’s presence in the federation.
Singapore has a vast Chinese population, where 77% of its population identified as such in the 70s. This resulted in the Parliament of Malaysia expelling Singapore from the federation as a result of ethnic tensions and deep political differences between the ruling parties of Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore’s Economy
Leading up to its independence, Singapore’s leaders became increasingly concerned over their economy as the country lacked sufficient land to carry out agricultural and developmental activities.
The tiny island nation then depended on international trade where it received imported goods, and then processed and re-exported them to other countries. This has made the Port of Singapore the busiest port in the world in terms of shipping tonnage, with an average of 140,000 vessels linking Singapore to more than 600 ports around the world.
With such fundamental industrialization, Singapore has managed to position itself as a global trade center that focuses on modern skilled tech-centered labor that lapsed traditional manufacturing. This resulted in Singapore’s high GDP which, in 2022, stood at $466.79 billion and a per capita GDP of $82,807.
Poverty in Singapore
Singapore’s success does not reflect on everyone in the country. For instance, Nurhaida Jantan, an unemployed single mother with six children has to live in a tiny flat, just 30 square meters, with little to no finishing.
As explained in an interview with the BBC, the children share a single bedroom with only mattresses and blankets as their bedding. Nurhaida on the other hand, sleeps on the sofa and receives weekly donations from charities. She explains she cannot afford anyone being sick in the house as their finances are too tight.
How Singapore is Eliminating Poverty
Singapore’s major effort to eradicate poverty has been on its agenda since its independence and has always been improving. On March 2, 2022, Mr. Leon Perera of Aljunied GRC spoke to Parliament to submit several proposals to alleviate poverty where he suggested an increase in accessibility of state assistance schemes to those who needed it. He also recommended the increase of financial relief based on beneficiaries to ensure the attendance of those children in poverty to be at school.
Besides the legislative, the Singaporean Government has also taken measures to combat poverty. In particular, it adopted three policy focuses: education, work and family relationships. The Government has emphasized that education should be subsidized for low-income households. In addition, schemes are made available through the Workforce Development Authority such as Skills Future credit to provide mechanisms to enable and facilitate access to opportunities.
Looking Ahead
While most Singaporeans enjoy better living conditions compared to many other countries, there are still instances of neglect that persist. Nevertheless, Singapore is actively addressing poverty and effecting positive change.
– Kent Anderson
Photo: Flickr
How Fossil Fuels Worsen Poverty
Non-Renewable Energy in Numbers
According to a 2019 article by the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, the developing world uses more than half the world’s fossil fuels. The demand for energy has doubled over the past 15 years and is presumed to keep increasing at a 30% rate. This upward trend is helping wealthier countries drive their global trade flows but is worsening the climate crisis.
The combustion of fossil fuels releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to heat retention and ozone layer depletion. This triggers adverse effects worldwide, including heightened droughts, more intense weather events and elevated temperatures, showing how fossil fuels worsen poverty.
The 2022 Global Climate Report from the National Centers for Environmental Information confirms a steady temperature rise of 0.14°F (0.08°C) annually since 1981. According to Forbes Magazine, these extreme weather events could push 122 million more people into extreme poverty within the next few years.
Impacts on the People
As extreme weather becomes more common, communities in impoverished areas suffer the most. These communities do not have the resources or finances to bounce back from the impacts of extreme weather events and the destruction of their homes, health and livelihoods.
In Somalia, the last five rainy seasons have been below adequate for harvesting and caring for livestock. This has resulted in a significant lack of food, causing 5 million Somalians to go hungry and 200,000 Somalians to experience starvation. Unfortunately, there is no clear end in sight to the droughts plaguing Somalia.
In 2022, Pakistan experienced a “monsoon on steroids,” as described by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres. This extreme weather event lasted from June to October and caused flooding and landslides at a rate 10 times greater than the 30-year national average. Overall, the monsoon-related events affected 33 million people and destroyed 4.4 million acres of agricultural land and 800,000 livestock. Because of this monsoon, the number of people going hungry in Pakistan today has nearly doubled, with about 14.6 million Pakistanis enduring severe hunger.
South Sudan is also one of the countries most impacted by extreme weather events. The temperatures in South Sudan are rapidly increasing at a rate 2.5 times faster than the global average. The weather has caused South Sudan to overflow with water in some parts and shrivel up in others. These factors have contributed to severe hunger, affecting 7.7 million people out of the 12 million population.
Active Solutions to Reduce Emissions
Greenpeace has worked to make the more environmentally sustainable since 1971. By investigating, documenting and exposing environmentally destructive activities, Greenpeace raises public awareness about these issues. By increasing awareness of how fossil fuels worsen poverty and impact the most marginalized and disadvantaged people, Greenpeace is helping to reduce the prevalence of extreme weather events in impoverished nations.
Developing nations are also taking steps. Morocco, for instance, is witnessing a shift from fossil-fuel-based products to solar, wind and hydro-powered alternatives. In June 2021, the country’s leaders pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17-18% by 2030 and will substantially decrease government support for fossil fuels. With rising renewable electricity production, Morocco stands as a leading African country in the fight against extreme weather events.
Recognizing that global fossil fuel consumption contributes to extreme weather events that disproportionately affect the impoverished, affluent nations and impactful organizations must support the transition of developing countries to renewable energy.
– Nina Donlin
Photo: Unsplash
What to Know About HIV/AIDS in Greece
Between 2010 and 2011, the rate of HIV transmission in Greece increased by 60%, with data correlating the rise in HIV infections to the country’s declining GDP, decreased health care budget and increased national poverty. While Greece has seen a strong economic recovery in recent years, it continues to struggle with the aftermath of the recession-induced HIV/AIDS outbreak, which particularly affected its most vulnerable communities. However, there have been ongoing efforts to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS in Greece, support historically marginalized communities at higher risk of infection and educate the public to reduce stigma.
The Past and Present of HIV/AIDS in Greece
Prior to the recession, Greece had one of the lowest HIV infection rates in Europe. Yet, by 2010, the recession had left nearly a quarter of the country’s population at risk of poverty, living on incomes below 60% of the national median. The country’s worsening economic conditions and growing poverty levels had devastating effects on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
For instance, statistics reported by the Hellenic Centre for Disease Control and Prevention show that positive HIV results among people who inject drugs (PWID) increased 34-fold in Greece between 2010 and 2012. Furthermore, research has shown that lack of housing was “the most important predictor of HIV seropositivity” among PWIDs living in Athens during this period, with homelessness more than doubling their risk of HIV infection.
According to the World Bank, the overall prevalence of HIV among the Greek population aged 15 to 49 increased from 0.1% in 2011 to 0.2% in 2012, where it remained as of 2021. With an estimated 17,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, Greece is now among the top 10 European countries with the most HIV/AIDS-infected inhabitants, according to the CIA World Factbook.
The Good News
Fortunately, several organizations are making a positive impact by providing support and resources for people living with HIV/AIDS in Greece. One notable example is Positive Voice, the Greek “Association of people living with HIV/AIDS.” Founded in 2009, Positive Voice is funded by the Los Angeles-based AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF). Together, AHF and Positive Voice develop targeted interventions, for both people living with HIV/AIDS and the greater population. Positive Voice works to safely monitor and treat HIV/AIDS in Greece, as well as to educate the public and reduce stigma. It especially targets vulnerable communities most at risk of infection, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, sex workers, refugees, Roma communities and people in prison.
In 2022, Greek lawmakers also approved the use of pre-exposure prophylactic drugs (PrEP). PrEP is an antiretroviral medication, most often prescribed in a daily oral dose. It is highly effective at preventing HIV among individuals who are HIV-negative but at risk of infection. In fact, a 2021 modeling study showed that, if officials had detected the 2010 HIV outbreak in Athens one to two years earlier and introduced interventions like PrEP, the country would have saved between €35.2 million and €53.2 million. Experts now widely support the use of antiretroviral drugs like PrEP as a safe, cost-effective intervention for managing HIV/AIDS in Greece.
The Future
Greek leaders and organizations like Positive Voice have made notable progress in the fight to treat, prevent and educate the public about HIV/AIDS in Greece. For example, in 2021, Positive Voice tested Greece’s former Prime Minister George Papandreou for AIDS in central Athens in a symbolic effort to reduce stigma and misconceptions surrounding the virus. In 2022, Positive Voice also, with Gilead Sciences and the Hellenic Society for the Study & Treatment of AIDS, held free HIV testing in Monastiraki Square, promoting the slogan, “If you want to learn, you put your finger.” The same year, Positive Voice met with current Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss legislative action that the government is taking to prohibit workplace discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Greece.
While Greece has already seen new HIV diagnoses drop from 601 in 2020 to 402 in 2021, there is still room for progress. With continued efforts to target PrEP interventions at those most in need, provide support for the country’s most vulnerable and at-risk and eradicate stigma, Greece could improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS in the present and pave the way for a brighter, HIV/AIDS-free future.
– Ben Hofmann
Photo: Flickr
Working to Close the Wage Gap in South Africa
A 2016 study by Kollamparambil and Razak revealed that women in South Africa earn nearly 18% less than men for equivalent work, equating to about 80 cents per dollar that men earn on average. This unfortunate pattern is prevalent globally, with women often earning 20–30 cents less per dollar compared to men. Nevertheless, this gap has gradually reduced from the 40% disparity recorded in 1993.
Presidential Response
In his speech on International Women’s Day, the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, urged South Africans to support the closing of the wage gap. The president has been known to be a strong supporter of women’s rights and specifically emphasized ensuring that women receive proper education.
South Africa has made strides in education, with more women in higher education than men. According to a 2018 study, South African universities have more women, with 58% of students in higher education being female. Similarly, almost 86% of women move on to pursue a secondary form of education after primary school while only 80% of men do, despite women currently being less likely to attend primary school in the first place.
However, the country has a high number of unemployed women — an issue that the government is currently trying to solve. In that same speech, the president urged his citizens to eradicate the idea that women are meant to be homebodies rather than an important part of the workforce which they have the potential to be.
The Importance of Eliminating the Gender Wage Gap
Making sure that people of all genders are paid fairly and equally is important to securing equality on all grounds within all countries. Closing the wage gap in South Africa is a big step in improving the rights of women as a whole and ensuring that women are able to provide for themselves, support their families and reach their full potential as part of the workforce.
As of 2022, only around 66% of women in South Africa are employed, making the country very progressive considering that the percentage of employed men stands at 70%. Although, despite the similarity between their employment rates, women are much more likely to work fewer hours with a lower wage.
Women also face violence and discrimination due to the wage gap in South Africa. The gap results in women lacking many of the resources that men do, making providing for themselves much more difficult. This lack of economic opportunities causes women who find themselves in abusive or harmful situations more hesitant or even unable to escape those situations.
What Is Being Done in South Africa?
South Africa is actively taking steps to increase the representation of women in leadership positions and provide a platform for advocating the closure of the wage gap. In parallel, the country is witnessing a rising chorus of women’s voices, particularly among journalists, who are vocally addressing the issue of the wage gap. Their voices are resonating, and the government is collaborating with them. Initiatives like The Presidential Employment Stimulus are underway to create numerous job opportunities for women nationwide.
The introduction of The Presidential Employment Stimulus as a program was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to create more jobs after the widespread unemployment which resulted from the lockdown. The program created almost a million jobs, most of which were in the education system.
The program achieved this by providing stimulus to households that had lost their primary income due to the pandemic. Additionally, it established various institutions that generated job opportunities, enabling these households to recover and explore new career paths. Notably, 62% of the beneficiaries were women.
Looking Ahead
Despite persistent challenges related to economic inequality and the gender wage gap in South Africa, the nation is actively working to address these issues. With a commitment to empowering women and promoting equal opportunities, South Africa’s progress could serve as an example for neighboring countries. Initiatives like The Presidential Employment Stimulus have contributed to creating job opportunities for women and increasing their representation in the labor force. The country’s efforts underscore the importance of closing the wage gap in achieving broader gender equality and economic empowerment.
– Allison Groves
Photo: Flickr
How TikTok’s African Creator Hub is Changing Lives
Creativity and Poverty
The African Creator Hub, born from the Rising Voices initiative, commits itself to fostering and empowering emerging African creators. Its mission is to enable these individuals to harness their creative expressions on the platform, paving the way for sustainable careers. In April 2023, the Hub proudly celebrated its inaugural cohort of 28 graduates.
In a strategic partnership with Wowzi, the African Creator Hub has emerged as a dynamic force against poverty in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The hub facilitates the monetization of social media, imparts technological skills tailored for the digital economy and enriches the content of African Creators for potential collaboration with global brands. As a result, it extends income-generating opportunities to those without formal education or conventional employable skills.
This is an inspiring narrative helping to set the precedent for young people in SSA that sustainable and enjoyable careers can be found regardless of education and experience. This new approach to breaking the cycle of poverty is aspirational and appears to be accessible in equal measure.
Opportunities such as brand collaborations also bring with them long-term economic benefits. Content creators open the door for global brands to put down roots in their home countries in SSA, as the buzz of sponsored content stimulates new markets and global trade.
This is mutually beneficial for brands and developing countries alike.
Transformative Talent
Creators enrolled in the African Creator Hub receive rigorous training in creating competitive, “algorithm-friendly” content, along with access to valuable resources and connections in industry and social media. Moreover, such resources and connections are the first steps in being able to create monetizable content and access the broad array of financial and social opportunities that such creation brings.
This toolkit empowers creators in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to cultivate substantial and dynamic followings, attracting brand collaborations, sponsorships and other financial avenues. As a result, the African Creator Hub enables SSA creators to utilize their passions to rise above the poverty threshold.
The program’s remarkable success in creating life-changing career opportunities based on creative content has led to plans for expansion. Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s head of content programming in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), emphasized in a statement to TikTok Newsroom in April 2023 that there are expectations for the initiative to extend its reach throughout SSA in the coming years.
Stories of Success
Success stories are rooted in individual narratives. One such example is Catherine Jepkemboi from Kenya, recognized by her social media alias ‘minicheps.’ Her unique approach to capturing Kenyan culture through photographs, such as braiding hair and cooking miniature-scale food, earned her a recent graduation from the African Creator Hub.
For Jepkemboi, this accomplishment marks just the beginning. In fact, her groundbreaking success in creating TikTok shorts with more than 19 million views has redefined strategies for addressing poverty and unemployment. These challenges are particularly acute in Kenya, where the Kenya Poverty Report classifies 2.8 million nationals as living in ‘hardcore/extreme’ poverty.
Despite never completing her education, Jepkemboi, along with her two children, managed to escape poverty’s grasp. A borrowed camera, a creative vision and unwavering determination transformed her life’s trajectory.
Elevated to the role of her family’s primary breadwinner through content creation, Jepkemboi’s success allowed her to send her son to school. Her influence has grown to the point where she received the prestigious 2022 Pulse Influencer Award and regularly engages with national media. Her process, however, remains a well-kept secret.
The Journey Forward
Overall, the success stories highlight where the African Creator Hub plays a crucial role. Beyond lifting creators from poverty, it equips them with the skills needed to innovate, connect and inspire others. The hub serves as a steady guide, steering creators toward paths of empowerment, connectivity and shared inspiration.
– Izzy Grout
Photo: Flickr
How Foreign Investment in Kazakhstan Fights Poverty
Although Kazakhstan is experiencing steady economic growth and paints itself as the most developed and reformed Central Asian country, corruption and an unorganized government exacerbate poverty. Foreign investment in Kazakhstan can alleviate these issues and potentially solidify its position as the strongest nation in the region.
Kazakhstan’s Economic Picture
As things stand, Kazakhstan holds a predominant position in the region. It connects the South Asian market to the markets of Russia and the EU with railways and ports. For Western producers, Kazakhstan opens access to “100 million consumers in Caspian Sea countries, 76 million in Central Asia and 350 million in Western China,” according to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA).
Furthermore, the ITA believes that it provides potential for US agricultural markets, as Kazakhstan’s growing middle class opens more opportunities for U.S. investment. In turn, this global financial involvement in Kazakhstan further expands the middle class and decreases poverty.
Most notably, Kazakhstan capitalizes on its natural resources to make 58% of all exports. Through the shipment of oil, natural gas, iron, copper and uranium, Kazakhstan trades with China, Italy, Russia, the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, India, Turkey and France. Trade with the United States (U.S.) accounts for just more than 1% of its exports.
Over the course of 2023, real GDP is expected to increase by almost 4%, an increase over the 3.2% growth in 2022.
International Involvement
Kazakhstan receives the most foreign direct investments in Central Asia, something both expected of and attributed to its relative economic strength in the region.
Kazakhstan established the Astana International Financing Center (AIFC) in 2018 to attract countries and companies to invest in the region. The AIFC offers financial and legal support to investors and promotes environmentally sustainable development. This initiative encourages green foreign investment in Kazakhstan, which can help boost the domestic economy and create more job opportunities, ultimately helping in the fight against poverty.
Furthermore, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a U.S. organization that cooperates with businesses and universities to further integrate the U.S. and its mission with different countries in the world. Kazakhstan’s specific OSAC mission predominantly aims to establish U.S. security connections but also aims to strengthen financial involvement between the two nations. Specifically, it allows for the creation of the Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT).
The U.S. Department of Commerce labels SABIT as a program that endorses and facilitates fair economic trade between the U.S. and Kazakhstan. As of 2023, the program has enabled more than 470 Kazakhstani business leaders to gain first-hand experience with American business models. This training is highly individualized and specific to each business and creates connections between equivalent businesses in the two countries. Although mostly pertaining to private corporations, the governments occasionally interact to integrate the markets. Since the program’s inception in 1990, the total generated amount from the region is more than $1 billion. As of 2021, all SABIT interactions in Central Asia have focused on renewable energy. With this shift in focus and general improvement of business practices, SABIT helps improve the Kazakhstani economy and alleviates domestic poverty.
Resilience to Geopolitics
Kazakhstan is invested in geopolitical relationships but is structured to not face major influence from world events. The World Bank reports that Russia’s economic downturn as a result of the Ukraine War will in fact derail Kazakhstan’s supply chains and weaken trade. This is further exacerbated by the fact that Kazakhstan’s main oil pipeline (providing 80% of Kazakh oil) was damaged in the Russian Black Sea terminal. Nonetheless, rising oil costs have made oil exports more valuable and reduced Kazakhstan’s current account deficit by almost 1% as of 2021.
In response to sanctions surrounding Russia, Kazakhstan has expanded trade partners and sought out partnerships in East Asia, especially through China’s Belt and Road initiative. By cementing itself in intercontinental routes like the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route from South Asia to Europe, Kazakhstan ensures that it will forever benefit from global trade.
Foreign investment in Kazakhstan is becoming significantly more common and important as the country proves itself to be receptive to and valuable for international investors. With Kazakhstan’s increasing integration with the global economy, there will be a growth in the labor force and a potential decline in poverty levels.
– Sahib Singh
Photo: Wikimedia
Portugal’s Foreign Aid Contributing to the Fight Against Poverty
Portugal’s ODA in Post-Conflict Settings
Foreign aid that Portugal disbursed has enabled several countries to limit and recover from conflicts. In Mozambique, Portugal has been providing vital assistance in the context of the Cabo Delgado Province insurgency. Back in 2019, the Mozambique Recovery and Reconstruction Support Fund, which Portugal implemented, enabled civil society programs to receive direct funds from private and public sector organizations in Portugal. In cooperation with the EU, the country also set up the +Emprego program in 2020, which improved youth employment, prevented radicalization and delivered humanitarian assistance. By stabilizing the situation, Portugal’s foreign aid thus prevented many people’s living conditions from worsening.
Similarly, Portugal significantly helped in the East Timorese transition after 1999 by providing non-negligible humanitarian assistance. Timor-Leste, still considered a fragile state, cooperates closely with Portugal toward reducing poverty and bolstering development in this country.
Portugal’s Work in Social Infrastructures
Portugal, as part of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), has approved the Strategy for Food and Nutritional Security. Structured around three core principles, this program strives to establish and bolster effective governance and policies related to food security. Simultaneously, it seeks to promptly enhance food accessibility for the most vulnerable populations while also fostering increased food availability. As a strategic component of this initiative, the CPLP has successfully instituted National Food and Nutritional Security Councils in São Tomé, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau.
Moreover, the program involves a Family Farming Work Group tasked with drafting guidelines as part of the program’s objective to enhance food availability.
The country also participates in strengthening health systems in CPLP countries. Portugal has equipped Guinea-Bissau with laboratories to ensure its partner is prepared to face an Ebola crisis. In collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Portuguese government played a crucial role in distributing medical supplies. It provided 5,000 medical masks and 200,000 masks in the Maputo Province of Mozambique. This essential donation not only ensured the protection of those in need but also sustained economic and social activities.
Portuguese ODA and the Environment
Out of its total bilateral allocable aid, Portugal spent 7.5% toward supporting the environment in 2020-2021. This can seem trivial compared to the DAC average (34.3%), but the country has made some important contributions to fighting climate change in developing countries. The OECD highlighted Portugal’s commitment to ocean protection, demonstrated when the country co-hosted the 2022 UN Ocean Conference.
Moreover, Portugal is supporting the Carbon Sustainability and Ecosystem Services Roadmap in the Principe Island of São Tomé and Principe, which is analyzing the island nation’s carbon emission and removal and making projections for possible reduction. The project will conclude with recommendations that aim to support decision-making concerning carbon emission mitigation.
In Guinea-Bissau, the Collective and Territorial Integrated Actions for the Valorisation of Agriculture (dubbed EU-ACTIVA) has the objective of enabling agricultural intensification while guaranteeing it remains sustainable. Approximately 4,000 families will receive training that enables them to teach others effective techniques for cultivating the local soil in accordance with climate patterns. By doing so, this initiative will ensure improved living conditions for the residents of Guinea-Bissau.
Room for Improvement
Despite all those significant contributions and achievements, there is still more Portugal’s foreign aid could do to improve the conditions of the world’s poor. The OECD points out that Portugal only invests 0.23% of its Gross National Income in ODA, and thus still has not reached the 0.7% ODA/GNI ratio that it has committed to, and still fares behind fellow DAC members. The organization also recommends that Portugal put more emphasis on long-term objectives and results to achieve more sustainable change in partnerships with other countries.
However, Portugal’s vital work toward developing LDCs and improving the lives of those that inhabit them demonstrates the country’s enthusiasm when it comes to tackling poverty, and is a positive sign indicating the potential implementation of more effort in the future.
– Kenza Oulammou
Photo: Unsplash
A Glimpse into the Lives of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon
The Impact of the Crisis
The Syrian refugee crisis was born out of the devastating war that ravaged the country. Lebanon, as a neighboring country, became a significant host country for Syrian refugees, including Natalie, as they sought safety and stability away from the conflict.
Natalie’s story provides a glimpse into the human side of the crisis, highlighting the strength and determination of Syrian refugees.
Arrival in Lebanon
Natalie embarked on a challenging journey that brought her to Lebanon, where she encountered various challenges. The devastating war inflicted widespread destruction, resulting in the displacement of families, the disruption of lives and a strain on resources. Like countless others, Natalie had to start anew, rebuilding her life from the ground up.
During the interview, Natalie shed light on the invaluable support she and her family received from the UNHCR. She expressed deep gratitude for the neighboring country, highlighting Lebanon’s generosity in opening its borders to all Syrian refugees.
Before Natalie sought refuge in Lebanon, she lived in Homs, a city bordering the northern town of Tripoli in Lebanon. This proximity enabled her to manage her escape somewhat more easily when the civil war escalated. She made the decision to leave Syria on June 29, 2012.
Undoubtedly, leaving behind friends and family in Syria was a difficult experience for Natalie. However, she found solace in the fact that Lebanon shares a border with her hometown, allowing certain family members to visit occasionally. Unfortunately, her friends have dispersed across various parts of the world in search of refuge, resulting in limited opportunities for them to reunite.
UNHCR’s Support
Amid the crisis, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) played a vital role in coordinating the protection response for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. UNHCR provided assistance in various forms, including health care, shelter, education and addressing gender-based violence.
Upon their arrival in Lebanon, the UNHCR provided Natalie and her family with essential provisions. Before leaving Syria, her family had fallen into a state of extreme poverty, with nothing left but her mother’s gold jewelry, which proved inadequate for their survival.
Natalie expresses her gratitude for her fortunate circumstances. Her uncle, who worked as a professor at Kuwait University, sent them financial assistance to cover rent, food and basic necessities.
Natalie regarded herself as comparatively more fortunate than many other Syrian refugees due to her Lebanese heritage from her mother’s side. This meant she had a place to stay and her uncle continued to support her family until they regained stability. Furthermore, her father, a successful dentist in Syria, successfully secured a position at a dental clinic in Lebanon. It took the family approximately five months to regain their financial footing.
Notably, Natalie’s resilience and determination led her to accomplish remarkable achievements. She pursued and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the Lebanese International University.
The Current Reality
Unfortunately, the situation for Syrian refugees in Lebanon has become increasingly difficult. Reports indicate rising incidents of deportation and harassment, casting a shadow of fear and insecurity over the Syrian community residing in Lebanon.
Natalie explained that while the ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon has significantly exacerbated the challenges faced by Syrian refugees, her family did not experience an exceptional amount of suffering. Her family encountered similar experiences to those of a typical Lebanese household. They lost their savings and, like many others, are now facing financial constraints due to hyperinflation.
The latest figures provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlight that Lebanon currently grapples with a complex and challenging situation concerning Syrian refugees. The country faces an overwhelming number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, with a staggering 3.9 million individuals requiring support. Among these, 2.1 million are Lebanese citizens, 1.5 million are Syrian refugees, 211,000 are Palestinian refugees and 81,000 are migrants.
The Economic Impact
The influx of Syrian refugees has strained Lebanon’s already limited resources and infrastructure, worsening existing socioeconomic issues. It has created an increased demand for public services such as health care, education and housing. Consequently, both the Lebanese population and Syrian refugees have experienced rising poverty rates, contributing to the challenging circumstances faced by these communities.
The economic repercussions of hosting a substantial refugee population have also affected employment opportunities, leading to higher unemployment rates for both the local population and refugees. Job scarcity has resulted in wage depression and exploitation in some instances, further compounding the difficulties experienced by both communities.
The strain on resources and the socio-economic situation have heightened tensions between host communities and the refugee population, posing challenges to social cohesion and integration.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the European Union (EU) has stepped forward to provide substantial funding for Lebanon’s support. In 2023 alone, the EU allocated €60 million in humanitarian aid. Since 2011, the EU has contributed a total of €2.7 billion, with nearly €860 million specifically designated for humanitarian aid. The primary objective of this generous support is to alleviate the burden on Lebanon and ensure the provision of essential services and assistance to both the local population and refugee communities.
Looking Ahead
Natalie’s story provides a glimpse into the lives of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, accentuating their struggles and resilience in the face of adversity. As the Syrian refugee crisis persists, sharing such stories can potentially nurture empathy and understanding, fostering greater support and compassion for those impacted by the crisis. Addressing the needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon remains an urgent concern, demanding continuous attention and collaboration from both national and international stakeholders.
– Tanya Hamad
Photo: Flickr