Gender inequality is one of the most significant challenges Malawi faces today. The country, located in Southeastern Africa with a population of more than 20 million, lags in terms of the advancement of women’s rights. Many parties are conducting vital work to improve women’s rights in Malawi, including the Government of Malawi, the U.N. and the EU. However, “low and fragmented allocation of resources” on the part of the government often means that initiatives struggle to reach the most vulnerable and marginalized Malawian women.
Circumstances Impacting Girls and Women in Malawi
According to Girls Not Brides, Malawi has the 12th highest child marriage rate in the world. In 2020, this equaled 46% of girls married before turning 18. According to a 2017-2020 gender fact sheet by USAID, the first sexual encounters of two in five Malawian girls are unwanted.
Additionally, two in three girls (ages 15-19) in Malawi do not complete primary education, falling into a vicious cycle of early marriage, pregnancy and a lack of formal education. While women conduct a significant proportion of the nation’s agricultural labor, they very rarely own the land on which they work.
As a result, women face significant economic disadvantages in comparison to their male counterparts. Despite agricultural production remaining the cornerstone of Malawi’s economy and women playing a large role in the cultivation of crops, which involves hard manual labor, women receive little pay when compared with male farm owners in their communities.
Women’s Education and Employment
Ensuring equitable and quality education remains one of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), however, many girls in Malawi lack this human right. High rates of child marriage and early motherhood mean that young women are expected to fulfill adult roles and step out of education. One in two Malawian girls is married by 18 compared to one in 20 boys who are, therefore, far more likely to attend secondary education and college.
Partly due to differences in educational attainment, the gender pay gap in Malawi remains pronounced with the Government of Malawi citing increased economic equality as one of the key steps to achieving equal status for women in Malawi. Equal pay remains a core challenge for women’s rights in Malawi and globally.
Malawi remains a deeply patriarchal society with the vast majority of domestic labor falling on the shoulders of women. While increasing the number of equally-paid women in the workforce may seem like a solution to the problem of gender equality, women still face the dual burden of both unpaid household work and paid employment.
Gender-Based Violence and Reproductive Health in Malawi
Gender-based violence in Malawi remains commonplace and there is little education for young women on issues of reproductive health. Furthermore, one in three girls are mothers by the age of 18, sometimes as a result of unwanted intercourse.
HIV/AIDS is common in Malawi, and despite the disease being treatable by modern medicine, many lack access to such medication. Young Malawian women between 15 and 19 have an HIV prevalence rate triple the rate of their male counterparts. Between the ages of 20 and 24, this rate increases sixfold.
Period poverty also remains a significant women’s rights issue in Malawi as the stigma surrounding menstruation continues and disadvantaged females lack access to essential menstrual products.
Ukani Malawi
While many Malawian women continue to be the victims of gender inequality, many grassroots movements seek to change the path for young Malawian women and offer them more autonomy over their futures.
Ukani Malawi is an initiative with more than 200 volunteers, which Malawian women set up themselves. The group seeks to improve the overall development of women through education and by supporting girls to stay in school for longer while encouraging other women to act as female leaders for young women and girls.
Ukani reaches these goals through a number of initiatives, such as the Seed Grants Initiative, which “provides young women with start-up capital and entrepreneurship training,” according to the Ukani Malawi website. In addition, the Breaking Red Project aims to keep girls in school once they start menstruating by teaching them about menstrual hygiene management. As part of this project, women are shown how to sew reusable pads, which they can create and distribute in their community, providing an additional entrepreneurship opportunity.
The group also runs a young mothers project, which “aims to integrate teenage mothers back into the school system through financial support and mentorship,” hoping to help more young women complete their education.
A Brighter Future for Malawian Women and Girls
Local initiatives like those of Ukani Malawi bring hope for a better future for women and girls in Malawi. The Spotlight Initiative, established in 2019, is a multi-year collaboration between the Malawi Government, U.N., the EU and civil society. The initiative allocated an initial €20 million of funding to create targeted initiatives in certain districts in Malawi where instances of gender-based violence are particularly high, showing support from the international community. The initiative, which is funding numerous projects globally, chose Malawi as one of the 13 nations to cover due to concerning levels of gender-based violence.
These initiatives aim to uphold women’s rights in Malawi by addressing the issues that disproportionately impact females in the country.
– Florence Jones
Photo: Flickr
Impact of COVID-19 on Poverty in South Africa
Nestled at the southernmost point of the African subcontinent, South Africa stands as a sparkling reminder of everything pristine. Known for its deep blue lakes, majestic peaks and picturesque landscape, South Africa is a country rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. However, South Africa continues to face a persistent challenge in providing a decent standard of living for all of its citizens. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this situation and the country of South Africa has felt the pronounced impacts of COVID-19 on poverty nationwide. Here is some information about the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa.
Inequality in South Africa From the Pandemic
Inequality has long been a problem in South Africa, with a large portion of the population struggling to make ends meet even before the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2017 study found that approximately 18 million people, constituting the poorest 20% of households in the country, were living in dire conditions, with a disproportionate number of these households located in rural areas.
When COVID-19 arrived, these figures increased considerably. According to The Conversation, the bottom 10% of households lost nearly 45% of their income during the nationwide shutdowns, highlighting the pandemic’s devastating impact on the most vulnerable. The pandemic has not only affected the income of South Africa’s poorest households but also resulted in a major decline in employment. The country saw a net 40% drop in employment from February to April 2020, leading to widespread job losses. Estimates have indicated that 20% to 33% of those who lost their jobs during the lockdown period lost the majority of their income, with 3 million to 5.5 million individuals falling into poverty as a result. Despite attempts to implement relief programs, a staggering 80% of newly unemployed individuals did not receive any support whatsoever.
Effect on Education
In addition to its economic ramifications, the education sector in South Africa has also felt the tremors of COVID-19. The pandemic lockdowns in 2020 resulted in widespread school closures, with nearly all African academies remaining shuttered for a minimum of 100 days. As a result, estimates have stated that nearly 13 million young students fell behind on curriculum coverage and will now face severe skill deficiencies in the coming years.
While virtual learning was an option during this time, the vast majority of learners across rural South Africa did not have access to such luxuries. In fact, a study of 515 participants aged 15-24 across the nation found that only 34.7% of households had access to a laptop and only a mere 23.9% had internet access at home, according to Frontiers in Education.
Food Instability
Another key facet of the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa is food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a devastating spike in food prices across the nation, disproportionately affecting the country’s poorest. In March 2020, when the entire country went into full lockdown, many informal food traders were unable to practice their trade. Considering that the informal sector accounts for some 70% of overall food sales in South Africa, this delivered a major blow to the food economy. When food traders stopped operating, travel costs increased exponentially for food and transport expenses for those who were still operating skyrocketed.
Solutions
Fortunately, the government of this country has taken several steps to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa. Through the use of insurance, social programs, NGOs and nonprofits, the South African government has distributed nearly 1 million food parcels, reaching about 5 million people in the most severely affected regions of the nation. Furthermore, the government’s temporary “COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant” (SRDG) provided nearly two-thirds of applicants with crucial funds to help ease some of the burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, many citizens view the government’s actions in these regards as too little, too late. The application process for many of the grants and relief programs, including the SRDG Act, has received criticism for being difficult to access and understand. The expectation to apply through an online portal also excluded many individuals living in rural areas and regions without internet access. Despite the South African government’s efforts to provide online learning resources during school closures, students from low-income families, rural areas and underserved communities still struggled due to poor internet connectivity and a lack of personal devices. Furthermore, government officials’ misuse of grant monies and depletion of the already restricted funds made corruption a recurring problem in the distribution of help.
All in all, the devastating impact of COVID-19 on poverty in South Africa is an issue as widespread and contagious as the virus itself. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every aspect of daily life, robbing everyday citizens of the financial and social securities they previously enjoyed. Without firm and immediate action from the government and international community, this issue will undoubtedly have long-term consequences for generations to come.
– Sanjith Sambath
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Rights in Malawi
Gender inequality is one of the most significant challenges Malawi faces today. The country, located in Southeastern Africa with a population of more than 20 million, lags in terms of the advancement of women’s rights. Many parties are conducting vital work to improve women’s rights in Malawi, including the Government of Malawi, the U.N. and the EU. However, “low and fragmented allocation of resources” on the part of the government often means that initiatives struggle to reach the most vulnerable and marginalized Malawian women.
Circumstances Impacting Girls and Women in Malawi
According to Girls Not Brides, Malawi has the 12th highest child marriage rate in the world. In 2020, this equaled 46% of girls married before turning 18. According to a 2017-2020 gender fact sheet by USAID, the first sexual encounters of two in five Malawian girls are unwanted.
Additionally, two in three girls (ages 15-19) in Malawi do not complete primary education, falling into a vicious cycle of early marriage, pregnancy and a lack of formal education. While women conduct a significant proportion of the nation’s agricultural labor, they very rarely own the land on which they work.
As a result, women face significant economic disadvantages in comparison to their male counterparts. Despite agricultural production remaining the cornerstone of Malawi’s economy and women playing a large role in the cultivation of crops, which involves hard manual labor, women receive little pay when compared with male farm owners in their communities.
Women’s Education and Employment
Ensuring equitable and quality education remains one of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), however, many girls in Malawi lack this human right. High rates of child marriage and early motherhood mean that young women are expected to fulfill adult roles and step out of education. One in two Malawian girls is married by 18 compared to one in 20 boys who are, therefore, far more likely to attend secondary education and college.
Partly due to differences in educational attainment, the gender pay gap in Malawi remains pronounced with the Government of Malawi citing increased economic equality as one of the key steps to achieving equal status for women in Malawi. Equal pay remains a core challenge for women’s rights in Malawi and globally.
Malawi remains a deeply patriarchal society with the vast majority of domestic labor falling on the shoulders of women. While increasing the number of equally-paid women in the workforce may seem like a solution to the problem of gender equality, women still face the dual burden of both unpaid household work and paid employment.
Gender-Based Violence and Reproductive Health in Malawi
Gender-based violence in Malawi remains commonplace and there is little education for young women on issues of reproductive health. Furthermore, one in three girls are mothers by the age of 18, sometimes as a result of unwanted intercourse.
HIV/AIDS is common in Malawi, and despite the disease being treatable by modern medicine, many lack access to such medication. Young Malawian women between 15 and 19 have an HIV prevalence rate triple the rate of their male counterparts. Between the ages of 20 and 24, this rate increases sixfold.
Period poverty also remains a significant women’s rights issue in Malawi as the stigma surrounding menstruation continues and disadvantaged females lack access to essential menstrual products.
Ukani Malawi
While many Malawian women continue to be the victims of gender inequality, many grassroots movements seek to change the path for young Malawian women and offer them more autonomy over their futures.
Ukani Malawi is an initiative with more than 200 volunteers, which Malawian women set up themselves. The group seeks to improve the overall development of women through education and by supporting girls to stay in school for longer while encouraging other women to act as female leaders for young women and girls.
Ukani reaches these goals through a number of initiatives, such as the Seed Grants Initiative, which “provides young women with start-up capital and entrepreneurship training,” according to the Ukani Malawi website. In addition, the Breaking Red Project aims to keep girls in school once they start menstruating by teaching them about menstrual hygiene management. As part of this project, women are shown how to sew reusable pads, which they can create and distribute in their community, providing an additional entrepreneurship opportunity.
The group also runs a young mothers project, which “aims to integrate teenage mothers back into the school system through financial support and mentorship,” hoping to help more young women complete their education.
A Brighter Future for Malawian Women and Girls
Local initiatives like those of Ukani Malawi bring hope for a better future for women and girls in Malawi. The Spotlight Initiative, established in 2019, is a multi-year collaboration between the Malawi Government, U.N., the EU and civil society. The initiative allocated an initial €20 million of funding to create targeted initiatives in certain districts in Malawi where instances of gender-based violence are particularly high, showing support from the international community. The initiative, which is funding numerous projects globally, chose Malawi as one of the 13 nations to cover due to concerning levels of gender-based violence.
These initiatives aim to uphold women’s rights in Malawi by addressing the issues that disproportionately impact females in the country.
– Florence Jones
Photo: Flickr
Everything to Know About Bird Flu in Ecuador
Ecuador has received a lot of attention for its avian wildlife—in fact, it was studying birds on the Galapagos Islands where Charles Darwin invigorated his theory of evolution. The intertwining relationship between man and nature is evident, raising a cause for concern when an extremely deadly disease enters the animal kingdom. That disease is the bird flu in Ecuador.
About Bird Flu/H5N1
In 2022, Ecuadorians detected a strain of bird flu (H5N1) in local wildlife—and birds were only the beginning of the infected animals. In Peru, a neighboring country, marine life showed symptoms of H5N1—sea lions and dolphins both tested positive for the disease, causing questions about the progression, transition and mutation of H5N1 in Ecuador. Hundreds of thousands of animals, including; birds, foxes, mink and bears, tested positive for the disease. While H5N1 is rare in humans, human infection is possible.
The Way That H5N1 Works
While H5N1 is extremely contagious to birds and other animals, mammal infection is rare. However, Ecuador reported the first case of human infection in January 2023. When a human contracts H5N1 from close proximity to an infected bird, the case fatality rate (CFR) is about 56%. The World Health Organization (WHO) determined this through data from previous bird flu infections from 2003 to 2023. Of 240 confirmed cases during this time period, 135 cases were fatal, as of February 23, 2023.
H5N1 functions by connecting to receptors in an animal’s respiratory system. Humans lack these receptors in their upper respiratory tract, making infection relatively difficult. However, humans can contract the disease in their lower respiratory tract, which can cause severe pneumonia. Poultry workers—mainly slaughterhouse workers and kitchen workers—are at higher risk and must take further precautions to lower the risk of infection.
Ecuador Taking Action
Ecuador started battling H5N1 by culling thousands of birds—180,000 infected farm birds slowed the transmission of the disease, but not by much. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of Ecuador announced a plan to “vaccinate more than 2 million birds.” Companies in Ecuador and Mexico are preparing three-dose vaccines which will protect birds from H5N1 death. While this Ecuador/Mexico alliance is months from being fully enacted, the push for action on both sides is strong. This partnership is a monumental step in ending bird flu in Ecuador.
Risks in Ecuador’s Future
A vaccine for H5N1 in humans is already available. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), manufacturers already have the information they need to mass produce the vaccine.
Poverty is rampant in Ecuador, making access to health facilities difficult, even though Ecuador’s 2007 health care reform created access to universal health care. This proved an asset during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding health care and creating avenues for vaccinations against COVID-19. These still-in-place avenues will be an asset if Ecuadorians require inoculation against bird flu.
The 2007-2017 expansion of universal health care in Ecuador has been a game-changer, with more Ecuadorians trusting health care and turning toward it when needed. Initially, citizens had reluctance to utilize this health care, with 27% of citizens refraining from utilizing the resource. That number decreased to 18% in 2014 and continued to drop as time moved on, which shows a trend of progress in Ecuadorian health care.
While H5N1 is currently not a direct threat to the health of the human population, human cases of the disease have emerged. While poverty is still great in Ecuador, the COVID-19 pandemic may have created new routes for spreading vaccines which could help slow the bird flu in Ecuador should H5N1 mutate to humans.
– Thomas LaPorte
Photo: Flickr
Organizations Ending Sexual Violence in Africa
Gender-based violence is a worrying problem that affects all of Africa. It is difficult to get accurate data on sexual violence in Africa. It is only possible to access statistics from 18 out of 54 African countries. The latest data, which the African Development Bank (ADB) reported in 2019, indicated that there is a prevalence of sexual violence that varies from 10% to 40%. This is one of the highest compared to the rest of the countries in the world.
Furthermore, after the COVID-19 outbreak, cases started to increase. For example, in East Africa, there was an increase of 48% in gender-based violence, while in South Africa there was a 37% increase, according to Ministries responsible for gender in the regions. The following are nonprofit organizations working to reduce sexual violence in Africa.
Organizations That Are Ending Sexual Violence in Africa
Final Thoughts
Sexual violence is an important issue that affects Africa. Fortunately, there is a process underway to decrease it. The above-mentioned five organizations have the same desire to help and support the victims of sexual abuse and share knowledge in order to prevent such atrocities.
– Elena Luisetto
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Angola Fights Poverty through the Kwenda Social Program
The Kwenda social program is an initiative that the government of Angola launched to address the country’s social and economic challenges. Angola is a resource-rich country, but it has struggled with poverty and inequality for decades. The Kwenda social program aims to reduce poverty and promote social welfare through a range of measures that target vulnerable populations.
Angola’s Economic Struggles
Angola is the largest oil supplier in sub-Saharan Africa. Oil production accounts for about half of Angola’s GDP, more than 70% of the Angolan government’s revenue and more than 90% of Angola’s exports. The health and economic crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the subsequent drop in oil prices further crippled Angola’s struggling economy and exacerbated poverty levels.
Impressively, Angola’s government took swift action and unraveled the Kwenda social program in response to the economic strain on the population. The premise on which the Angolan government formulated the initiative is poverty relief for the country’s “poorest and most vulnerable.” The program became the first cash transfer initiative to deliver financial assistance through digital deposits. What makes the Kwenda social program unique is that along with its focus on economic relief, it provides human development and economic activities and aims to help 1.6 million families, 60% of whom are female-headed.
In terms of land area, Angola is “one of the largest countries in Africa,” with almost 70% of the population living within cities. However, that also means that a considerable chunk of the population lives in remote areas. Angolans living in these parts of the country face limitations due to debilitated infrastructure and a lack of public transportation.
This presented a significant challenge to the Angolan government during the economic crisis because the government could not easily reach a major portion (about 88%) of the rural population suffering from multidimensional poverty.
Benefits of the Kwenda Social Program
The Kwenda social program addresses the difficulties in reaching rural populations by combining digital tools with physical cash distribution. Furthermore, the Angolan government has established community centers in exceptionally remote communities with community workers to help facilitate physical cash deliveries to the poverty-stricken. These community centers play an integral role in collecting grievances from the local population, administering and implementing the program and providing health and educational services for disadvantaged youth.
One of the segments of the Angolan population that the Kwenda social program has particularly helped is women. This is because women lead many of the households (60%) that the Angolan government aims to help through the program. Another target group of people receiving financial benefits from the Kwenda social program is the elderly population. More than 10,000 elderly people receive cash transfers as a result of the program.
The Angolan government is not the only financier of the initiative. Of the $420 million set aside for the Kwenda social program, the World Bank is funding $320 million. Additionally, in 2022, the World Bank issued a statement of praise regarding the Kwenda social program. In 2021, the initiative completed more than 300,000 digital transfers to beneficiaries. Additionally, by January 2022, the Angolan government had registered more than half a million families into the program. Of those families, nearly half, 247,000, had collected one cash transfer at minimum.
Looking Ahead
The Kwenda social program is a significant initiative that has the potential to transform the lives of vulnerable populations in Angola. The program is based on a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses the root causes of poverty and inequality. The program has already had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of households and has helped to promote social inclusion and women’s empowerment. With continued support from the World Bank, the government and other stakeholders, the program has the potential to bring about impactful and lasting change that can build a more inclusive and prosperous social fabric in Angola.
– Aemal Nafis
Photo: Flickr
Efforts to Address Cholera in Africa
Cholera, a disease that has prevailed since the 19th century, is more dominant in some parts of the world than in others. As of 2022, the casualties as a result of cholera in Africa continue. A stronger global response is necessary to properly address cholera in Africa.
7 Facts About Cholera in Africa
Looking Ahead
Addressing cholera in Africa requires greater political commitment and more significant funding. Furthermore, global production of the oral cholera vaccine must be ramped up. It is critical for countries to secure proper water and sanitation systems for communities and establish a disease-preparedness response before outbreaks occur. As communities living in conditions of poverty face higher risks of cholera, leaders must address poverty in order to curb the spread of this disease and others.
– Robin Kalellis
Photo: Flickr
The Persecution of the Baha’i in Iran
The Baha’i faith, Iran’s largest non-Muslim religious minority, has long been the target of persecution and systematic oppression by the country’s authorities. The Iranian government’s official policy, approved by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has been to impede the advancement and growth of the Baha’i community through various measures, including expulsion from universities and exclusion from influential positions, particularly in the education sector. Human rights activists, however, are strategizing against the persecution of Baha’i in Iran.
The Glory of God
Baha’u’llah, whose name means, “the Glory of God,” was born in Tehran in 1817. He was a member of Iran’s nobility and could have pursued a government career. However, he chose to follow a newly-formed religious Babi movement led by a prophet known as “the Bab.” This movement called for social reform and advocated for women’s rights. The Bab declared his teachings a divine revelation. He also claimed they foretold the arrival of a new manifestation of God, a belief that caused controversy. In 1850, a firing squad executed the Bab for heresy. Mobs also attacked and killed many of his followers. Despite these dangers, Baha’u’llah continued to follow the teachings of the Bab and eventually became the leader of the Baha’i faith.
Baha’u’llah endured imprisonment and exile throughout his life due to his religious beliefs. When he joined the Babi movement, the government responded by detaining him in an unclean subterranean jail. When they released him, they exiled him to Baghdad where he declared himself as the manifestation of God that the Bab prophesized. Because Baha’u’llah’ gained a significant number of followers, the Ottoman officials banished him to the prison city of Akka in Palestine, where he lived until his death in 1892. Today, Baha’u’llah’s shrine in Israel is a major pilgrimage site for members of the Baha’i faith.
Why the Islamic Republic Persecutes the Baha’i
In Iran, the constitution designates Twelver Shia as the country’s official religion, making it unique among Muslim nations. Despite acknowledging Islam’s legitimacy, the Baha’i feel that their faith supersedes Islam’s doctrines regarding the Twelver Shia messiah. Since the Baha’i believe it is their duty to propagate their religion, that is a fundamental tenet that the Twelver Shia strongly opposes. Persecution of the Baha’i stems from this opposition.
The Iranian regime actively rejects the legitimacy of the Baha’i faith. Khamenei’s official website refers to Baha’i followers as “impure” non-believers and “enemies” of the Shia faith. Khamenei urges his followers to avoid social interaction with the Baha’i and emphasizes the importance of confronting the deceptions of the Baha’i faith. Furthermore, the regime’s efforts to suppress the Baha’i religion go beyond just rhetoric. It prohibits Baha’i from pursuing higher education and excludes them from government employment. In recent years, the Baha’i face more arbitrary arrests as well as increased instances of torture and other forms of mistreatment from authorities and state media.
Continued Persecution of Baha’i
The Iranian regime’s ultimate aim is to force Baha’i followers to leave the country in large numbers. Negative propaganda about the Bahai faith is widely disseminated through Iran’s educational system and media. Additionally, Baha’i followers are not allowed to publicly mourn their dead or establish their own cemeteries.
One recent example of the persecution of Baha’i in Iran is the August 2022 attack on the village of Roshankouh. Government agents raided the village and destroyed six homes that Baha’i residents owned. Reports indicate that the agents confiscated the villagers’ mobile phones to prevent them from documenting the incident. Despite this, some footage of the attack has emerged online, revealing the emotional distress that the villagers experienced, including children and the elderly. Human rights organizations have condemned this attack and called on the Iranian government to end its persecution of the Baha’i community.
Activists Push Back Against the Persecution
Recent social media posts have condemned the destruction of Baha’i homes in a village near Sari, Iran. Iranians have used the platform to argue that the regime’s official reasons for the destruction of homes, such as “encroachment on public land,” are just excuses for the persecution of Baha’i. They have also shared images of fatwas and rulings by Shia jurists, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, against the Baha’i faith and the Baha’is, describing them as “inhumane” and “fascistic.”
According to Iranian human rights activist, Musa Barzin Khalifelou, there may be little recourse through the legal system. However, Khalifelou has suggested that Iranians living abroad can play a significant role in stopping the oppression of the Baha’i community in Iran. One way to do this is by informing international organizations and filing complaints with them. Additionally, Khalifelou believes that the principle of “Universal Jurisdiction” could be effective in prosecuting those responsible for the persecution of Baha’i. This principle allows for certain crimes such as torture, crimes against humanity and war crimes to be prosecuted in other countries. Since the Iranian government aims to eliminate the Baha’i community, this principle could lead to the arrest and trial of those responsible for giving the orders and their agents. Through such actions, Khalifelou argues that Iranians abroad can help bring an end to the persecution of Baha’i in Iran.
– Noura Matalqa
Photo: Flickr
5 Organizations Empowering DRC Women
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country in Central Africa that is rich in resources but still remains incredibly poor. A severe food crisis stems from government instability. In addition, violent armed groups often launch attacks and assaults on women and children. Luckily, there are several organizations empowering DRC women. This article takes a look at five of those organizations.
Severe Conditions for DRC Women
In 2018, more than 35% of women between the ages of 15-49 years reported being sexually or physically abused by an intimate partner. Further, almost 30% of girls under the age of 18 have been married or forced into a union. Finally, 70% of both women and men face food insecurity as well.
Here are five organizations that are combating these severe conditions and are actively empowering DRC women.
Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation
The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation is an international organization that has been empowering DRC women since 2009. It calculates that 60% of women in the DRC live below the poverty line and have extremely low levels of political participation. The organization works to gain respect for women’s rights and end discriminatory gender practices. Kvinna till Kvinna helps women participate in learning exchanges that provide education and economic empowerment. It also helps finance certain activities of the Rien Sans les Femmes (Nothing Without Women) movement, a collaboration of Congolese women’s rights activists.
By supporting smaller partner organizations in the DRC, Kvinna till Kvinna has definitively lowered gender-based violence against women and has boosted political participation for DRC women. For example, the partner organization AFEM (Association des Femmes des Médias du Sud Kivu) is a collaboration of female journalists. It uses a radio station, Mama Radio, as its platform to empower DRC women. Mama Radio caught on and AFEM was able to report reduced violence against women.
AFEM coordinator Julienne Baseke noted, “Thanks to Mama Radio, we have been able to break the silence on sexual violence, people are better informed and sexual and reproductive health issues are no longer taboo. The authorities are also held accountable on sexual violence issues and the media are mobilized on violence issues.”
Women for Women International
Women for Women International empowers DRC women in numerous ways. Since 2004 it has supported more than 106,000 Congolese women. Its most recent impact evaluation reports increased access to credit, savings and assets. Second, it reports an increase in women’s ability to pursue entrepreneurship. Finally, it shares that women are benefitting from improved diets and mental health access. In 2022, 256 women received advocacy training in land titling. It also expanded upon its health insurance projects which were able to reduce fees for women and their families by around 50%.
Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)
WPHF is an international organization that helps empower grassroots organizations to help women become more involved in political affairs. In the DRC, it works with Spotlight Initiative, another women’s rights organization to fund 30 projects that 51 women’s organizations in the DRC spearheaded. These organizations seek to eliminate violence against women and encourage political mobility for women. For example, WPHF supports our GRACE, which seeks to promote gender-based equality and peace in North Kivu. It also supports CAUSE RURALE, which focuses on providing humanitarian aid to reinforce stronger institutions for women. Finally, WPHF supports AFPDE, in South Kivu and promotes the strength of women’s organizations.
Women Concern (WOCO)
This Congolese nonprofit has been empowering women in the DRC by focusing on women and girls in rural areas. It focuses on helping women and girls see their own potential and provide them with development opportunities. Its unique approach is to utilize men and boys to be partners and co-agents to ensure change. It believes that promoting positive masculinity will in turn create a safe environment for women and girls to seek out opportunities. Its ultimate goal is to end the ongoing cycle of violence against women in the DRC.
Women, Cradle of Abundance
Women, Cradle of Abundance is a DRC organization. It has been empowering women in the DRC by attempting the eliminate systemic poverty for women. The organization provides physical safety, medical care, counseling and community services for women. It also helps improve education for women and girls by supporting schools for disadvantaged children. Women, Cradle of Abundance provides women with micro-savings and microloans. For example, it has provided 199 microloans to Kinshasha women. This helped them start or expand their businesses.
Moving Forward
Between international organizations such as Kvinna till Kvinna, Women for Women International and WPHF as well as DRC organizations such as WOCO and Women, Cradle of Abundance, a lot has been accomplished to empower DRC women. Past and current successes pave the way for more positive change.
– Anna Richardson
Photo: Flickr
Planning The Future of Ukraine
The future is often war’s largest casualty. For some 8,000 Ukrainian civilians and 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers who have fought to preserve their homeland, the future no longer exists. Nearly 14 million civilians are now disconnected from their homes. The future of Ukraine stands on a knife’s edge; however, a year after Russia’s invasion, there is at least a future to discuss. Moreover, there is a growing consensus that Ukraine’s recovery requires planning right now.
Economic Devastation
On February 23, 2023, the United Nations called for an immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. Although Putin, known for his violations of international law, will almost certainly ignore the resolution, it does beg the question of what a post-war Ukraine would look like. As a result of the war, a third of the country lives in poverty, with another 60% at risk of falling into poverty should the conflict continue. The war has destroyed $100 billion of infrastructure and forced 50% of businesses to close.
Marshall Plan for Ukraine?
Given this financial and physical devastation, one may wonder exactly what the future of Ukraine is. Participants during the Davos 2023 Summit discussed that rebuilding the country would require a recovery program comparable only to the Marshall Plan after World War II. With that plan, the United States contributed the equivalent of almost $200 billion to western Europe in aid. A Marshall Plan for Ukraine would cost three times as much as the original and would have to overcome the hesitancy of nations like the U.S. to further involve themselves in the country.
Estimates for Recovery
In September 2022, the World Bank, the European Commission and the Ukrainian government place the recovery estimate at $349 billion, of which around $100 billion is needed for short-term recovery. This includes financing the rebuilding of hospitals, schools, roads and bridges. It also consists of the clearing mines that prevent the cultivation of Ukraine’s fertile soil. In a separate communication a few months earlier, Ukrainian President Zelensky declared the target figure at $750 billion, citing the need for repatriation, humanitarian assistance and modernization.
Commitment to Providing Aid
Although allies are shying away from direct military assistance, international aid is crucial in keeping Ukraine afloat. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the charge, which provided $12 billion in 2022 and plans to augment that support in 2023. This aid goes primarily to health care workers and educators, protecting the future of Ukraine in the short and long term. Additionally, the World Bank provided more than $18 billion in grants and loans for Ukraine as of February 2023, the vast majority of which comes from the United States.
Supporting Ukraine: In the Best Interest for Europe and Beyond
The future of Ukraine remains incredibly uncertain. However, a consensus is emerging that the situation cannot remain fraught when the war comes to an end. A weakened or failed Ukraine is a security threat to Europe and would create a refugee crisis because Ukrainian refugees would have no need to return to their country. As the Financial Times wrote in December 2022, “The potential geopolitical cost of failure is high…The fighting continues, but the time to plan for peace is now.”
– Samuel Bowles
Photo: Flickr
Efforts to Prevent the Spread of Diseases
The recent global health crisis, triggered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought to the forefront the importance of efforts to prevent the spread of diseases. While treatment is crucial, proactive steps to reduce the risk of disease transmission are equally important. Disease prevention plays a critical role in promoting public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Gavi’s Work to Prevent the Spread of Diseases
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is a public-private partnership that is committed to improving access to life-saving vaccines in low-income countries with the aim to prevent the spread of diseases. The partnership has played a critical role in reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide by providing funding, technical support and vaccines to increase access to immunization programs in the world’s poorest countries.
Gavi has assisted in the vaccination of more than 981 million children, which will prevent at least 16.2 million disease-related child mortalities at minimum. Its efforts have also resulted in the successful introduction of new vaccines in low-income countries, including the pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines.
The Global Fund’s Efforts
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is another public-private partnership committed to reducing the incidence of these three deadly diseases, increasing access to treatment and care and improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. It has played a critical role in preventing the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS by providing funding to support HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services.
In 2021 alone, the Global Fund provided HIV-preventative services to 12.5 million at-risk individuals and helped to provide about 670,000 HIV-positive mothers with treatment to sustain themselves and prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. These efforts have led to a significant reduction in HIV/AIDS-related deaths worldwide.
The Global Fund has also played a crucial role in expanding access to TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment services, contributing to a decline in TB-related deaths worldwide. In addition, the Global Fund has supported the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor spraying and other preventative measures to reduce the incidence of malaria, resulting in a significant reduction in malaria-related deaths worldwide.
Positive Impacts
The impact of these global health initiatives in preventing the spread of diseases worldwide is reflected in the significant progress made in reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. These partnerships have saved more than 50 million lives and significantly reduced the number of new infections and deaths linked to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Contributions to the fight against these deadly diseases have not only significantly reduced the number of new infections and deaths but also strengthened the health systems of low and middle-income countries to better cope with disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Prevention is Key
Disease transmission is a significant public health challenge, with prevention being the key, and everyone from individuals to communities and governments has an important role to play in proactively addressing the issue.
Practicing good hygiene, obtaining vaccinations and accessing health care for the early detection and treatment of illnesses are all essential strategies in preventing the spread of disease. Good hygiene, such as hand washing and avoiding contact with sick individuals, is a basic yet effective way to reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination is critical in building immunity against various diseases and protecting vulnerable populations. Early detection and treatment of illnesses can reduce the severity of the illness and the risk of transmission to others.
It is also important to ensure that vulnerable and marginalized communities have access to prevention, treatment and care services. Strengthening the leadership, engagement and capacity of community-led organizations and networks can improve service continuity between community-led activities and formal health care provision. The Global Fund’s Community Engagement Strategic Initiative and community-led monitoring efforts work toward achieving these goals.
In conclusion, investing in preventative measures and global partnerships is critical in reducing the incidence of preventable diseases and saving lives.
– Nkechi First
Photo: Flickr