In Rio De Janeiro’s favelas, there is a well-documented issue of police violence. The number of deaths continues to rise, with a disproportionately high impact on Black Brazilians who are nearly three times more likely to die due to police violence than their lighter-skinned counterparts. In 2022, Ms. E. Tendayi Achiume, a Special Reporter on contemporary forms of racism, expressed her concerns about the excessive and lethal use of force by Brazilian law enforcement. Unfortunately, reports suggest that these human rights violations persist unchecked.
In cases where institutions and states fall short in protecting vulnerable populations, grassroots initiatives have emerged to fill the gap. Organizations like DefeZap, Casa Amarela and others are actively striving to break the cycle of poverty and violence that plagues the lives of thousands of innocent favela residents in Brazil.
The Favela
Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio De Janeiro. It is home to between 150 and 300 thousand people, all crowded into a space of .8 square miles. Rocinha is a steep, sprawling maze of houses built on top of each other, sometimes up to 10 stories high. The streets are dense with people, pavements are wide enough only for motorcycles. Heavy bootlegged electric wires hang just above the hairline of the sprawl. There are no safety regulations. Sanitation runs in a channel between houses. Disease is frequent, and with only two health centers for the whole population, many do not receive the help they need. Compared to other favelas, however, Rocinha has “relatively good infrastructure.” Houses are built out of concrete, and businesses like banks and pharmacies operate freely. Rocinha even has electricity, running water and appropriated cable TV. It is a home, but it is unsafe.
Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, home to between 150,000 and 300,000 people, all crowded into a compact area of 0.8 square miles. The community is built on steep slopes, with houses stacked on top of one another, sometimes reaching up to 10 stories high. The narrow streets are often bustling with people, and the sidewalks are just wide enough for motorcycles. Informal, unauthorized electrical wires dangle dangerously above the streets, lacking proper safety regulations.
Sanitation facilities in Rocinha consist of open channels running between the houses, leading to frequent health issues. With only two health centers serving the entire population, many residents struggle to access the medical care they need. While compared to some other favelas, Rocinha boasts relatively better infrastructure, with concrete housing and the presence of businesses like banks and pharmacies. Basic utilities such as electricity, running water and even cable TV are available. It is considered a home to many, but it remains an unsafe and challenging environment.
Cocaine
In the 1970s, the introduction of cocaine laid the groundwork for the current situation in contemporary favelas. This led to the emergence of armed drug trafficking factions engaged in violent territorial disputes. Over time, these groups have become deeply entrenched in the local community. They buy land, provide infrastructure like electricity and cable TV and offer employment opportunities, especially to young men. With few other job prospects available, many residents feel compelled to accept these opportunities. Unfortunately, this situation has led to the unintentional criminalization of all favela residents by association.
A central element of this criminalization is the stigmatized image of the ‘Bandido’—a portrayal of young, impoverished, Black individuals as inherently dangerous. This stereotype perpetuates the perception of favelas as impenetrable crime centers in the public’s imagination, which, in turn, can encourage law enforcement to employ aggressive raid tactics.
Violence
Violence in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas has been a part of life since the 1980s. A public conversation around “Bandidos” shows how separate the favela is from normative Brazillian space. Nilton Cerqueira, Secretary of Public Security from 1995 to 1998, said in 1996 that the “Bandido is not a civilian.” These comments came to light during a time of “Wild West Bonuses.” In fact, the police received a salary bonus of 50-150% for demonstrating “fearless courage.” Even after its abolishment in the early 2000s, the number of deaths remains shockingly high. In 2020, 1,245 people died due to incidents with the police in Rio de Janeiro. In 2021, the number was 1,356, and this rose to 1,330 in 2022.
Resistance
In the favelas, where the state often falls short in serving its citizens, various community organizations and NGOs have emerged to bridge the gap. One such noteworthy example is DefeZap. Established in 2016, DefeZap enables individuals to report instances of violence involving state agents anonymously and securely through WhatsApp. After documentation, these reports go to a Collaborative Investigation and Documentation Network, which, in turn, forwards them to the appropriate authorities. From 2016 to 2019, DefeZap received more than 300 video sources, contributing to more than 200 investigations. The organization’s effectiveness and the positive outcomes it has achieved for favela residents have driven its expansion. In 2019, DefeZap and its technologies found application in the Human Rights Commission of the ALERJ (Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro).
Casa Amarela is another involved organization. Casa Amarela operates out of the favela Morro da Providência, delivering “human and territorial development through art and culture.” The group seeks to “reduce the social impact caused and maintained by the state’s lack of assistance in the favela.” Educational, artistic and cultural activities and classes are led by educators, residents and activists from the local area. Casa Amarela welcomes around 120 families and enjoys around 150 participants. Classes for ages 3–7, 8–13 and 14–21 help keep young people away from the militias and in education. Classes include skateboarding, boxing and music. Afro-dance lessons are also offered as a way to reinforce the “positiveness of the children[‘s] black skin” despite the demonization they face in Brazillian society. These young people can expect to be nurtured and inspired to dream of a better life for themselves and their families.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenging circumstances in Rio De Janeiro’s favelas, residents persist in creating comfortable, beautiful and communal living spaces. Rather than solely depending on NGOs for support, they are taking action to ensure their voices are heard. For instance, on May 21, 2020, residents organized a protest to address the issue of violence against the black community. Their collective efforts resulted in a temporary reduction in police violence, and they remain committed to these actions until they achieve the freedom they seek.
– James Durbin
Photo: Unsplash
Clean Water Pills Combat Contaminated Water in Developing Countries
The Birth of the Clean Water Pill
The World Health Organization reports that at least 1.7 billion people drink water contaminated with feces, leading to numerous health issues, including waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery and typhoid. With the aim of tackling this pressing issue, several organizations have embarked on missions to devise simple and cost-effective solutions.
AquaTabs, founded in 1984 in Wexford, Ireland, developed water purification tablets that have been distributed in over 100 countries. When added to water, these tablets release chlorine, effectively killing most of the harmful microorganisms present.
While AquaTabs sells over 1 billion tablets every year, many of these tablets are purchased by aid agencies and similar groups to bring to communities or relief efforts. For instance, during the response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, numerous aid organizations such as GlobalMedic, utilized AquaTabs and similar companies to provide clean drinking water to affected communities.
How Clean Water Pills Work
When the tablet is dropped into contaminated water, it dissolves quickly and goes to work immediately. Chlorine, the active ingredient, targets and neutralizes harmful pathogens, making the water safe for consumption. Chlorine tablets serve as a powerful defense mechanism for water sanitation by eliminating harmful contaminants. They guarantee potable water fit for consumption.
Beyond rendering drinking water safe, these tablets are essential in the sanitization of fruits and vegetables. Chlorination, the process through which they work, is a universally well-recognized method of water treatment. In regions that are economically struggling, these tablets represent an efficient and cost-effective approach to ensuring water safety.
Organizations Leading the Charge
The Impact and The Way Forward
The introduction of clean water pills has not only addressed the issue of polluted water but has also significantly reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases in communities where they’ve been introduced. As the world continues to face environmental and infrastructural challenges, simple and effective solutions like the clean water pill will be essential in ensuring safe drinking water for all.
– Laeticia Mbangue
Photo: Flickr
Improving Access To Clean Water and Sanitation in the Gambia
The Problem
Clean water and sanitation in The Gambia is not yet widely accessible, but access is improving throughout the country. The most recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey was conducted by The Gambian Bureau of Statistics in 2018 and released in 2019. The survey found that e.coli was present in 45.3% of the country’s water sources and 73.2% of the population’s household drinking water. Drinking water sources become contaminated by humans or animals that defecate in nearby areas allowing the transfer of harmful bacteria to get into water. Only 1% of the population is still practicing open defecation; however, harmful bacteria are still found in much of the drinking water.
The study found that more E. coli was present in household drinking water than in water at the source. This suggests that the transfer and storage of water from the water source to the household plays a role in contamination. E. coli can be a serious illness and can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and urinary tract infections. In some cases, specifically in young children and the elderly, E. coli can become deadly.
Disease can be spread in ways other than drinking contaminated water. Unsafe sanitation and hand washing systems are responsible for the spread of diseases like E. coli as well. Similarly to improved clean water systems, 62% of Gambians gained access to improved sanitation systems in 2018, however, only 30.9% of the population is practicing hand washing with soap. Despite less than half of the country’s population practicing hand washing, 84% of primary schools had washing facilities that met standards in 2018.
Women and young girls in The Gambia face further challenges when it comes to drinking water. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey found that in urban areas, 77.8% of women ages 15 and up are mostly responsible for collecting drinking water. In rural areas, the percentage increases to 90.5%.
The Gambia is a very small country, with 57% of Gambians living in urban or peri-urban areas. It is one of the most densely packed countries in Africa. The Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of 2018 found that 66.8% of Gambians in rural areas must travel up to 30 minutes to get clean drinking water and 12.9% must travel more than 30 minutes. Traveling 30 minutes or more to get drinking water and carrying it back can be a nuisance, especially if the water is contaminated with E. coli.
The Solution
The Gambia Government has input several SDGs to improve the country’s health and welfare. One of these goals — SDG 6 is to “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.” With the support of UNICEF, SDG 6 aims to achieve universal access to clean drinking water by the year 2030. SDG 6 also focuses on improving sanitation for all, with a goal to end open defecation and have adequate hygiene and sanitation facilities for all, by the year 2030.
With UNICEF’s support to the WASH sector (water, sanitation and hygiene), drinking water in The Gambia has become more widely accessible. 180,627 people gained access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities in 2018 which contributed to 90% of improved water access. Clean water and sanitation in The Gambia decreases the likelihood of waterborne illnesses and increases the likelihood of children going to school.
– Jack Wells
Photo: Flickr
Blockchain-Driven Water Management in Tunisia
Amid the bustle and expansion of modern cities, the ancient challenge of water management is becoming an acute concern, particularly in countries like Tunisia, where it is scarce. But as technology evolves, old problems are meeting new solutions. The latest player to enter this arena is blockchain, promising a new dawn for water management in Tunisia and potentially setting a precedent for the world.
A Thirsty Nation
Tunisia, a historically rich nation situated along the Mediterranean in North Africa, grapples with significant water scarcity challenges. While the land boasts a potential water reserve of about 4.9 billion cubic meters, roughly 4.6 billion cubic meters are regularly accessible, resulting in a 74% utilization rate. The varied climate, characterized by more rainfall in the north and arid conditions in the south, contributes to the country’s water woes. The annual rainfall averages 230 mm, though this figure can fluctuate significantly. Tunisia’s water resources comprise approximately 2,700 cubic meters of surface water annually and an estimated 2,000 cubic meters of groundwater, with a significant portion in the south being nonrenewable. With each individual receiving a scant 450 cubic meters annually and agriculture consuming 84% of the total water demand, one cannot overstate the importance of water quality.
Blockchain: The Modern Aqueduct
Enter blockchain, a technology that promises to do for information what Roman aqueducts did for water — transport it efficiently, transparently and reliably. Blockchain’s decentralized nature stands in stark contrast to the centralized systems of the past. It offers unparalleled transparency, ensuring that every drop of water, and every dinar spent on it, is accounted for. The inherent traceability of blockchain means that errors, once entered, can be traced back to their source, vastly reducing the scope for manual errors or deliberate misreporting.
From Theory to Tap
But how does this all work in practice? Two initiatives in Tunisia provide a glimpse.
Conclusion
Tunisia’s foray into blockchain-driven water management is more than just a technological upgrade; it is also a hope for arid regions worldwide. It shows that with the right mix of technology and governance, even the most pressing challenges can be met head-on. As the world watches, Tunisia’s blockchain experiment could very well set the blueprint for the future of water management.
– Yudi Zhang
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Child Poverty in Bhutan
Part of the reason it is not a very well-known nation is because for much of its history, until the 1970s, outsiders were not allowed into the nation. The next few decades were a struggle for the nation due to unrest and corruption within the government. The nation is behind the curve in many areas, and as a result, citizens have faced severe challenges with unemployment and poverty.
Child Poverty Statistics in Bhutan
As is the case in many nations that face economic struggles, child poverty in Bhutan is a serious area of concern. The Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network released a report in 2022 that included some alarming statistics about the current situation in regard to poverty throughout the nation. The data in the report outlined that one of every five children lives in poverty in Bhutan and that number increases to one of every four if the child is between the ages 10 and 17. A large part of this issue is that the poverty rate in rural areas is much higher than in cities in Bhutan. More than half of the population of the nation lives in rural areas and have a difficult time accessing basic health and education services.
How NGOs Are Tackling Child Poverty
While these numbers are concerning, there is good news coming out of Bhutan. Nonprofit organizations are working to address child poverty in Bhutan. One of these organizations is called Save the Children. This group has been working in Bhutan for several decades and has made a massive impact in the region. As a result of their work, 141,000 people have been lifted from child poverty in Bhutan. They are working extremely hard to increase access to basic services and address the issues of health and education.
Save the Children has realized that one of the largest obstacles keeping young people from getting out of poverty in Bhutan is a lack of access to education. It is common for people in Bhutan, especially women and girls, not to know how to read or write. The team at Save the Children has done an incredible service to the nation by establishing preschools and other programs that allow young children to learn to read and write at a young age. This is crucial to their development and has been shown to increase their likelihood of moving out of poverty later in life. As the nation continues to develop and organizations such as Save the Children continue to do incredible work, child poverty in Bhutan will continue to be less and less of an issue.
– Dylan Lyons
Photo: Flickr
Rebuilding Women-Run Businesses in Ethiopia
The conflict in Ethiopia has left a trail of devastation, leading to the loss of lives, widespread displacement and significant damage to infrastructure, services and the economy. In 2021, Ethiopia reported 5.1 million internally displaced people in 12 months, exacerbating the already prevalent poverty in the region. As of 2021, 18.4% of the population (22,076 people) were classified as vulnerable to poverty. This situation has prompted a collaborative effort by organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the affected regions. A key component of this effort is economic recovery, and a crowdfunding campaign known as Rebuild HER Business is pivotal in rebuilding women-run businesses in Ethiopia, thereby addressing poverty at its core.
Rebuild HER Business Campaign
The Rebuild HER Business campaign is an initiative that UNDP Ethiopia has led to support women entrepreneurs in conflict-affected regions. The Great Ethiopian Run (GER), known for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fundraising for local causes, partnered with the campaign to launch it. The campaign’s impact goes beyond financial assistance. The GER’s annual 10-kilometer race in November is linked with the Running for Cause charity initiative, providing a unique opportunity to rally support for women entrepreneurs who have been adversely affected by the conflict and are at risk of falling into poverty.
The campaign’s objective is to raise $500,000, which will be used to provide a $500 capital fund to 1,000 women in the northern regions of Ethiopia. This capital fund will be a lifeline for these women struggling in the aftermath of the conflict. All funds raised through the Rebuild HER Business campaign are for women as a capital fund, with the operational costs covered by UNDP and their partners. The campaign directly combats poverty among women in the region by providing essential financial support.
The Significance of Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Women in Ethiopia play a crucial role in their communities, particularly in rural areas where 80% of the population resides. Women provide the majority of the agricultural labor in these communities. They are responsible for providing most of the agricultural labor and managing small businesses that contribute to the local economy. However, women in Ethiopia often face more basic economic constraints than men, such as limited access to credit and restricted market access, making them more vulnerable to poverty.
According to a report by the World Bank, vulnerable employment is a significant issue in Ethiopia, with 89.2% of women in vulnerable employment as of 2021. Vulnerable employment is characterized by informal work arrangements, a lack of social protection and vulnerability to economic shocks, making individuals more likely to fall into poverty. The participation of women in the labor force is essential for economic development and poverty alleviation, demonstrating the need for this support.
Empowering Women for Sustainable Development
The Rebuild HER Business campaign goes beyond mere financial assistance; it empowers women who are providers for their families and vital community builders. The economic fabric of these recovering communities relies heavily on the success of women-run businesses, which, in turn, positively impacts poverty in the region, contributing to the fight against economic hardships. Moreover, empowering women, especially those severely disadvantaged and in hard-to-reach places, is a critical component of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, with poverty alleviation at its core.
Achieving inclusive economies, justice and a sustainable environment hinges on women’s active involvement and empowerment. The Rebuild HER Business campaign aligns perfectly with these goals, as it seeks to provide women entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to overcome the economic challenges they face, helping reduce those vulnerable to poverty.
Conclusion
The Rebuild HER Business campaign is significant in Ethiopia by supporting women-run businesses. It helps these women rebuild their businesses and communities. This campaign showcases the power of working together, the importance of empowering women and the difference crowdfunding can make in promoting long-term development.
– Marnie Woodford-Venables
Photo: Flickr
The Invention Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies
More than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient malnutrition due to their food lacking essential vitamins and minerals for development as their diets lack variation and they consume predominantly processed foods. The absence of vital nutrients like vitamin A, iron, iodine or folic acid in their diets means 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, which is the primary cause of intellectual disability in children due to iodine deficiency. Those suffering from micronutrient deficiencies are at an increased risk of blindness due to a lack of vitamin A and complications during childbirth and pregnancy due to iron and folic acid deficiency. Luckily, an invention called the Sanku Dossifier is addressing micronutrient deficiencies.
About Micronutrient Deficiencies
As micronutrient deficiencies impact brain development and immune systems, those affected are less likely to succeed in school and, therefore, less likely ever to escape the poverty cycle. According to The Micronutrient Initiative and the World Bank, the hardest-hit countries could see their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per year decrease by as much as 2–3%, demonstrating how micronutrient malnutrition perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
More than 8,200 children under 5 die daily from micronutrient malnutrition, causing 3 million children to die yearly. These deaths are preventable if people can access the nutrients they need. Since the 1920s, food fortification has addressed micronutrient deficiencies as consumers gain a nutritional benefit without changing where they buy their products or what products they buy. Staple food products like flour, salt, sugar, rice and vegetable oil are fortified in developing nations so people will consume nutrient-rich food. Food fortification is one of the most cost-effective approaches to combat malnutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers food fortification a powerful, evidence-based and cost-effective intervention to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The Sanku Dossifier
The Sanku Dossifier received recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Inventions of 2019. It fortifies food, adding an exact amount of necessary nutrients, such as iron, B12, folic acid and zinc to flour. By distributing the Sanku Dossifier to small African flour mills, locals can purchase nutrient-rich food even in remote villages, improving their development and growth. Sanku – Project Healthy Children (SPHC) provides millers with a dossifier and an appropriate amount of premix at no extra cost by selling them empty flour bags for the same price they would have bought elsewhere.
Committed to ensuring their dossifiers effectively reduce micronutrient malnutrition, SPHC remotely monitors the dossifiers and will check on mills if they see the dossifier is not being used or needs repairing. It is a cost-effective method as providing fortified food for one person for an entire year costs only $1.32. So far, Sanku – Project Healthy Children has reached 55 million people and is on target to reach 100 million by 2025.
SPHC is an innovative leader against malnutrition. Felix Brooks-Church, CEO of Sanku, was named a Laureate of Rolex Awards for Enterprise thanks to the Sanku Dossifier’s prospects to reinvent the future. Using the Rolex prize fund and the unrestricted MacKenzie Scott grant they received will allow them to improve the nutrition of 200,000 people in Tanzania while helping Sanku – Project Healthy Children achieve their greater goal of helping 100 million people.
Moving Forward
In conclusion, the Sanku Dossifier innovation is a groundbreaking solution that is effectively addressing the pervasive issue of micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. By fortifying staple foods with essential vitamins and minerals, this innovation is providing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to improving nutrition and reducing the prevalence of malnutrition-related illnesses.
– Alice Isola
Photo: Flickr
From Conflict to Prosperity: Life in Post-War Afghanistan
It has been more than two years since the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) — the Taliban — marched on Kabul and took political control in Afghanistan. In that period, despite circumstances already having been particularly dire, conditions have worsened further, with reports suggesting that more than 90% of Afghans are at risk of poverty. This strain has seen a rise in child labor, child marriage and organ selling. Early 2022 figures estimated that the conflict internally displaced as many as 3.8 million people. This article aims to develop a brief understanding of how the country got to this stage, illustrate the severity of its economic woes and highlight the measures and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact but emphasizing the challenges faced in doing so. Here is some information about life in post-war Afghanistan.
Unveiling the Roots
With the declaration of Taliban control in 2021, international non-humanitarian funding was largely suspended, while foreign controls froze billions of dollars in assets. Consequently, the country has succumbed to economic collapse, with its economy shrinking by 25% since August 2021. Corruption, a lack of infrastructure and accountability, insecurity and inhibiting state regulations prove costly to the current economy and prohibit tangible means for economic resurgence. An enforced ban on female attendance means fewer than 3% of eligible girls attend secondary school.
With less than half, 44%, of eligible boys receiving secondary school education, Afghanistan’s means for producing the next generation of workers is inherently flawed. Foreclosures of businesses, commonly female-led, considerably impact export figures, causing a decline in the industrial sector. Estimates show that Afghanistan’s economy has declined as much as 5% as a direct result of restrictions on rights to work for women. Withering exports are now struggling to match continued import demands resulting in an imbalance. An over-dependence on foreign aid and export revenue will result in economic capitulation; developing a new generation of workers is one of the few viable means for rehabilitation but the Taliban’s enforced government policies have stunted this.
A People in Crisis in Post-War Afghanistan
Poverty in Afghanistan is a deeply entrenched and pervasive issue, which decades of conflict, political instability, climate disasters and economic fragility have exacerbated. The country has one of the world’s lowest GDPs per capita, with a large portion of its population living below the poverty line — with as much as 40% facing acute food insecurity. The merciless onslaught of natural disasters, such as flooding and earthquakes, continues to prove a real threat to any form of stability — evidenced by a projected third consecutive failed wet season for 2022–23. Catastrophic earthquakes in late 2023 have claimed at least 1,000 lives.
Limited access to education, health care and essential services compound the problem, trapping generations in a cycle of deprivation. As much as 27% of children are engaged in child labor, while one in 16 children die before reaching 5 years. Additionally, the ongoing conflict disrupts livelihoods and displaces communities, further deepening the crisis. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing barriers to education and health care, with Afghanistan ranking 170th of 170 countries for women’s inclusion, justice and security. North of 29 million Afghani citizens rely on humanitarian aid, a limited means since the accession of Taliban power. Addressing poverty in Afghanistan is not just a matter of economics but a crucial step toward stability and long-term peace. International aid, infrastructure development and sustainable employment opportunities are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and rebuilding the nation.
The Effort for Change in Post-War Afghanistan
With a history of conflict and turmoil, humanitarian organizations worldwide have established them as indispensable contributors to Afghanistan’s economic stability and social security. Major IGOs and NGOs such as UNICEF, Save the Children, the U.N., Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) play a pivotal role in societal sustenance, providing the means for health care, education, protection and nutrition through funding, on-the-ground development initiatives and community building.
The U.N. estimates that $1.67 billion was donated to humanitarian aid in Afghanistan via the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs body in 2021, north of $425 million of which was contributed by the U.S., the leading donor. In fact, on January 11, 2022, the U.N. launched a funding appeal for more than $8 billion in humanitarian and other aid for Afghanistan — the most immense single-country appeal in U.N. history. Save the Children is responsible for lifting more than 187,00 children from poverty, educating more than 241,000 and protecting 36,000 from direct harm.
UNICEF has supported more than 682,000 children with education through community-based education classes. The primary source of funding for these organizations is the generosity of both public and private donations. As evidence shows, the work and efforts of humanitarian institutions do enable the means for legitimate change.
– Ruairí Greene
Photo: Flickr
The Gendered Impact of Disasters in Antigua and Barbuda
The landscape and structure of Antigua and Barbuda make it particularly susceptible to extreme weather events like hurricanes and storms. For instance, in 2017, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria destroyed $136 million worth of physical assets, harming the tourism industry and significantly reducing the available housing on the island. International institutions and organizations have partnered with local governments to strengthen the island’s resilience to hurricanes and other weather events. Here is what some are doing to address disasters in Antigua and Barbuda.
Aid to Address Disasters in Antigua and Barbuda
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) granted more than $46 million to the island’s state environmental department to “climate-proof” local buildings and make them less likely to be damaged during climate-related disasters. With financing from the European Union, the UNDP allocated $5.7 million to help recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma.
These environmental disasters and extreme weather events negatively impact women more than men. There remains a structural preference towards men in matters of inheritance, marriage and community and state programs of land distribution. Because of this male preference for asset control, management and distribution, women have less access to economic opportunities than men, which may force them to rely financially on men. With less access to income-generating activities, disasters can impact women the most as they may lack the financial stability to bounce back rapidly from the damages that an environmental disaster causes. This also puts women at risk of gender-based violence as fewer economic opportunities could make them more financially reliant on men.
Women are also overrepresented in the service and tourism industry, an industry which is particularly affected by weather-related disasters. Additionally, when schools close because of weather events, data shows that women are more likely to stay home and care for their children, missing out on the income from their work. Female-headed households are often more vulnerable to natural disasters as they are often single-parent and tend to be larger, with women often caring for dependents like children or elderly family members. After the hurricanes Maria and Irma, studies demonstrated that women paid 1,000 more dollars in damages to recover from the disaster than men.
A Progressive Rise in Female Representation in Governmental Bodies and Initiatives
One way to mitigate the gendered impact of environmental disasters would be to ensure accurate political representation of women in governmental bodies. Currently, women hold only 11% of the seats in the national parliament of Antigua and Barbuda, which makes policies and decision-making less susceptible to reflect all the intricacies of the gender inequality still affecting women in Antigua and Barbuda. However, women are more involved in recovery initiatives after environmental disasters and often take charge in the aftermath of these disasters through their work with organizations such as the Barbuda Council, a local governmental institution with more women than men among its members. The Environmental State Department also launched an internship program for university students meant to turn into full-time positions upon graduation. More women than men enrolled in the program, leading to the department now primarily being staffed with women in 2021.
These positive changes in the government have translated into more state initiatives to reduce the gendered impact of environmental disasters. The Environmental State Department has committed to specifically targeting and reducing gender-based vulnerabilities in the face of weather events.
The Sustainable Island Resource Framework
In partnership with the UN Environment Program, Antigua and Barbuda has also created the Sustainable Island Resource Framework, a funding allocation mechanism dedicated to reducing the effects of environmental disasters and changing weather patterns. The Fund has expressed its intent to integrate the protection and prioritization of vulnerable groups such as single mothers and children in its decision-making. These developments cast a positive light on the future in terms of reducing the gendered impact of environmental disasters.
– Tatiana Gnuva
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About Living Standards in Jammu and Kashmir
In one of the most politically contested areas of the world, poverty and inequality have been severely affecting the population. Jammu and Kashmir (J+K) are to the north of India, the northeast of Pakistan and west of China, with all three nations laying territorial claims to some or all of the region. This article will delve into how poverty and inequality are affecting the J+K population, as well as look at what some are doing to assist and alleviate those living in poverty. Here are five facts about living standards in Jammu and Kashmir.
5 Facts About Living Standards in Jammu and Kashmir
Looking Ahead
Overall, poverty in Jammu and Kashmir is steadily decreasing, and living standards are steadily increasing. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing insurgency have hampered many attempts to alleviate poverty further. Gender inequality continues to be a persistent problem, and sanitation issues put further pressure on an already failing health care system. However, the swathe of development and investment initiatives that the Lt. Governor announced have the potential to make significant progress in tackling poverty, having already made positive developments in the provision of electricity and heating. While there is still a long way to go, there is a growing sense of optimism that these initiatives will make a real difference to those suffering in Jammu and Kashmir.
– Tom Lowe
Photo: Flickr
Violence, Poverty and Resistance in Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas
In cases where institutions and states fall short in protecting vulnerable populations, grassroots initiatives have emerged to fill the gap. Organizations like DefeZap, Casa Amarela and others are actively striving to break the cycle of poverty and violence that plagues the lives of thousands of innocent favela residents in Brazil.
The Favela
Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio De Janeiro. It is home to between 150 and 300 thousand people, all crowded into a space of .8 square miles. Rocinha is a steep, sprawling maze of houses built on top of each other, sometimes up to 10 stories high. The streets are dense with people, pavements are wide enough only for motorcycles. Heavy bootlegged electric wires hang just above the hairline of the sprawl. There are no safety regulations. Sanitation runs in a channel between houses. Disease is frequent, and with only two health centers for the whole population, many do not receive the help they need. Compared to other favelas, however, Rocinha has “relatively good infrastructure.” Houses are built out of concrete, and businesses like banks and pharmacies operate freely. Rocinha even has electricity, running water and appropriated cable TV. It is a home, but it is unsafe.
Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, home to between 150,000 and 300,000 people, all crowded into a compact area of 0.8 square miles. The community is built on steep slopes, with houses stacked on top of one another, sometimes reaching up to 10 stories high. The narrow streets are often bustling with people, and the sidewalks are just wide enough for motorcycles. Informal, unauthorized electrical wires dangle dangerously above the streets, lacking proper safety regulations.
Sanitation facilities in Rocinha consist of open channels running between the houses, leading to frequent health issues. With only two health centers serving the entire population, many residents struggle to access the medical care they need. While compared to some other favelas, Rocinha boasts relatively better infrastructure, with concrete housing and the presence of businesses like banks and pharmacies. Basic utilities such as electricity, running water and even cable TV are available. It is considered a home to many, but it remains an unsafe and challenging environment.
Cocaine
In the 1970s, the introduction of cocaine laid the groundwork for the current situation in contemporary favelas. This led to the emergence of armed drug trafficking factions engaged in violent territorial disputes. Over time, these groups have become deeply entrenched in the local community. They buy land, provide infrastructure like electricity and cable TV and offer employment opportunities, especially to young men. With few other job prospects available, many residents feel compelled to accept these opportunities. Unfortunately, this situation has led to the unintentional criminalization of all favela residents by association.
A central element of this criminalization is the stigmatized image of the ‘Bandido’—a portrayal of young, impoverished, Black individuals as inherently dangerous. This stereotype perpetuates the perception of favelas as impenetrable crime centers in the public’s imagination, which, in turn, can encourage law enforcement to employ aggressive raid tactics.
Violence
Violence in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas has been a part of life since the 1980s. A public conversation around “Bandidos” shows how separate the favela is from normative Brazillian space. Nilton Cerqueira, Secretary of Public Security from 1995 to 1998, said in 1996 that the “Bandido is not a civilian.” These comments came to light during a time of “Wild West Bonuses.” In fact, the police received a salary bonus of 50-150% for demonstrating “fearless courage.” Even after its abolishment in the early 2000s, the number of deaths remains shockingly high. In 2020, 1,245 people died due to incidents with the police in Rio de Janeiro. In 2021, the number was 1,356, and this rose to 1,330 in 2022.
Resistance
In the favelas, where the state often falls short in serving its citizens, various community organizations and NGOs have emerged to bridge the gap. One such noteworthy example is DefeZap. Established in 2016, DefeZap enables individuals to report instances of violence involving state agents anonymously and securely through WhatsApp. After documentation, these reports go to a Collaborative Investigation and Documentation Network, which, in turn, forwards them to the appropriate authorities. From 2016 to 2019, DefeZap received more than 300 video sources, contributing to more than 200 investigations. The organization’s effectiveness and the positive outcomes it has achieved for favela residents have driven its expansion. In 2019, DefeZap and its technologies found application in the Human Rights Commission of the ALERJ (Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro).
Casa Amarela is another involved organization. Casa Amarela operates out of the favela Morro da Providência, delivering “human and territorial development through art and culture.” The group seeks to “reduce the social impact caused and maintained by the state’s lack of assistance in the favela.” Educational, artistic and cultural activities and classes are led by educators, residents and activists from the local area. Casa Amarela welcomes around 120 families and enjoys around 150 participants. Classes for ages 3–7, 8–13 and 14–21 help keep young people away from the militias and in education. Classes include skateboarding, boxing and music. Afro-dance lessons are also offered as a way to reinforce the “positiveness of the children[‘s] black skin” despite the demonization they face in Brazillian society. These young people can expect to be nurtured and inspired to dream of a better life for themselves and their families.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenging circumstances in Rio De Janeiro’s favelas, residents persist in creating comfortable, beautiful and communal living spaces. Rather than solely depending on NGOs for support, they are taking action to ensure their voices are heard. For instance, on May 21, 2020, residents organized a protest to address the issue of violence against the black community. Their collective efforts resulted in a temporary reduction in police violence, and they remain committed to these actions until they achieve the freedom they seek.
– James Durbin
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