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Digital Wages in Bangladesh are Empowering its Female Workforce

Digital Wages in BangladeshAcross the developing world, women continue to make up large proportions of key manufacturing industries. For instance, they comprise 68% of the garment workforce and 45% of the textile industry. Wages in these industries are generally paid in cash, making it difficult for workers to save for the long term, which is one way to escape poverty. Here is some information about digital wages in Bangladesh. 

The Situation

At the same time, historic gender roles mean women often do not directly benefit from the results of their work. In Bangladesh, where female textile factories dominate, women are expected to turn their wages over to their husbands or fathers. There are even accounts of long lines of men waiting outside the factories on payday, ready for this handover.

This wage settlement means female workers are denied proper control over their finances. For those women already living in poverty, this leaves them trapped. Despite undertaking paid employment, they cannot access the financial resources required to escape their current position. While this is a complex problem, some simple solutions can go a long way to removing the barriers women face. BSR’s HERProject has looked to do exactly that. HERProject has supported the growing trend of introducing digital wages for factory workers in Bangladesh. It helps teach employees how to use digital banking systems to ensure successful implementation.

The Benefits of Digital Wages in Bangladesh

Digital wages in Bangladesh have transformed women’s lives in the key areas where they were previously disempowered. Now, it is easier for workers to plan and save. They only withdraw the money they need to spend, while the rest is stored securely in a bank account. 

World Bank researchers found that digital banking increases the likelihood of workers saving money by 25%. At the same time, women have more control over their money. Instead of receiving pay in person, their wages are transferred directly to an account that belongs to them. This prevents husbands or fathers immediately confiscating women’s wages.

One can see these benefits in the popularity of digital wages in Bangladesh. According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, pollsters found that after an H&M factory adopted digital wages, the number of workers who preferred the system jumped from 4% to 81%. A crucial part of the message of HERProject is the benefits factories themselves will stand to make from schemes such as digital wages. According to the organization, empowered women become agents of change, making businesses “more ethical and more productive.”

The Formation of RISE

On International Women’s Day 2023, HERProject joined Gap Inc. PACE, CARE International and Better Work (all organizations fighting for gender equality in supply chains) to form RISE. This new organization, standing for ‘Reimagining Industry to Support Equality,’ will look to fight for gender equality on an even larger scale. Its founders already support more than five million workers in over 20 countries. By sharing their resources, they can bring transformative ideas like HERProject’s digital wages to more of the developing world. The success of digital wages in Bangladesh is one example of how technology can be applied in the developing world to give workers greater control over their finances and the means to escape poverty. Its continued application will help reshape industries across developing countries for decades. 

– Jack Arrowsmith
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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How Tobacco Production Impacts Food Security

Tobacco Production Impacts Food SecurityThe same land that provides life also causes death: The same soil that produces energy resources, fruits, vegetables and minerals also yields a product that kills 8 million people each year: tobacco. Here is how tobacco production impacts food security.

How Tobacco Production Affects Farmers

Unfortunately, tobacco not only causes death and diseases to those who are smokers or breathe secondhand smoke. Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, points out that tobacco production causes illnesses to farmers, as they are “exposed to chemical pesticides, tobacco smoke and as much nicotine as found in 50 cigarettes.” Furthermore, it is estimated that more than 1 million children work in tobacco farms, being deprived of education.

The countries with more need to produce food are paradoxically those that produce the most tobacco. Nine of the 10 nations with the highest tobacco cultivation rates are low- and middle-income nations, according to WHO. 

How Tobacco Production Impacts Food Security

Also, because tobacco production takes up fertile land, it exacerbates the food security issues in these countries. As a result of the crop’s growth-induced deforestation, water source contamination and soil deterioration, the environment and the populations that depend on it also suffer.

A record 349 million people experience extreme food insecurity across 79 countries. Many of them are in more than 30 African nations where tobacco growing has expanded by 15% over the past 10 years, according to the agency’s new report “Grow food, not tobacco.”

Transitioning Tobacco Farming to Food Crops

More than 124 countries cultivate tobacco, occupying 3.2 million hectares of arable land that farmers could use for food production. In order to shift this situation, WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have partnered to back the Tobacco Free Farms initiative. Through this plan, more than 5,000 farmers in Kenya and Zambia will receive assistance in switching from tobacco to sustainable food crops. 

There are other examples of countries that have found a new way to end global hunger by switching from tobacco farming to food crops. In Bulgaria, despite European Union subsidies for tobacco production, many farmers have effectively transitioned to cultivating nuts, berries or engaging in animal husbandry. This shift has marginalized the role of tobacco in Bulgarian agriculture, leading to significant economic growth and improved living standards in major villages within established tobacco regions.

Similarly, Indonesia has seen success in transitioning tobacco farmers to alternative crops like cashews, sweet potatoes, corn and green vegetables, resulting in increased profits.

Progress in China and Malaysia

In regions like China’s Yunnan province, there has been a notable reduction in tobacco cultivation since 2012. Thousands of farmers have embraced the shift toward growing vegetables and fruits, experiencing higher net incomes due to initiatives promoting tobacco crop substitution.

Malaysia’s government has supported tobacco farmers in transitioning to cultivating kenaf, a plant used for high-quality paper, biocomposites and bioplastics. This transition has shown promising returns on investment with minimal expenditure of time, money and labor. 

Transition to Food Crops in New Zealand and Sri Lanka

Similarly, in New Zealand’s Motueka region, government incentives for tobacco farming have been removed, allowing farmers to successfully transition to cultivating hops, kiwis and apples. These examples illustrate that viable alternatives to tobacco farming are not only possible but are already underway in various regions around the world.

In 2021, the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol in Sri Lanka launched a pilot project in the Anuradhapura and Monaragala districts aimed at encouraging the cultivation of alternative crops instead of tobacco. This initiative yielded significant results, with a remarkable 91% reduction in tobacco cultivation observed in Anuradhapura and a 57% reduction in Monaragala. 

In Anuradhapura, 30% of farmers transitioned to cultivating vegetables while 16% turned to paddy cultivation. Conversely, in Monaragala, the majority of farmers opted to grow crops like peanuts, sesame and cowpeas. The success of this pilot project underscores the potential of sustainable agricultural practices in fostering economically viable alternatives to tobacco farming and addressing how tobacco production impacts food security.

Looking Ahead

It is important and at the same time gratifying that in the face of a situation such as that presented by tobacco cultivation and its negative influences on farmers and consumers alternatives are established throughout the world. These not only imply tobacco’s progressive disappearance but also reverse the situation, finding a new way to end global hunger by making the means and efforts to serve food production and helping those most in need.

– Christian Teruel
Photo: Flickr

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Vocational Education Training Centers in Brazil

Vocational Education Training Centers in BrazilBeyond the often grim statistics of the country’s poverty, vocational education training centers in Brazil are emerging as a glimmer of hope for numerous people from the grassroots. Although not a traditional career path, they are transforming and empowering the impoverished to break through glass ceilings and end the seemingly endless cycle of poverty.

For years, Brazil has grappled with grievances about unfair wealth distribution. In 2021, according to World Bank statistics, Brazil’s poverty rate and Gini coefficient were 5.8% and a staggering 53.4, respectively, indicating a high level of disparity and that 12.5 million of the population were still under the international poverty line. The UN says one in four youth are unemployed. There is no silver bullet for the issue, but now vocational education training centers in Brazil offer an opportunity to change this narrative.

Bridging the Skill Gap

Brazil is now struggling with a significant skills gap. Companies, especially those in the technical and specialist industries, struggle to find employees with the right skills. A survey of employers by Fortune 500 corporation Manpower Group has revealed candidates in technology, logistics and marketing are now much sought after by the industries, while other estimates put vacant IT positions in the South American country at up to 400,000.

That is when vocational education training centers step in. By offering accredited and tailored courses, they help upskill Brazil’s next generation and, in a labor force that barely more than 10% receive tertiary education, provide an alternative for many.

Localized Solutions 

Perhaps what sets vocational education centers in Brazil apart from other countries is their increasingly localized approach. Understanding the unique challenges of each community, government-operated institutes and corporate training programs are crafting courses that cater to local industries. In a report, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said: “Ideally, national/regional prerogatives are combined with local freedom whereby schools can often adapt the content to the local labor markets.”

SENAI, a network of secondary-level professional schools maintained by the Brazilian Confederation of Industry, has designed the Industry Work Map for its regional bodies to decide what vocational education training programs should be offered. Specific and targeted education helps ensure students have higher chances of employment upon graduation, directly alleviating poverty within a community. However, scholars have suggested there needs to be increased communication between vocational education training centers and employers to help identify market trends in demand for skills.

Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups

A spiral of racism, poverty and exploitation has historically left women and marginalized communities facing barriers to accessing quality education and employment. Vocational education training centers are arguably the key to change.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), women earn on average 22% less than men. OECD has found women are more likely than men to pursue a vocational track in Brazil and are overrepresented in upper secondary education, contrary to the case in most member countries of the organization. The Thousand Women Program, which started by providing 1,000 disadvantaged women in the country’s north access to vocational education, was successful and expanded in 2009. Estimates have indicated that 100,000 women have benefited from the program by 2014.

With vocational training education centers actively encouraging female enrolment and offering courses in sectors traditionally dominated by men, Brazil is tackling poverty for all.

Supporting Entrepreneurial Endeavors

Not all graduates of vocational education training centers seek traditional employment. Recognizing the potential of Brazil’s entrepreneurial spirit, many centers offer courses in business management, financial literacy and start-up development. These skills are crucial in a country where small businesses contribute to over 27% of the GDP, according to the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE). Through entrepreneurship, these centers are not only creating employment opportunities for graduates but also helping stimulate local economies, fostering innovation and driving forward Brazil’s global economic position.

Fostering a Culture of Lifelong Learning

Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of the vocational education initiative is the cultural shift toward valuing education. As more success stories emerge, there is a growing realization that education is a sustainable way out of poverty. This change in mindset is critical. With a focus on continuous learning, Brazilians are better equipped to adapt to the ever-evolving job market, ensuring long-term economic stability for themselves and their communities.

The Future

As Brazil advances towards what many hope will be a more equitable and prosperous future, the role of vocational education training centers cannot be understated. These institutions, with their pragmatic approach to education and employment, are not only addressing immediate economic concerns but also cementing the country’s resilience and tenacity in the long run.

Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Freire once said: “Education does not transform the world. Education changes people. People change the world.” By promoting vocational education, Brazil will stand as a living testament to this ethos, reflecting the power of focused, skill-based training to help the impoverished break glass ceilings — and, ultimately, to succeed.

– Reagan Yip
Photo: Flickr

Addressing Child Labor in Bangladesh

Child Labor in BangladeshChild labor is defined as any work that exceeds the minimum number of hours for a child. In Bangladesh, 72.5% of child workers are classified as child laborers. Unfortunately, child labor has served as one of the only ways for poverty-ridden families to improve their quality of life. Child labor in Bangladesh remains prevalent and continues to harm children with injuries and low pay. 

Reasons

The leading cause of Bangladesh’s high child labor rate is poverty. In a study by Sylhet Agricultural University, poverty ranked as the number one cause of child labor. A child may be sent to factories to earn money for their parents and siblings. One child worker, Nuri, explained the pressure of her work, “I cannot stop working for a second, I get BDT 50 (57 US cents) for every sack of pebbles I produce. I can barely make two sacks a day. How do you expect me to eat?”

One can attribute they way children find work so easily to employers wanting to hire children instead of adults. Employers believe children are more effective workers, and children do not have to receive as much pay as adults, with their salary typically being around $2. The laborers know they can abuse the obedience and fear they instill in children, meaning they do not need to worry about high pay. Even if adults were wanted, this group has a high unemployment rate among this group due to urban migration. 

Many adults seek jobs that are more accommodating of their skills, leaving positions open and leading to a labor shortage in rural areas, with desperate children hoping to earn money being the only ones willing to take the position.

Scale

More than 2 million children from the ages of 5–17 are a part of child labor in Bangladesh. Approximately 47.5% of children had to seek work despite having two individuals in their household working paid jobs. Many children cannot receive an education because they must earn money to feed their families. About 32.5% of child laborers do not attend school and spend their days working. This can harm the future lives of families, as children who are pulled out of school never have the chance to receive proper education and perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Without an education, they often struggle to find a job that pays enough, forcing them to send their children to grueling workplaces to earn additional money for the family. The Sylhet Agricultural University found poor education in parents to cause child labor, ranking fourth among the causes.

Hazards

Several dangers come with child labor in Bangladesh. The most common are dangerous chemicals, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide and sulphuric acid. These chemicals are found in the materials used for leather and clothing and can shorten the lifespan of child workers. Other physical side effects can include musculoskeletal pain among child laborers, a result of severe physical burden. Nearly 60.14% of children in child labor have reported facing hazardous working conditions. 

Not many child laborers even get assistance in their recovery if injured, with 75% of children lacking medical attention at their jobs. These concerns over physical safety do not include the verbal abuse that comes with the jobs, as employers often scold children for being unable to keep up with their demands.

Industries

Agriculture is an industry that heavily relies on child labor, with a reported 1.08 million child laborers. With many people depending on agriculture, employers depend on workers to fill that need. Since agriculture takes place in rural areas, where children are looking for employment, it has led to many child laborers. 

The second most prominent industry for child labor is leather. This is an unregulated industry, as the places of operations are small and often hidden. Children are essential to these operations, with 96% of the process for producing leather in Bangladesh involving child laborers. The businesses ignore the abuse of the children and instead focus on the money, as the leather industry alone made up 3.5% of Bangladesh’s global exports. Given the large amount of money it produces, industries will always see child labor as essential. 

The Future

Several efforts have emerged to stop child labor in Bangladesh. One major attempt was the Minimum Age Convention which the Government of Bangladesh ratified to increase the threshold for the age at which a child can begin work. This is just one of the many steps the country is taking to eradicate child labor by 2025, a goal cited as a matter of national policy. 

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has been working with the Bangladesh government since 1994 to spread awareness on the issue and ensure laws are up to national standards. The ILO pushed for policies such as not allowing children under 14 to face harsh working conditions and has also promised to eradicate child labor in Bangladesh altogether. With efforts like this, there may be hope for improving the lives of millions of children who deserve better.

– Uzair Khan
Photo: Flickr

Addressing Period Poverty in Niger

Period Poverty in NigerPeriod poverty, the circumstance where menstruating females do not have access to sanitary or feminine products, is a common occurrence in many parts of the world. Although period poverty affects developed countries, including the United Kingdom and parts of the United States, it is most prevalent in underprivileged countries in South Asia and Africa, such as Niger, where nearly 25% of females are subject to this. Here is information about period poverty in Niger.

Causes of Period Poverty

One can attribute period poverty to many factors, from social to economic; however, UNICEF explained that one of the leading causes of its presence in Niger is the “long tradition of viewing menstruation as impure.” This long-standing belief, along with cultural taboos, lack of sex education and poverty, created a stigmatization of this menstruation cycle, causing people to ignore and overlook the issue.

Another contributing factor is that period products, such as tampons and pads, are expensive to buy, especially for girls in developing countries such as Niger. In Niger and other less-privileged areas, girls and boys begin working and supporting their families at a young age to survive, often earning just enough money for the bare necessities of food, water, clothing and shelter. In these circumstances, period products almost seem a frivolous need.

Statistics and Physical Impacts of Period Poverty in Niger

United Nations Women of Africa conducted a study on menstrual hygiene in Niger in February of 2018. The results exemplified the results of a severe lack of period products, with 31% of women taking breaks from their occupation during their cycle or even quitting to avoid the embarrassment of bleeding out. One in 10 school girls was also reported to have stayed home during their cycle.

Period poverty also has a vast impact on females physically. Due to the lack of proper sanitation products, women often opt for less safe and healthy ways to manage their hygiene during their cycles. For example, Niger women frequently stuffed unclean cloth strips or foams in their undergarments rather than pads. 

These poor hygiene methods, explained by the National Library of Medicine, often cause health concerns such as “reproductive and urinary tract infections, thrush, and others.” Other diseases include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which leads to blood loss and, eventually, anemia. These infections can easily worsen, especially without access to proper medicine.

Mental Impacts of Period Poverty

Not only does period poverty have a physical impact on females, but it also has a mental effect, as women who were subject to poverty had a significantly higher chance of developing depressive symptoms and anxiety. These feelings are also accompanied by lowered mental health, low self-esteem and lowered self-perception. The shame and stigma associated with menstruation may cause girls to feel a sense of embarrassment and a lack of self-empowerment, negatively affecting their ability to lead an enjoyable life. Period poverty especially challenges females in the workplace and at school, as they are often overwhelmed with extreme anxiety and fear. 

Efforts to Combat Period Poverty in Niger

Social Voices reported that activism campaigns recognized that the main obstacle to addressing period poverty in developing countries such as Nigeria and Niger is affordability. Campaigns such as One Voice Initiative for Women and Children Emancipation (OVIWCE) and Reaching Minds Foundation have created and distributed reusable sanitary pads. These pads are made up of environmentally friendly fabrics and are durable. Women can reuse these pads month after month, cutting back the costly price of usual disposable pads. 

OVIWCE has been distributing these reusable pads since 2016, and between 2020 and 2021, it claimed that they had reached nearly 5,000 people, 3,000 of them being schoolgirls. The organization also worked on teaching communities how to create reusable pads. Joseph Adebajo, the founder of OVIWCE, explained, “We had twenty staff and volunteers who had the knowledge and embarked on training people in communities we had distributed pads to in the past on how to make the pads.” Pad Up, a company in Nigeria, became one of the first African companies dedicated to creating these types of pads.

Looking Ahead

Period poverty in Niger, though not an uncommon issue, results in a plethora of consequences for young girls and women. They create diseases from unsanitary practices which are potentially deadly. Furthermore, it also has an impact on mental health, decreasing female empowerment and increasing the stigmatization of menstrual cycles. However, NGOs such as OVIWCE, among others, are currently creating and distributing reusable pads to make period poverty an issue of the past.

– Emma Luu
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Nicaragua

Charities Operating in NicaraguaThe nation of Nicaragua lies on the edge of Central America and is home to 6.8 million people. As of 2021, 12.5% of the population is classified as living below the poverty line. Given the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, a deficit in vocational training opportunities and heavy economic reliance on temperamental agriculture, Nicaragua is one of the poorest nations in the region. As such, it receives aid from many charitable organizations in areas of developmental improvement, with the hope of the country establishing sustainable economic independence. Below is a selection of five charities operating Nicaragua.

5 Charities Operating in Nicaragua

  1. Christian Aid: Established in 1945, Christian Aid establishes programs throughout Nicaragua that focus on tackling the causes of poverty. The charity trains 400 hibiscus, coffee and cocoa producers in farm management and provides more resilient, non-native crop breeds that are resistant to the effects of the changing climate. Christian Aid also champions the ideals of equitable taxation and works in collaboration with municipal governments to reduce the risk of violence to the nation’s most vulnerable.
  2. Amos Trust: Working alongside the Council of Protestant Churches of Nicaragua (CEPAD) the Amos Trust aids in the development of stronger and more sustainable rural communities through leadership training. Eight active programs tackle community organization, food security, environmental protection, family leadership, pastoral leadership training, education, a radio station, international partnerships and refugee support. Through the Amos Trust, the necessary funding of these efforts is satisfied, so that more communities can be reached.
  3. The Nicaragua Project: The Nicaragua Project utilizes its membership of physicians and coordinators to promote health care projects and medical programs across some of the most remote areas of northern Nicaragua. Its focus is on supplementing existing community health centers, which are often far away, lack appropriately qualified staff or are too poorly stocked to effectively provide for the area. The Nicaragua Project has trained 14 care providers in order to improve general health care and donated to expand their reach and services. The Nicaragua Project also supports a day shelter for girls that provides free meals, education, tutoring and scholarships.
  4. World Vision: World Vision is an international children’s charity that builds sustainable development programs that focus on agricultural assistance, diversification of income opportunities and the provision of clean drinking water. World Vision’s child sponsorship connects donors with more than 500,000 Nicaraguan children, giving them access to the tools and infrastructure they need to be healthy.
  5. Escuela Adelante: Escuela Adelante is a bilingual school that aims to provide an international education that reflects the diversity of San Juan del Sur, on the southern coast of Nicaragua. Since 2014, qualified bilingual professionals and a Spanish-English curriculum have provided high-quality tutoring for up to 250 preschool and primary school children a year. Escuela Adelante is open to all students of all backgrounds, cultures, fluency and financial situations, and it accepts donations in an effort to keep education accessible to all.

Looking Ahead

The efforts of these five charities operating in Nicaragua over the past 10 years have helped improve the Nicaraguan economy, but more work needs to occur. Each of these five charities working in Nicaragua focuses on distinct paths to improving the standard of living across the country, including addressing poverty, development, medicine and education. These organizations continue their efforts with the support of donors. 

– Brandon Murphy
Photo: Flickr

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How the UNGA is Responding to Global Health Challenges

Global Health ChallengesEvery September, one of the most important days on the foreign policy agenda is the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). World leaders and representatives of all United Nations member states gather to tackle pressing global issues. 

As we approach the midway point of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030, the 78th UNGA session has emphasized rebuilding strong international agreements to address global safety, health and peace concerns. Dennis Francis, President of the General Assembly, declared the UNGA will work toward “rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.” Here is how the UNGA is responding to global health challenges.

UNGA’s Response to Global Health Challenges

The World Health Organization (WHO) urged leaders and members of the UNGA to prioritize global health as an urgent topic requiring immediate attention. UNGA scheduled three high-level meetings on global health: Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPPR), Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the fight against tuberculosis (TB). 

Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR)

Under the overarching theme of “Making the World Safer,” the PPPR, buoyed by the momentum from the COVID-19 pandemic, has been met with greater urgency and prominence. UNGA structured the discussion of PPPR in two distinct panels: one focused on governance and accountability, ensuring all stakeholders, both public and private, uphold their commitments to PPPR; the other centered on building capacity and securing innovative and sustainable equity in the PPPR process. These themes address different facets of the broader PPPR framework, contributing to a holistic and equitable recovery strategy. The outcome of this meeting was a declaration mobilizing political commitment at local and international levels to address pandemic risks and responses. 

Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

The document outlining the UNGA agenda covered health outcomes, primary health care–oriented systems and essential public health functions. It renewed the declaration of 2019: “Universal health coverage: moving together to build a healthier world.” The existing agreements to further UHC have made huge impacts — between 2013 and 2020, health care workers increased by 29% globally. The 2023 meeting identified steps toward meeting the goal of universal health coverage by 2030. 

The Fight Against Tuberculosis (TB) 

UNGA holds this meeting with the goal of “advancing science, finance, and innovation and their benefits to urgently end the global tuberculosis epidemic, in particular, by ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment, and care.” The UNGA revisited the 2018 tuberculosis target declaration of the first General Assembly high-level meeting. Attendees brought forward plans to advance and end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030. With 1.6 million deaths annually, the discussion highlights the need for stronger integration of affordable access to TB services. 

Health as an Investment

The World Health Organization advanced the principle that “health is an investment, not a cost.” Embracing this notion carries profound implications, especially for those living in poverty. The 78th UNGA addressing global health equity represents a change within the global agenda. By recognizing health as an investment, global governance takes a more holistic approach to discussing global health equity, contributing to broader health goals and addressing global health challenges. A healthy population can participate in education, employment and community — fostering economic growth. Commitment to this principle is vital to navigate the path toward a healthier future for all.

– Bella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr

Reducing Poverty Among Nomads in Mongolia

Nomads in MongoliaMongolia, home to about 3.3 million people, is the second largest landlocked country in East Asia sharing borders with Russia and China. The small population size and the massive land area together make Mongolia the most sparsely populated country in the world. Despite having tripled its GDP per capita since 1991, Mongolia remains a lower-middle-income country according to the World Bank. In 2020, 27.8% of the population lived below the poverty line, according to the Asian Development Bank.

Notably, the poverty reduction rate has been on a decline in recent years, largely due to a lack of quality jobs and labor market inclusion for youth. In 2021, about eight out of 100 Mongolians of the total labor force were unemployed. Poverty is typically worse in rural areas and among the nomadic/herder communities in Mongolia. Steppe and Hoof is an NGO working to reduce poverty among nomads in Mongolia.

Resource Curse: The Mining Industry and Outcomes

The mining industry has high hopes of becoming the powerhouse of Mongolia’s national economy. In 2001, Canadian mining company Ivanhoe Mines discovered one of the world’s largest and highest-grade deposits of gold, copper and molybdenum in Oyu Tolgoi, the south of Mongolia. Tavan Tolgoi and Khushuut also house the world’s largest coking coal deposits. The exciting discovery created a promising prospect for Mongolia’s development. However, the outcome disappointed many. Two decades later, the rich natural resources still have not translated into sustainable economic growth that benefits all.

Meanwhile, environmental concerns are on the rise: Mongolia faces severe water shortage and contamination. Ulaanbaatar ranked as the most polluted capital city in the world in 2021. As the mining industry emerges as the backbone of national economic development, the country with a long tradition of nomadic rural activities is losing its vitality in the vast countryside. Many nomads in Mongolia have faced internal displacement due to mining operations. Others have quit their ancestral living style and started working within the mining sector to escape poverty in Mongolia.

Rural poverty in Mongolia is characterized by a high level of economic vulnerability. In the event of dzud, or a succession of extreme droughts and severe winters that cause massive livestock deaths, herders have no choice but to look for employment in the city. This year, agriculture production is projected to face difficulties due to the harsh weather in spring and winter.

Problematic Urbanization

From 1950 to 2022, the urban population in Mongolia leaped from 20% to 70%. The internal displacement due to mining operations puts tremendous pressure on urban planning and management in Ulaanbaatar. Originally constructed for a 500,000-habitant scale, the capital city now hosts 50% of the entire country’s population–1.7 million people–who struggle in the overcrowded environment. Newcomers from rural areas still flood into the urban settlements despite the deteriorating environment. They join those who have renounced the nomadic lifestyle in the hope of finding more profitable jobs.

On the outskirts of the capital, the “ger” districts are rapidly expanding, where former herders from rural areas would live in informally built yurts with underdeveloped infrastructure. By 2022, around 60% of the Ulaanbaatar inhabitants lived in the unplanned urban periphery. This exceeds the number of those who live in formal housing. The poorly integrated urban economy in the “ger” districts fails to provide inhabitants with the necessary services and facilities for families to survive the harsh winter. The only choice for heating is burning coal. As a result, the informal urban settlements around Ulaanbaatar further exaggerate the already perilous air pollution in the city. This poses serious concerns for the health of the population, especially for small children and pregnant women. Internal displacement and drastic urbanization make urban and rural poverty in Mongolia an intertwined issue requiring an effective, urgent response.

Steppe and Hoof: Revitalizing the Countryside

Mongolian grassroots NGO Steppe and Hoof was founded in 2018 with the aim of mitigating unsustainable urbanization and improving nomads’ living conditions in rural areas in Mongolia. The founder Shatra Galbadrakh told The Borgen Project about her journey. Starting to work closely with nomads in 2009, Galbadrakh was struck by the unfortunate reality many herders face. She decided to make a change. “Many herders lose their livestock for different reasons and have no choice but to move to the capital city, substantially increasing density and unemployment in the city and adding to the pollution,” Galbadrakh comments. “I started small, asking friends and family members to donate first aid kits for herders.”

Today, merely 190,000 nomads continue the traditional herding, while 121,753 people have moved to Ulaanbaatar in the past five years. Living in remote, rural areas, herders face great challenges. They frequently cannot access modern medicines, technologies or the proper training to respond to climatic extremities. “Providing them with first aid, trauma education, practical practice, veterinary knowledge and proper medicine usage empowers herders and reinforces their survival abilities in unexpected natural phenomena and emergency situations,” Galbadrakh told The Borgen Project. “Our program enables them to respond intelligently and proactively to overcome natural disasters and abrupt challenges. Thus, it further eliminates the need for urban migration for herders to the cities.”

Steppe and Hoof now has five board members, an operational team of contractual workers and over 30 international volunteers. Members have different skills and come from distinct backgrounds, including doctors, paramedics, veterinarians and professionals from around the world.

Veterinary Education and Medical Assistance

Steppe and Hoof’s operations concentrate on two aspects: native horse preservation and veterinary education and first aid kit and medical assistance. The veterinary training spans from basic animal wound cleaning techniques to recognizing animal infectious diseases. Steppe and Hoof transmits knowledge of veterinary medicines with their appropriate usages and veterinary law coherent to herders’ lives. It also provides animal checkups by Mongolian and international veterinarians and animal treatment practical training. Galbadrakh recognizes the importance of borrowing from experience. “We strive to help and supplement what herders have been doing successfully for so long with modern medicines and animal practices,” she says.

As for medical assistance, Steppe and Hoof provides services free of charge. It delivers first aid kits to herders in their pastures, conducts preliminary health checkups and sonography diagnoses and offers consultation and medical advice. Herders participating in the program often actively seek help when facing health concerns to prevent diseases at the earliest opportunity. “It is of great importance to set a considerate mindset with proper medical care, first aid, trauma response and disaster response in both the veterinary and medical parts. The outcome of our projects is invaluable and will be shown in the long term in herders’ lives,” Galbadrakh says with confidence.

A Sustainable Future in Honor of Nomads in Mongolia

In three years, Steppe and Hoof’s program has seen drastic expansion and increased effectiveness. Despite extreme weather, poor conditions of country roads and a lack of electricity and facilities, it successfully conducts programs and reaches the targeted herders and their families. Steppe and Hoof usually travels thousands of kilometers to reach herders in remote areas during a project.

Approximately 1,000 herder families so far have had first aid and trauma training and emergency preparation in five of the 21 provinces in Mongolia. In 2022, Steppe and Hoof became the official charity organization of Mongol Derby, the longest and most demanding horse race in the world. Along with other international partnerships, the grassroots NGO is securing recurring funds and building multilateral collaboration for a sustainable prospect of the programs.

“Since there are only a few non-governmental organizations doing this kind of work in Mongolia, our organization’s contribution can bring positive change and great support to Mongolian livestock welfare and nomads’ lives,” Galbadrakh says. “New global issues are triggering and endangering our nomadic tradition and way of life, but we are here to help preserve and sustain their distinctive nomadic lifestyle that has been passed from generation to generation.”

– Shixin Zhao
Photo: Flickr

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Egypt’s Fight Against Child Labor

Egypt's Fight Against Child LaborEgypt’s fight against child labor achieved moderate advancement in 2022, leading to an optimistic view of the nation’s goal to eradicate child labor. Egypt began its campaign to fight against child labor in 2018 and the country’s Minister of Manpower, Mohamed Saafan, stated that Egypt’s goal is to eliminate child labor entirely by 2025. 

Children in Egypt are subject to the harshest forms of child labor, which include agriculture, the production industry and exploitation services.

Agriculture

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 10.4% of children are forced to work on farms. Children are mainly responsible for tending livestock like water buffalo, cattle, goats and sheep. Poultry production is a relatively new, government-promoted product that children now have to attend, alongside fishing.

Production Industry

Most children are put to work in the production industry, with about 82.4% working in factories. The factories that children work in mainly produce bricks and quarry limestone, which exposes them to hazardous chemicals and supplies. Aside from construction and the production of bricks, many children have to work in carpentry workshops.

Exploitation Services

The Department of Labor found that about 7.2% of children are put into exploitation services, including domestic work, repairing vehicles, street vending and collecting trash. Some children are even seen driving tuktuks, which are motorized taxis. Children are sexually exploited, trafficked and forced to traffic drugs and humans.

There are a few Egyptian laws and regulations that fight against child labor, including Articles 64 and 74 of the Child Law, which set the minimum age for employment at 15 years. Article 89 of the Egyptian Constitution states the prohibition of forced labor alongside the prohibition of child trafficking. 

Even though Egypt has a dedicated section in its Constitution to protect the well-being of children, it is difficult to enforce and document all instances of child endangerment. The country enforces these laws using agencies responsible for securing children’s safety.

The Ministry of Manpower

The Ministry of Manpower investigates child labor complaints and violations. The inspection division randomly targets any factory or labor institution in search of children being forced to work. If any violations are found, the agency reports to the authorities and the case is taken up by the Prosecutor General.

The Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of Interior tackles human, drug and sexual trafficking alongside the exploitation of children. The agency primarily operates using border patrol and attempts to catch anyone smuggling in and out of Egypt. Then, the Prosecutor General’s Office receives information about reported violations.

The Ministry of Justice, Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO)

The Ministry of Justice prosecutes violations of child labor and trafficking laws. In 2022, the agency investigated 107 crimes involving 237 individuals. This led to 171 prosecutions and 70 successful convictions.

In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Egypt introduced policies to continue the fight against child labor and exploitation. These include the National Action Plan Against the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Supporting Family, the National Strategy for Combating and Preventing Trafficking in Persons, and the National Strategy for Childhood and Motherhood.

The National Action Plan Against the Worst Forms of Child Labor and Supporting Family (2018-2025)

This policy aims to eliminate child labor by 2025 and establish a strategy that can identify which government agencies can assist child laborers. The policy seeks to expand the knowledge of child labor bases in order to prevent children from working in factories or farms. It also establishes agencies to provide social protection and support, while generating awareness of child labor in the country.

The National Strategy for Combating and Preventing Trafficking in Persons (2016-2021)

This policy’s goal is to prevent human trafficking by protecting vulnerable populations and prosecuting violations of the child labor laws. This includes empowering children through education. Child labor is a primary reason for low rates of school completion in Egypt, and this policy seeks to encourage families to keep their children in school.

The National Strategy for Childhood and Motherhood (2018-2030) 

This strategy aims to update the hazardous work list, expand educational and vocational training opportunities and build on established government agencies.

Eliminating child labor is a heavy order and can sometimes seem bleak. But advancements in Egypt’s fight against child exploitation in the past few years leave a hopeful outlook on this global issue. 

– Sebastian Llerena
Photo: Flickr

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Child Marriage in Uganda

Child Marriage in UgandaUganda, a landlocked country in east Africa, boasts beautiful landscapes, wildlife and the largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Victoria. With its safaris and reputation for having generous and welcoming people, Uganda has earned the title “the pearl of Africa.” 

But behind its natural beauty, Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 21.4% of its population living in absolute poverty and surviving on only $1.90 per day. Conflict and political unrest have restricted human rights, with women and girls among the most affected. Child marriage in Uganda continues to be a traditional and established practice, with Uganda being home to 5 million child brides.

Facts About Child Marriage in Uganda 

According to a study that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) conducted, 5 million Ugandan girls marry before the age of 18 and 1.3 million before the age of 15. Burdened with the responsibilities of being a wife and a mother, many young girls are unable to stay in school or enter the workplace, where they would find economic and social freedom. Child marriage has a greater effect on girls living in rural and low-income households, with families often deciding to collect a dowry rather than continue to pay for their daughter’s education. According to Save the Children, “1 million child marriages in Uganda could be prevented if girls get secondary education.”

Child marriage is a traditional practice and low-income families use it to earn money. Families often exchange girls as young as primary school age for goats and other material items, and treat the girls as a commodity or a means of income. With citizens accepting child marriage as a traditional practice, educating both young girls and the wider community is an essential part of changing cultural opinion.

Child marriage has a detrimental effect on the young bride’s emotional, physical and mental health. A young bride is more likely to be forced into sexual activity, which can result in pregnancy. Young mothers often face the devastating effects of childbirth, with mortality rates being five times greater for girls aged 10 to 14. A young girl’s body is often not mature enough to endure pregnancy and complications, such as heavy bleeding, eclampsia and anemia, increasing the risk of both mother and infant death.

Abuse and Violence

Child brides are more vulnerable to abuse and violence. Lack of education and autonomy leaves young girls disempowered and vulnerable to domestic abuse. These girls lack sexual education and report experiencing sexual violence three times more often than married adults. In 2018, 26.1% of women aged 15-49 reported experiencing physical and sexual abuse within the previous 12 months.

Child marriage violates a girl’s human rights, limiting her ability to become self-sufficient, have a developmentally appropriate childhood and have authority over her future. Historical patriarchal practices in the region treat women and girls as property, resulting in people trading them for cattle or dowries, or as a means of resolving family disputes. Even when Ugandan women gain employment, they receive 39% less income than their male counterparts.

Looking Ahead 

In 2016, UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) launched a multi-country program called The Global Programme to End Child Marriage. With the support of the program, the National Strategy to End Child Marriage and other similar strategies underwent implementation in 55 out of 120 districts. 

Between 2016 and 2019, 5,984 peer educators and mentors implemented safe spaces and school clubs for education on reproductive health in 40 districts. At least 346,526 Ugandan girls aged 10–19 received this education and health care. The next phase of the program focusses on educating all Ugandan children about issues around gender, as well as teaching life skills and empowerment.

Toll-free Helpline

The Ugandan government implemented toll-free helplines, to address and track cases of violence against girls and women. In 2018, those helplines received 200,185 calls, of which 107,871 were resolved. Of all calls received, 2% were those in child marriage. Uganda is now implementing legislation in 40 counties to end child marriage. In 2018, Uganda became the first country to include ending child marriage in its national strategy.

In 2014, Uganda called for a resolution and stated a commitment to ending child and forced marriage by 2030. With support from organizations like UNICEF and UNFPA, child marriage rates are decreasing and cultural attitudes toward child marriage are improving. By ending child marriage in Uganda, estimates have indicated that Uganda could generate $3 million per year by 2030, with women being more able to contribute to the country’s economy. 

Important legislative steps continue to be taken to ensure that child marriage is no longer an accepted practice. With these steps, the beauty of the Ugandan landscape can be reflected in the safety and freedom of its female inhabitants.

– Isabel R. Burnside
Photo: Pixabay