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Helping Children and Women in Nepal

Women in Nepal
In 2015, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Nepal and surrounding countries, claiming the lives of thousands. This earthquake not only displaced millions but also plunged more than 1 million Nepali people into poverty. The most susceptible demographic, children and women in Nepal, bore the brunt of the impact. Many children found themselves orphaned, compelled to aid their remaining family members, which led to them forsaking school attendance and engaging in child labor full time. Among the tasks undertaken by many children was the labor of breaking rocks along the riverbed to sell the stones for monetary gain. After visiting Nepal and witnessing these circumstances, U.S. citizen Maggie Doyne made a commitment to help children and women in Nepal rise out of poverty.

About Maggie Doyne

Fast forward to 2008, when an 18-year-old American girl named Maggie Doyne, who had opted for a gap year after high school to travel, discovered a girl breaking rocks on the banks of a river in Surkhet, Nepal. This encounter prompted Doyne to establish a connection with the young girl and develop a friendship. Doyne proceeded to assist the girl by paying for the girl’s school books, uniform and school tuition fees.

The encounter with the girl prompted Doyne to contemplate the stark contrast between those who possess abundance and those who endure scarcity in the world. As time passed, Doyne extended her support to other disadvantaged children in Nepal. Doyne helped to send the children to school but soon recognized that some of these children required more than just access to education. The children lacked a stable and nurturing home environment. This realization compelled Doyne to take further action.

Kopila Valley Children’s Home

Doyne took action by using her savings to acquire a piece of land in Nepal. In collaboration with Nepali resident Top Malla and the support of the local community of Surkhet, Doyne brought Kopila Valley Children’s Home into existence in 2008. This establishment offers a stable and safe environment that now serves as the home for more than 40 children in Nepal.

Many of these youngsters come from backgrounds with profoundly distressing circumstances. They receive support not only from Doyne, whom they affectionately refer to as their mother, but also from a diverse group of caregivers they address as aunts and uncles. Doyne and her team have managed to deliver tailored assistance to these children. “Kopila Valley was born and soon blossomed into BlinkNow, a nonprofit foundation serving an ever-growing, ever-inspiring community in Surkhet, Nepal,” the BlinkNow website says.

Kopila Valley School

Eventually, Kopila Valley Children’s Home embarked on an expansion that included the establishment of Kopila Valley School in 2010. Currently, the school accommodates more than 400 students hailing from the neighboring community. Additionally, the school ensures that its students receive nourishing meals and access to health care services. The school infrastructure was upgraded to a “green campus” to place a focus on sustainability. For example, the implementation of solar power systems and the use of earthquake-resistant materials. Notably, all educators and staff members at the school are of Nepali origin and many other staff members are from the local community.

Kopila Valley Women’s Center

Kopila Valley has undergone further expansion, solidifying that it plays a fundamental role in the community it serves. In addition to the children’s home, school and health clinic, BlinkNow developed the Kopila Valley Women’s Center in 2013. This center is committed to empowering marginalized women in Surkhet by delivering vocational and empowerment training. With a mission to address issues like abuse, educational deficits and limited economic prospects, the center offers comprehensive assistance.

Many of the training participants are survivors of domestic violence and early marriages. The participants receive intensive instruction in valuable vocational skills like sewing, weaving and cosmetology. This training equips them to secure employment and undertake economic endeavors and enhance their overall livelihoods.

The empowerment courses also cover self-confidence skills, health and wellness, women’s rights, Nepali law, basic literacy, business and and maths skills. Trainees also have access to “counseling services, which provides mediation, legal support, and general stress and trauma care and management,” the BlinkNow website says. The Center’s influence reaches even further through its community workshops, fostering gender parity and women’s empowerment.

The training has enabled graduates to develop independent enterprises and cooperative endeavors. Beyond skill development, the Center fosters a nurturing atmosphere where women come together to heal, uplift and support each other. This nurturing environment catalyzes positive transformation within the community, effectively showcasing the profound impact of education and the formidable strength of women in Nepal.

BlinkNow has had a profound impact on children and women in Nepal. The work of Maggie Doyne and her team has helped lift many people out of poverty, allowing them to secure independence, strength and support.

– Ada Rose Wagar
Photo: Flickr

Addressing Poverty Through Renewable Energy in Laos 

Renewable Energy in LaosLaos, a Southeast Asian nation renowned for its abundant natural beauty and culturally diverse heritage, has grappled with the enduring challenge of poverty for several decades. As of 2018, a staggering 18.3% of its population lived below the poverty threshold, and this burden disproportionately affected those residing in rural areas. Moreover, 22.5% of Laos’s population lacked access to even basic sanitation facilities while 7.8% were deprived of access to clean, potable drinking water.  Despite these challenges, recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in poverty alleviation through the adoption of renewable energy, marking a significant step toward a more sustainable and prosperous future for Laos.

The Energy Landscape in Laos

Laos has abundant natural resources, including a vast network of rivers and forests that form the foundation of Laos’s renewable energy potential. The Mekong River and its tributaries traverse the country, offering immense hydropower potential. Additionally, Laos benefits from abundant solar energy resources due to its location in a region with high levels of sunlight. 

Harnessing Hydropower for Prosperity

One of Laos’ most remarkable success stories in addressing poverty is developing aggressive hydropower projects, many of which export electricity to neighboring countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam, thereby generating substantial revenue. This revenue becomes a critical source of funding for social development programs aimed at reducing poverty. Electricity sales from projects including the Lao PDR’s Nam Theun 2 (NT2) generated more than $170 million for the government over the 25-year concession period, allowing the government to invest in priority development with education and health sectors receiving the largest investments.

The NT2 plays a crucial role in expanding Laos’ hydropower sector, which has minimal private involvement initially. Following its success, private financing led to the completion of five additional projects and 13 more projects achieved financial closure, creating a significant market. This surge in hydropower development directly and indirectly generates job opportunities for construction workers, maintenance technicians, administrators and others, substantially improving employment prospects and livelihoods for many Laotians.

Addressing Energy Poverty

Access to electricity is a fundamental driver of poverty alleviation. In Laos, rural regions often lack reliable access to energy sources, constraining economic opportunities and social development. Renewable energy in Laos, particularly micro-hydropower systems, bridges this energy gap in remote areas. Micro-hydropower projects are designed to provide electricity to small communities or villages in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. By electrifying rural areas, they enable the establishment of local businesses, such as small-scale agriculture and cottage industries, which can elevate income levels and reduce poverty rates. The Energy Sector Management Assistance Program helps bring power to 14,000 households in 230 villages through individual solar home systems and to 52,000 households in 570 villages through grid extension. 

Educational Opportunities

Access to education is a fundamental right that can break the cycle of poverty. Currently, however, a significant barrier stands in the way of their schooling as nearly 30% of Laos’ rural villages do not have access to electricity. In rural areas of Laos, lack of electricity can hinder students’ ability to study after dark, limiting their educational opportunities. While the presence of electricity is taken for granted by many across the world, its absence is preventing many citizens, especially girls and women in Laos, from pursuing an education that would in the long term, empower them to break the cycle of poverty.

Renewable energy, through the electrification of schools and the provision of solar-powered lighting, extends study hours and improves the quality of education by helping school children do their homework in the evening. Additionally, the availability of electricity facilitates the use of technology in classrooms, enabling students to access a wider range of educational resources. This enhances the learning experience while equipping students with skills necessary for future employment, further contributing to poverty reduction.

What’s Next?

Renewable energy in Laos is a technological advancement and a powerful tool for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. By harnessing the abundant hydropower and solar resources, Laos unlocks new opportunities for its people, providing them with access to clean energy, better livelihoods and improved education. As Laos continues to invest in renewable energy, it makes significant strides toward eradicating poverty, fostering economic growth and building a brighter future for its citizens.

–Marnie Woodford-Venables
Photo: Flickr

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7 Facts About Gender Equality in Lithuania

Gender Equality in Lithuania
Lithuania ranks ninth in the world for gender equality, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report for 2023. Here are seven facts about gender equality in Lithuania.

7 Facts About Gender Equality in Lithuania

  1. Women’s Day in Lithuania: Women’s Day in Lithuania is celebrated annually on November 2. It marks the day in 1918 when Lithuanian women received the right to vote. To acknowledge the momentous 100th anniversary since women gained suffrage, the capital city of Vilnius put up several female-inspired pedestrian crosswalk lights in 2018 in place of the traditional male symbol.
  2. The Effects of COVID-19: The spread of COVID-19 had a disproportionate effect on men’s and women’s involvement in household tasks. In particular, 2021 saw 57% of women in contrast to 13% of men in Lithuania holding the sole responsibility of childcare. This 44% divide exists as one of the larger gender gaps throughout the European Union (EU). Similarly, in 2021, 70% of women in comparison to a significantly lower 8% of men reported holding the responsibility of household caretaking duties. These duties were also more strenuous for women as 16% of women devoted more than four hours a day toward chores compared to 5% of men.
  3. The Gender Pay Gap: The gender pay gap still persists in Lithuania, despite the country being recognized for equality. Reports indicate that women earn approximately 14% less than men. In addition, according to the State Social Security Fund Board in 2021, women-dominated sectors still see a disparity in pay with their wages generally being lower than their male counterparts. Gender statistics provided by CreditInfo Lithuania also underscore 72 out of 81 professional fields in Lithuania where men traditionally earn more than women. While these statistics can be impacted by complex features including childcare leave and the number of men and women in an individual sector, it is evident that the country can do more to address this gap.
  4. Violence Against Women: Violence against women ranging from domestic abuse to femicide is a crucial matter to address throughout the EU with 788 women killed by a partner or relative across 17 member states in 2020, according to the European Institute for Gender Equality EIGE). Additionally, 13 women from Lithuania contributed to that total. To address violence against women, in June 2013, Lithuanian officials signed the Istanbul Convention — a human rights treaty dedicated to tackling violence against women. However, the convention remains unratified which demonstrates the need for more action to combat violence against women in Lithuania.
  5. Female Prime Minister: Lithuania elected the first female president of Lithuania in May 2009, almost a century after women had gained the right to vote. However, even the first national election in 1920 saw women alongside men occupying positions of power as parliamentarians. Currently, female politician Ingrida Šimonytė acts as the prime minister of the nation. Furthermore, female politicians Aušrinė Armonaitė and Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen represent the Freedom and Liberal parties respectively.
  6. Gender Equality: Among the member states in the EU, Lithuania received a score of 60.6 out of 100 in the 2022 Global Gender Equality Index. The country’s highest scores in the index lie in the fields of work, a measurement of fair access to employment and work benefits between men and women, and health, which compares gender equality in access to quality health services. For the aspects of work and health conditions, Lithuania received scores of 73.9 and 82.7 respectively. However, in other indicators such as time, which measures the sum of time between men and women dedicated to domestic tasks, Lithuania scored only 50.6.
  7. The Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men: For years, the Lithuanian government has enacted legislation to address gender equality. The Law on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men was adopted in 1998 and the Law on Equal Treatment came into place in 2005. These laws worked to “forbid any discrimination – whether direct or indirect – on the grounds of sex.” Moreover, lawmakers amended these laws in 2016 and reflected changes including a ban on the priority given on the basis of gender, a prohibition on requiring job candidates to disclose personal class and familial information and a bar on discrimination against women as a result of pregnancy, childbirth or nursing.

Looking Ahead

While Lithuania is one of the top countries for gender equality, it still has some room to improve. With the continued efforts of the Lithuanian government, women’s rights should see even further improvements in the years to come.

– Katrina Girod
Photo: Flickr

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Achieving the SDGs in Guinea Bissau

SDGs in Guinea BissauGuinea Bissau is a country located on the west coast of the African continent. Despite having a rich culture and strong natural resources, it is one of the most impoverished nations in the world, the World Bank says. Guinea Bissau had a GDP of just $1.63 billion in 2022 and, in 2018, almost 22% of the population lived in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 per day. Progress toward the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is essential for global poverty reduction. And likewise, achieving the SDGs in Guinea Bissau is essential for the country’s overall growth, development and poverty reduction progress.

According to the Sustainable Development Report on Guinea Bissau, major challenges remain in 13 out of 17 SDGs. Also, significant challenges remain in SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities) but the country has achieved SDG 13 (Climate Action). For the remaining two SDGs, there is no data to assess.

UN Investment and Aid

In April 2022, the U.N. and the government of Guinea Bissau met to discuss the government’s implementation of the Cooperation Framework strategy, which runs from 2022 until 2026 and aligns with the country’s National Development Plan and the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The framework focuses on three outcomes: “Governance, economic transformation and human development.” Poverty reduction and wealth inequality fall into the first two focuses. The overall aim of this plan is for the U.N. to assist Guinea Bissau in meeting the 17 SDGs.

In the year 2022, the U.N. committed almost $87 million to help Guinea Bissau move closer to reaching the SDGs.  In 2023, so far, the U.N. has provided $75.3 million, mostly used in the areas of health and well-being (49.3% of the total value), peace, justice and effective institutions (11.6% of the total) and zero hunger and sustainable agriculture (17.1% of the total).

UNDP Aids Development in Guinea Bissau

Among Guinea Bissau’s development cooperation partners and organizations, UNDP is the main partner, and it already has an office in the country and projects aimed at specific local needs since the country’s independence in 1975.

The UNDP acts in the country and, consequently, for international development, supporting good governance in order to achieve equality and opportunity for all. The UNDP focuses on good governance to ignite progress in the development of other key areas. These other areas are democratic governance, efforts toward national social cohesion and peace, gender equality, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and health.

With regard to methodologies and work strategies for development, the UNDP identifies and states that current development challenges are interconnected and interdependent. This means that an integrated approach is necessary rather than isolated efforts in order to bring about lasting change in development and poverty reduction in Guinea Bissau.

UNDP Projects in Guinea Bissau

To help Guinea Bissau move closer to achieving the SDGs, the UNDP has implemented several projects:

  • Building Forward Better in Guinea Bissau: This project began in January 2022 and will end in December 2024 with the aim of advancing progress on the SDGs overall.
  • Political stabilization and reform: Building trust and inclusive dialogue within the national political regime in order to make it more democratic and in line with U.N. principles.
  • Blue economy as a catalyst for green recovery: The project focused on leveraging the country’s blue economy through open and interactive dialogue involving the private sector and civil society, thus obtaining investment from multiple parties. The project began in January 2021 and ended in December 2022.
  • Stabilization of the justice sector: A proposal that seeks to achieve political stability, considering that the main cause of the difficulty of development is due to the existing political crises in the country, in order to support the justice sector in accordance with the principles of the system international human rights, resulting in the consolidation of internal peace.

Overall, the efforts of the U.N. and its agencies prove vital in helping Guinea Bissau meet the 17 SDGs with just seven years remaining.

– Letícia Lacerda
Photo: Unsplash

Water Scarcity in Peru: Nature-Based Solutions

Water Scarcity in PeruAlthough a country with diverse biodiversity and a rich supply of natural resources like copper, gold and lithium, water scarcity plagues Peru for many reasons, ranging from inadequate agricultural practices to climate change. With a humid and tropical climate, Peru has an increased risk of evaporation, meaning water and vegetation are more susceptible to drying out. However, there have been several domestic and international efforts to use nature-based solutions to tackle the problem of water scarcity. 

Problems of Water Scarcity 

From deforestation to political instability, Peru’s situation is dire. UNICEF found that 48% of Peru’s population (16 million) lacks access to reliable, safe water sources. Consequently, water scarcity restricts access to safe, drinkable water and the ability to practice basic hygiene. Moreover, this leads to further problems like sewage system failures, increasing the threat of contracting diseases like cholera. This increased threat takes a much more significant toll on women and children because they are responsible for collecting it. This issue raises further problems such as school attendance and lack of education. 

Innovative Nature-Based Solutions and Reforestation 

The Peruvian city of Moyobamba has tackled the problem of water scarcity in Peru through a tariff system in which locals are charged the equivalent of around $0.30 per month as part of their water bill. Moyobamba then uses the money to invest directly in watershed and rainforest conservation initiatives. As one of Peru’s first nature-based solutions (NbS) used for watershed maintenance, it has become the country’s model to copy. The project in Moyobamba has led the government to scale these NbS to a national level and, subsequently, a model for other Latin American countries with similar climates to imitate and use as inspiration to tackle water shortages. 

Other Humanitarian Efforts and Initiatives

Water.org has disbursed loans for indoor bathrooms, water and sewage connections and tanks for water collection and storage. Moreover, their future plans provide great hope for improving water scarcity in Peru. Expanding partnerships with local financial institutions will make water and sanitation systems more accessible to a broader population. UNICEF has also encouraged climate resilience through projects like the construction of flood-resilient ECOSAN latrines and the protection of freshwater sources in the Peruvian Amazon. 

Moreover, a community initiative to restore ancient water supplies in the Andes has successfully delivered increased water supplies from the tops of mountain slopes to increase water availability downslope during drier months.

This method of restoration of ancient canal systems, believed to predate the Inca empire, also known as mamanteos, has previously been used to combat water shortages in cities like Lima, the second-largest desert city in the world. 

Looking Ahead 

Although Peru is subject to an inherently humid, tropical climate, which subjects it to a higher chance of climate problems like drought and deforestation, nature-based projects like the one in Moyobamba open up many doors for other regions in Peru and countries across Latin America to look towards nature-based solutions as a way to combat water scarcity. 

More funding by international and domestic organizations for such innovative projects is crucial to fighting water shortages throughout Peru and Latin America. 

– Amber Hamed
Photo: Flickr

It Takes a Village: Uplifting Communities in The Philippines 

Uplifting Communities in the Philippines
Much like everywhere else in the world, poverty increased in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of April 2023, national poverty estimates show that poverty incidence rose from 16.7% in 2018 to 18.1% in 2021, translating to 19.9 million poor people as of 2021. Government and private groups alike are working to reduce poverty and uplift communities in some of the poorest areas in the country. Here are some efforts that are uplifting communities in the Philippines.

Kadiwa ng Pangulo

Arguably the most significant anti-poverty measure taken so far in 2023 has been the Kadiwa ng Pangulo at the end of February. The program aims to counter the country’s rapid ongoing inflation, specifically inflation affecting the rising cost of food.

Kadiwa is a government-backed market chain that works by having local producers sell their products directly to customers. This reduces the impact cost of a middleman, which results in higher income generated by selling their produce directly to consumers but also means reduced cost to the customer. There are currently more than 500 Kadiwa stores operational.

Arteche Egg Production

In Arteche, a town with a 58.66% poverty rate, organizations have collaborated with local governments to form a community-uplifting project.

During 2022, Arteche’s egg production sufficiency was only 20%. To meet the high demand in local markets, 40 egg-laying machines with 4,000 chickens have been provided to the area to further establish a basic food source for low-income citizens. The program has been estimated to double the egg production in Arteche.

An early September 2023 update reports that at least 114 farming groups with about 2,250 members in eastern parts of the Philippines will receive support as an extension of the egg production program and as a way of uplifting communities in the Philippines. The Department of Agriculture will be evaluating these farming groups to conduct quality control and any at-risk parties in need of additional support.

The department will also be using this as an opportunity to develop the local economies in the area by teaching farmers how to engage in the market more productively. This program will directly benefit 10 of the poorest areas in Eastern Visayas.

Manila Caravan Program

In Manila, the local government has established a caravan with the purpose of establishing better local housing for the poor. Specific types of citizens mentioned were students, teachers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and informal settler families — families who live in local substandard living or are homeless.

The end goal of the caravan program is to establish self-sufficient communities with proper housing projects that include electricity and clean water provided by refurnished water pipes.

One of the most important aspects of building these communities is relocating informal settler families to housing areas; preferably close to their respective sources of income.

Impact of These Programs on Filipinos

Poverty is not about numbers on a page over an area; it is about unclean water, poor food and substandard housing. It is about living in an environment where growth is stunted. The Filipinos understand this and are working to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. An estimated 4.7 million Filipinos have benefited from the aforementioned anti-poverty programs as well as other concurrent programs, such as the completion of 2,778 infrastructure sites, including roads, schools and health stations.

While the national inflation and significant poverty rate pose great challenges, people are working to alleviate the effects where possible and uplifting communities in the Philippines will result in a decreasing poverty rate in the next several years following the pandemic.

 – Eddie Dale
Photo: Flickr

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The Work of Women Empowerment Through Education in Nigeria

Women Empowerment Through EducationEducation is a powerful catalyst for change, especially in countries like Nigeria, where gender disparities in access to education have long been a pressing issue. In this context, Women Empowerment Through Education (WETE) stands as a beacon of hope, striving to uplift and empower Nigerian women through education.

The Need to Increase Girls’ Education in Nigeria

Education is a fundamental human right, an agent for growth and one of the most effective means of eradicating poverty and advancing gender equality, health, peace and stability. Every additional year of education results in a 9% rise in hourly wages globally. Additionally, it promotes social cohesion and long-term economic prosperity.

Nigeria, a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has faced several socio-economic challenges, including gender inequality. Historically, women in Nigeria have had limited access to education, due to a patriarchal system, traditional preferences, gender-based violence and child marriage, resulting in restricted opportunities. 

Approximately 13.2 million Nigerian children are not enrolled in school, as President Muhammad Buhari said on January 16, 2020. Nigerian girls account for 60% of this number. This inequality perpetuates a cycle of poverty and vulnerability for many Nigerian women.

When women are educated, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their lives, health and finances. They also have improved employment prospects, contributing to their economic independence and breaking the cycle of poverty. Recognizing this, Women Empowerment Through Education originated to address these issues head-on. 

The Work of Women Empowerment Through Education (WETE)

Women Empowerment Through Education, established in 2015 and registered with the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development, started with a transformative project to change the lives of 11 young women from impoverished backgrounds. Many of them were plucked from villages where they toiled in domestic work and tended to others’ farms for insufficient wages. Under Sr. Dr. Mary Rose-Claret’s guidance, this initiative has become a beacon of hope, offering these women and many more a pathway towards empowerment and a brighter future.

Women Empowerment Through Education is now a multifaceted organization dedicated to empowering women in Nigeria. At the core of its mission, WETE provides comprehensive education and training programs designed to equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the path of their choice. 

Through a diverse set of initiatives, WETE offers workshops that not only build essential career skills but also nurture personal growth and self-confidence. 

Beyond Education: Nurturing Holistic Empowerment

While education is undoubtedly a critical cornerstone for girls’ empowerment, its impact is maximized when joined with a holistic approach that addresses other crucial aspects of their lives. Women Empowerment Through Education recognizes that true empowerment extends beyond the classroom. This organization excels not only in providing education but also in nurturing personal growth, fostering skills development and addressing pressing social issues.

The organization’s commitment extends to a strong emphasis on addressing social issues. The organization offers scholarships to girls who face persecution for their faith, ensuring they have access to quality education by providing scholarships.

In addition, they provide crucial health care services to women in need, prioritizing their physical well-being. WETE also recognizes the pivotal role of women in agriculture and provides vital support, aiding them in becoming more self-sufficient in this sector. Furthermore, the organization extends its compassionate reach to support abandoned children, tackling the grave issue of malnutrition, reflecting its commitment to women’s empowerment and community development.

Women Empowerment Through Education embodies the transformative power of education when coupled with a holistic approach. By addressing not only academic needs but also personal growth, health care and social issues, this organization is shaping a brighter future for Nigerian girls. 

– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Unsplash

The Fight Against Period Poverty in Mali

Period Poverty in Mali
Period poverty affects millions of individuals who menstruate across the globe. However, one unique project founded in some of the most afflicted regions of Mali has emerged to lead the way in the fight against period poverty in Mali.

What is Period Poverty?

Period Poverty is the lack of access to clean and hygienic menstrual products and the right to use these products in a safe and stigma-free environment. In the face of a lack of appropriate resources, individuals resort to using items such as rags, grass and paper as an alternative at a risk to their personal health. Reports suggest that at least 500 million people globally experience period poverty.  While period poverty is present across the world, it is most prevalent in developing countries such as Kenya, Mali and other sub-Saharan countries.

What is the Situation in Mali?

The Republic of Mali is a landlocked sub-Saharan country in West Africa. Since the military coup in 2012, the country has suffered from a fluctuating economy and extreme poverty, worsened further by the devastating effects of changing weather patterns on its agricultural industry. In 2022, an estimated 19.1% of Mali’s population lived in impoverished conditions, with 90% of this demographic concentrated in the densely populated southern regions of the country. Malian societies treat the topic of menstruation as taboo and those who menstruate often face bullying, ridicule and discrimination. The lack of communication and support for these individuals can affect every aspect of their lives from their education, relationships, health and overall well-being.   

Ongoing Efforts

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been providing support to local communities in the hopes of tackling period poverty in Mali. One such project that USAID has funded is the ‘Girls Leadership and Empowerment through Education (GLEE) project. The GLEE project is a $15 million project that the nonprofit organization Winrock International established in 2018. The project set out with the intention of providing education and support to school-aged girls in Mopti and Kayes, two regions located in the south of Mali.

GLEE’s Progress in The Fight Against Period Poverty in Mali 

In the five years since its establishment, the GLEE project has been able to achieve the following:

  • Supported approximately 14,000 girls who were previously out of school, providing them with access to education through the creation of schooling centers.
  • Renovated numerous school facilities such as toilets to provide individuals with a space to access and use menstrual products.
  • Established resources for teachers and other school figures on menstruation to provide better understanding and less stigma surrounding the topic of menstruation in Malian society.
  • Created regular mentoring sessions for girls from individuals within their community to provide advice and a safe space to discuss issues relating to periods.

While individuals continue to face challenges related to menstrual hygiene in Mali, as well as in the broader sub-Saharan region and worldwide, there are ongoing efforts to address these issues. Projects like GLEE are at the forefront of this fight, providing education and resources to combat period poverty.

– Holly Coop
Photo: Flickr

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How Collaborative Efforts Can Address Global Poverty

Collaborative EffortsGlobal poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges humanity is facing. Despite significant advancements in technology, economics and social systems, a considerable portion of the world’s population still lives in extreme poverty. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional methods. One promising approach is the power of collaborative efforts. By bringing together governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals, there is a good chance of working out a comprehensive fabric of solutions to resolve global poverty.

The Interwoven Nature of Global Poverty

Global poverty is a multi-dimensional challenge that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. It encompasses economic hardship and social, political and environmental factors. The intricate interplay of these elements calls for a coordinated response and collaborative efforts that can address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.

The Role of Collaborative Efforts

Collaboration offers a unique advantage in tackling global poverty. It leverages the diverse strengths of different stakeholders and encourages holistic solutions. Governments can provide policy frameworks, resources and infrastructure. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can bring grassroots knowledge, community engagement and targeted interventions. Businesses can contribute by investing in sustainable development, job creation and responsible practices. Lastly, individuals can also play a vital role through activism, philanthropy and consumer choices.

Case Studies in Collaborative Success

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A prime example of global collaboration, the SDGs outline 17 goals aimed at addressing various aspects of poverty, including education, health, gender equality and clean water. Governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals worldwide are working collectively to achieve these goals by 2030.

  • Microfinance and Social Enterprises – Collaborative efforts between financial institutions, NGOs and local communities have led to the development of microfinance initiatives and social enterprises. These empower individuals in poverty by providing access to credit, training and resources to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
  • Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborations between governments and businesses have been successful in developing essential infrastructure in underserved regions. This includes initiatives for clean energy, health care and education, which directly impact poverty reduction.
  • Challenges and Considerations – Collaborative efforts are not without challenges. Differences in priorities, communication barriers and unequal power dynamics can hinder progress. It is crucial to establish transparent communication channels, clear objectives and equitable distribution of resources to ensure that collaborative initiatives yield meaningful results.

Looking Ahead

Global poverty is a serious challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Collaborative efforts hold the potential to work out the required solutions. By harnessing the collective strength of governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals, there is hope for mending the gaps in the social fabric, uplifting disadvantaged communities and creating a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

– Sudipta Barua Munmun
Photo: Pexels

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Treat People With Kindness: Harry Styles’ Recent Charitable Efforts

Treat people with kindnessIn a world often marked by self-interest, few figures stand out as beacons of compassion and change. However, the British singer and songwriter Harry Styles’ commitment to making a positive impact on the world has become as notable as his musical talents. Beyond his artistry, Styles has consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to philanthropy, embodying his personal mantra: “Treat people with kindness.” While Styles has a history of charitable efforts, his recent endeavors underscore the breadth of his commitment to creating a better world.

Responding to Crisis

In April 2020, amidst the global uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Harry Styles unveiled a gesture that resonated deeply with his “Treat people with kindness” ethos. He released a t-shirt featuring the message “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Protect Each Other.” on the front and “This T-shirt fights COVID-19. Treat people with kindness.” on the back. All proceeds from the shirt sales were directed to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund. Styles aptly reminded his fans of the power of human connection during challenging times, urging those who could, to contribute and support the fight against the pandemic.

In that same year, Styles extended his support to the Black Lives Matter Movement, advocating for change and justice. He made significant donations to help post bail for arrested organizers and shared a resounding call to action: “Look inwards, educate yourself and others. LISTEN, READ, SHARE, DONATE and VOTE. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

MusiCares Charity Relief Auctions

In a testament to his belief in the healing power of music, Styles donated a signed Gibson guitar to the MusiCares Charity Relief Auction in 2020, where it became one of the top-selling items at $28,125. MusiCares, a foundation that supports musicians in times of hardship, benefited from the proceeds. Styles’ dedication to fellow artists and the music community echoed his commitment to kindness and solidarity.

Styles continued his support through another MusiCares auction in 2022 by offering another signed guitar, along with a signed copy of his hit song ‘Watermelon Sugar’ and exclusive photos from its music video shoot. Through these contributions, Styles reinforced his dedication to fostering a resilient music industry.

Music as a Catalyst for Change

In 2022, Styles collaborated with Apple Music for a commercial. However, he agreed to participate on the condition that his payment for the ad would be entirely donated to the International Rescue Committee. This organization addresses global humanitarian crises, extending a helping hand to those affected by major conflicts and disasters. Styles’ decision exemplified his conviction that art and compassion should intertwine for the greater good.

Harry Styles’ benevolence extends to the heart of his music — his tour, “Love on Tour,” stands as both a celebration of his artistry and a platform for philanthropic action. Having raised over $6.5 million for various charitable causes, including but not limited to Save the Children, CARE and Rebuild Foundation, the tour serves as a testament to the communal spirit that Styles cultivates among his fans. At his final performance in 2023, Styles expressed gratitude for the atmosphere of togetherness his fans created, reaffirming the transformative power of music and kindness.

Harry Styles’ journey from a chart-topping artist to a champion of compassion exemplifies the potential for celebrities to wield their influence for good. His motto, “Treat people with kindness,” is more than just words — it’s a call to action that he embodies through his charitable efforts. Styles’ recent initiatives, coupled with his consistent past contributions, underscore his belief in the collective strength of humanity. In a world that often craves inspiration, Harry Styles serves as a shining example of how a simple message can spark meaningful change.

– Mari Caitlin Riggles
Photo: Flickr