TOMS is a social enterprise founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie. Mycoskie took a sabbatical to Argentina, where he witnessed children struggling without shoes: inadequate safety and education barriers. The company sells a wide range of products, from shoes, eyewear, apparel and handbags and its recent venture, coffee, in 2014. In 2019, Mycoskie switched to TOMS’ renowned approach, the One-for-One Model, where every pair of shoes purchased would mean giving a shoe to someone in need. TOMS evolved from this strategy to reach a diverse range of issues.
The company’s current operational model offers a third of its net profits through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. These organizations are aimed at mental health, eradicating gun violence and opening doors to opportunities. Indeed, TOMS has consistently strived to ensure that making a positive social impact is as significant as producing high-quality products. With meaningful and sustainable partnerships, it has impacted more than 100 million people.
ChildFund
In 2012, TOMS partnered with ChildFund to give new shoes to needy children in Liberia. In Liberia, children are required to wear black shoes to school; however, numerous families cannot afford them. Thus, families with siblings share a pair of school shoes, each wearing a slipper on one foot and a school shoe on the other.
A “ChildFund study in 2010 estimated that 15% of school-aged children in developing countries have hookworm or another parasitic disease due to bare feet.” This partnership improves the children’s learning experience. It supports long-term access to education and health for these children, offering a step out of poverty. Thanks to TOMS and ChildFund, hundreds of Liberian schoolchildren now have school shoes.
Save the Children
With the One-for-One model, TOMS gave more than a million pairs of shoes and winter boots to children in various countries: Lithuania, El Salvador, Tajikistan and more. The distribution of shoes was part of a broader, holistic approach to improving children’s well-being through Save the Children’s wellness, dietary and educational services.
TOMS employees participated in events and trips to witness the behind-the-scenes of what it is like to give the TOMS shoes to the children. Save the Children leaders often speak at TOMS’s office events, cultivating the shared collaborative spirit. Employee engagement with TOMS and Save the Children was beneficial. It inspires employees to strive for the best quality products for the children.
Save the Children’s brand awareness widened when TOMS frequently displayed the brand to new crowds and trendsetters. Through digital advertising, TOMS would focus on spreading awareness about children in poverty in their flagship stores and partner with Save the Children to market its campaigns. During Hurricane Harvey, TOMS urged customers to advocate for Save the Children’s emergency fundraising efforts.
One Day Without Shoes Campaign
On 10 April 2010, TOMS “One Day Without Shoes (ODWS),” an idea developed in 2008 by students in Pepperdine University’s Surf Club, was commemorated to create awareness about the impact of not having shoes for underprivileged children worldwide. TOMS ensured that a pair of shoes would be donated to a child in need for every interesting photograph posted. By posting a photo of bare feet and using hashtag #withoutshoes, TOMS was able to garner a broad community to get involved and inspired.
A new pair of TOMS Giving Shoes was received by 296,243 children in need. This was achieved through the involvement of people in more than 30 countries. During the campaign, the community of 300,000 barefoot photos was eager to tag #withoutshoes to publicize the campaign.
World Mental Health Day, 2023
TOMS gives a third of its profits through cash grants to nonprofit organizations. On 10 October 2023, TOMS gave 10 “mental health-focused nonprofit organizations” worldwide $10,000 cash grants each. Wall of Sharing, Fundación Origen, International Medical Corps—Ukraine and Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative—Nigeria are such organizations.
TOMS’ Commitment to Positive Change
TOMS has evolved from its original “One-for-One” model to a broader approach, focusing on sustainable change. Ensuring immediate needs and long-term improvements, the company has positioned itself as a leader in corporate responsibility. Indeed, the company has created a meaningful impact on communities internationally. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with ChildFund and Save the Children, cash grants to International Medical Corps—Ukraine and more have been instrumental to global communities by providing shoes to children in need or supporting mental health initiatives.
– Nalini Vj
Nalini is based in Perth, WA, Australia and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Poverty in Saudi Arabia
Poverty Hidden from View
Saudi Arabia does not officially disclose statistics on poverty or define a poverty threshold. The kingdom portrays itself as a highly developed and civilized nation, with gleaming cities like Riyadh and luxury resorts along the Red Sea, boosting its tourism industry. Yet, poor neighborhoods and slums exist, though their locations often make them invisible to visitors. Urban layouts deliberately segregate lower-class neighborhoods from highways and central city areas, pushing low-income citizens to society’s fringes. Until 2002, Saudi officials denied the existence of poverty altogether and state-run media ignored the issue until Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz visited a Riyadh slum, bringing the problem to light.
Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia derives most of its wealth from the oil sector. Vision 2030 is a plan to reduce the country’s reliance on oil by diversifying industries, expanding the private sector and scaling down the public sector. A cornerstone of this initiative is the partial privatization of Aramco, the state-owned oil giant. However, the plan also includes privatizing public services, such as hospitals and schools. A significant challenge for Saudi citizens under Vision 2030 is the proposed reduction in state employment.
Currently, two-thirds of Saudis work in government jobs, but the plan aims to lower this to 20% of the population. Welfare spending, which includes free education and health care, has also seen cuts. The government funds much of its welfare spending through Zakat, an Islamic principle requiring individuals to donate 2.5% of their wealth to charity. The government collects and distributes these funds. Under Vision 2030, the government is reducing subsidies for essential services like fuel, electricity and water. These cuts disproportionately affect poorer citizens, creating further challenges for those already struggling financially.
Women and Migrant Workers: The Most Vulnerable
Under Islamic law, men are traditionally responsible for financially supporting women and children. As a result, women without a husband or living male relative often face significant socio-economic challenges. Female-headed households represent a large proportion of the poorest families in Saudi Arabia. Although women are permitted to work independently, many employers require written consent from a male guardian, limiting women’s participation in the labor force. This guardianship system creates barriers to employment, increasing women’s vulnerability to poverty and rising living costs. Migrant workers, particularly women, are among the most vulnerable groups in Saudi society. They often endure low wages, financial hardships and exploitative practices such as wage withholding and the confiscation of passports, exacerbating their economic challenges.
Progress and Solutions
According to the United Nations (U.N.), poverty in Saudi Arabia has become less of a taboo topic since the crown prince visited a Riyadh slum in 2002. Following this pivotal moment, the country implemented the National Poverty Reduction Strategy in 2005 and the Supplementary Support Programme in 2006, both aimed at assisting those in need. Policy reforms remain essential to effectively combat poverty. Key strategies include promoting a fair tax system, enhancing the efficiency of social protection transfer programs and revising land distribution and public procurement policies. Additionally, prioritizing investments in skill development for citizens is critical. These measures can help expand access to socioeconomic opportunities, fostering greater inclusion and reducing poverty across the nation.
Looking Ahead
Efforts to tackle poverty in Saudi Arabia are advancing, however, systemic challenges such as unemployment, limited affordable housing and economic disparities persist. Targeted reforms, including improved social protection systems and investments in education and skill development, remain critical to achieving greater socioeconomic inclusion. As the kingdom moves forward with Vision 2030, balancing economic diversification with equitable welfare measures could be essential to reducing poverty further.
– Salome von Stolzmann
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, an island country of the southeastern West Indies and the southernmost island in the Caribbean, houses a population of roughly 1.39 million people. Amongst this number, 20% are classified to be below the poverty line, with more than one-seventh of the population living in 313 informal settlements or slums. With median house prices currently standing at around $192,000 USD according to the Inter-American Development Bank, and average monthly incomes being approximately $1,600, the lack of affordable homes, coupled with extensive waiting lists for subsidized housing, means that low income earners are prevented from homeownership altogether. As a consequence, homelessness is a common issue many face, with at least 676 socially displaced across the country according to Donna Cox, Minister of Social Development and Family Services.
This article will delve into the structural issues behind homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago, before moving onto the steps governments have taken to address, reduce and ultimately combat it moving forward.
Barriers to Tackling Homelessness in Trinidad and Tobago
While Trinidad and Tobago recognizes the concept of homelessness, there does not seem to be a legal definition of it, nor a fixed criteria in law set out to determine eligibility for programs and services. Formally referred to as “street dwellers” in reference to “persons found sleeping or preparing to sleep on the sidewalk and pavements of streets or on the ground of open plots of land adjoining a street,” homeless individuals are seemingly regarded as public nuisances, often being criminalized rather than offered relief and rehabilitation.
This was seen in action when C Melville of Trinidad and Tobago Newsday observed a teenager living in a bus shed within the Tacarigua area in June 2024. Upon calling the Ministry of Social Development for aid, she was unable to reach anybody, only coming to an automated response. No one provided an immediate solution to get the individual off the street, with suggestions that police should deal with the matter instead.
With the varying physical and mental health disorders that come both as a cause and result of homelessness, many urge for a more multidisciplinary approach that addresses the complexities of the socially displaced, ensuring that sufficient support is provided. This goes beyond basic material relief such as providing new clothes and meals for the homeless. Rather, there is encouragement to provide health check-ups and counseling alongside more basic efforts to better social well-being and ensure a more well rounded rehabilitation so that individuals can be reintegrated into society again.
Steps Moving Forward
According to the Socially Displaced Persons Act 2000, government services did not have the legislative power to remove individuals off the street, yet Parliament is now working on laws that will grant ministries and the police the legal backing to involuntarily remove the socially displaced. Currently, the approach towards dealing with the homeless in Trinidad and Tobago remains inhumane, with people simply reporting cases to police, and so it is common for individuals that are offered help to prefer to stay on the streets.
This proposed legislation, alongside other plans for state of the art facilities that will provide accommodation for street dwellers while they undergo individualized rehabilitation, is set to more directly address the social issue at hand. With Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Advisor Terrance Dick claiming that “we tried to remove people already and the court said we were going about it the wrong way,” these steps forward will deal with homelessness more intentionally.
There are greater efforts that are working towards addressing homelessness as well, with more organizations emerging to aid community development and expand local operations for affordable housing. For instance, nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity provide services from home construction to financial assistance, having served 355 families with direct housing solutions so far, and more than 1,800 people with credit management and construction training. The organization also focuses on providing education for high risk communities so that they are equipped with the skills needed for a sustainable future, ensuring wider community development.
Looking Ahead
Homelessness is becoming an increasing concern for the country due to the state’s affordable housing deficit and its low median incomes, yet governments are working towards offering the displaced more targeted solutions such as self assessments and bespoke rehabilitation which will aid in their reintegration to society. Looking ahead, Trinidad and Tobago’s government must continue to tackle the homelessness crisis with a more comprehensive, structured and humane approach that will carefully address the complexities and nuances of the socially displaced. Greater collaboration is also hoped to be seen between the state and public and private organizations to drive bigger impact and changes.
– Sophie Young
Photo: Flickr
Ecotourism for Reducing Poverty in Indigenous Communities
Cambodia’s Banteay Chhmar
The Banteay Chhmar temple in northwest Cambodia is an iconic cultural and historical site that endured years of neglect, looting and insufficient conservation funding. Khiri Travel, a sustainable travel company, partnered with the local community in 2007 to develop a community-based tourism project that aimed to generate income for local villagers and conservation while providing authentic experiences for visitors. Central to the project is the involvement of local villagers and the improvement of community infrastructure, including clean water access and waste management systems. Since its launch, the project has generated more than $100,000 in revenue per year and created employment opportunities for more than 100 villagers. The project has won several awards for its innovative and sustainable approach, serving as a model for similar initiatives in Cambodia and beyond.
The Maasai Community in Kenya
In Kenya, the Maasai community has embraced ecotourism as a means to reduce poverty while preserving their unique cultural identity and the natural environment. Through initiatives like the Mara Conservancies, local Maasai landowners partner with tourism operators to create community conservancies, with agreements that ensure a portion of tourism revenue is directed toward local development projects, including schools, health care facilities and water systems. Ecotourism projects in the Maasai community have provided numerous employment opportunities for community members, introduced programs to preserve traditional Maasai practices and incentivized sustainable land management. By empowering the local community, fostering cultural preservation and promoting sustainable practices, ecotourism offers a pathway for the Maasai community to thrive economically while safeguarding their heritage and ecosystems.
The Potato Park in Peru
In the Andes of Peru, the Potato Park is a pioneering example of ecotourism that is driven by indigenous knowledge and biodiversity conservation. Local Quechua communities manage the park and dedicate it to preserving the hundreds of native potato varieties that define the region’s agricultural heritage. Revenue from ecotourism has improved local livelihoods, reduced poverty in Quechua communities and strengthened cultural identity and food sovereignty. The Potato Park serves as a global model for integrating ecotourism, conservation and sustainable development, inspiring similar projects by showing how traditional knowledge drives conservation and development. The park’s successes underscore its role as a transformative tool for poverty reduction and environmental stewardship.
Balancing Opportunities and Challenges
While ecotourism has emerged as a transformative tool for reducing poverty in Indigenous communities, there are also potential challenges. There is a risk of cultural commodification, where the need to cater to tourists may pressure communities to alter or commercialize cultural traditions. In addition, relying on tourism revenue makes communities vulnerable to external shocks, such as economic downturns or global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this, there have been numerous successful examples of ecotourism projects. These cases demonstrate how ecotourism, when implemented responsibly, can potentially provide a sustainable means of poverty alleviation. To maximize the benefits of ecotourism, initiatives could prioritize community involvement, transparent governance and adaptive strategies that ensure resilience against external shocks. By empowering local communities, fostering cultural preservation and promoting environmental stewardship, ecotourism initiatives offer a pathway to reducing poverty in indigenous communities while safeguarding their heritage for future generations.
– Isobel Hurst
Photo: Flickr
How Savings Groups in Uganda Drive Poverty Reduction
Types of Savings Groups
There are three main types of savings groups and their use depends on factors such as living standards, the amount of money involved and the participation agreement among members.
Driving Financial Inclusion
Promoting financial education globally is essential in the fight against poverty. Savings groups offer individuals opportunities to learn about key financial concepts such as saving, interest rates and loans. These groups also bridge the gap for those without access to traditional financial institutions, providing a pathway to greater financial inclusion and stability.
The World Bank reports that about 50% of Uganda’s population has access to financial institutions. However, 37% of adults in Uganda are involved in savings groups, highlighting their importance in advancing financial inclusion and reducing poverty. Beyond financial education, saving groups empower individuals to understand various social and economic issues. They build partnerships within communities, raise awareness on critical social topics and even contribute to community building and infrastructure development.
Empowering Women Through Savings Groups
Women face disproportionate impacts from poverty globally. At least one in 10 women live in poverty and women are seven times more likely than men to experience extreme poverty. In Uganda, savings groups play a vital role in empowering women by offering safe spaces to save money and access loans. These loans help women start businesses, provide for their families and meet personal needs, fostering financial independence and stability.
According to a survey conducted by the Fin Mark Trust across 30 countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, Uganda has the highest proportion of women engaged in savings groups, with 39% of women participating. Gender inequality remains one of the leading causes of poverty and addressing wage gaps and promoting social benefits for women is critical in reducing poverty among women. Uganda’s savings groups act as a powerful tool in fighting against poverty among women, breaking down barriers they face in corporate, social and family life and building economic empowerment.
Challenges Facing Savings Groups
Despite their benefits, savings groups face several obstacles:
A more pressing challenge for savings groups is the need to adopt digitized systems. While urban savings groups have started using mobile money and other digital tools, rural communities often lack the necessary digital infrastructure. This gap highlights a growing divide and raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of savings groups in an increasingly digital world. Tackling this issue will require innovation within savings groups and proactive government initiatives to expand digital infrastructure in Uganda’s rural areas.
Sustainability Through Innovation
Organizations like Plan International play a pivotal role in strengthening savings groups. By introducing mobile money and secure savings solutions, it addresses critical challenges and improves efficiency. Plan International, for instance, has supported 1.5 million individuals across 76,000 savings groups in 28 countries, demonstrating the potential for scalable solutions.
Moving Forward
Savings groups in Uganda are transforming lives by providing financial inclusion, empowering women and fostering community resilience. These groups offer a lifeline for individuals lacking access to formal financial systems, enabling them to save, borrow and invest in their futures. While challenges such as resource limitations and the digital divide remain, ongoing innovation and support from organizations and governments can strengthen the sustainability of these groups. Uganda’s savings groups serve as a global model for tackling poverty through grassroots financial solutions, demonstrating the power of community-driven change.
– Zacc Katusiime
Photo: Flickr
TOMS: Advancing Efforts in Improving Lives
The company’s current operational model offers a third of its net profits through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. These organizations are aimed at mental health, eradicating gun violence and opening doors to opportunities. Indeed, TOMS has consistently strived to ensure that making a positive social impact is as significant as producing high-quality products. With meaningful and sustainable partnerships, it has impacted more than 100 million people.
ChildFund
In 2012, TOMS partnered with ChildFund to give new shoes to needy children in Liberia. In Liberia, children are required to wear black shoes to school; however, numerous families cannot afford them. Thus, families with siblings share a pair of school shoes, each wearing a slipper on one foot and a school shoe on the other.
A “ChildFund study in 2010 estimated that 15% of school-aged children in developing countries have hookworm or another parasitic disease due to bare feet.” This partnership improves the children’s learning experience. It supports long-term access to education and health for these children, offering a step out of poverty. Thanks to TOMS and ChildFund, hundreds of Liberian schoolchildren now have school shoes.
Save the Children
With the One-for-One model, TOMS gave more than a million pairs of shoes and winter boots to children in various countries: Lithuania, El Salvador, Tajikistan and more. The distribution of shoes was part of a broader, holistic approach to improving children’s well-being through Save the Children’s wellness, dietary and educational services.
TOMS employees participated in events and trips to witness the behind-the-scenes of what it is like to give the TOMS shoes to the children. Save the Children leaders often speak at TOMS’s office events, cultivating the shared collaborative spirit. Employee engagement with TOMS and Save the Children was beneficial. It inspires employees to strive for the best quality products for the children.
Save the Children’s brand awareness widened when TOMS frequently displayed the brand to new crowds and trendsetters. Through digital advertising, TOMS would focus on spreading awareness about children in poverty in their flagship stores and partner with Save the Children to market its campaigns. During Hurricane Harvey, TOMS urged customers to advocate for Save the Children’s emergency fundraising efforts.
One Day Without Shoes Campaign
On 10 April 2010, TOMS “One Day Without Shoes (ODWS),” an idea developed in 2008 by students in Pepperdine University’s Surf Club, was commemorated to create awareness about the impact of not having shoes for underprivileged children worldwide. TOMS ensured that a pair of shoes would be donated to a child in need for every interesting photograph posted. By posting a photo of bare feet and using hashtag #withoutshoes, TOMS was able to garner a broad community to get involved and inspired.
A new pair of TOMS Giving Shoes was received by 296,243 children in need. This was achieved through the involvement of people in more than 30 countries. During the campaign, the community of 300,000 barefoot photos was eager to tag #withoutshoes to publicize the campaign.
World Mental Health Day, 2023
TOMS gives a third of its profits through cash grants to nonprofit organizations. On 10 October 2023, TOMS gave 10 “mental health-focused nonprofit organizations” worldwide $10,000 cash grants each. Wall of Sharing, Fundación Origen, International Medical Corps—Ukraine and Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative—Nigeria are such organizations.
TOMS’ Commitment to Positive Change
TOMS has evolved from its original “One-for-One” model to a broader approach, focusing on sustainable change. Ensuring immediate needs and long-term improvements, the company has positioned itself as a leader in corporate responsibility. Indeed, the company has created a meaningful impact on communities internationally. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with ChildFund and Save the Children, cash grants to International Medical Corps—Ukraine and more have been instrumental to global communities by providing shoes to children in need or supporting mental health initiatives.
– Nalini Vj
Photo: Flickr
Fragility and Rule of Law in Syria
Fall of the Regime
The fall of the Assad regime marked a pivotal moment in Syria’s history. Intense military operations, spearheaded by the leading rebel force, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, increased their influence on growing unrest and dissatisfaction with the regime. These efforts culminated in a series of strategic offensives, ultimately resulting in the takeover of Damascus in early December, 2024.
This victory was celebrated all over Syria but also exposed the fragility and rule of law. The collapse left a significant power vacuum, with various factions vying for control and struggling to establish governance in a deeply divided society.
Stabilization and Rule of Law
The integration of rebel forces into a unified defense ministry is a critical step toward addressing the fragility and rule of law in Syria. Rebel groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Syrian National Army backed by Türkiye and others, allied to create a cohesive defense ministry.
This move indicates a commitment to stability and governance, reducing internal conflicts among factions. While this unity signals progress, the country still faces challenges in establishing a robust framework for governance and the enforcement of laws, particularly in areas previously dominated by Assad loyalists.
Signs of Progress and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the ongoing fragility, there are glimpses of progress in Syria. For the first time after the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s Christian community celebrated Christmas, symbolizing a shift toward religious freedom and tolerance. This moment marked a hopeful milestone for communities long suppressed under the regime’s rule.
Additionally, efforts to include women in governance are gaining momentum. Aisha al-Dibs, the newly appointed head of the Women’s Affairs Office, has emphasized the critical role of women from all provinces and ethnicities in rebuilding Syria. These developments demonstrate potential advancements in addressing the fragility and rule of law in Syria.
Toward Stability and Governance
The fragility and rule of law in Syria remain at the forefront of the country’s transition from decades of Assad rule. While the fall of the regime indicated the formation of a unified defense ministry marked significant milestones, Syria’s path to stability is fraught with challenges. Promising signs, however, include progress in fostering religious tolerance, increasing the inclusion of women in governance and unifying rebel factions.
Yet, much work remains to be done to establish a cohesive and inclusive government. As Syria rebuilds, addressing the fragility and ensuring the rule of law will be essential for achieving long-term peace and stability.
– Mmanoko Faith Molobetsi
Photo: Flickr
The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Portugal
The Reality of Disability in Portugal
Portugal has implemented laws like the “Basic Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” (Law 38/2004). This legislation underscores the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and fostering their active participation in society.However, the reality for many individuals with disabilities remains one of exclusion, especially in rural areas where services and infrastructure are limited.
Challenges are exacerbated by geographical isolation and a lack of targeted support, leaving many unable to benefit from these legal advancements fully. According to a report, more than 10% of Portugal’s population lives with a disability. Yet, many still struggle to access education, employment and health care. This persistent inaccessibility not only hinders personal development but also perpetuates a cycle of economic disadvantage, marginalization and social exclusion.
Disability and Economic Struggles
A key factor in the poverty faced by persons with disabilities is the lack of accessible employment opportunities. According to data from EU-SILC, the employment rate for people with disabilities in Portugal is about 58.4% compared to 77.4% for people without disabilities. Discrimination and inadequate workplace accommodations often hinder job prospects. Furthermore, the lack of accessible transport and facilities adds to the difficulty. Moreover, public services, including health care and transportation, can be inaccessible in many parts of the country.
Portugal lacks a national personal assistance scheme, leaving many individuals with disabilities reliant on family members or institutional care. This makes many of them report difficulty in accessing public transportation, especially in rural and less-developed regions. This lack of access further isolates individuals living with disabilities from society, making it even harder to engage in education, employment or social life.
Moving Toward Inclusion
Breaking the cycle of disability and poverty in Portugal requires a comprehensive approach that includes greater investment in inclusive education, better access to public spaces and increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasizes that people with disabilities should have the right to choose where and with whom they live, free from mandatory institutionalization.
Integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce holds immense potential for economic growth. This is a benefit acknowledged by the Portuguese government as part of its commitment to inclusivity under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The success of these top-down-oriented strategies is crucial, not only for Portugal but for Europe as a whole, in addressing and reducing poverty effectively via political and administrative change.
– Lambros Andrikopoulos
Photo: Pexels
3 Political Actions Impacting Disability and Poverty in Jordan
Jordan is the home to 11.34 million people of which an estimated 2.72 million live in poverty. Additionally, somewhere around 11% of all Jordanians are diagnosed with a disability. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities in Jordan is almost double the amount of individuals without disabilities. Unequal access to services caused by poverty leads to an increase in disability rates. The main inequalities surrounding disability and poverty in Jordan are in employment, education and health care.
How Does Poverty Affect People With Disabilities?
Poverty leads to an increase in isolation and vulnerability, because of that people with disabilities can be unable to receive necessary care. Having a disability makes it harder to access employment, education and health care. Often the available services do not have the resources to care for disabled people. Individuals with disabilities require care that is not available to them in areas of poverty, which leads to an increase in mortality rates. Here are three political actions impacting disability and poverty in Jordan.
Ratification of United Nations Convention
Jordan has ratified and incorporated some important tools to help people with disabilities. One of these tools is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which has a set of protocols that Jordan has been using since 2007. This agreement essentially states that people with disabilities deserve equal education and employment opportunities. This agreement holds the government responsible for providing necessary medical care for people with disabilities. Jordan has created councils dedicated to creating legislation that upholds the conventions agreements.
HCAPD
In 2007, Higher Council for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities (HCAPD) was formed to uphold laws passed to protect individuals with disabilities. The council’s main functions are to create plans for the future, execute current plans and create legislation for people with disabilities. The goal of this council is to implement specific and broad legislation that helps individuals with disabilities. An example of their impact is when HCAPD worked with the Ministry of Higher Education to transition 10 schools into being inclusive spaces for all abilities. This is a small-scale example of the positive impact HCAPD can have.
National Social Protection Strategy
Jordan created the National Social Protection Strategy in 2019 to address social inequalities. Among these inequalities are disability, exclusion and poverty, which Jordan has agreed to prevent. The plan has three parts: opportunity, empowerment, and dignity. Jordan plans to use the combination of those parts to create legislation moving forward that addresses inequalities among disabled people. Creating a protective environment allows for economic growth that benefits people of all abilities. Part of the protection program is aiding poverty that affects people with disabilities. One outcome is Jordanian businesses that employ more than 50 people must have 4% of that be people with disabilities.
Jordan’s Current Situation
The implementation of those political actions has been a great start in aiding people with disabilities in Jordan. The combined effort from multiple organizations within Jordan to create funding and legislation has had positive effects nationally. With that in mind, it’s also important to understand that this problem requires funding to solve. Poverty is one of the main contributors to disability inequalities. Addressing poverty is the first step in addressing the inequalities in education, employment and health care. Poverty requires funding from the national government and foreign aid to decrease. Actions taken by the Jordanian government can serve as a model for other countries looking to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities who are impoverished.
– Kaleb Monteith
Photo: Flickr
Foreign Aid to Burkina Faso
A Historical Look At Foreign Aid to Burkina Faso
Since independence from France in 1960, Burkina Faso has relied heavily on foreign assistance. In its early years, foreign aid to Burkina Faso focused on developing agricultural infrastructure. Key projects included irrigation and market development improvements, which were vital for an economy still largely dependent on agriculture, contributing 80% of the population’s income.
In the ’90s, international aid priorities shifted toward democratization and poverty reduction. Contributions from entities like the European Union (EU), the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported key development goals. However, by the 2010s, insurgencies in the Sahel region had disrupted these advancements, displacing millions and deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The Current Crisis: A Multifaceted Emergency
The insecurity situation in Burkina Faso, which escalated in the early 2010s, stems from armed conflict, displacement and economic instability. As of 2024, Burkina Faso has experienced increased violence caused by armed groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated organizations. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), targeted attacks on civilians, including worshippers at churches and mosques, have displaced more than 2 million people, including 32,768 children, in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
Terrorism and Displacement
Armed groups have forced families to flee their homes, leaving 2.7 million people in extreme food insecurity. More than one million individuals are trapped in blockaded regions such as Djibo, which is cut off from essential supplies and services. The ongoing violence has disrupted agriculture and livelihoods, further exacerbating the need for foreign aid to Burkina Faso.
Health Care and Education Gaps
The conflict has rendered 426 health facilities nonoperational, depriving more than 4 million people of essential medical care. Vaccination campaigns have reached approximately 3.4 million children, yet gaps remain due to restricted access.
Similarly, education has been severely disrupted, with more than 5,336 schools closed and 823,340 children unable to attend classes. UNICEF has supported the construction of temporary learning spaces, allowing 2,500 displaced children in the Sahel region to resume education while training teachers to manage emergency education needs.
International Humanitarian Response
The international community has mobilized resources to address these crises:
A Way Forward: Strengthening Resilience
While foreign aid to Burkina Faso is essential for immediate relief, the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development suggested sustainable development is critical for long-term recovery. These include diversifying the economy from agriculture and mining through investments in renewable energy and manufacturing. Therefore, as foreign aid to Burkina Faso continues to provide critical relief, the international community must focus on closing financial gaps and addressing structural challenges to ensure sustainable recovery.
– Mmanoko Faith Molobetsi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Hunger in Guinea-Bissau
Facts and Figures
Underlying Issues
Development Programs
International organizations are working with the government to reduce poverty and hunger in the country.
Towards A Sustainable Future
Guinea-Bissau faces daunting challenges, including high poverty rates, food insecurity and the impacts of political instability and weather events. However, through collaborative efforts between the government and international organizations and a focus on sustainable development, agricultural resilience and the promotion of food security, Guinea-Bissau can work towards a future where all citizens have access to basic needs and opportunities. Continued commitment and investment from the international community in these areas will be crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger in Guinea-Bissau.
– Maria Waleed
Photo: Wikimedia Commons