The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a nonprofit organization that aids more than 40 countries during devastating humanitarian crises, providing resources and support to “restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power.” Through the organization’s efforts, it has provided food, shelter and clothing, influenced humanitarian policy, supported health care workers and provided educational opportunities.
Refugees
Along with these efforts, the IRC is committed to supporting women’s rights for refugees, those at high risk of gender-based violence and those who face discrimination. As the IRC states, nearly half of all refugees are “women and girls,” but are often overlooked during crises and unable to raise awareness for their own needs. Similarly, “nearly one in three women worldwide” who have experienced physical and sexual violence are also unable to receive help due to “fear of retaliation” and the stigma surrounding violence. For this reason, the IRC reports that “less than 1% of humanitarian funding worldwide” is allocated to assist programs supporting women. To assist, the IRC instituted the Listen Up Program, which elevates women’s voices in local communities to enact positive change. This program raises awareness of the alarming rates of gender-based violence and provides resources to prevent future violence.
Because of the Listen Up Program, female activists and women’s rights groups in Uganda have been encouraged to institute change in their communities, providing support for refugees, along with resources for women recovering from violence and abuse.
Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
Based on a 2020 World Bank assessment conducted by the UNHCR, it’s evident that 81% of the 1.4 million Ugandan women and children refugees face a heightened risk of gender-based violence. Additionally, a study conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) found that approximately 95% of Ugandan females had encountered some form of sexual or physical abuse since the age of 15.
These harrowing statistics highlight the increased need for an outpouring of resources, support and funds for Ugandan women who have experienced gender-based violence and harassment.
Through the support of the IRC’s Listen Up Program, the following women’s rights groups in Uganda have positively enacted change through increased training and raising awareness and funds to alleviate gender-based violence.
The Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO)
Since 2015, the Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO) has partnered with the IRC to provide medical and counseling assistance to aid survivors of violence. When the COVID-19 pandemic increased violence in home spaces, the KAWUO and IRC worked together to provide accessible resources for those in need, including remote medical services, counseling and legal advice when necessary.
By instituting bi-weekly telephone calls with the 617 team members to discuss “survivor-centered case management,” the IRC used their Listen Up principles to amplify the voices of women in need. This involved instilling a safe space for female survivors, where they were able to safely interact with the team members with adaptable safe words.
After this outreach, the IRC reported that “as of September 2020, 1,246 survivors of violence received direct support or referrals to legal, law enforcement, health providers or livelihood services.”
With the support of the IRC and its increased commitment to following the Listen Up Program, the women’s rights group in Uganda, KAWUO, was able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic’s demands and provide safe and easily accessible resources to support those affected by gender-based violence.
COSMESS
Another women’s rights group in Uganda benefitting from the IRC’s support is COSMESS, which “empowers local communities” through training and interaction. This involves training women to be proficient in professions like carpentry and mechanics, while also providing “awareness-training” sessions on sexual harassment.
One Ugandan activist involved with COSMESS, Grace Muuduru, discusses the importance of empowering women. She stresses the importance of silencing those who would argue that women are “not capable of some things,” and instead offers assistance to female refugees who are interested in learning new professions or starting their own businesses. She finds it extremely important to educate women on harassment and abuse, as she finds that most women do not recognize the extent of their traumatizing experiences, or the resources available to protect and support them.
The IRC’s Listen Up Program recognizes women as “forceful agents of change,” and encourages activists in women’s rights groups to provide training and support to refugees and women in need.
Looking Ahead
The IRC uses the Listen Up Program to amplify female voices within local communities to put real experiences at the forefront of humanitarian change.
The IRC continues to not only provide resources and support to those in need but to also advocate for further monetary support from the United Nations and non-government organizations (NGOs).
With the continuation of the IRC’s support and its focus on amplifying women’s voices, women’s rights groups in Uganda will continue to provide positive support for those affected by gender-based violence, fostering and strengthening relationships between local organizations and community members.
– Kristina Gaffney
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Cable Cars Reduce Poverty in Bolivia
An above-ground public transportation system has recently taken hold in several Latin American countries, including Bolivia. In addition to aiding the environment, cable cars reduce poverty in several ways, and governments are targeting transport poverty and general poverty with these transportation infrastructure projects.
What is Transport Poverty?
Transport poverty is a culmination of several factors. Lucas et al. broke down these factors in a 2016 research paper. First is transport affordability, as those in transport poverty are often unable to pay for transportation. Mobility poverty is a lack of transportation, usually motorized transportation in the modern world.
Lucas et al. has defined accessibility poverty as barriers to physically reaching places of important activity “at reasonable time, ease and cost.” Finally, “exposure to transport externalities” is explained as the result of being exposed to adverse consequences of transportation such as roadway casualties and illnesses resulting from pollution.
Cable cars reduce poverty related to transportation by providing an accessible, fast, inexpensive mode of transportation. A 2014 news release by the North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) details some key statistics on the cable car system in La Paz, Bolivia.
The cable car’s low fare of three bolivianos ($0.43) per ride is affordable. Accessibility is achieved with the commute from La Paz to the city of El Alto taking less than 20 minutes as opposed to 60 minutes, the usual time of an on-ground commute.
Poverty in Bolivia
Before going into greater detail on how cable cars reduce poverty in Bolivia, an introduction to poverty in the country is necessary. Despite its being classified as middle-income, a 2018 report by the Government of Canada claims Bolivia is “the poorest country in South America.” Bolivia’s extreme poverty rate in 2017 was 17%, again one of the highest in the continent.
How Cable Cars Reduce Poverty and Why They Are in Demand
A 2021 World Bank blog entry lists several positive impacts of cable cars on underprivileged populations in cities. Cable cars reduce poverty by improving the conditions in cities while expanding access to jobs and other forms of personal development.
The aforementioned cable car system in the city of La Paz, Bolivia is called Mi Teleférico, or “My Cable Car.” A 2020 research study by the World Bank provides a socio-economic rationale for this project’s development: 29% of urban residents of Bolivia live in poverty, which an accessible transportation system would help reduce.
Urban poverty reduction was a major objective in the development of Mi Teleférico. The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) explains a goal that the World Bank set in a 2014 article: accessibility to transportation opens access to job opportunities — a lifeline for poorer populations of cities in Bolivia.
Again, the cost of a ride on Mi Teleférico is not high. According to the CEPR’s article, the cable car costs three bolivianos ($0.43) per ride and reduces spending on fuel.
Following Colombia’s Example
A decade before Mi Teleférico, Colombia created a cable car system in Medellín. The CEPR’s article shows that not only did this system create more jobs, but Medellín’s cable cars also reduced poverty by providing other resources to the city’s poor. For example, in the areas surrounding cable car stations, public libraries are more available to commuters.
In addition, entrepreneurial hotspots have sprung up around these stations. Alejandro Echeverría, former director of urban projects under Mayor Sergio Fajardo, explained this in the CEPR’s article: in these areas, “people can get a cheap loan if they want to start up a small café or shop.” In short, cable cars reduce poverty around their stations as well as on their lines.
In the long term, hopefully, Mi Teleférico will help elevate the poor of La Paz, Bolivia like cable cars reduced poverty for those of Medellín, Colombia. Low fares, elimination of fuel costs and opportunities for commercial development around cable car stations lay the groundwork for a sustainable mode of transportation.
– Noel Teter
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
The Labor Exploitation of Immigrant Workers in Canada
Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Between January and March 2023, Canada welcomed more than 145,330 permanent residents. As more immigrants arrive in the country, Canada keeps improving its ties with other nations, encouraging international cooperation and offering a safe haven to people escaping perilous situations. While the immigration of individuals to Canada yields numerous favorable effects, it also creates a feeling of susceptibility and uncertainty inherent to being an individual in an unfamiliar environment. The prioritization of equitable treatment for workers in Canada, regardless of their background, is of utmost significance, with a particular emphasis on the preservation of principles related to dignity and fairness.
What Does Labor Exploitation Look Like in Canada?
According to the Migrant Workers Centre in the province of British Columbia, the legal definition of labor exploitation is the violation of labor laws, wherein employers treat employees in a way that infringes upon their legal rights. Labor exploitation can take many forms, such as the provision of wages that fall below the legally prescribed minimum, non-compliance with safety protocols and the prevalence of harassment and discrimination.
In 2021, Canada witnessed the arrival of approximately 777,000 laborers, with 39% of this population finding employment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction and food processing. The agencies identified several issues pertaining to workers’ knowledge. Firstly, they observed a notable deficiency in the comprehension of their rights. Secondly, agencies discovered that nearly half of workers were unaware of the existence of labor trafficking as a prevalent problem within Canada. Immigrant workers may be vulnerable due to their limited linguistic abilities, social isolation, apprehensions regarding their immigration status and inadequate understanding of Canada’s immigration policies, labor regulations and human rights legislation.
How is Canada Addressing this Issue?
In Canada, the government has implemented several measures since the 2019 consultations to combat labor exploitation in global supply chains. These initiatives comprise various measures, such as the implementation of a ban on the importation of products produced through coerced labor. Furthermore, Canada actively participates as a partner in “Alliance 8.7,” an international collaboration to eliminate forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labor.
In addition, the Canadian government has implemented the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act of 2014 and the Export and Import Rough Diamonds Act of 2002. These legislative measures enforce reporting obligations and promote transparency within the Canadian extractive sector. The Minister of Labour has the responsibility of spearheading the implementation of legislation aimed at eliminating forced labor within the supply chains of Canadian enterprises. Additionally, the Minister must ensure that Canadian businesses operating internationally do not engage in activities that perpetuate human rights violations.
The primary objective of the Migrant Workers Centre of British Columbia is to enhance and facilitate the attainment of justice for migrant workers. This occurs through the provision of legal services, advocacy efforts, research endeavors, public education initiatives and active involvement in law and policy reform undertakings. Through engaging in collaborative efforts with various nonprofit organizations and other parties, the Centre has successfully cultivated a community united by its shared commitment to advocating for the rights of immigrant workers who have experienced labor exploitation or trafficking. The Centre provides assistance to individuals who experience exploitation, while also striving to advance principles of equality and legitimacy within workplaces throughout Canada.
Concluding Thoughts
Based on the most recent Report on the Status of Migrant Farm Workers in Canada, business utilization of migrant workers is growing in Canada. This trend has resulted in a rapid deterioration of existing safeguards, which were already insufficient, aimed at protecting these workers from exploitation. Ensuring a seamless transition and safeguarding newcomers from exploitation in their workplaces are crucial considerations as they arrive in Canada. The manifestation of poverty in Canada is exemplified by a heterogeneous demographic, with certain segments experiencing a greater impact of poverty, particularly individuals who have recently immigrated to the country.
Labor exploitation is a pervasive phenomenon that occurs throughout the nation, exacerbating the precarious circumstances of individuals who are already in vulnerable situations. The Canadian government’s implementation of workplace policies is of paramount importance to ensure equitable outcomes and prevent individuals from experiencing marginalization or exclusion. It is imperative to ensure that Canadian newcomers, particularly those experiencing poverty, are not subjected to excessive workloads, inadequate compensation and degrading treatment in the pursuit of their livelihood.
– Valentina Ornelas
Photo: Flickr
FORAGUA Tackles Water Scarcity in Ecuador
Background
Poor land and forest management is one of the main causes of water scarcity in Ecuador. Since the federal government has no water policy, the well-being of watersheds is overlooked. As a result, citizens using land for livestock and agriculture threaten the quality of freshwater sources. Water pollution from pesticides and human waste, as well as desertification from overuse of farmlands, makes Ecuador’s water supply unacceptable for daily consumption or use.
Rural and isolated lands are hit especially hard by the lacking water infrastructure in Ecuador. As more forests are cleared to make space for cities and towns, trees and vegetation do not catch water and soak it up for use later in the dry season. For instance, Zaruma, located on the dry Andean slopes, cannot sustain its cattle or agriculture during the dry season when it only receives two to four hours of water per day.
What are Water Funds?
However, municipalities of rural and urban areas are putting their efforts together in organizations called water funds. As defined by The Nature Conservancy, water funds occur when towns, cities, companies, residents and other water users use financial mechanisms to protect their water sources.
With a focus on watershed conservation, water funds are helping both the people and the environment. Providing citizens with a sanitary source of water ensures fewer people catch waterborne illnesses like E. coli and more citizens can make a living. In an economy dominated by agriculture where clean water is necessary to care for crops and cattle, water scarcity in Ecuador puts impoverished rural communities at risk.
The Work of FORAGUA
The Regional Water Fund of Southern Ecuador (FORAGUA) is one of many water funds working in Ecuador. Targeting 14 municipalities and 500,000 residents, FORAGUA requires community residents to pay $1 per month for water consumption. The price is not demanding for locals, and 90% of the funds go towards water conservation efforts.
FORAGUA uses its funds to purchase land or enter into agreements with farmers with the intention of allowing the environment to regrow its natural vegetation. Residents receive an income for letting their land rewild, meaning farmers cannot cut trees or native plants. While giving watersheds the time to restore themselves, FORAGUA also provides rural dwellers with funds. With the rural poverty rate in Ecuador at 43%, a consistent income provided by the water fund helps communities dependent on cattle and agriculture avoid poverty.
FORAGUA is tackling poverty among farmers in a sustainable way. The water fund has so far restored 3,700 acres of land and planted 400 trees for every 160 acres to optimally protect ecosystems. Allowing lands once occupied by humans to return to their original states allows for biodiversity to advance as natural fauna and flora can flourish.
Even though water scarcity in Ecuador remains a pressing issue, water funds are innovative financial mechanisms protecting citizens’ water accessibility by restoring the environment. At the intersection of environmentalism and humanitarianism, FORAGUA demonstrates how communities can come together to tackle financial instability among rural individuals while simultaneously helping the planet.
– Meilyn Farina
Photo: Flickr
How the Listen Up Program Supports Women’s Rights Groups in Uganda
Refugees
Along with these efforts, the IRC is committed to supporting women’s rights for refugees, those at high risk of gender-based violence and those who face discrimination. As the IRC states, nearly half of all refugees are “women and girls,” but are often overlooked during crises and unable to raise awareness for their own needs. Similarly, “nearly one in three women worldwide” who have experienced physical and sexual violence are also unable to receive help due to “fear of retaliation” and the stigma surrounding violence. For this reason, the IRC reports that “less than 1% of humanitarian funding worldwide” is allocated to assist programs supporting women. To assist, the IRC instituted the Listen Up Program, which elevates women’s voices in local communities to enact positive change. This program raises awareness of the alarming rates of gender-based violence and provides resources to prevent future violence.
Because of the Listen Up Program, female activists and women’s rights groups in Uganda have been encouraged to institute change in their communities, providing support for refugees, along with resources for women recovering from violence and abuse.
Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
Based on a 2020 World Bank assessment conducted by the UNHCR, it’s evident that 81% of the 1.4 million Ugandan women and children refugees face a heightened risk of gender-based violence. Additionally, a study conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) found that approximately 95% of Ugandan females had encountered some form of sexual or physical abuse since the age of 15.
These harrowing statistics highlight the increased need for an outpouring of resources, support and funds for Ugandan women who have experienced gender-based violence and harassment.
Through the support of the IRC’s Listen Up Program, the following women’s rights groups in Uganda have positively enacted change through increased training and raising awareness and funds to alleviate gender-based violence.
The Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO)
Since 2015, the Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO) has partnered with the IRC to provide medical and counseling assistance to aid survivors of violence. When the COVID-19 pandemic increased violence in home spaces, the KAWUO and IRC worked together to provide accessible resources for those in need, including remote medical services, counseling and legal advice when necessary.
By instituting bi-weekly telephone calls with the 617 team members to discuss “survivor-centered case management,” the IRC used their Listen Up principles to amplify the voices of women in need. This involved instilling a safe space for female survivors, where they were able to safely interact with the team members with adaptable safe words.
After this outreach, the IRC reported that “as of September 2020, 1,246 survivors of violence received direct support or referrals to legal, law enforcement, health providers or livelihood services.”
With the support of the IRC and its increased commitment to following the Listen Up Program, the women’s rights group in Uganda, KAWUO, was able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic’s demands and provide safe and easily accessible resources to support those affected by gender-based violence.
COSMESS
Another women’s rights group in Uganda benefitting from the IRC’s support is COSMESS, which “empowers local communities” through training and interaction. This involves training women to be proficient in professions like carpentry and mechanics, while also providing “awareness-training” sessions on sexual harassment.
One Ugandan activist involved with COSMESS, Grace Muuduru, discusses the importance of empowering women. She stresses the importance of silencing those who would argue that women are “not capable of some things,” and instead offers assistance to female refugees who are interested in learning new professions or starting their own businesses. She finds it extremely important to educate women on harassment and abuse, as she finds that most women do not recognize the extent of their traumatizing experiences, or the resources available to protect and support them.
The IRC’s Listen Up Program recognizes women as “forceful agents of change,” and encourages activists in women’s rights groups to provide training and support to refugees and women in need.
Looking Ahead
The IRC uses the Listen Up Program to amplify female voices within local communities to put real experiences at the forefront of humanitarian change.
The IRC continues to not only provide resources and support to those in need but to also advocate for further monetary support from the United Nations and non-government organizations (NGOs).
With the continuation of the IRC’s support and its focus on amplifying women’s voices, women’s rights groups in Uganda will continue to provide positive support for those affected by gender-based violence, fostering and strengthening relationships between local organizations and community members.
– Kristina Gaffney
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a region in the mid-Atlantic Ocean composed of island nations known for their easy-going lifestyle and beautiful weather. The Caribbean has everything that a tourist looking for the perfect beach vacation could want; from historical landmarks to world-renowned beaches and more, the Caribbean is a popular choice for vacationers of all preferences.
However, like many tourist destinations, the Caribbean has economically successful tourist towns bordering impoverished villages. The region boasts mansions of the world’s ultra-wealthy but also houses an astounding number of the world’s extremely poor. Despite the wealth that a healthy tourism industry can bring to a country and a people, many inhabitants of the Caribbean’s island nations experience extreme poverty. Here are five facts about poverty in the Caribbean.
5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean
Looking Ahead
Although the Caribbean is one of the poorest regions in the world with weak institutions, trafficking issues and challenges from COVID-19, the tourism industry offers these countries opportunities for economic growth. As long as the natural beauty of the region can be preserved, the Caribbean can expect a steady and even growing tourism sector that creates jobs and brings money into local economies. This sector has the power to bolster the entire region’s economy and decrease the poverty rate in many island nations.
– Suzanne Ackley
Photo: Flickr
Zephyrus Tackles India’s Heat
Heat Waves Affect Daily Life
While the heat waves result in unsafe living and working conditions, this does not stop people from going out to earn a living. In attempts to protect themselves from the heat, workers tie a wet cloth on their heads. However, because of the strength of the heat, the populations’ health, productivity and economy have all taken a fall as a result. This is especially true for the plethora of workers that have to labor outdoors and in large open spaces.
Are Air Conditioners the Solution?
After working a long day in the blistering heat, it would only make sense to cool down in the comfort of air conditioning in your home. However, this is only a reality for 4.9% of Indians. According to the Stats of India Twitter Account, air coolers are more dominant than air conditioners. This is likely because they are cheaper as they take longer to cool a room when compared to an air conditioner. However, while more affordable, still only 14.1% of households have an air cooler.
Need for an Affordable Solution
Clearly, there is a huge need for a more affordable version of indoor cooling. However, there is also the challenge of ensuring the device is both environment-friendly and simple. Recently, a group of students in Gurugram found a solution. Five 10th-grade students created Zephyrus cleverly named after the Greek God of wind. They describe it as “an eco-friendly, 2-in-1 cooling device that tackles the challenges of a conventional cooler and can save water” (The Better India). Essentially, Zephyrus is tackling India’s heat problems. The students, V Sahil Seshadri, Lakshya Goswami, Uday Singh, Sourish Grover and Armaan Sharma were the masterminds behind this device.
Humidity Poses a Challenge
These boys recognized the challenge that many Indians face with a lack of cooling. To begin their journey of creating the next best thing, they interviewed school staff members who had cooling systems in their households. Through these interviews, the boys found that cooling systems come with many challenges, such as the need to constantly replace water tanks. This is especially an issue as India’s climate is very humid, resulting in the frequent use of cooling systems to combat humidity. The humidity stems from India’s long monsoon periods. The most humid period is the summer monsoon, from April to September.
How Zephyrus Tackles India’s Heat
The boys describe Zephyrus as a two-in-one heating and cooling system that is powered by cooling modules. Lakshya explains the intricacies: “When electric current flows through this device, one side gets extremely hot, and the other side gets freezing cold. This creates a necessary temperature difference required to create the dual effect of cooling.” Perhaps the most impressive part is that their system is 10% lower in cost than the typical cooler. The boys commented that when they begin to mass produce the product, they will continue to lower their price, as affordability is a primary factor to them.
Not only is Zephyrus affordable and successful at tackling India’s heat, but it is also eco-friendly. Zephyrus does not rely on a cooling agent, but rather the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect occurs when the cooling of a junction and the heating of a junction is in a circuit. This effect explains how modern refrigerators work. In addition, Zephyrus uses significantly less water than typical coolers. A typical cooler requires 3,000 liters of water a month whereas the Zephyrus only requires 300 liters. This alone could help save gallons of water nationwide.
Next Steps
The boys continue to make Zephyrus beneficial as they are planning to reduce their dependence on power and convert to relying on solar panels. This would reduce their carbon footprint. The affordability along with creative innovation is what makes the Zephyrus so impactful. Not only did these boys create a solution to a huge problem, but they proved the significance of science and technology in aiding society.
– Samsara Shrivastava
Photo: Unsplash
5 Things to Know About the MINDS Act
5 Things to Know About the MINDS Act
Looking Ahead
Putting the MINDS Act into law is just one step in the fight to advocate for mental health. Many nonprofit organizations are advocating for increasing mental health funding and resources worldwide. For example, World Vision, a supporter of the MINDS Act, is an advocacy group with a variety of goals, one of which is providing mental health support to children. Another organization working to advocate for mental health is United For Global Mental Health whose mission is to “raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase support for mental health around the world.” Between legislation such as the MINDS Act and organizations such as World Vision and United For Global Mental Health, hopefully, the ongoing mental health crisis will soon come to an end.
– Nicole Alexander
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
These Organizations Are Tackling Dengue in Singapore
What is Dengue?
Dengue fever is characterized by symptoms such as headaches, nausea and vomiting, rashes and aching. The disease is spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos. While it does not spread directly from person to person, a mosquito may become a carrier if it draws blood from a person infected with dengue.
The disease is best prevented by anti-mosquito measures, such as repellents and nets. However, Singapore is currently experimenting with new methods to help control the country’s mosquito population.
Wolbachia Mosquitoes/EHI
Recently, Singapore’s Environmental Health Institute has developed a program involving the release of lab-grown mosquitos infected with a bacteria called Wolbachia. These male mosquitoes can reproduce with females, but the eggs will not hatch. This strategy has been shown to suppress mosquito populations within a given area. As a result, the spread of dengue in Singapore should be mitigated.
Fogging/NEA
Another method that Singapore’s National Environmental Agency is deploying against mosquito populations is known as fogging. In this process, insecticide is released as a mist in an effort to control a large mosquito population in a dengue cluster. However, it is worth noting that this process does not eliminate the source of the population, and overuse may lead to insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.
Temasek Foundation
Along with these initiatives, several organizations are working alongside the government to help slow the spread of the virus. In 2022, the non-profit group Temasek Foundation partnered with the NEA to provide mosquito repellent to all students in Singapore. This effort was made to counter the spread of dengue through infected mosquitos. Overall, repellent was provided for more than 800,000 students.
Community Efforts
In order to combat the spread of dengue, several grassroots organizations have volunteered their efforts. These community-led efforts help to raise awareness about mosquito mitigation tactics, as well as inform the public on the symptoms and risks of dengue.
These community efforts included door-to-door visits in areas with a high dengue concentration. Volunteer groups from Singapore’s People’s Association, a government program with a large network of community-based organizations, contributed to this campaign.
Reduction in Dengue Cases
In 2023, cases of dengue in Singapore have dropped significantly. The WHO reports a 72% decrease in cases compared to this time last year. While there is still room for improvement, these numbers are a relatively good omen for the warmer season, taking into account last year’s outbreak. It appears as though the efforts of the NEA have not been in vain, and may have made a meaningful difference in the reduction of infected mosquito populations.
– Mary Burke
Photo: Flickr
Everything You Need to Know About Hunger in Chad
Conditions Causing Hunger in Chad
According to the World Food Program USA, 42% of Chad’s population is currently living below the poverty line. Additionally, the number of people that have been forcibly displaced in Chad has exceeded one million.
Chad also hosts more refugees than any other West or Central African nation, with more than 600,000 currently living in Chad. The influx of refugees across Chad’s border increased significantly after recent conflicts began in neighboring Sudan.
Extreme climate conditions have also caused more difficult growing seasons for agriculture throughout Chad, worsening the food crisis. A recent report by AP News stated that the Lake Chad Basin has become increasingly vulnerable to floods and droughts, which directly impacts food security.
Malnutrition in Chad
Hundreds of thousands of children were treated for severe acute malnutrition in Chad in 2021. Nearly 300,000 children under the age of five were treated that year, with UNICEF reporting that this number is increasing annually.
45.4% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 currently suffer from anemia in Chad. According to the Global Nutrition Report, Chad is “off course” in addressing several malnutrition-related health issues, including childhood overweight, sodium intake and obesity.
Efforts to Improve Hunger in Chad
The Global Hunger Index (GHI), which attributes a hunger score for various countries based on their levels of undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality, has given Chad a score of 37.2. This places Chad in the “alarming” category and ranked 117th out of 121 countries that are reviewed by the GHI. However, Chad has seen a decline in its GHI score in the years since 2000, when their score was listed at 50.7.
Action Against Hunger, a global organization that works to end hunger around the world, began working in Chad in 1981. Last year, with a team of 264 employees, Action Against Hunger helped over 1.2 million people suffering from hunger in Chad. The organization’s efforts included increased access to water, hygiene and food security programs.
The World Food Program (WFP) USA also aims to assist millions of people in Chad this year. To address the rising number of refugees in the nation, WFP USA plans to provide food to 100,000 refugees and host communities. Additionally, the organization will work with communities to improve assets such as warehouses for crops and will expand nutrition assistance to an additional 16 regions considered high-risk in Chad.
Overall, there are still many challenges to addressing hunger in Chad. However, the resilience of those living in the nation and the commitment of numerous international organizations to provide funding and support toward improving conditions in Chad present hope for a better future for millions.
– Tristan Weisenbach
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Rights in Paraguay
Politics
The national and local governments lack representation for women. Yet there is no lack of women participating in democracy, considering 57% of those eligible voted in the 2021 election, just more than equal to the 56% of eligible men. Women desire to run for office but face gender stereotypes from political opponents trying to discredit their capabilities. Women hold only 15% of political seats, making it hard to advance women’s rights in Paraguay.
To combat the gap in representation, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) introduced the Political Training School for Women Leaders of the Superior Court of Electoral Justice in 2017. The program collaborates with women’s organizations, such as the Ministry of Women, to train and educate more than 700 students. There are 17 modules specializing in different skill sets needed to run for office, including information about electoral processes and the inner workings of the Senate.
The Political Training School’s success earned them an Honorable Mention for gender equality in the first edition of the Global Network on Electoral Justice Awards. The courses are non-partisan to encourage women from any political party to participate. Introducing more women to politics in Paraguay improves legislation on gender equality and paves the way for the next generation of women.
Unpaid Labor
Paraguay is a middle-income country, with 22.6% of the population living in poverty and 10.5% in extreme poverty. Only 62% of women have a job that provides income, and that reduces to about 50% for women living in poverty. Those employed make 71% of the monthly wages of their male coworkers.
Responsibilities at home restrict women’s ability to earn money because unpaid domestic tasks are their primary responsibility. Societal beliefs impact girls at a young age, and their community expects them to continue their unpaid work indefinitely. The World Bank found “33.8% of Paraguayan women ages 15-29 do not work or study (compared with 6.1% of boys)” because young women work inside the home rather than making money in the workforce.
To address inequalities for the 32% of the population that live in rural areas, Paraguay implemented the Public Policy Law for Rural Women. The law targets women who are homemakers and reliant on their partners. More than 1,000 rural women learned agricultural techniques, giving them personal and financial freedom.
COVID-19
The World Bank recognizes that “the COVID-19 pandemic has undone women’s progress from numerous dimensions but mainly in the economic sphere.” At the beginning of the pandemic, waves of unemployment affected the workers of Paraguay. However, this disproportionally impacted women, with more than 50% losing their jobs, compared to 35% for men.
While women in the workplace experienced unemployment rates above 10%, the pandemic also impacted women who do unpaid work. They are responsible for domestic chores and therefore do not have many opportunities to improve their situation. Their days are spent working at home, with no time to get a job that provides an income.
During the pandemic, domestic disputes increased due to working spouses being home more often with their stay-at-home wives. According to the World Bank, “The Ministry of Women’s emergency services registered 50% more calls in March 2020, compared to the same month of the previous year.” The numerous reports are just one example of how COVID-19 negatively affected women’s rights in Paraguay.
Looking Ahead
Women’s rights in Paraguay have greatly improved since declaring equality in 1992. While the pandemic created setbacks for gender equality, organizations, such as IDEA and the EU, introduced educational programs and strategies to provide access for women who want to get involved in their communities. Spreading awareness to girls about stereotypical gender roles and how to overcome them is the next step toward gender equality. Spending more time outside the home creates opportunities for young women to become independent and active in the women’s rights movement. Progress continues as the programs advancing women’s rights today will inspire the next generation.
– Diana Grant
Photo: Flickr