A groundbreaking alliance is emerging in the remote reaches of the Amazon rainforest, where the lack of governance has left an indelible mark of destruction. Brazilian ecologists are embarking on a mission to preserve the world’s largest tropical forest and reduce poverty in the Amazon’s communities. Managing a stretch of land along the Juruá River, this venture seeks to counter the forces that have continued to deforest the Amazon. Their ambition extends beyond their immediate efforts, aiming to create a replicable model for other regions in the vast Amazon.
The Environmental Crisis and the Role of the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest sprawls over an area twice the size of India. It hosts unparalleled biodiversity and holds vast carbon reserves, serving as a crucial buffer against the changing climate. Unfortunately, deforestation has reached a 15-year high in recent years.
According to WWF.org, deforestation in the Amazon remained at the highest levels since 2009, with the extent of destruction in the eastern Amazon transforming it from a carbon sink to a carbon source.
Concerning Poverty
In the sprawling expanse of the Amazon rainforest, poverty intertwines with environmental degradation in a complex and troubling nexus. Approximately 9.7% of the region’s population grapples with extreme poverty in the Amazon.
In a region plagued by some of Brazil’s highest poverty levels, inhabitants with scant alternatives often confront a grim dilemma: abandon depleted fields and encroach further into the forest, perpetuating a vicious cycle of environmental decline. As Judson Ferreira Valentim, a soil scientist at Embrapa, the government’s agricultural research agency, aptly observes in an AP News interview, “The biodiversity is rich, but so many people are impoverished.”
Addressing the pervasive poverty gripping the Amazon is not only a moral imperative but also an indispensable component of safeguarding its ecological treasures. Without concerted efforts to alleviate poverty and provide viable livelihood alternatives, the relentless march of deforestation imperils not only the Amazon’s delicate ecosystems but also the global climate and the myriad species that call it home.
A Troubling Reality of Deforestation
According to AP News, 10% of the Amazon has been decimated in less than four decades.
Brazilian ecologists aim to establish a model that can be replicated across the vast expanse of the rainforest. The genesis of this movement can be traced back to a four-month expedition along the Juruá River in 2016.
The researchers, diving into the heart of nearly 100 communities, initially encountered a seeming uniformity of rows of wooden homes on stilts along the water. However, the striking contrasts in living conditions laid bare the harsh reality. A crucial piece of information is that 29% of the Amazon, an area roughly three times the size of California, is either unprotected public land or public land with no recorded information, making these areas more susceptible to deforestation.
João Vitor Campos-Silva, a tropical socio-ecologist, expressed the glaring inequality: “Inside protected areas, many positive things are happening but outside, they seemed to be 40 years behind.”
Designing a Conservation Model on a Basin Scale
Recognizing the disparities, the ecologists identified the Medio Juruá region near Caraua. Here, communities managed their resources sustainably within “extractive reserves,” public lands allowing residents to harvest fish and crops. However, many communities faced oppression from self-appointed landowners, restricting access to vital resources.
The solution took shape in the form of the non-profit Juruá Institute, which acquired a 13 km rainforest property along the Juruá River. This unique parcel includes about 20 lakes with significant potential for sustainable practices, including cultivating pirarucu, the world’s largest freshwater scale fish.
Bridging Science and Community
The institute’s ambition, as expressed by Campos-Silva, is to promote high-quality science grounded in collaboration with the region’s people. In proximity to the Institute’s land, 12 communities of former rubber tappers, known as “Ribeirinhos,” find their livelihoods tied to the pirarucu fishery. A shift from rubber trees to sustainable fishing practices has not only revived a declining species but also generated income without resorting to forest clearance.
Empowering Communities in Governance
To ensure the active involvement of riverine communities, the institute established a steering committee and initiated public meetings named “Community of Dreams.” These sessions allowed residents to prioritize improvements, conducted in three groups: women, youth and men to avoid potential biases.
Fernanda de Araujo Moraes, president of the river communities’ association, emphasized the initiative’s primary purpose: preventing river people from migrating to Amazon cities, where the unemployment rate has declined. In the community of Lago Serrado, both men and women identified 24-hour electricity as their top priority, showcasing the tangible impact this collaboration aims to achieve.
A New Paradigm
Residents like José Alves de Morais see this initiative as unprecedented, stating that José, already involved as a lake keeper for the institute, is eager for his family to participate in managing pirarucu fishing, awaiting federal approval.
On the scientific front, the Juruá Institute has erected a houseboat and a wooden house, accommodating up to 20 researchers, to study various aspects of the region. The initiative, spearheaded by Carlos Peres, an Amazon-born professor of tropical conservation ecology at the University of East Anglia, earned recognition when Peres and three other scientists won the Frontiers Planet Prize in April, bringing $1.1 million in support.
A Vision for the Future
The Amazon grapples with the ongoing challenges of environmental degradation. Recent revelations from a 2023 NPR report offer hope, as tree clearance has decreased by 34%.
Amidst the lush landscapes of the Amazon, the synergy between data-driven insights and unwavering resolve points toward a promising trajectory, where preservation and prosperity intertwine to forge a path toward sustainable coexistence with nature. However, the broader context of poverty in the region casts a shadow. Overall poverty, projected at 24.3% in 2022, remains on par with 2014 levels after peaking at 28.4% in 2021. While the 2023 poverty outlook appears promising, addressing striking inequalities necessitates faster job creation and more substantial investments in human capital.
Their mission along the Juruá River seeks to counter the forces perpetuating deforestation and aims to address the underlying poverty that fuels this cycle of environmental decline. By bridging science and community, empowering local governance and fostering innovative conservation models, this initiative represents a paradigm shift in our approach to safeguarding the region and reducing poverty in the Amazon.
– Quinn Higby
Photo: Pixabay
Reducing Poverty in the Amazon Rainforest
The Environmental Crisis and the Role of the Amazon
The Amazon rainforest sprawls over an area twice the size of India. It hosts unparalleled biodiversity and holds vast carbon reserves, serving as a crucial buffer against the changing climate. Unfortunately, deforestation has reached a 15-year high in recent years.
According to WWF.org, deforestation in the Amazon remained at the highest levels since 2009, with the extent of destruction in the eastern Amazon transforming it from a carbon sink to a carbon source.
Concerning Poverty
In the sprawling expanse of the Amazon rainforest, poverty intertwines with environmental degradation in a complex and troubling nexus. Approximately 9.7% of the region’s population grapples with extreme poverty in the Amazon.
In a region plagued by some of Brazil’s highest poverty levels, inhabitants with scant alternatives often confront a grim dilemma: abandon depleted fields and encroach further into the forest, perpetuating a vicious cycle of environmental decline. As Judson Ferreira Valentim, a soil scientist at Embrapa, the government’s agricultural research agency, aptly observes in an AP News interview, “The biodiversity is rich, but so many people are impoverished.”
Addressing the pervasive poverty gripping the Amazon is not only a moral imperative but also an indispensable component of safeguarding its ecological treasures. Without concerted efforts to alleviate poverty and provide viable livelihood alternatives, the relentless march of deforestation imperils not only the Amazon’s delicate ecosystems but also the global climate and the myriad species that call it home.
A Troubling Reality of Deforestation
According to AP News, 10% of the Amazon has been decimated in less than four decades.
Brazilian ecologists aim to establish a model that can be replicated across the vast expanse of the rainforest. The genesis of this movement can be traced back to a four-month expedition along the Juruá River in 2016.
The researchers, diving into the heart of nearly 100 communities, initially encountered a seeming uniformity of rows of wooden homes on stilts along the water. However, the striking contrasts in living conditions laid bare the harsh reality. A crucial piece of information is that 29% of the Amazon, an area roughly three times the size of California, is either unprotected public land or public land with no recorded information, making these areas more susceptible to deforestation.
João Vitor Campos-Silva, a tropical socio-ecologist, expressed the glaring inequality: “Inside protected areas, many positive things are happening but outside, they seemed to be 40 years behind.”
Designing a Conservation Model on a Basin Scale
Recognizing the disparities, the ecologists identified the Medio Juruá region near Caraua. Here, communities managed their resources sustainably within “extractive reserves,” public lands allowing residents to harvest fish and crops. However, many communities faced oppression from self-appointed landowners, restricting access to vital resources.
The solution took shape in the form of the non-profit Juruá Institute, which acquired a 13 km rainforest property along the Juruá River. This unique parcel includes about 20 lakes with significant potential for sustainable practices, including cultivating pirarucu, the world’s largest freshwater scale fish.
Bridging Science and Community
The institute’s ambition, as expressed by Campos-Silva, is to promote high-quality science grounded in collaboration with the region’s people. In proximity to the Institute’s land, 12 communities of former rubber tappers, known as “Ribeirinhos,” find their livelihoods tied to the pirarucu fishery. A shift from rubber trees to sustainable fishing practices has not only revived a declining species but also generated income without resorting to forest clearance.
Empowering Communities in Governance
To ensure the active involvement of riverine communities, the institute established a steering committee and initiated public meetings named “Community of Dreams.” These sessions allowed residents to prioritize improvements, conducted in three groups: women, youth and men to avoid potential biases.
Fernanda de Araujo Moraes, president of the river communities’ association, emphasized the initiative’s primary purpose: preventing river people from migrating to Amazon cities, where the unemployment rate has declined. In the community of Lago Serrado, both men and women identified 24-hour electricity as their top priority, showcasing the tangible impact this collaboration aims to achieve.
A New Paradigm
Residents like José Alves de Morais see this initiative as unprecedented, stating that José, already involved as a lake keeper for the institute, is eager for his family to participate in managing pirarucu fishing, awaiting federal approval.
On the scientific front, the Juruá Institute has erected a houseboat and a wooden house, accommodating up to 20 researchers, to study various aspects of the region. The initiative, spearheaded by Carlos Peres, an Amazon-born professor of tropical conservation ecology at the University of East Anglia, earned recognition when Peres and three other scientists won the Frontiers Planet Prize in April, bringing $1.1 million in support.
A Vision for the Future
The Amazon grapples with the ongoing challenges of environmental degradation. Recent revelations from a 2023 NPR report offer hope, as tree clearance has decreased by 34%.
Amidst the lush landscapes of the Amazon, the synergy between data-driven insights and unwavering resolve points toward a promising trajectory, where preservation and prosperity intertwine to forge a path toward sustainable coexistence with nature. However, the broader context of poverty in the region casts a shadow. Overall poverty, projected at 24.3% in 2022, remains on par with 2014 levels after peaking at 28.4% in 2021. While the 2023 poverty outlook appears promising, addressing striking inequalities necessitates faster job creation and more substantial investments in human capital.
Their mission along the Juruá River seeks to counter the forces perpetuating deforestation and aims to address the underlying poverty that fuels this cycle of environmental decline. By bridging science and community, empowering local governance and fostering innovative conservation models, this initiative represents a paradigm shift in our approach to safeguarding the region and reducing poverty in the Amazon.
– Quinn Higby
Photo: Pixabay
How Is Axian Energy Transforming Africa?
Africa’s Energy Crisis
The percentage of people in Africa with access to electricity is the lowest in the world at just more than 40%. Energy consumption per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa, is 180 kWh compared to 6500 kWh per capita in Europe and 13,000 kWh per capita in the U.S. This crisis has been exacerbated by recent wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, more than 25 million African people live without access to electricity. The International Energy Agency predicts that demand in Africa will grow rapidly by a third between 2020 and 2030. This means that the crisis must be faced with efficient and sustainable solutions, which AXIAN Energy Group is proposing.
Renewable Energy
The new funding to the AXIAN group will allow them to access rural areas with “limited power access.” The CEO of the AXIAN Energy group, Benjamin Memmin, expressed that this “marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward sustainable development and energy inclusion across Africa.” In an interview with IT News Africa, he expressed that this initiative will “bolster our unwavering dedication to delivering clean and accessible power to communities throughout the continent.” This includes greenfield solar projects, akin to the Burkina Faso PIDG project in which their first ever solar greenfield was implemented, allowing them to produce sustainable power independently.
Specifically, there is heavy investment in Madagascar, as it has some of the lowest access to electricity rates in the world; more than 18 million people are without access. Therefore, the boost in investment in renewable energy will allow for a sustainable boost to electrification rates. Furthermore, the funding will give households stable electricity, improving living standards and employment rates, which will boost economic activity across the continent. The focus on renewable energy also recognizes the importance of the global energy demands alongside addressing environmental concerns.
The AXIAN Energy group aims to provide electricity to millions, enhance economic markets, raise the standard of living and position Africa as an innovator in the sustainable power initiative. A Ninety One director, Tidiane Doucoure, argued in Africa Business that stable electrification will boost investment in African nations, as it will “de-risk projects,” making them more attractive to additional investment and improving supply reliability in line with international standards.” Therefore, AXIAN Energy certainly has the potential to transform Africa.
– Beth Keith
Photo: Flickr
Poly-Fluorinated Alkyl Substances: PFAS in India
What Are PFAS?
These chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” belong to the fluorine-based group. They find widespread use in various household items like paint, fire extinguishers, cookware and more. PFAS has been shown to have many negative health impacts, including higher rates of cancer, decreased vaccine effectiveness and increased blood pressure and cholesterol.
The everlasting nature of this chemical means that once it comes into contact with humans, it leaves a lasting impact and accumulates over time. While many countries race to find solutions and create preventive pieces of legislation, India has remained quiet on the matter. With various risks to human and environmental health, the question arises: “How has the government been addressing the impact of per- or polyfluorinated alkyl substances in India?”
The Problem of PFAS in India
A major difference between PFAS in India and several other countries is the culture behind the burning of waste. However, when waste containing PFAS is burned, these chemicals are released into the air, posing a higher risk of exposure to individuals through inhalation. The limited research conducted on pollution levels in different locations across India reveals a significant correlation between population density and the levels of PFAS in both the air and dust. Additionally, these studies show that younger generations tend to have higher levels of PFAS in their body, indicating recent exposures.
PFAS is disproportionately affecting low-income neighborhoods, where residents often depend more on drinking water from nearby rivers, streams and wells, making them susceptible to contamination with these substances. Additionally, these areas are typically closer to large factories and plants that tend to use PFAS, further contributing to increased levels of exposure. With most of the people living in these communities also working in the plants, their exposure levels are exponentially higher than those who can afford to move away and work in less labor-intensive and less hazardous jobs.
What Is India Doing?
In 2006, India took a significant step in environmental protection by joining the Stockholm Convention in 2006. In 2009, the convention established a list of various PFAS substances considered harmful and recommended restrictions on them for member countries. However, India has not accepted this amendment to the convention and thus does not show any initiative towards regulating PFAS within the country.
With the nation focusing on industrialization and boosting the economy, there has been limited research on alternatives to PFAS in India and methods to combat pollution. PFAS remains the most convenient yet harmful substance that can create water, oil and stain-resistant materials. The lack of extensive research inhibits the formulation of concrete legislation and hinders the development of innovative solutions. To move forward, India could consider slowly implementing a blank ban across PFAS substances, taking cues from other countries that have successfully reduced pollution in bodies of water.
– Aman Chaudhary
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Spreading Awareness: Movies About Period Poverty
Over the years, films and documentaries have been a key way in which audiences across the globe can gain a deeper understanding of historical, social and political issues, such as poverty. Period poverty is a deeply misunderstood issue and often disregarded in society. However, in the last few years, filmmakers and organizations have begun spotlighting period poverty and spreading necessary awareness on the stigmatized issue. Here are three movies that spread awareness about period poverty.
PadMan
This is a 2018 Bollywood biopic that chronicles the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham. He was an Indian entrepreneur who invented a low-cost, revolutionary sanitary pad machine after becoming aware of the improper sanitary products used by women in India who could not afford expensive manufactured products. Due to taboos, Muruganantham faced challenges recruiting female volunteers for his research. To overcome this, he boldly broke social stigmas by personally wearing the sanitary pads, leading to him being nicknamed “PadMan.”
Since creating the machine, Muruganantha has supplied more than 4,000 machines to women in India. His focus has been on providing these machines to NGOs and female support groups. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar takes on the role of “PadMan” in the film, which documents Muruganantham’s journey in developing the machine and the challenges he encounters. The movie serves more purpose than solely providing entertainment; it brings to light important issues surrounding period poverty and confronts the widespread stigmas surrounding menstruation in India.
Period. End Of Sentence
This is a short documentary that follows a small group of women in the rural Indian village of Kathikher. The idea to make the documentary came from a group of high school students at Oakwood High School in California. They successfully raised more than $55,000 to produce the film and provide the Kathikher community with one of the pad-making machines pioneered by “PadMan.” The documentary highlights the awkwardness and embarrassment that girls and women face when talking about menstruation. It also addresses the widespread lack of knowledge and negative attitudes toward menstruation within entire communities.
Despite these challenges, the documentary presents an uplifting story of women in the village learning to use one of “PadMan’s” pad machines, ultimately creating their own brand of sanitary pads called “Fly.” By making and selling pads, the women in the community are provided with safe and affordable sanitary products. They also become empowered by their employment and ability to earn a living independently. This inspiring documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 2019 Oscars. Since its release, the short has been viewed by almost 27 million people worldwide. This has led to an increased acknowledgment and discussion on menstruation and period poverty issues usually seen as taboo in society.
Pandora’s Box: Lifting the Lid on Menstruation
In 2019, DivaCup CEO Carinne Chambers-Saini developed the concept behind “Pandora’s Box,” a documentary that delves into the issue of period poverty across the globe. The title of the film reflects its objective to expose truths on period poverty and spread awareness of the stigmas, discrimination, misinformation and often abuse that surround menstruation across the world. Led by director Rebecca Snow, the documentary was intentionally made only by women.
This was to ensure the female subjects participating in the film felt safe and comfortable, fostering their willingness to discuss their personal experiences with period poverty. Although period poverty is often more severe in developing countries, “Pandora’s Box” presents the globalized nature of this issue. The documentary shows the challenges faced by women not only in countries like India, Kenya and Uganda but also in more developed nations such as the U.K. and the U.S.
Final Remark
The use of films and documentaries, such as those discussed above, successfully challenges social stigmas and taboos surrounding menstruation. It is an innovative means of encouraging society to expand its understanding of this global issue and to spread awareness about period poverty.
– Lucy Jacks
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Tropical General Investments (TGI) and Rice Production in Nigeria
TGI’s Rice Production Plan in Action
In response to the escalating crisis, TGI implemented a strategic plan to boost domestic rice production, reducing the country’s reliance on imported rice and therefore controlling the cost. The company invested in modern rice mills and, in collaboration with local farmers, established over 70 rice mills in 2021. In addition to meeting the rising demand for rice, this move stimulated economic growth by creating employment opportunities within the agriculture sector.
In its first four years, TGI created 2,000 jobs in Nigeria and exported $280,000 in rice, benefiting local communities by reducing unemployment. Through a recent partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), it plans to create 60,000 more jobs and produce an additional 20,000 tons of rice.
Results and Impact of TGI on the Nigerian Economy
In a span of two years, the company significantly increased its rice production capacity, meeting a substantial portion of the domestic demand. TGI’s rice production plan not only contributed to stabilizing rice prices, but also played a role in reducing overall food inflation rates. As of July 2022, Nigeria’s rice imports fell over 98%, with the country only importing 15 metric tons, compared to 957 metric tons in past years.
Conclusion
TGI’s rice production plan stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of private-sector initiatives in the face of economic challenges. Through a strategic emphasis on enhancing domestic rice production, TGI has tackled the pressing issue of rising food prices, created a profitable export product and contributed to Nigeria’s overall economic stability.
– Quinn Higby
Photo: Pixabay
Chagas Disease: Unveiling the Silent Struggle
The Impact of Chagas Disease
There is no vaccine against CD, but if detected in the initial acute phase it can be treated.
The disease mostly spreads as a result of vector-borne transmission. These blood-sucking bugs, called triatomine, bite an infected animal or person and pass the parasites on to humans via feces. These bugs also tend to bite people’s faces, and are therefore referred to as “Kissing Bugs.”
CD can also be transmitted via blood and organ donation as also congenital transmission, from a pregnant woman to her baby. Contraction of CD in the initial phase presents as mild flu-like symptoms and in the later stages can lead to cardiac, digestive and neurological alterations. It has been detected in 21 countries in Latin America and is endemic to this region. In November 2023, The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund reported, that in comparison to all other parasitic diseases in the Americas, CD carried the largest burden of disability-adjusted life years.
The Bolivian Chagas Platform
In 2009, The Bolivian Chagas Platform was formed in a bid to control CD. It consisted of both local and international forces with a strong emphasis placed on promoting trans-nationality to allow research to be shared. Groups involved in The Bolivian Chagas Platform included ISGlobal, CEADES, AECID and the Bolivian National Chagas Program.
Originally piloted in three of Bolivia’s most affected regions, Cochabamba, Tarija and Chuquisaca, a specific strategy was implemented in seven centers to begin with. The four focus areas were: providing care, training health personnel, performing research and engaging with the community.
Due to the success of the pilot program, the operation was scaled up and extended to a further 52 centers.
The results of the Platform have been positive and have improved the care for CD at both national and international levels.
Detecting Chagas Disease
The existence of the Bolivian Chagas Platform centers has facilitated the screening of more patients, resulting in the detection of a greater number of CD cases. CD is often referred to as a “silent disease” as infected patients present either with no symptoms at all or with ambiguous symptoms resulting in misdiagnosis. If treatment is not given quickly, the damage becomes irreversible, and the patient cannot be cured. Therefore, timely detection of CD to ensure early treatment is crucial to save a person’s life. Furthermore, early detection of the CD helps in its control because transmission is prevented.
Increasing Research and Resources Available
ISGlobal reports that, at present, there are two drugs available for treating CD, nifurtimox and benznidazole. Research studies on this disease have been scarce due to limited resources and funding. As a result, the majority of people infected with CD do not have access to treatment.
The Bolivian Chagas Network reported that of the 57,871 people who tested positive for CD, 32.1% were able to be treated as a result of this platform. Furthermore, 67% of health care workers were given CD training, more resources were provided and detailed research was undertaken.
Whilst the two drugs used to treat CD are highly effective, they were developed over 50 years ago, therefore greater updated research is imperative.
Minimizing the Stigma and Promoting Awareness
Despite 10,000 people dying from Chagas Disease every year, it remains largely unheard of by the general public.
The UN has reported the negative consequences of the stigma associated with CD. Largely people view CD as confined to rural and poorer areas, but this is not the case. ISGlobal reported that in Spain, only an estimated 30% of people with CD are diagnosed and treated.
– Heidi Helen Horgan
Photo: Flickr
Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Investment in Sports
Economic Impact
In 2018, Saudi Arabia initiated its first major foreign sports investment by signing a ten-year, $100 million per year deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Since then, the kingdom has made expenditures to host various sports events, including boxing, tennis, horse racing and Formula 1 races. These ventures are made through the $650 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), the world’s fifth-largest sovereign wealth fund, which also acquired Newcastle United. The PIF’s investments have also attracted global sports stars through lucrative contracts, exemplified by Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking salary upon joining Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
Job Creation
The advancement of the sports industry in Saudi Arabia provides employment opportunities in the sports business sector. With more than two-thirds of the population being under the age of 35 and showing a growing interest in sports, there is a rise in both event participation and attendance. Fostering a sports culture contributes to positive global perceptions, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s history, customs and traditions. This cultural enhancement positively impacts the nation’s economic, social, lifestyle and the nation’s health aspects.
The 2020 Ministry of Sport report underscores the industry’s economic significance, generating more than 14,000 jobs, crucial for economic growth and financial independence. Sports club employment has surged by 129% in the last three years, boosted by the introduction of new sports programs. Further, administrative positions witnessed a 156% increase, while career opportunities in sports grew by 114% from 2018 to 2021.
Tourism and Hospitality Impact
Hosting sporting events in the Kingdom has a substantial impact on tourism. It draws a larger number of international visitors and results in heightened expenditures, positively impacting the Saudi economy. In 2020, sports events generated a total revenue of $9.8 million. Moreover, the sports sector contributes to hotel and broader hospitality industry spending. Riyadh’s hotel occupancy rates increased by 58% in the first eight months of 2022 and Jeddah saw a 52% occupancy rate, nearly 13% higher than the previous year.
Reforming Education and Health
Sports for All (SFA) President Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed aims to engage 40% of the Saudi population in physical activity by 2030. Meanwhile, former U.S. Open competitor Kevin Kerns is expanding tennis programs in Saudi schools, impacting more than 70,000 children. Kerns emphasizes tennis as more than a sport, instilling skills like goal-setting, teamwork and valuable life lessons.
Youth Empowerment
Saudi Arabia is investing in empowering its youth through strategic investments in sports. This commitment is evident in the development of sports facilities, academies and grassroots programs, fostering opportunities for aspiring athletes, coaches and sports management professionals. Emphasizing the significance of nurturing talent from the grassroots level, the nation has implemented initiatives to identify and support young athletes across various sports. These efforts, providing essential resources, coaching and facilities, are aimed at cultivating future champions and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of sporting talent.
Beyond the pursuit of victories, Saudi Arabia’s extensive sports investment significantly contributes to shaping the nation’s culture and social cohesion. Sporting events serve as unifying platforms, fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for those facing economic challenges, exceeding societal divides. This commitment to sports also promotes a healthier lifestyle, contributing to enhanced overall well-being within the population.
Increasing Women’s Rights and Participation
Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in sports is empowering women. It provides opportunities for skill development, new employment, health improvement and leadership growth. This contribution helps in fostering their self-sufficiency and aids in the fight against poverty. The country currently boasts more than 6,000 female athletes and supports 27 women’s sports teams.
The granting of driver’s licenses in 2017 opened new avenues for female athletes, exemplified by Reema Juffali’s participation in an international racing competition in 2019. Additionally, Saudi Arabia hosted its inaugural Ladies European Tour golf tournament in 2020, featuring Saudi women alongside international players. During the same year, there were significant developments, such as the issuance of business licenses for women’s gyms and the authorization of physical education inclusion in schools for girls and boys.
Navigating the Sports Washing Debate
Saudi Arabia’s strategic investment in sports has sparked a debate on the practice of “sports washing,” where high-profile sports events are used to divert attention from systematic human rights violations. Led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the government leverages billions from the PIF to host and secure sports deals. This includes events such as the Spanish football Super Cup and potential hosting of major events like the 2034 Asian Games, men’s football World Cup and even the 2035 women’s World Cup.
Despite media restrictions, severe penalties for certain behaviors, migrant-related issues and a lack of labor unions and protests, Saudi Arabia persists in using sports to enhance its global reputation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in an interview with Fox News, expressed a willingness to continue “sports washing” if it boosts the country’s GDP by 1%, regardless of criticism.
– Ellen Jones
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Rights in Luxembourg
Robust Support for Women’s Rights in Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Government prioritizes equality through the sponsorship of the electoral Ministry of Equality Between Women and Men. These efforts have seen significant success: at -.2%, Luxembourg has the lowest gender pay gap in the world.
The Grand Duchess, Maria Teresa, puts the protection of women’s rights in Luxembourg at the “heart of her social and humanitarian engagements”. Duchess Teresa started an initiative in 2019 to support victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Beyond government, Luxembourg is leveraging its expertise in international finance to vie for women’s rights. The Government of Luxembourg kickstarted a 3-year partnership with U.N. Women to, “catalyze global markets, leverage public-private initiatives and design new financial instruments.”
Among the goals of the partnership are the creation of bonds in the Luxembourg Stock Exchange that invest in gender parity (a category currently occupied by 1% of thematic bonds), as well as moving to align gender-sensitive policy to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Women and the Working Poor
Although the strides Luxembourg has made have been historic and momentous, there are still areas of struggle unique to its demographics, many of these chiefly affecting women.
Despite having the highest GDP per capita in the European Union, Luxembourg has some of the highest levels of working poverty, particularly for women (ranking 1st in the EU with a 13.5% poverty rate among working women). However, the overall at risk of poverty rate is lower than the European average. This means that in-work poverty is a more significant challenge for women in Luxembourg than in other countries in the European Union.
Approximately half of Luxembourg’s population is of foreign origin. For both women and men immigrating into the country, they have no voting rights. Working poverty remains a low priority for policymakers as a result. The Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies does address poverty generally however, which can aid in reducing the impacts of in-work poverty on the most sensitive populations, such as immigrants who are employed but affected by in-work poverty.
In-work poverty largely affects single parents, a higher percentage of which are women. The high cost of living, highlighted by housing costs, can contribute to greater poverty levels for those in lower wage quartiles. For 91% of the most disadvantaged households, housing costs can make up more than half of disposable income.
In addition to ongoing Government actions, one nonprofit, Femmes en détresse A.S.B.L provides housing and support for women experiencing violence in addition to legal, social and economic assistance. Located in the city of Luxembourg, Femmes en détresse was founded in June 1979 by a working group of women’s rights activists. Its aim was to create, develop and manage a shelter for women in distress, offering women and their children effective protection against gender based violence. They function as a shelter as well as a national 24/7, 365 hotline to support women in Luxembourg.
On the international level, the Government of Luxembourg joined as a member state to the U.N.’s national action plan. Christened the Luxembourgish Child Guarantee National Action Plan (NAP), the policy intends to focus on reducing poverty by enabling access to housing and education for children of foreign parents, targeting some of the most disadvantaged populations in the country when it comes to poverty.
This is especially significant for women and girls. In Luxembourg, women and girls age 10 and up spend 14.4% of their time on unpaid domestic work. Increasing access to housing can help to bridge this gap as it increases the likelihood of labor-saving technologies such as washing machines and stoves.
Conclusion
Overall, Luxembourg continues to make historic strides toward equality for women in and out of the workplace, and in international markets. The need for ongoing reform to provide infrastructure for the working poor who have immigrated to Luxembourg, policy support for single parents, and continuous focus on increasing legislation championing immigrants are among some of the primary foci for the Government of the State when it comes to women’s rights in Luxembourg in the coming decade.
– Ava Johnson
Photo: Flickr
Adolescent Mental Health in Saint Lucia
The Region
Saint Lucia is an island in the Eastern Caribbean between Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In 2016, poverty estimates showed that 20.3% of Saint Lucia’s population were poor (or live below $5.50 a day). Saint Lucia maintained their poverty level despite the Great Recession of 2008/2009 and the frequency of extreme weather events in 2010 and 2013. These events made Saint Lucia extremely vulnerable to poverty. The performance of tourism and the agricultural sectors’ recovery also significantly impacted Saint Lucia’s poverty level.
Due to COVID-19, Saint Lucia experienced negative growth, increased unemployment and inflation in 2020, increasing poverty. The pandemic caused an economic downturn in 2020, with a GDP decline of more than 20%, which led to severe employment and income losses. There was a rise in unemployment in 2020, with unemployment rates among women and young people growing the greatest. Food prices in the island nation increased due to supply chain interruptions, and food insecurity worsened among the poor and vulnerable.
Factors Leading to Mental Health Challenges
According to UNICEF, poverty contributed to mental health in Saint Lucia because people lived in “inadequate and unsanitary housing” in low-quality neighborhoods, which are particularly vulnerable to weather-related damage. The people in these neighborhoods were endangered due to the high rates of crime and violence. Obtaining access to high-quality education and other needs such as food, sustainable infrastructure and health care were difficult and influenced mental health in Saint Lucia.
Using data from the 2018 Global School-based Student Health Survey, professionals examined the frequency of suicide behavior and its contributing factors among 1,864 adolescents attending Saint Lucian schools. Suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt showed prevalence rates of 25.5%, 22.1% and 17.5%, respectively. The quality of one’s family life and other negative experiences such as discrimination and exclusion, lack of support and mental health services made the adolescents of Saint Lucia more susceptible to mental health issues.
National Mental Wellness Centre
Mental health services progressed and increased due to the government of the island and South East Asian partners. The first step toward mental health care was the Golden Hope Hospital. In 2010, the National Mental Wellness Centre was replaced by the hospital. With close collaboration between doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers, the center offered an extensive style of care. Everyone receives services like free medication and counseling without charge.
Nine of the island’s 34 health centers provide mental health services in addition to the hospital. In 2018, three nurse practitioners with training in psychiatry provided community-based mental health services in regularly scheduled clinics held in each of the nine health centers. There are community-based psychiatric in-patient units and day treatment centers.
Mental Health Improvement
With the National Mental Wellness Centre, complications and challenges still exist. Complications include shortages of hospital beds and lack of alternatives, stigmas and discrimination, staff training and supervision, and legislation and policy. Plenty more plans and institutions are underway to improve mental health in Saint Lucia. According to BJPsych Internatioanl, the long-term goal is to create a mental health complex from the National Mental Wellness Center, Turning Point and Owen King EU Hospital to provide more community-based care and lower admission rates. Among the modifications will be the addition of a ward for children and adolescents.
Saint Lucia’s poverty level consisted of unemployment, limited economic opportunities, limited access to quality education and health care, dependence on agriculture and natural disasters impacting the economy. Although the poverty level had a significant impact on mental health in Saint Lucia, there are efforts to address these factors involving government policies, social programs, and international cooperation.
– AuiCha Conley
Photo: Flickr
3 Community Programs Empowering Women in Senegal
The following is an overview of three local and state initiatives with community partnerships that empowering women in Senegal. These organizations are playing a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty by providing women with essential resources, education and support.
3 Community Programs Empowering Women in Senegal
Strengthening Communities
These three organizations are only a few of the many that exemplify the collective commitment toward empowering women in Senegal and breaking systems of poverty. With their diverse approaches, they contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities where women play an active role in their upliftment.
Additionally, the documented achievements of these three community programs empowering women underscore the importance of community-driven efforts in the ongoing efforts to decrease poverty in Senegal.
– Ava Johnson
Photo: Unsplash