“No woman in Somalia is happy to be a woman because, from the cradle to the grave, woman is a victim” remarks Nadia Sufi Abdi, a human rights documentation officer at the Somali Women Development Centre in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
Period Poverty as a Result of the Economic Situation in Somalia
After 25 years of internal conflict, Somalia faces significant challenges, with half of its population living in poverty. Nearly a third of Somalians endure extreme poverty. In this context, women confront an additional challenge: period poverty. This term refers to the inability to afford basic sanitary products. Sanitary pads, costing $3 per pack, are unaffordable for many, forcing them to use unsanitary alternatives like dried cow dung and leaves.
Period poverty in Somalia has its roots in widespread gender discrimination, evident in the country’s patriarchal society. Somalia’s Gender Inequality Index score is 0.776, with 1 indicating absolute gender inequality. This score places Somalia among the countries with the most significant challenges in women’s rights. The Somali Women Development Centre in Mogadishu reports that Somalia has the highest levels of violence against women in Africa. Such deep-seated gender discrimination worsens period poverty, creating an environment where women’s health and voices receive little priority.
How is Somalia not Supporting Women’s Health?
Around two decades of political instability coupled with extreme droughts has forced Somalia into severe food insecurity. Unable to afford essentials, most notably period products, some poor Somali women, as young as 10, offer sex in exchange for food and other basic necessities. By being sexually exploited, usually by older men, women are at a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, worsening their financial situation and pushing them into a life of poverty. Adding to this crisis is the fact that women cannot access safe and hygienic spaces, which is so essential during menstruation. A lack of privacy in the form of gender-segregated toilets and mostly absent toilet doors only increases the risk of violence against women.
Period poverty in Somalia is additionally worsened by the shocking lack of health care for women, which results in a lack of awareness about healthy menstrual care practices. One Somali woman claimed, in a study based on focus group interviews, that “Somali women never go to the doctor, because we go and the doctor believes we are crazy or psychotic, and we say that makes us more crazy so we don’t go.” A former obstetrician and gynecologist living in Somalia has commented that “there are no hospitals, no health care.”
Regressive Practices Contributing to the Problem
Furthermore, women would be more vulnerable to infections if they have been subject to female genital mutilation, a practice common in Somalia and other African countries. Around 98% of girls, between the ages of 9 and 15, living in Somalia endure female genital mutilation. This is a widely accepted social practice that seeks to improve a girl’s matrimonial prospects. This exposes the gender-discriminatory structure of Somalia, where women are forced to put their health at risk since they are reliant on men financially if they want to access menstrual products. WHO has stated that female genital mutilation increases the risk of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and causes a host of other health issues.
Effect on Women’s Education and Financial Situation
These deplorable conditions deter women from participating in Somali society. Only 25% of girls have attended formal schools for education and only 35 percent of women, between the ages of 20 to 25, have at least some years of education in their background. Additionally, more than 10% of female students miss an estimated three to four days per month during their periods. This highlights a lack of adequate sanitary toilets and products that leave a significant number of girls deprived of basic education. A lack of education in turn means that women miss out on learning essential skills including basic hygiene and healthy menstrual care, heightening the risk of neglect or infection. It also results in women being underqualified for jobs and therefore left out of the workforce.
Ongoing Efforts
In 2020, GBV Area of Responsibility provided 12,816 people with dignity kits, in 17 coordination hubs across Somalia, which included sanitary products and rape kits. Such measures help counter period poverty by providing free access to essential health care products, reducing the spread of infection.
In the same year, UNFPA, a reproductive health agency, distributed 10,000 reusable sanitary pads and an additional 20,000 in 2021. To further counter period poverty in Somalia, the organization supported and educated community health workers, helping them provide care and information surrounding safe menstrual health practices. UNFPA also aimed to provide safe environments for women to help them prioritize their health by working with camp officials to distribute flashlights and install lights in their bathrooms.
Concern Worldwide, a humanitarian organization, works toward gender equality in Somalia to improve the condition of women there. To date, it has supported 13 fixed and 15 mobile health centers in Somalia, additionally establishing self-help groups for women, striving for economic and social empowerment through loan systems. By supporting women’s finances and health, Concern Worldwide is fighting against period poverty.
Looking Ahead
Somalia remains an unsafe country for women owing to extreme poverty and gender inequality, actively putting women at risk from their unhygienic environments and inaccessibility of period products, heightening the issue of period poverty. Independent organizations have attempted to support Somali women in terms of finances and health care needs. However, the Somalian government has been largely criticized for its apathy in this matter. For instance, laws preventing gender-based violence have remained as drafts, unprioritized, meaning women continue to fear leaving their houses and avoid going outside to access health care or education. As a result, period poverty in Somalia has remained a major issue, depriving scores of women and girls of a life of dignity.
– Anna McDonald
Photo: ri.org
Women’s Rights in Romania
The Economy and Unemployment
Despite increased prospects and economic development, progress was plodding, and the 2009 financial crisis deepened issues for the Romanian government. This resulted in legislation concerning women’s rights facing relegation to the backbench as politicians scrambled to rescue the country from financial catastrophe.
While there have been continuous changes in legislative provisions, the dissolution of the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between women and men in July 2010 exposed the inequalities between men and women within the professional sector. The agency had been the national gender equality machine, committed to improving the position of women within the workforce. Austerity measures because of the 2009 financial crisis led to its dissolution.
Between 2008 and 2012, the increase in long-term unemployment was higher for women by 5%.
Minority Discrimination
The education rates drop among girls in the Romani community, an ethnic minority who make up 8.32% of Romania’s population. It is important to note that Romani women are not the same as Romanians- the Romani are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group who traditionally lived a nomadic lifestyle.
Education highlights the inequality between provisions available with only 68% of girls receiving secondary education in urban cities, dropping to a staggering 42% in rural areas. Roma boys spend on average, 6.71 years in education while Roma girls spend around 5.66 years. When compared with their non-Roma counterparts who spent 10.95 and 10.7 years respectively, the difference is apparent.
It is common knowledge that Romani women suffer from increased discrimination due to prejudice against the ethnic minority group. Almost a quarter of Romani women in Romania have had no formal education and most of the group have stated that they are discriminated against by employers. As much as 39% of Romani women had not earned any income in the last year and 54% worked informally in jobs that provided no benefits or work agreements.
Gender-Based Violence
There have been increased calls on the Romanian government to protect women from the high rates of sex trafficking and domestic violence. The country has been listed by the U.N. as one of the greatest hotspots for human trafficking.
According to Valentina Rujoiu, a professor at the University of Bucharest’s Faculty of Sociology and Social Assistance, Romania is “stuck in the middle ages” regarding domestic violence. The shame and dishonor surrounding victims of domestic abuse often prevent them from speaking out. Rujoiu also argues that the laws in Romania are not working. On average, it takes 33 days for a restraining order to come into effect, and for many, this is too late.
In a report released by the U.N.’s Human Rights Office, the working group recommended that “the [Romanian] government should also take all the necessary measures to prevent early marriage and drop out of schoolgirls and to ensure human rights-based sexuality education in schools”.
The report also highlighted the issue of forced marriage and teen pregnancies. There is little access to prenatal care and the breastfeeding rate is three times lower than in the European Union (EU), further emphasizing the ongoing problem of early years development.
Hope and Empowerment
Smaller NGOs are operating in Romania to combat gender inequality. Centrul Filia is a feminist NGO from Bucharest, active in the field of gender equality research. The organization aims to build a society in Romania whereby women’s rights and diverse needs are respected and equal opportunities are available to all.
The organization’s direct community work, advocacy activism and research analysis help to build a more accurate image of gender inequality in Romania, as well as supporting women through increasing public awareness on reproductive and sexual rights. Its work with the Romanian government in improving the legislative framework and effective implementation of public policies has also transformed the organization into a powerful pressure group.
According to the U.N., there is a need for more improvements to empower women in Romania, ensuring that they can reach their full potential within professional and personal spheres. Currently, ongoing efforts by NGOs similar to Centrul Filia represent positive steps in the right direction to improve women’s rights in Romania.
– Maryam Rana
Photo: Flickr
Gender-Based Violence in the DRC
Domestic Violence
Issues such as child marriage and lack of education are both detrimental to women and girls in the DRC. Other issues like female genital mutilation also contribute to gender-based violence, as it sets the precedent from a young age that girls are undervalued and exploited. According to estimates, at least 52% of Congolese women and girls over the age of 15 have experienced physical violence in their lifetimes, with the number only increasing as the girls become women. However, countless organizations aim to reduce these high rates of violence against women and girls throughout the nation.
Nevertheless, countless organizations aim to reduce these high rates of violence against women and girls throughout the nation. They achieve this by providing women and girls with access to opportunity and education and making the government aware of these gender-based issues. Specifically, some organizations build schools and offer scholarships to help girls access education and escape child marriage. Others provide job training and microloans to help women gain financial independence. Campaigns also pressure the government to strengthen laws protecting women and harshly punish violence and discrimination.
Disease and Illness
In addition to gender-based violence, the DRC struggles with health challenges such as Ebola. Millions of individuals have faced displacement while seeking food and secure accommodations. The frustration and anger people feel regarding these issues could easily affect women, as anger often manifests as violence against them. Organizations have also been mobilized in the Congo to aid those displaced and who suffer from illness as a result.
Preventative Methods in the DRC
Different organizations and programs have been launched both by the Congolese government and international bodies to prevent gender-based violence in the central African country. Specifically, the DRC’s government has “developed an accountability framework to address gender-based violence, including national protocols for case management and a database of incidents.”
The United Kingdom (U.K.), one of the countries offering the Congo support against gender-based violence, has played a pivotal role in reducing domestic violence against women and girls in the nation. In two years, the “What Works To Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” program implemented by the U.K. in the DRC has successfully decreased domestic violence against women from 69% to 29%. Furthermore, U.K. aid intervention has led to a significant decline in violent sexual crimes committed by non-partners, dropping from 24% to 4% within the same timeframe.
Looking Ahead
Efforts to address violence against women and girls, both within the Congo and through external organizations, have significantly improved the well-being of Congolese women and girls. However, opportunities for further enhancements in safety and well-being persist. Recent trends suggest that as long as missions aimed at empowering women through education, financial independence and legal safeguards continue, there is a sustained reduction in violence rates and an increase in opportunities for Congolese women and girls. Advocates and activists work tirelessly toward a future where women and girls in the Congo can live free from violence and discrimination.
– Lily Thornhill
Photo: Unsplash
How To Fight Hunger: The HelloFresh Answer
HelloFresh Mission
In a November 2023 interview with The Borgen Project, HelloFresh emphasized that addressing “food insecurity is an important part of our mission.” Recognizing that more than 700 million people globally struggle with hunger, the company adopts a comprehensive and diverse approach to combat this pervasive issue.
HelloFresh extends its broad perspective beyond its employees and customers, recognizing its potential for global impact and actively engages in significant humanitarian efforts worldwide. In 2023, HelloFresh sent donations to assist those affected by the massive earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Additionally, in 2022, the company initiated a sustained campaign to offer aid to the 11 million Ukrainians facing food insecurity since the outbreak of war.
The assistance to Ukraine from HelloFresh involves the delivery of “more than 1,285 tons of food” from its “production facilities to the Polish Food Bank Federation in Krakow and Poznan and the Red Cross in Lublin, from where the food will be distributed among refugee families and across the border of Ukraine.”
Additionally, the initiative continues to provide free meal kits to families in Germany who have generously opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees. HelloFresh has also created programs to allow refugees’ seamless engagement with potential job opportunities within the company.
HelloFresh Principles
Donations are not just limited to “surplus food, ingredients” and “meal kits” (though plenty of these are included) but also incorporate “employee volunteer hours and monetary contributions” to organizations that are working towards similar goals.
HelloFresh operates on four simple principles that guide and govern its global actions against hunger. These principles serve as the foundation for keeping compassion at the core of all its operations. The company aims to:
HelloFresh will continue to fight hunger for years to come. The years ahead hold the promise of more food donations, more beneficiaries and more impact. “We are always looking for new ways to give back,” the company shared with The Borgen Project, expressing anticipation for “much more to come in 2024.”
– Peggy Hughes
Photo: Flickr
CAFOD Ensuring Sustainable Housing
The initial goal of these volunteers was to raise funds for the people of the Caribbean Island Dominica, specifically to support starving children and establish a mother-and-baby clinic. The scheme also aimed at helping people survive and make a living for themselves through the provision of a clean water initiative and teaching them how to cultivate water gardens. The campaign organizers achieved success by raising £6,000, equivalent to £96,000 today.
CAFOD has grown significantly since its inception in Dominica and now operates in more than 40 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. The organization is actively involved in campaigns and fundraising efforts aimed at promoting sustainable housing, accessible education, clean water and food security in each of these regions.
CAFOD in Brazil
CAFOD estimates that 50 million Brazilians currently live in poverty. Many of these individuals include indigenous communities who are vulnerable to large-scale mining, farming and timber projects that have even escalated to violence against the indigenous Brazilians looking to defend their rights to the land.
CAFOD has been operating in the country for more than 50 years, partnering with local experts on different projects. The organization’s efforts extend beyond assisting homeless families in crowded Sao Paulo favelas; it is also heavily engaged in lobbying the government to provide basic welfare for the impoverished. Additionally, CAFOD actively supports indigenous communities by improving their conditions and ensuring basic access to health and education.
World Cities Day
On Oct. 31, 2023, CAFOD celebrated World Cities Day, demonstrating solidarity with the people of Sao Paulo. The focus was on the city’s poorest families, as CAFOD remains determined to provide them with safe and affordable housing. This underscores the initiative’s commitment to addressing urban challenges and improving living conditions. World Cities Day, observed annually on Oct. 31, serves as a global platform promoting campaigns for sustainable urban development. CAFOD strategically leverages this event to highlight the need for urban development and the progress it has made in providing affordable housing for Sao Paulo’s poorest demographic.
“They called us vagabonds. I bowed my head, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t a vagabond,” said a resident of Sao Paulo who, along with hundreds of other families, spent five years occupying the now-abandoned Hotel Lord. They campaigned tirelessly to ensure safe and affordable housing for the city’s poorest communities. Through the collaborative efforts of CAFOD, particularly its charitable partner Semeando and other housing groups, the once-abandoned hotel, now named the “Elza Soares Residence” after the Samba singer, serves as a home for 176 of Sao Paulo’s most vulnerable families.
Present Day Sao Paulo
According to Brazil Reports, homelessness in Sao Paulo exceeded 200,000 in 2023. However, CAFOD, in collaboration with its partners in Brazil, continues to be actively involved in addressing this city-wide issue. The organization and its partners in the nation are advocating for affordable living spaces and essential amenities on behalf of Sao Paulo’s poorest demographic.
– Tom Perry
Photo: Flickr
Technology in Vietnam: How Vietnam Made Progress on Poverty
Supporting Entrepreneurs
Despite significant progress, the effects of poverty continue to disproportionately affect individuals belonging to “Ethnic Minority” groups in Vietnam, highlighting this as a crucial area for development in the ongoing fight against poverty. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), an agency of the United Nations dedicated to assisting countries with their efforts to combat poverty, initiated a project called the 4M (Meet, Match, Mentor, Move) Solution to help female Vietnamese ethnic-minority micro-entrepreneurs expand their business through match up with e-commerce partners. This program has yielded positive results, with about 100 cooperatives experiencing a minimum 30% increase in revenue, benefitting more than 13,000 women.
Betting on Production
Vietnam, despite having a relatively low urban population proportion (38% as of 2021), has achieved impressive technology adoption with a remarkable 70.3% internet penetration rate. This achievement can be attributed, in part, to affordable data plans that keep costs low. However, one challenge remains: limited internet coverage for individuals living in extreme poverty.
These advancements align with the country’s pursuit of an “Industrial Revolution 4.0,” driven by a wholehearted embrace of modern technology and its economic potential. Strategic policies and tax incentives have positioned Vietnam as a regional hub for technology and semiconductor manufacturing. As a result, several major global corporations have relocated their production facilities to the country, contributing to significant GDP growth. With an expanding GDP, living standards are on the rise, and workers are securing higher productivity jobs, leading to improved income levels.
Insuring Infrastructure
Agriculturally, Vietnam heavily relies on the abundant production of rice crops, exposing farmers to the uncertainties of changing climate conditions and fluctuating government policies. The reliability of produce is further threatened by water scarcity issues, opening the way to solutions such as the Mekong Delta Smart Irrigation Project.
Through the utilization of high-tech sensors and water pumps that provide real-time feedback directly to smartphones, farmers can instantly check water levels and experiment with techniques to ration their resources.
In one notable farming cooperative, ‘Phu Can,’ the implementation of supportive monitoring hardware has yielded positive outcomes, allowing a similar produce of rice with 20% less water usage. This technological intervention serves to fortify the rice industry against the challenges posed by the evolving world.
Looking Ahead
Vietnam has borne the brunt of its economic downturn for decades, making the turning of its fortune largely carried on the winds of developing technologies and modern conveniences an inspiring narrative. The examples of successful implementation of modern technology in Vietnam stand as a testament to the broadening of opportunities for various minority classes. This approach has helped empower the underprivileged and safeguarded crucial agricultural produce from the unpredictable impacts of changing circumstances.
Vietnam has made significant progress in its fight against poverty, with the Multidimensional Poverty Index reaching a low of 4% in 2021. However, recent data from early 2023 suggests a rise to 9%. Nevertheless, the nation has a strong track record of commitment to systemic improvement over the past 30 years. This dedication spurs hope for continued progress in the ongoing struggle against poverty.
– Brandon Murphy
Photo: Unsplash
5 Charities Operating in Scotland
In 2017, the Scottish parliament unanimously voted for the Child Poverty Act hoping to set a goal of reducing relative child poverty in Scotland to no more than 10% and reducing absolute child poverty to no more than 5%. Now in 2023, the fight against poverty continues in Scotland, where several charities and independent organizations have taken to the frontlines to stand in defense of their disadvantaged countrymen. Here are 5 charities operating in Scotland.
Charities at Work in Scotland
Wrap Up
With more than a million people still living in poverty in Scotland as of 2023, the Scottish government’s goal of seeing poverty levels reduced to or below 10% is a mounting challenge. However, the charities operating in Scotland and many more like them continue to wage a war on poverty. With the continued work and support from these organizations and the communities around them, there is growing hope for progress.
– Beau Sansom
Photo: Flickr
Tumaini Children’s Charity: a brighter future for children in Kenya
The Role and Impact of Tumaini Children’s Charity
Tumaini Brooks functions as a boarding school. It is a haven where food, pastoral care and quality education coalesce to uplift children from Gatamaiyu’s harshest environments. Cassie Watts, Tumaini Children’s Charity’s Social Media Manager, in her conversation with The Borgen Project, shed light on the school’s ethos. Cassie first got involved with Tumaini in 2016, when she heard about it from Hannah, the organization’s Chairperson. In 1998, Hannah had been looking for philanthropic work that would make a tangible difference but hadn’t found any that pulled her in. She met David and Alice and felt compelled to take part in their efforts, beginning the U.K.-based charity shortly afterward to raise funds for the school and bring awareness to its mission. Cassie immediately felt that she had to contribute to its efforts and, frustrated by the charity’s out-of-date website, became the Social Media Manager.
Tumaini Brooks’ unique adaptability to meet the community’s dynamic needs sets it apart, with a mission centered on breaking the poverty cycle through comprehensive education and care.
Navigating Challenges: Tumaini Brooks During the Pandemic
The advent of COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges, with government directives leading to nationwide school closures. For the residents of the surrounding slums, this meant losing access to crucial services, including the school-provided meals for their children. Tumaini Brooks responded with agility, shifting its focus to food distribution. This endeavor grew exponentially, supporting hundreds of families weekly and highlighting the school’s pivotal role in the community during a global crisis.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Tumaini’s Journey
The path for Tumaini Brooks has not been without obstacles. External challenges, such as political corruption and shifting government policies, constantly test the school’s resilience. These challenges range from sudden curriculum changes to new student-per-classroom mandates, requiring Tumaini to allocate precious resources towards meeting these demands rather than focusing on its vision. Despite these hurdles, the school has made significant progress toward self-sufficiency. Investments in agricultural land, solar energy and a reliable water supply underscore its commitment to independence. In addition, the establishment of the school as an exam center marks a milestone, offering educational benefits to students and a sustainable income source.
Tumaini Brooks: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation
Despite the success in breaking the poverty cycle for many, some students return to their challenging circumstances. This reality underscores the complexity of the issues Tumaini Brooks tackles. The school’s unwavering commitment is to cater to the multifaceted needs of its more than 600 students, whether it’s providing a nurturing home, fitting clothes, quality education, or emotional and spiritual support. Cassie Watts’ reflections capture the essence of Tumaini’s impact. She speaks of the community’s resilience and gratitude, especially evident in the children who view the school as a “mothership of hope.”
Tumaini Brooks, through its multifarious initiatives, has become a symbol of hope and opportunity for many. The school’s role in providing a stable environment for learning and growth is also notable. It stands as a testament to the power of education and care in transforming lives. As Cassie Watts put it, the school instills a sense of trust and positivity in the students, despite their challenging circumstances. The belief that “everything will turn out ok” resonates deeply within the Tumaini community, fueling their efforts to offer a chance at a better life.
Looking Forward: The Vision of Tumaini Children’s Charity
As Tumaini Brooks School continues its noble journey, the vision for the future is clear. Moreover, Tumaini Children’s Charity remains dedicated to supporting the school’s mission toward complete self-sufficiency. This goal involves creating multiple income streams to ensure the school’s sustainability and reduce its dependence on external factors, including the Kenyan government. By doing so, the charity aims to fortify the school’s ability to provide uninterrupted, high-quality education and care to its students.
The story of Tumaini Brooks School is one of compassion, resilience and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Currently, the efforts of David and Alice Hinga, the charity’s supporters and the resilient spirit of the students serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of education and dedicated care in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
– Lydia Greene
Photo: Flickr
South African Company Revolutionizes HIV Prevention with Injectable PrEP
The HIV Landscape in South Africa
South Africa has been at the forefront of the global battle against HIV, with more than seven million people currently living with the virus. Despite substantial progress in treatment, the country witnessed around 160,000 new infections last year, highlighting the persistent challenges. The introduction of an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a beacon of hope, especially for those at high risk.
The Injectable PrEP Advantage
CAB LA, the injectable PrEP, demonstrates a paradigm shift in HIV prevention. Unlike its daily oral counterpart, this variant lasts for two months, offering a discreet and user-friendly option. Linda-Gail Bekker, CEO of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, emphasizes an 89% reduction in HIV infections among women in Africa using injectable PrEP compared to oral PrEP, underlining its superiority.
Affordability and Accessibility Challenges
While approved for use in South Africa, the injectable’s cost remains a significant hurdle, priced at several thousand dollars per shot. The company producing it has shared licenses to address this concern. However, challenges persist in affordability and manufacturing capacity that need concerted efforts for widespread accessibility.
International Collaboration for Progress
International collaboration is pivotal in introducing CAB LA in South Africa, especially with the United States (U.S.). Dr. John Nkengasong, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, acknowledges the evolving landscape in the fight against HIV, highlighting the innovation brought by long-acting PrEP injectables.
South Africa is gearing up for a pilot project in early 2024 to evaluate the implementation of injectable PrEP, specifically targeting adolescent girls and young women. Initially slated for 2023, as per VOA reports, these projects experienced delays, pushing the launch to early 2024. Spearheaded by Unitaid, this pivotal demonstration project addresses the intricacies of introducing this innovative prevention method from clinical settings into local communities. Despite the setbacks, Chief Investigator Pontiano Kaleebu emphasizes the importance of developing an HIV vaccine for Africa.
Implementation Challenges and Future Outlook
Implementing injectable PrEP beyond clinical settings presents challenges. Trained nurses will likely administer the injections, requiring additional training. However, the larger question revolves around decentralized delivery models and community acceptance. Community ‘shot clinics’ are proposed, offering a potential solution for administering injectable PrEP in a more accessible and user-friendly manner.
Dr. Francois Venter, divisional director of the research institute Ezintsha, remarks, “There needs to be a bit of a stock-taking before we do that. But our patients are going to be pushing us to go very fast.”
The Impact on the Ground
Amidst the groundbreaking developments in HIV prevention, NGOs like the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) continue to play a crucial role in South Africa. TAC, a key advocate for access to HIV treatment, is poised to adapt its strategies with the anticipated launch of injectable PrEP in early 2024. This innovative preventive method aligns with TAC’s mission, providing an opportunity to enhance outreach and education efforts. The longer-acting and user-friendly nature of injectable PrEP could empower NGOs like TAC to strengthen their campaigns, offering additional tools in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. Overall, these advancements present NGOs with new avenues to contribute effectively to eradicating HIV in South Africa.
Tracking and Measuring Success
Monitoring the usage patterns of oral and injectable PrEP presents a significant challenge because these preventive methods are constantly evolving. Therefore, developing more effective metrics to assess the impact of PrEP on a population level could be necessary.
Additionally, the effectiveness of injectable PrEP depends on its integration with extensive sexual and reproductive health services. It is crucial to educate communities about the various options available for HIV prevention, thereby linking injectable PrEP with empowering messages about wellness.
South Africa Taking the Lead
South Africa’s leading role in the development and implementation of injectable PrEP marks a pivotal moment in the fight against HIV. As the nation gears up for pilot projects, the prospect of a discreet, user-friendly, and more effective prevention method brings renewed hope for a future where HIV is no longer a pervasive threat. The collaboration between local initiatives and global support underscores the collective commitment to eradicating HIV and creating a healthier world.
– Ed Santana
Photo: unsplash
RISING Uganda: Quality & Inclusive Learning For All
The Rising Uganda Project
The RISING Uganda project emerged in 2022 through the Stromme Foundation East Africa. The project intends to cover four years and its purpose is to collaborate with households, communities and political leaders to dismantle barriers preventing children from receiving quality education. These barriers include classroom shortages and learning gaps.
The East Africa initiative is a branch of the wider Stromme Foundation. This NGO traces its origins to 1976 through the efforts of Reverend Olav Kristian Strømme of Kristiansand Cathedral in Norway to raise money for the less fortunate. It has since grown into the largest NGO in Norway. Following the reverend’s death, his nephew Gunnar Strømme built upon his uncle’s work by establishing the Strømme Memorial Foundation in support of less fortunate individuals on a global scale. Today, the organization maintains regional offices in Mali, Uganda and Sri Lanka along with headquarters in Norway. The organization also maintains partnerships with 11 different countries, exclusively within Asia and Africa.
Within Uganda itself, the Stromme Foundation estimates that the percentage of Ugandans currently living in poverty stands at 42% and that 23.5% of the population above the age of 15 are illiterate.
Programs
Intervention schemes to address these statistics include the Bonga Adolescent Empowerment Programme. Bonga is a life skills training program that utilizes “a dialogue process to build confidence among the out-of-school illiterate adolescent girls and boys (13- 19 years) to develop their analytical capacity through life skills and vocational skills,” the Stromme Foundation website says.
Similarly, the foundation’s Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) program is an outreach project to provide young Ugandans with the transferable skills necessary to succeed in the employment market through apprenticeship models to provide them with a means of contributing to both their household income and the economy of their wider community.
With the RISING Uganda program, a collaborative effort will be maintained between the Stromme Foundation East Africa and district education officers, teachers and community leaders to incentivize such communities to enrol more children in schools erect new classrooms, refurbish existing ones and supply vulnerable school children with the necessary resources to learn.
Upon the announcement of the construction of 67 new classrooms and 53 WASH facilities by the Stromme Foundation, Carron Beaumont, head of Program Implementation at Plan International Uganda, highlighted at the initiating event that “Investing in basic school infrastructure is crucial for better learning outcomes, especially at this time where enrolment into education is needed for millions of children who have been affected by ongoing and past conflicts as well as crises and gender inequalities.’’
First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni also attended the initiating event and laid out a foundation stone to mark the occasion.
The Power of Collaboration
The RISING Uganda scheme is currently being implemented as a consortium involving not only the Stromme Foundation but also Plan International Uganda, a charity similarly devoted to the empowerment of Uganda’s youth since 1992. This collaborative effort is operating in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports while receiving funding from Educate A Child in Uganda. Similarly, Educate A Child is a global charity devoted to providing school children across the world with a quality education for children afflicted with circumstances such as poverty, discrimination and conflict. Its reach encompasses 53 countries, including Uganda.
Through the efforts of humanitarian organizations, quality and inclusive learning for all may be a possibility.
– Thomas Perry
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Period Poverty in Somalia
Period Poverty as a Result of the Economic Situation in Somalia
After 25 years of internal conflict, Somalia faces significant challenges, with half of its population living in poverty. Nearly a third of Somalians endure extreme poverty. In this context, women confront an additional challenge: period poverty. This term refers to the inability to afford basic sanitary products. Sanitary pads, costing $3 per pack, are unaffordable for many, forcing them to use unsanitary alternatives like dried cow dung and leaves.
Period poverty in Somalia has its roots in widespread gender discrimination, evident in the country’s patriarchal society. Somalia’s Gender Inequality Index score is 0.776, with 1 indicating absolute gender inequality. This score places Somalia among the countries with the most significant challenges in women’s rights. The Somali Women Development Centre in Mogadishu reports that Somalia has the highest levels of violence against women in Africa. Such deep-seated gender discrimination worsens period poverty, creating an environment where women’s health and voices receive little priority.
How is Somalia not Supporting Women’s Health?
Around two decades of political instability coupled with extreme droughts has forced Somalia into severe food insecurity. Unable to afford essentials, most notably period products, some poor Somali women, as young as 10, offer sex in exchange for food and other basic necessities. By being sexually exploited, usually by older men, women are at a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, worsening their financial situation and pushing them into a life of poverty. Adding to this crisis is the fact that women cannot access safe and hygienic spaces, which is so essential during menstruation. A lack of privacy in the form of gender-segregated toilets and mostly absent toilet doors only increases the risk of violence against women.
Period poverty in Somalia is additionally worsened by the shocking lack of health care for women, which results in a lack of awareness about healthy menstrual care practices. One Somali woman claimed, in a study based on focus group interviews, that “Somali women never go to the doctor, because we go and the doctor believes we are crazy or psychotic, and we say that makes us more crazy so we don’t go.” A former obstetrician and gynecologist living in Somalia has commented that “there are no hospitals, no health care.”
Regressive Practices Contributing to the Problem
Furthermore, women would be more vulnerable to infections if they have been subject to female genital mutilation, a practice common in Somalia and other African countries. Around 98% of girls, between the ages of 9 and 15, living in Somalia endure female genital mutilation. This is a widely accepted social practice that seeks to improve a girl’s matrimonial prospects. This exposes the gender-discriminatory structure of Somalia, where women are forced to put their health at risk since they are reliant on men financially if they want to access menstrual products. WHO has stated that female genital mutilation increases the risk of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and causes a host of other health issues.
Effect on Women’s Education and Financial Situation
These deplorable conditions deter women from participating in Somali society. Only 25% of girls have attended formal schools for education and only 35 percent of women, between the ages of 20 to 25, have at least some years of education in their background. Additionally, more than 10% of female students miss an estimated three to four days per month during their periods. This highlights a lack of adequate sanitary toilets and products that leave a significant number of girls deprived of basic education. A lack of education in turn means that women miss out on learning essential skills including basic hygiene and healthy menstrual care, heightening the risk of neglect or infection. It also results in women being underqualified for jobs and therefore left out of the workforce.
Ongoing Efforts
In 2020, GBV Area of Responsibility provided 12,816 people with dignity kits, in 17 coordination hubs across Somalia, which included sanitary products and rape kits. Such measures help counter period poverty by providing free access to essential health care products, reducing the spread of infection.
In the same year, UNFPA, a reproductive health agency, distributed 10,000 reusable sanitary pads and an additional 20,000 in 2021. To further counter period poverty in Somalia, the organization supported and educated community health workers, helping them provide care and information surrounding safe menstrual health practices. UNFPA also aimed to provide safe environments for women to help them prioritize their health by working with camp officials to distribute flashlights and install lights in their bathrooms.
Concern Worldwide, a humanitarian organization, works toward gender equality in Somalia to improve the condition of women there. To date, it has supported 13 fixed and 15 mobile health centers in Somalia, additionally establishing self-help groups for women, striving for economic and social empowerment through loan systems. By supporting women’s finances and health, Concern Worldwide is fighting against period poverty.
Looking Ahead
Somalia remains an unsafe country for women owing to extreme poverty and gender inequality, actively putting women at risk from their unhygienic environments and inaccessibility of period products, heightening the issue of period poverty. Independent organizations have attempted to support Somali women in terms of finances and health care needs. However, the Somalian government has been largely criticized for its apathy in this matter. For instance, laws preventing gender-based violence have remained as drafts, unprioritized, meaning women continue to fear leaving their houses and avoid going outside to access health care or education. As a result, period poverty in Somalia has remained a major issue, depriving scores of women and girls of a life of dignity.
– Anna McDonald
Photo: ri.org