Paraguay’s economy has grown steadily in recent decades, bringing new opportunities and improving living conditions as a result for many people across the country. Yet one challenge continues to affect women in the workforce: the gender wage gap in Paraguay.
Even as more women enter the labor market and pursue careers across a wide range of industries, many still earn less than men performing similar – often the same – work. From offices in Asunción to farms and factories across the countryside, the pattern repeats itself: women contributing equally to Paraguay’s growth whilst taking home less at the end of the month.
Understanding the Gender Wage Gap in Paraguay
Households across Paraguay experience the gender wage gap directly. As the number of women taking on careers once dominated by men grows, the paychecks rarely reflect this. Despite completing the same work as their male colleagues, women receive paychecks that are often 20-30% smaller depending on the sector and region.
Looking closer, the gender wage gap in Paraguay reflects more than just differences in wages. Women also encounter fewer opportunities during their careers, and many cannot move up the career ladder, influence workplace policies, or take on higher-paying roles. In fact, women occupy only around 20 % of managerial positions even though women make up nearly half of Paraguay’s labor force.
The gender wage gap in Paraguay is not only a matter of paychecks – it reveals a workplace environment where women are not equally valued or recognized.
Factors Behind the Wage Gap
Several factors contribute to Paraguay’s persistent gender wage gap. One of the issues is occupational segregation. Women are more likely to be employed in lower-paying sectors such as domestic service, retail or caregiving roles in Paraguay, resulting in a lack of access to roles that come with a higher salary.
Care responsibilities also play a major role, especially in rural Paraguay. As women often carry the majority of childcare and household duties, many are unable to work full time. Furthermore, women in rural areas face fewer work opportunities with limited access to external childcare. As a result, many women are unable to pursue higher-paying positions or grow their careers.
The lack of education and training opportunities available also influences the wage gap. Although Paraguay has made progress in expanding access to education, barriers still prevent many women from entering technical and specialized professions that require advanced training. Many high-paying industries like engineering, technology and construction are still male-dominated and offer women fewer opportunities to access some of the best-paid jobs.
Government and International Efforts
The Paraguayan government has started to address the gender wage gap, along with other inequalities that women face, in the workplace. Equal opportunity and workers’ rights policies are now part of national development strategies. Furthermore, government institutions have strengthened labor regulations, with the aim to improve workplace conditions for women. The Paraguayan Parliament approved Law No. 5777 on Comprehensive Protection for Women Against Violence in 2016 to improve legal protections against gender-based discrimination.
The government also established the IV National Plan for Equality between Women and Men, which spanned from 2018 to 2024. Increasing women’s economic participation, improving access to employment opportunities and promoting women’s leadership were all key aims of this initiative.
Additionally, a number of international bodies have been supporting initiatives aimed at bridging the gender pay gap. One of these bodies is UN Women, which work in conjunction with different bodies in Paraguay aimed at enhancing gender equality in different workplaces. In Paraguay, UN Women has supported programs that promote women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and leadership training. These initiatives include partnerships with government agencies and civil society groups to provide skills training, mentoring and policy support designed to increase women’s participation in employment and decision-making positions.
Global institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have helped in the formulation of such programs. The focus of these institutions in Paraguay is to improve access to education, improve the quality of job training and improve women’s participation in the workforce.
Community and NGO Initiatives
In addition to government programs, nonprofit organizations are working to empower women economically. Many of these initiatives focus on entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
Several organizations actively promote gender equality in Paraguay’s workplaces. Some of these programs offer women business training and mentoring, enabling them to start their own businesses. Other programs focus on enhancing women’s access to financial services, such as micro-loans.
Nonprofit education programs also contribute to the promotion of gender equality. Fundación Paraguaya provides entrepreneurship programs, financial programs and assistance to women across the country who want to start their own businesses. Similarly, Pro Mujer runs programs in Latin American countries, including Paraguay, to offer women access to business programs, mentoring and financial programs to enable them to establish sustainable businesses.
Signs of Progress
Despite ongoing challenges that women in Paraguay are facing, there are signs of improvement. The number of women in Paraguay’s labor force has grown. More women are becoming entrepreneurs and business owners, contributing to economic growth at both local and national levels as a result.
As the public’s awareness of wage inequality grows, efforts to establish fair pay and equal opportunities for women are gaining traction across Paraguay. The gender wage gap shapes more than salaries; it shapes lives.
– Celine Heath
Celine is based in Portsmouth, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
The Gender Wage Gap in Paraguay and Efforts To Close It
Even as more women enter the labor market and pursue careers across a wide range of industries, many still earn less than men performing similar – often the same – work. From offices in Asunción to farms and factories across the countryside, the pattern repeats itself: women contributing equally to Paraguay’s growth whilst taking home less at the end of the month.
Understanding the Gender Wage Gap in Paraguay
Households across Paraguay experience the gender wage gap directly. As the number of women taking on careers once dominated by men grows, the paychecks rarely reflect this. Despite completing the same work as their male colleagues, women receive paychecks that are often 20-30% smaller depending on the sector and region.
Looking closer, the gender wage gap in Paraguay reflects more than just differences in wages. Women also encounter fewer opportunities during their careers, and many cannot move up the career ladder, influence workplace policies, or take on higher-paying roles. In fact, women occupy only around 20 % of managerial positions even though women make up nearly half of Paraguay’s labor force.
The gender wage gap in Paraguay is not only a matter of paychecks – it reveals a workplace environment where women are not equally valued or recognized.
Factors Behind the Wage Gap
Several factors contribute to Paraguay’s persistent gender wage gap. One of the issues is occupational segregation. Women are more likely to be employed in lower-paying sectors such as domestic service, retail or caregiving roles in Paraguay, resulting in a lack of access to roles that come with a higher salary.
Care responsibilities also play a major role, especially in rural Paraguay. As women often carry the majority of childcare and household duties, many are unable to work full time. Furthermore, women in rural areas face fewer work opportunities with limited access to external childcare. As a result, many women are unable to pursue higher-paying positions or grow their careers.
The lack of education and training opportunities available also influences the wage gap. Although Paraguay has made progress in expanding access to education, barriers still prevent many women from entering technical and specialized professions that require advanced training. Many high-paying industries like engineering, technology and construction are still male-dominated and offer women fewer opportunities to access some of the best-paid jobs.
Government and International Efforts
The Paraguayan government has started to address the gender wage gap, along with other inequalities that women face, in the workplace. Equal opportunity and workers’ rights policies are now part of national development strategies. Furthermore, government institutions have strengthened labor regulations, with the aim to improve workplace conditions for women. The Paraguayan Parliament approved Law No. 5777 on Comprehensive Protection for Women Against Violence in 2016 to improve legal protections against gender-based discrimination.
The government also established the IV National Plan for Equality between Women and Men, which spanned from 2018 to 2024. Increasing women’s economic participation, improving access to employment opportunities and promoting women’s leadership were all key aims of this initiative.
Additionally, a number of international bodies have been supporting initiatives aimed at bridging the gender pay gap. One of these bodies is UN Women, which work in conjunction with different bodies in Paraguay aimed at enhancing gender equality in different workplaces. In Paraguay, UN Women has supported programs that promote women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and leadership training. These initiatives include partnerships with government agencies and civil society groups to provide skills training, mentoring and policy support designed to increase women’s participation in employment and decision-making positions.
Global institutions such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have helped in the formulation of such programs. The focus of these institutions in Paraguay is to improve access to education, improve the quality of job training and improve women’s participation in the workforce.
Community and NGO Initiatives
In addition to government programs, nonprofit organizations are working to empower women economically. Many of these initiatives focus on entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.
Several organizations actively promote gender equality in Paraguay’s workplaces. Some of these programs offer women business training and mentoring, enabling them to start their own businesses. Other programs focus on enhancing women’s access to financial services, such as micro-loans.
Nonprofit education programs also contribute to the promotion of gender equality. Fundación Paraguaya provides entrepreneurship programs, financial programs and assistance to women across the country who want to start their own businesses. Similarly, Pro Mujer runs programs in Latin American countries, including Paraguay, to offer women access to business programs, mentoring and financial programs to enable them to establish sustainable businesses.
Signs of Progress
Despite ongoing challenges that women in Paraguay are facing, there are signs of improvement. The number of women in Paraguay’s labor force has grown. More women are becoming entrepreneurs and business owners, contributing to economic growth at both local and national levels as a result.
As the public’s awareness of wage inequality grows, efforts to establish fair pay and equal opportunities for women are gaining traction across Paraguay. The gender wage gap shapes more than salaries; it shapes lives.
– Celine Heath
Photo: Unsplash
Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Timor-Leste
In recent years, the government of Timor-Leste launched an ambitious and comprehensive poverty eradication program to improve living standards and promote inclusive economic growth. These efforts present some of the most important innovations in poverty eradication in Timor-Leste. A central pillar of this effort is the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA). Government officials and International partners support this framework through a range of interconnected initiatives spanning social protection, education, economic diversification and overall institutional strengthening. Together, these complementary measures create a coordinated program aimed at alleviating poverty in Timor-Leste.
Putting the People First
In 2025, the United Nations published a report on poverty in Timor-Leste that outlining several key strategies the country uses to address its persistent development challenges. The first approach prioritizes strengthening the resilience and well-being of Timorese communities. One of the flagship initiatives is the Bolsa da Mãe Kondisional programme, which provides “[…] conditional cash transfers to low-income families.”
Under this initiative, eligible households receive regular financial assistance. These conditions often include ensuring children attend school consistently, participate in routine health check-ups, receive essential vaccinations, and are provided with weekly food supplies. In 2025, the program boasted an intense turnout, reaching more than 74,648 households, with particular focus on vulnerable mothers and children.
Beyond direct income support, DPoA efforts also target the structural causes of poverty, particularly through education reform and investment. The World Bank Group, through the International Development Association (IDA), partnered with the Timorese government to rehabilitate 2,780 classrooms across 535 schools and construct 102 new educational facilities. As a result, primary school completion rates increased from 56% in 2015 to approximately 62% in 2020. In more recent years, primary and secondary school enrolment rates have also improved drastically, with dropout rates falling by 50%. Higher levels of educational attainment now strengthens the foundation for future employment opportunities, helping more young people access the skills they need to participate in the workforce. Hence, these education-driven initiatives represent key innovations in poverty eradication in Timor-Leste, by fundamentally addressing long-term inequality by investing in human capital.
“Better” Lifestyles Through Innovation
Beyond traditional, on-the-ground development initiatives, rapid technological advancement now plays an increasingly important role in transforming Timor-Leste into a more digitally connected society. This digital expansion helps reduce poverty by widening people’s access to information, services and economic opportunities, representing yet another example of key innovations in poverty eradication in Timor-Leste.
The period between 2024 and 2025 marks a pivotal phase in the country’s digital infrastructure development. The government and its partners installed a fibre-optic underwater cable linking Timor-Leste to Australia, enabling the country to transition from a costly and unreliable satellite to faster and more affordable broadband connectivity. In addition, the launch of a Starlink license for Timor-Leste in late 2024 has “[…] provided immediate connectivity to remote rural areas that were previously excluded from the digital economy.”
This growing technological infrastructure now allows more people to access online education, digital financial services, remote employment opportunities and government platforms has become increasingly more apparent with the help of this growing technocratic sphere in Timor. By the end of 2025, internet penetration reached 40.4%, with more than 575,000 active users nationwide.
Conclusion
Timor-Leste illustrates a rich context in which poverty reduction is gradually taking shape. The country strategically combines targeted social protection programmes, such as the Bolsa da Mãe “Kondisional,” with technological advancements and frameworks like the Doha Programme of Action, to steadily transform poverty management strategies. These efforts are not only alleviating immediate hardships but also lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable development.
– Sophia Lupo
Photo: Flickr
The Proactive Fight Against HIV/AIDS in the Solomon Islands
For decades, the archipelago has maintained a low HIV prevalence rate. Data shows that since 1994, only 0.1% of the population aged 15-49 lives with HIV/AIDS in the Solomon Islands. Between 1994 and 2016, health officials recorded only 30 cases, a testament to the nation’s early intervention and cultural protective factors.
While the historical numbers remain low, recent years have seen a slight uptick in reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the Solomon Islands. Rather than viewing this as a setback, health experts interpret increased numbers as a sign of enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has significantly expanded testing sites and medical supply procurement. By making testing more accessible, the government identifies cases earlier, enabling immediate treatment. This shift from low numbers through limited testing to active surveillance marks a positive evolution in the country’s medical strategy.
Overcoming Barriers to Treatment
With nearly 1,000 islands in total, treatment for HIV/AIDS in the Solomon Islands has not come without its unique set of obstacles:
Strategic Measures To Improve Access
To address these difficulties, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and its partners have introduced the following improvements:
Beyond clinical settings, the nation prioritizes education as a primary tool for preventing HIV/AIDS in the Solomon Islands. Community-led initiatives utilize radio broadcasts and local leaders to share information about sexual health and disease prevention.
By involving traditional leaders and local health workers, the government ensures that health messaging respects cultural nuances while providing vital medical facts. These programs empower citizens to take charge of their own health and encourage voluntary testing, further contributing to the slight rise in known cases, which allows for a more accurate public health response.
Looking Toward a Healthy Future
The Solomon Islands is not merely reacting to HIV; it is building a prevention strategy. The government’s commitment to the Fast-Track targets set by UNAIDS shows a clear path forward. By prioritizing education and investing in rural health care infrastructure, the nation ensures that the recent surge in data translates into a long-term surge in survival and well-being.
With continued international support and a dedicated local workforce, the Solomon Islands stands as a model for how a developing nation can manage infectious diseases through unity and proactive care.
– Rebecca Cameron
Photo: Flickr
SDG 4 in Haiti: Global Partnerships Advancing Education
Across Haiti, school closures, language barriers and chronic underfunding continue to disrupt education for millions of students. The UN’s fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focuses on “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all” by 2030. In a country like Haiti, achieving this goal is especially urgent as the population continues to face extreme levels of poverty, violence and repeated school disruptions. In recent years, however, efforts have emerged to create a more robust system that will support the overall growth of Haitian youth. International organizations and local partners play an important role in supporting progress toward SDG 4 in Haiti.
Barriers To Achieving SDG 4 in Haiti
Years of political instability and the rise of gang violence have long impacted Haiti’s education system. As of May 2025, more than 1,600 schools across four departments shut down, largely due to the escalating insecurity. In addition to these safety concerns, education is severely underfunded. Less than one-quarter of schools are public institutions. In fact, approximately 80% of primary schools are privately run. Many families do not have the necessary resources to pay for a proper education, while the government does not provide them with the adequate tools to do so.
There are also key systemic issues that hinder learning outcomes. Haiti has two official languages: French and Haitian Creole. However, in reality, only a small minority of Haitians are bilingual, with around 90% of the population only speaking Haitian Creole. Despite this reality, French remains the official language of instruction, which creates an additional barrier for the majority of monolingual students. Educational materials in Haitian Creole remain limited, further complicating classroom learning.
Proper instructor training is another ongoing concern. Many teachers do not have the proper training or qualifications needed to deliver high-quality instruction. To add on to that, classrooms are often overcrowded and lack basic resources. Millions of students lack the proper support and tools needed to succeed, making progress toward SDG 4 in Haiti particularly challenging.
UNESCO Supports Curriculum Reform in Haiti
Despite these many obstacles, international actors continue to create initiatives that aim to strengthen Haiti’s education system. UNESCO has been a major player in Haiti’s pursuit of higher quality education. The Ministry of National Education of Haiti and the UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education recently signed a $6.8 million agreement to support curriculum reform and development in the country.
This project aims to create a better system by understanding and addressing the root causes of issues. Rather than focusing solely on classroom content, it aims to address why education is delivered the way it is and who it serves. Self-described as an “endogenous” education, it aims to completely reform the way in which Haitians perceive education to a more holistic view of it, understanding the power of their environment, their culture and their realities. This approach integrates Haiti’s cultural and social context into the curriculum through a more interactive process that involves the students and their input.
The project will unfold in three phases. The program began with a diagnostic phase from 2022 to 2024. Its conclusions revealed the system’s most glaring issues including overloaded curricula, a discrepancy in teacher training, learning assessment and content, and issues surrounding the use of the language of learning. Phases II (2025-2027) and III (2026-2029) both involve an integration of the newly developed curriculum into schools, including experimentation in classrooms. The final phase will develop digital educational resources that students can access both online and offline. This is especially important in the context of Haiti today, where electricity and internet access can be inconsistent. In addition, the program will train teachers, inspectors and pedagogical advisers who will help implement and monitor the new curriculum as it is gradually rolled out nationwide.
While UNESCO’s initiative represents only one component of broader reform efforts, it is a great example of how international partnerships are helping move SDG 4 in Haiti forward.
Programs Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom
A student’s ability to focus and succeed in school is also contingent on their well-being outside of the classroom. The improvement of education outcomes therefore requires addressing broader challenges that students face such as nutrition, stability and access to basic resources among other factors. Hunger and financial hardship often reduce attendance and academic performance significantly.
Organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) work to address issues surrounding nutrition. WFP helps to provide daily meals to around 420,000 students all over the country. Hunger reduces overall focus and energy, making it difficult for students to be fully present in class. On the other hand, school meal programs improve nutrition and serve as an incentive for families to keep their children enrolled in school.
Other organizations, including UNICEF, have developed programs that address emotional and stability barriers to learning. For example, UNICEF’s EDUPOL provides psychosocial care for more than 200,000 children affected by gang violence and displacement. The program also provided financial assistance to around 18,000 households and supported 33,062 students across 129 schools through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services designed to improve health and well-being.
By addressing these out-of-classroom challenges, these programs help create the conditions necessary for students to succeed academically. Education improvements require addressing both classroom and societal challenges.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Education in Haiti
Haiti continues to face numerous challenges that inevitably affect the education of all students. However, educators, policymakers and international actors increasingly recognize the need for a more robust education system. Different initiatives have already improved the lives of countless students. Sustained collaboration between these different entities will be essential for these efforts to continue to expand. By addressing both systemic education barriers and the broader social challenges students face, these initiatives can help build a more resilient education system and expand opportunities for Haiti’s next generation, advancing progress toward SDG 4 in Haiti.
– Chloe Bonnefil
Photo: Flickr
Elderly Poverty in Kiribati
The Poverty in Kiribati
When it comes to the poverty in Kiribati itself, it goes all the way back to 2006, according to the World Bank, stating that about 21.8% of people in Kiribati lived below the national poverty line. This means that about one in five people could not afford basic needs like food, housing and other essentials.
The World Bank also measures poverty using global income levels, and they found that 12.9% of people lived on less than $1.90 per day compared to the 34.6% that lived on less than $3.20 per day. Even if the larger percentage is not in extreme poverty, a large portion of the population still lives with very low income. This does not mean, though, that the whole of Kiribati is like this; there is higher poverty in different areas, such as South Tarawa, having 24.2%, and the rest of the Gilbert islands at 22%. The people living in these areas experience more poverty than anywhere else in Kiribati.
Elderly Poverty in Kiribati
Poverty in Kiribati does not affect all groups equally. Certain populations are more vulnerable due to economic, social and health-related factors. According to information from the Save Kiribati website, certain groups in Kiribati society face a higher risk of poverty, including large low-income families, unemployed individuals and elderly people without family support.
The elderly in Kiribati are one of the groups that can be particularly vulnerable to poverty, especially when they do not have children or family members to support them. In Kiribati culture, elderly individuals traditionally rely on their extended family for financial help and daily care, as stated in a Kiribati country case study. Extended family support systems in Kiribati are weakening as people increasingly prioritize their nuclear families. This shift can leave vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals, with less social and financial support than in the past.
Many elderly individuals face health problems that make it difficult for them to work or support themselves. Improving access to affordable health care and medical services can reduce financial stress and improve the quality of life for older adults. The article “Leave no-one behind: social protection reducing poverty in Kiribati” by Ruth Cross Kwansing talks about how the Kiribati government increased financial support for elderly citizens through a program called the Senior Citizens Allowance (SCA). The Senior Citizens Allowance was first introduced in 2004 and provides monthly payments to citizens aged 65 and older to help cover basic living expenses.
In recent years, the government has increased the allowance to support elderly citizens better, and thousands of older adults now receive assistance through the program. This is just the beginning; elders are still struggling from poverty because of the missing support from their families, so it’s important to recognize still the issues that are still at hand.
Additional Efforts To Address Elderly Poverty
In addition to the Senior Citizens Allowance, development partners such as the Australian government have supported social protection initiatives in Kiribati. These programs aim to strengthen social services, improve healthcare access, and provide support to vulnerable populations, including the elderly. Such initiatives help reduce financial stress and improve living conditions for older adults experiencing elderly poverty in Kiribati.
Looking Ahead
Elderly poverty in Kiribati remains a serious challenge for many older citizens. While traditional family support systems once played a significant role in caring for the elderly, social and economic changes have reduced this support for some individuals. Government programs and development initiatives are important steps toward improving the quality of life for elderly people in Kiribati and reducing poverty among this vulnerable population.
– Grelby Santos
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts To Know About Disability and Poverty in Djibouti
More than 40% of its population lives in extreme poverty, and with 90% of its food imported, the country is deeply vulnerable to global price shocks. For persons with disabilities, these challenges are compounded further still. The following five facts shed light on disability and poverty in Djibouti, and the efforts some are making to address it.
1. Djibouti Faces Widespread Poverty
While Djibouti is a middle-income country, it is ranked 93rd out of the 125 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Thus, its food insecurity situation is considered to be in the category of serious severity. More than 40% of its inhabitants are living in extreme poverty. The main causes of the poverty rates are natural disasters such as droughts and disease outbreaks. This burden falls especially hard on people with disabilities: those with significant functional difficulties face a multidimensional poverty rate of 84%, compared to 81% for those with none.
2. Djibouti’s Economy Demonstrating Growth
Between 2000 and 2021, Djibouti averaged about 4% annual GDP growth, and an additional 6.7% in 2023. Some current projections even estimate that poverty rates have gone down since the most recent official date reported in 2017. Most of the economic growth has been a result of investments in transport and port infrastructure. While this is helpful for the economy, it also has created more debt vulnerabilities.
3. The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Djibouti
People with disabilities have lower access to things like clean cooking fuel, adequate housing, electricity and assets than those without. Families with disabled children also face high costs of medical care and specialized therapies, in addition to the existing economic vulnerabilities. These create barriers for some children and families to have the same quality of education as others.
4. A New World Bank Project
The Improving Inclusion of Vulnerable Children with Disabilities Project is a new plan from the World Bank in partnership with the Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF). In July of 2025, the JSDF approved a grant of $2.97 million.
The project aims to help 4,500 beneficiaries in total, including 2,500 children with hearing or visual disabilities as well as 2,000 community members. The project will effectively run assessments to understand the challenges children with disabilities face, provide support to teachers, and promote economic inclusion for vulnerable households.
5. The International Community is Stepping Up
In addition to the World Bank’s and the JSDF’s recent efforts, the European Union (EU) has provided humanitarian aid at an average of €500,000 every year since 2020. These funds mainly target basic needs and services such as nutrition, water and special mobile support teams to assist those located in remote desert areas.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has been active in Djibouti since 1978. They aid with food assistance, with nutrition programs that are especially helpful for refugees, pregnant women and children under 5 years old. A majority of the refugees in Djibouti have little to no income, so they must rely heavily on WFP’s food assistance programs.
In addition to the various nutrition facilities, the WFP and the Djiboutian government runs the Humanitarian Logistics Hub. This helps organize the logistics of providing food and aid, and also can store 65,000 metric tons of food to facilitate regional operations.
Disability and Poverty in Djibouti: The Good and the Bad
Progress on the situation in Djibouti is real and productive. There are various on-the-ground programs in motion and international investment in humanitarian aid is highly effective. There are more programs addressing disparities for people with disabilities. Nevertheless, the problems with the structural economy, food insecurity, rough climate and even lack of mainstream awareness means that significant work remains.
– Gia Sen
Photo: Flickr
Food Systems in Russia: A Taste of Success
Key Statistics Regarding Food Systems in Russia
What’s the History?
Following the breakdown of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a period of collapse internally. Mass poverty and malnutrition struck the population. When it came to food production, output declined in the organized farms sector and shifted to home production and imports: by the mid-1990s, Russia’s cities depended on foreign imports for more than 80% of all meat stocks, for instance.
People also became vulnerable to price increases in the international trading system. What happened is that as imports became progressively more expensive, so domestic producers became progressively more competitive. This was the germination of domestic advantage and recovery, but state aid hugely bolstered it following the falling out from 2014 events in Crimea. For the first time in post-Soviet history, Russia had the impetus and will to bring about change from within – on a massive scale. Investment had already started in 2000, with a strategy for agricultural development, but now it was a critical need.
The Russian Federation itself “[r]ecognizes that hunger and malnutrition are the perverse manifestations of persistent, structural poverty and inequality, and recognizes the need to end poverty and hunger in all their forms and dimensions.”
The Food Security Doctrine
Interwoven in all this is the Food Security Doctrine, which at its heart commits to self-sufficiency; quality of life through reliable provision of food; sustainable development and modernization of the agriculture and fisheries sectors, including infrastructure; good management of the environment; food safety, including adequate regulation, as well as sanitary, epidemiological, veterinary and phytosanitary surveillance; specialist skills and sector training. It presents extraordinary ambition and the results have followed: currently self-sufficiency measures show that Russia produces 165.6% of its necessary grains (making it an exporter); 100.1% of meat and meat products; 84% of milk and dairy products; and 97.4% on eggs.
The Food Bank Rus Charity
Where poverty does exist, NGOs are working to fill the gap. The Food Bank Rus charity is an organization that collects food and products and distributes them to people in need: people who have had to leave their homes, living in isolation, or simply going without. That includes families in difficult situations or pensioners. It also helps people in emergency situations such as those suffering natural disasters or accidents. About 673,000 kg of food and essential goods were donated to refugees from Donetsk and Lugansk in just a few months in 2022.
Looking Ahead
Food systems in Russia are protected through a highly organized institutional set-up, with action on assessment of food needs, the needs of farmers (especially large farms), and distribution networks to get food out there to people who need it. It is especially laudable in a country with challenging climatic conditions and a world where people profit from food. The key goals of “safe, quality and affordable” products are good news for the nation. So, whether it’s blini, pelmeni or beef Stroganoff, you know that food miles are minimal, food safety is paramount and the government is making sure you have food for the future.
– Gergana Manassieva
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Infectious Diseases in Morocco
Tuberculosis Control Efforts
In Morocco, tuberculosis remains one of the most serious infectious diseases. Vulnerable populations with limited access to health care may be disproportionately affected by the illness, which spreads through airborne bacteria. The disease often affects poorer communities, where limited resources and health care access make prevention and treatment more difficult. This reinforces the importance of targeted public health interventions. Morocco has responded by putting in place a national tuberculosis control program that emphasizes early detection, free treatment and enhanced surveillance systems.
To encourage early testing and treatment, health authorities have increased diagnostic services and launched public awareness campaigns. These programs have helped Morocco reduce transmission in numerous communities and maintain comparatively high treatment success rates.
Addressing Leishmaniasis
Another infectious disease affecting Morocco is leishmaniasis, which spreads through sandflies in rural areas. The most prevalent type of leishmaniasis in the country is cutaneous leishmaniasis, which results in skin lesions. In some areas, outbreaks may occur due to both population movement and environmental factors.
Morocco has strengthened surveillance systems and implemented vector control programs to combat the disease. Public health officials also aim to inform communities about early detection and prevention strategies to reduce the severity and spread of infections.
Hepatitis Prevention and Treatment
Viral hepatitis is also a significant health challenge. Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial because untreated hepatitis B and C infections can result in chronic liver disease. As part of wider national health strategies, Morocco has expanded vaccination coverage and screening programs.
Treatment access and disease monitoring are supported by international partnerships and public health initiatives. Increased awareness and vaccination efforts are helping reduce the long-term impact of hepatitis and strengthen overall disease prevention measures.
Public Health Progress and Prevention
Morocco has shown that consistent public health investment can lower the risks of infectious diseases despite ongoing challenges. After decades of prevention efforts, the country eliminated malaria in 2014, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated national health policies and surveillance programs.
In Morocco, prevention, education and improved access to health care are becoming increasingly important aspects of addressing infectious diseases. The country continues to work toward better public health outcomes and healthier communities through strengthened disease monitoring systems and expanded treatment programs.
– Honey Regev
Photo: Flickr
Elderly Poverty in Lesotho
According to the World Bank, about 49% of Lesotho’s population lives below the national poverty line, with poverty rates significantly higher in rural areas where most older people reside. As people age, their ability to earn income through physical labor declines, yet access to formal pension systems remains limited. Many elderly individuals worked in informal employment or subsistence agriculture during their productive years, leaving them without stable retirement income.
The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Elderly Households
Lesotho’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence has further deepened elderly poverty. The country has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, estimated at around 22% among adults, according to UNAIDS. As a result, many older adults have become primary caregivers for grandchildren after losing adult children to the disease. UNICEF reports that elderly caregivers often use their limited income to cover food, school fees and healthcare costs for dependents, increasing financial strain and vulnerability within already poor households.
Lesotho’s high HIV/AIDS prevalence has further deepened elderly poverty. The country has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, estimated at around 22% among adults, according to UNAIDS. As a result, many older adults have become primary caregivers for grandchildren after losing adult children to the disease. UNICEF reports that elderly caregivers often use their limited income to cover food, school fees and healthcare costs for dependents, increasing financial strain and vulnerability within already poor households.
Government Support Through the Old Age Pension
To address elderly poverty, the government of Lesotho introduced a non-contributory Old Age Pension (OAP) in 2004, providing monthly cash transfers to citizens aged 70 years and above. The pension reaches more than 80% of eligible older persons, making it one of the most extensive social protection programs in the country. Research by HelpAge International shows that the pension supports more than 83,000 older people in Lesotho and has helped reduce extreme poverty, improve food security and increase access to basic healthcare among beneficiaries. However, the pension amount remains modest and is often insufficient to fully cover rising living costs, especially as food prices and medical expenses increase.
Healthcare Access and Ongoing Challenges
Healthcare access remains a major challenge for elderly people living in poverty in Lesotho. Many older adults suffer from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and arthritis. While the country has expanded primary healthcare services, barriers such as transportation costs, long travel distances and limited access to specialized care persist, particularly in rural communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that older adults in low-income countries face higher risks of untreated chronic conditions due to financial and structural barriers within healthcare systems.
The Role of NGOs in Supporting the Elderly
Non-governmental organizations also play a key role in supporting elderly people living in poverty in Lesotho. HelpAge International works with local partners to provide social protection support, healthcare outreach and advocacy for older people’s rights. In some communities, elderly beneficiaries report using pension income and NGO support to afford food, access healthcare services and care for dependents, helping to improve overall household stability. These programs help bridge gaps where government support alone is insufficient, particularly for elderly caregivers responsible for grandchildren.
Looking Ahead
Reducing elderly poverty in Lesotho requires sustained investment in social protection, healthcare services and community-based support systems. Strengthening the Old Age Pension, expanding age-friendly healthcare access and supporting families caring for older relatives can help reduce vulnerability.
As Lesotho continues its efforts toward poverty reduction, greater attention to the needs of its ageing population is essential. Ensuring that older adults can live with dignity, access basic services and remain socially included is a critical part of inclusive and sustainable development.
– Segun Oyekale
Photo: Flickr
The Internet Shutdown in Iran
Potential European Support
According to the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), help can be offered for the Iranians to acquire connectivity from France and the United Kingdom. France and the U.K. have the capacity to use their own satellite terminals. A significant option to the internet issue in Iran is the Eutelsat satellite terminal. It can be used to transmit online network service from space to regions in need, providing internet connection to Iran. Furthermore, in case there is a risk of another disconnection, Iranians could then send messages offline with the help of Bluetooth technology.
Snowflake: A Circumvention Tool
A way for the Iranians’ situation to improve is with the help of a software tool called Snowflake. Anyone in possession of a device can help through the following steps.
A volunteer downloads Snowflake software on their device. It is a convenient extension that can be used on all the common browsers that internet users are familiar with. This software works through the Tor Project, which is constructed with the intent to bypass internet censorship. However, the issue is that there are times when the user’s identity can be recognized. It is here that Snowflake becomes necessary.
Once this software is activated, the user’s computer registers with a broker. This broker enables Iranian users to use a volunteer’s location as their own. The volunteer’s Snowflake proxy will serve as the temporary location for the Iranian user.
A significant part of this procedure is that the identities of both parties are concealed and not revealed to the public. The volunteer has the right to know if someone has used their address. However, the Iranian’s personal information is undisclosed. The volunteer outside Iran will then act as a sort of bridge for an Iranian user. This software prioritizes the safety of both users, as their data is secure.
According to Amir Rashidi, this software includes a component called the Starlink satellite system. This system connects to satellites in low-earth orbit, which in turn avoids terrestrial filters.
Rashidi recommended that people who live in Iran or other countries with unstable internet download the Snowflake extension or application when they get the chance. This will help them have internet access in times of crisis.
Looking Ahead
The internet is an important part of daily life. With Iranians losing access, that brings challenges. However, many solutions can be provided with help from outside Iran. Countries like France and the U.K. could use their satellite terminals to provide Iranians with connections. The software tool Snowflake facilitates people outside Iran to help those in Iran. These solutions show that Iranians have opportunities to acquire an internet connection with international support.
– Lara Ibrahim
Photo: Flickr