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Migration to Taiwan: Improving Rights for Migrant Workers

Migration to TaiwanTaiwan has become a key destination for migrant workers across Asia, with many supporting its industries and aging population. Migration to Taiwan has increased over recent decades, prompting the government and local organizations to introduce reforms and advocacy efforts to improve labor rights, strengthen protections and promote social inclusion. These policies show how the authorities and NGOs can manage migration to Taiwan in a fairer and more sustainable way.

In 1992, the Taiwanese government enacted the Employment Service Act (ESA) to regulate the recruitment and employment of migrant workers, known in Chinese as wàijí láogōng. As of September 2025, Taiwan hosted 858,939 migrant workers, most of whom came from Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand.

Types of Migrant Workers in Taiwan

Taiwan generally classifies migrant workers into two main categories: social welfare workers and industrial workers. Social welfare workers include domestic helpers and caregivers. Domestic helpers are primarily responsible for household chores, while Taiwan further divided caregivers into institutional and domestic caregivers. The Labor Standards Act (LSA), which sets a national minimum wage, protects institutional caregivers, but it does not protect domestic caregivers.

Industrial migrant workers, on the other hand, make up the majority of Taiwan’s migrant labor force. They mainly work in manufacturing, construction and fishing. The LSA protects both construction and manufacturing workers. Domestic or offshore fishermen also fall under this protection. However, the LSA excludes those working in distant-water fishing, leaving them vulnerable.

There are three major challenges migrant workers face in Taiwan: limited freedom to transfer between employers, lack of protections for minimum wage and the risk of deportation.

Freedom To Transfer

Taiwan tightly restricts migrant workers’ ability to change employers. Under current regulations, employers still control most decisions about transferring, though policymakers have introduced gradual reforms over time.

The Taiwanese government first introduced a transfer system in 2002, but workers could only change employers under exceptional circumstances such as factory closures, harassment or violence in the workplace. By 2008, factory workers gained the right to switch employers during their contracts under limited conditions or with employer consent. Similarly, starting in 2013, authorities granted domestic caregivers the ability to transfer with employer approval.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed some of this progress. In 2021, Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor temporarily banned cross-industry transfers for migrant workers. The decision came after the Association of the Employers of Caretakers accused caregivers of fabricating complaints to move into factory jobs, which typically offer higher pay and better conditions.

Minimum Wage and Long-Term Care

Migrant workers in domestic caregiving and distant-water fishing are among the most vulnerable groups in Taiwan’s labor market. Because the LSA does not cover them, they do not receive a guaranteed minimum wage or access to social protections. This gap has left many workers underpaid and without the same legal rights afforded to other sectors.

To address these disparities, the Taiwanese government introduced the “Long-Term Retention of Skilled Foreign Workers Program” in 2022. The initiative aims to reclassify experienced migrant workers as “intermediate-skilled foreign workers,” granting them eligibility for higher wages and potential permanent residency. However, the proportion of reclassified migrant workers remains low, with only 4.15% in manufacturing and construction and 14.88% among caregivers.

Risk of Deportation

As of September 2025, around 94,000 undocumented migrant workers, mainly Vietnamese and Indonesians, face risk of deportation and lack access to social services. While some reforms have aimed to improve the situation, progress remains uneven. In 2016, the government abolished the “one-day exit rule,” which previously required migrant workers to leave Taiwan immediately after their contracts ended. However, many workers continued to face illegal referral fees charged by brokers when renewing their contracts. Since 2024, authorities have also increased fines for migrants who overstay their visas. Director of the public migrant shelter Serve the People Association, Lennon Ying-Da Wang, argues that this may further discourage undocumented workers from seeking help or reporting abuse.

Local Initiatives Supporting Migrant Workers

Since Taiwan began welcoming migrant workers, numerous civil society initiatives have emerged to promote their rights and improve their working and living conditions. In 1999, the country’s first local NGO dedicated to advocating for migrant labor rights, the Taiwan International Workers’ Association (TIWA), was established. Since 2003, TIWA has campaigned for greater freedom for workers to transfer between employers. The organization also produced two documentary films, “Lesbian Factory” (2010) and “Rainbow Popcorn” (2012), highlighting the experiences of migrant workers at the Taiwanese electronics company Fast Fame after its closure. In the same year, TIWA, along with several church groups, launched the Promoting Alliance for Household Service Act (PAHSA). PAHSA called for legislation ensuring minimum wages and regulated working hours for domestic caregivers. In 2007, PAHSA renamed itself the Migrants Empowerment Network in Taiwan (MENT) and continued its advocacy efforts.

Beyond TIWA and MENT, Harmony Home, another Taiwan-based NGO, has played a vital role in supporting undocumented migrant workers, particularly young mothers and their children. The organization has already sheltered more than 1,600 children, providing safety and care to those most at risk.

Looking Ahead

Through reforms and advocacy, Taiwan actively strengthens protections for migrant workers. Groups such as TIWA, MENT and Harmony Home have shaped positive change in migration to Taiwan. By working together, the government, employers and civil society can make migration to Taiwan more just and create better opportunities for all migrant workers.

– Sammi Li

Sammi is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Abolishing Child Marriage in the Philippines

Child Marriage in the PhilippinesOn Dec. 10, 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law (Republic Act no. 11596), which prohibited marrying a child under the age of 18, to end the abuse and trauma of adolescent Filipinas. However, child marriage in the Philippines still persists today.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Law

Prior to the Philippines’ enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law on Jan. 6, 2022, child marriage was a common practice in the Philippines. This placed young girls in danger of sexual violence and childbirth. According to a 2017 report by the Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, one out of six Filipinas under the age of 18 were married.

In 2017, the recorded rate of child marriages in the Philippines was more than 16%. Since the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law, the rate had gone down to 9.4% in 2022. While there has been a substantial decrease, child marriage has not been completely eradicated.

The Issue

While the Philippines has raised the legal age of consent to 18 years old, some in the country continue to justify the marriage of children in a religious or cultural context. Despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law, there exists an exception to it: Presidential Decree No. 1083. The Code of Muslim Personal Laws, which President Ferdinand Marcos enacted, allows for the marriage of girls as young as 15 to marry. 

This is especially prevalent in the large Muslim population of Mindanao. A 2021 study that the Bangsamoro Women Commission conducted recorded around 88,600 child brides in the local region. Other highly affected areas are Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Why Is It Happening?

  • Patriarchal norms within Filipino households are common. They result in the limiting of women’s autonomy as society teaches them to be wives and obedient to their husbands.
  • Weak law enforcement in the Philippines results in the failure to impose the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law. Additionally, issues are resolved in an inconsistent and informal manner. 
  • Religious and cultural traditions, specifically Islamic teachings, believe that premarital relationships outside of marriage are haram acts, resulting in followers adhering to religious standards, like forced marriages, to maintain family honor. Some argue that a female is prepared to be wed once she has reached puberty, which results in many child brides being around 15 years of age.
  • The legal age of consent is 16 years old while the legal age to be wed is 18 years old in the Philippines. This may result in teen pregnancy which then leads to parents forcing marriage upon the child to avoid the social stigma of premarital relationships.
  • Economic hardships can cause families to force their child into a marriage as they believe it to be their only escape to a better life. Mindanao has the highest population of child brides and is also the poorest region in the Philippines.

The allowance of early or forced marriage at such a young age makes the child more susceptible to experiencing poverty, domestic violence, maternal mortality and a multitude of adverse effects on emotional and physical health.

Enhancing the Protection of Children Against Early Marriage

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) presented a Child Protection Systems Strengthening (CPSS) framework to combat child marriage in 2024, which will apply to Muslim Mindanao.

The DWSD has been in charge of enforcing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law since its implementation and provides services and resources to support and address the prevention of child marriages. The DWSD and CWC have collaborated with the intention of hindering child marriages and shifting cultural norms and attitudes in the Philippines. They have held workshops comprising not only parents and children but also community leaders to gather input in creating a CPSS to end marriages under 18 years old. CPSS will work to improve the implementation and enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law by adopting more laws and policies such as government offices, a child-protection workforce.

Those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will offer their input through their involvement in these workshops as they assist in designing, testing and evaluating a CPSS. The presence of individuals who have first-hand knowledge of child marriage in the Philippines is paramount in developing a solution towards it.

Involving community leaders to learn about what they can do to protect children from early marriage is a key to ending it. Becoming aware of identifying, recognizing and preventing the abuse of children through the education of child protection laws and gender-based violence will supply leaders with the ability to provide children the support they need.

Looking Ahead

In the fight against child marriage in the Philippines, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law served to protect young Filipina girls from the patriarchal gender inequality that attempts to control women. But further work is needed to prevent the suffering of young girls in the Philippines forced into early marriage. They endure a lifetime of poverty, abuse and violence at the hands of a patriarchal system and harmful longtime traditions. 

By recognizing the detrimental behaviors and effects pertaining to child marriage with access to resources, young Filipinas will have the independence that they deserve.

– Caydie Tampac

Caydie is based in Reno, NV, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Inclusion in the Philippines

Digital Inclusion in the PhilippinesThe Philippines has high social media usage and an expanding tech sector. However, millions in rural, low-income areas lack access to digital services. With only 28% of households having fixed internet in 2023, the country lags behind Vietnam (79%), Thailand (55%) and Malaysia (54%). This raises the question of whether bridging the digital divide can help alleviate poverty.

Digital Poverty: When Connectivity Becomes a Necessity

Digital poverty refers to the inability of individuals to fully engage with the online world due to insufficient access to devices, reliable internet, digital skills or financial means. This inability affects opportunities in education, employment and social interactions, as well as access to government programs, job listings, online marketplaces and distance learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted digital exclusion, as many students in lockdown faced online access issues, leading to dropouts and academic setbacks. This situation exemplifies how digital poverty exacerbates economic poverty, with more than 2.3 million people in the Philippines falling into poverty from 2018 to 2021 due to the pandemic’s economic impact.

Rural Impact: Digital Tools for Smallholder Farmers

Applications and SMS platforms, such as FarmHelp, e-Kadiwa and Rice Crop Manager, empower farmers by providing access to market prices, weather updates and direct buyers. These tools enhance farm management, improve connectivity and provide financial and technical support, resulting in higher earnings and reduced risks. The Philippine agriculture sector plays a crucial role in the economy, with predictions that by 2025, more than 70% of rural farmers will use mobile phones for essential agricultural and forestry management.

The Role of Mobile Money and Digital Banking

According to Global Market Magazine, about 66% of the Philippine population remains unbanked. The term “unbanked” refers to individuals who lack access to a bank or a similar financial institution. E-wallets like GCash and Maya are essential for savings, remittances and emergency funds in the Philippines.

These digital wallet providers are enhancing cybersecurity, interoperability and fund access while expanding their services to include investment products and global options for overseas workers. As digital wallets evolve, they are expected to drive further growth in the country’s digital economy. In 2024, the Philippines faced significant challenges regarding financial literacy, despite the growing adoption of e-wallets.

Current statistics reveal that only about 25% of Filipinos have a grasp of fundamental financial concepts, indicating prevalent deficiencies in skills such as budgeting, saving and debt management. While there have been some advancements in financial education, the overall progress remains slow. This underscores the urgent need for initiatives that make financial education more accessible and equitable.

The Gender and Youth Angle

Women in low-income households are less likely to own mobile devices or possess digital literacy, thereby widening the inequality gap. Youth digital entrepreneurs, including TikTok sellers and online freelancers, have significant potential for generating inclusive income with improved connectivity. Digital entrepreneurship involves entrepreneurs establishing businesses by utilizing online platforms, enabling them to reach a wider audience and leverage various internet resources and strategies.

The Philippines’ digital transactions in 2021 totaled 1.87 trillion pesos (about $598 billion), equivalent to 9.6% of the country’s GDP, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The digital economy, where products and services are sold online, is also directly influenced as the nation becomes more knowledgeable about the nuances of digital entrepreneurship.

Kimberly Yao is a notable digital entrepreneur and co-founder of CloudEats. This cloud kitchen serves approximately two million people in the Philippines and Vietnam, featuring 55 food and beverage brands. Before this, she gained experience in the traditional food and beverage sector and launched Boozy, a nationwide beverage delivery service.

Connection to Poverty

Digital tools in the Philippines can both alleviate and worsen poverty. High costs, weak infrastructure and limited digital skills block access for people experiencing poverty, leaving them unable to tap into opportunities in online work, education and financial inclusion. According to the 2024 Internet Poverty Index by the World Data Lab, the Philippines ranks 56th out of 169 nations in terms of internet poverty.

More than 18.33 million Filipinos (15.9% of the population) are unable to afford the third-highest internet plan, which is one gigabyte per month.

Barriers That Keep People With Low-Income Offline

Despite some progress on digital inclusion in the Philippines, key challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps, such as unreliable electricity and weak signal, hinder internet access for impoverished Filipino households. Additionally, high costs of data and devices relative to income pose a significant barrier.

Digital literacy remains another issue, as many struggle to leverage digital opportunities despite having access to them. Furthermore, there is a lack of coordination between ICT initiatives and poverty-alleviation programs.

Policy and NGO Solutions

Programs such as Free Wi-Fi for All, Tech4ED Centers and NGO initiatives teaching e-commerce skills aim to enhance digital access and alleviate poverty in the Philippines. The Free Wi-Fi for All program, managed by the Department of Information and Technology (DICT), offers free Wi-Fi hotspots across various municipalities, with approximately 11,475 facilities operational as of 2021.

USAID’s five-year Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) project, launched in 2021, aims to improve digital connectivity in the Philippines. It supports community networks in delivering affordable internet to underserved areas. It also helps the government automate and digitize services to narrow the digital divide.

Digital inclusion in the Philippines is essential for providing opportunities rather than being viewed as a separate goal. Access to the internet, devices and digital skills is critical in combating poverty, with significant impacts on education and employment.

Bridging the Gap

The next frontier in the fight against poverty in the Philippines will not be waged solely in fields or classrooms, but also in the digital realm. With 97.5 million Filipinos, 83.8% of the population, already online at the start of 2025, the potential to harness technology for inclusive growth has never been greater. Yet, actual progress demands more than connectivity; it requires stronger investments in digital infrastructure, literacy and equitable access to ensure that no one is left behind.

By advancing digital inclusion in the Philippines, the nation can empower every Filipino to “log in” to opportunity. Digital inclusion in the Philippines helps bridge divides, fuel innovation and move toward a future where technology plays a central role in reducing poverty.

– Katelyn Leano

Katelyn is based in Plainfield, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Exploring the Gender Wage Gap in Timor-Leste

Gender Wage Gap in Timor-LesteTimor-Leste, one of Southeast Asia’s youngest nations, continues to grapple with a range of social and economic challenges, one of which is the gender wage gap. Despite progress in political representation and laws promoting equality, women in Timor-Leste frequently earn less than men, limiting their economic independence and the nation’s growth potential. Addressing the gender wage gap in Timor-Leste is vital for building a more resilient and inclusive economy.

Employment Disparities and Economic Impact

According to the Labour Force Survey 2021, women in Timor-Leste are significantly less likely to participate in the labor market than men. The labor force participation rate stood at 36.9% for men and only 24.2% for women. Of the total employed population of 234,300, only 92,300 were women compared to 142,000 men. Unemployment among women was also higher at 5.9% compared to 4.6% for men, highlighting the structural disadvantages women face in accessing stable and well-paid jobs.

The survey further found that women are more likely to be self-employed or contributing family workers and less likely to hold formal wage employment. This imbalance not only constrains women’s personal financial independence but also reduces household income and the nation’s overall productivity.

Key Factors Behind the Gender Wage Gap in Timor-Leste

  1. Educational Gaps: Reports finds that educational disadvantage is higher in poorer regions with illiteracy and school non-attendance more prevalent among women. On average, the number of unschooled or illiterate females per household, according to the Timor-Leste Survey of Living Standards (TLSLS), is almost 30% higher than that of males. This educational divide, coupled with limited access to upskilling training, restricts women’s ability to enter the labor force, thereby reinforcing income inequality and limiting long-term economic mobility.
  2. Traditional Gender Roles: A major factor behind women’s low participation in Timor-Leste’s labor force is the persistence of traditional gender roles that assign domestic duties primarily to women. Of the women outside the labor force, more than half (50%) are engaged in family responsibilities or housework, compared with only 32% of men. These figures reflect deep-rooted social expectations that women should prioritize unpaid household labor over paid employment. As a result, many women face interruptions in their careers or are unable to enter the workforce at all, which contributes directly to the gender wage gap.
  3. Social Norms: Social norms in Timor-Leste also influences who holds authority within families and communities. People widely regard men as the primary decision-makers and breadwinners, while women’s roles often involve supporting and managing the household. Many families see wives as better at budgeting and saving, and therefore take charge of daily expenses and household finances. However, this division reinforces a deeper imbalance where men “work” and earn, while women “save” and manage, keeping women’s economic roles confined to the private sphere. Such cultural attitudes discourages women’s participation in public life and entrepreneurship, and ultimately reinforce gender disparities in income, leadership and opportunities.

Efforts To Close the Gap

Timor-Leste has demonstrated a strong national commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s leadership through the launch of its second-generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAP 1325) for 2024–2028. This five-year plan, with technical assistance from UN Women, attempts to incorporate gender equality at every level of government, from community decision-making and security sector reform to peacebuilding and humanitarian relief. The new plan, which builds on the achievements of the first NAP, has a strong emphasis on women’s leadership and meaningful engagement, particularly in fields where representation is still low. With women already occupying 36.9% of parliamentary seats and the appointment of the nation’s first female military commander, the plan represents a persistent attempt to reduce gender disparities in leadership as well as in the larger social and economic spheres.

Future Opportunities

Timor-Leste has certainly made progress in addressing gender inequality over the years, but continued efforts are essential to closing the gender wage gap in Timor-Leste and promote greater economic equity.

Despite existing laws to guarantee equal compensation for equal labor, enforcement remains inconsistent. Timor-Leste should focus on strengthening enforcement of laws pertaining to fair pay, maternity leave and employment discrimination. Ensuring that women can truly benefit from protections they are entitled to is crucial in reducing the wage gap and improving women’s financial independence.

Furthermore, to overcome the education divide, more targeted efforts are necessary to enhance women’s access to education, especially in traditionally male-dominated disciplines like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Scholarships, incentives and awareness campaigns should also be fully accessible for both men and women in order to advance gender equality. By empowering women through education, Timor-Leste can therefore build a more inclusive workforce.

Looking Ahead

Though challenges remain, Timor-Leste has made significant strides towards gender equality. Ultimately, closing the gender wage gap in Timor-Leste benefits not just individuals but the entire nation, and Timor-Leste can then unlock its full economic potential, reducing poverty and fostering a more resilient and equitable society for all.

– Chris Tang

Chris is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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4 Female Artists Supporting Developing Countries

 

female artists supporting developing countriesMany female artists have used their platforms to participate in charity work, speaking out for and providing aid to developing countries in need. Here are four female artists you may not know who contributed to the development of countries in the developing world.

Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson is a Swedish pop artist who made her international debut in 2015, known for many hit songs including “Lush Life,” “Ain’t My Fault,” and “Never Forget You.” She has contributed to the development of countries in multiple ways, including her partnerships with Operation Smile and (RED), as well as her support for UNICEF.

Operation Smile is an organization that provides free cleft lip surgeries and comprehensive care to children whose families can not afford it. These surgeries are important as cleft lips cause feeding and speech complications, extremely short life expectancy and other serious issues. In 2018, Larsson spent her 21st birthday fundraising for the organization and volunteering with it in Ghana.

In 2018, the company Durex collaborated with (RED) (an organization that fights against global health injustices) to fundraise for the Keeping Girls in School program in South Africa. The program “aims to reduce new HIV infections and pregnancies among young women through encouraging girls to stay in education and improving access to sexual health and reproductive services.”

Larsson, alongside other celebrities and influencers, participated in a short film to encourage people to support this fundraiser. Additionally, she has participated in an exclusive livestream concert in collaboration with the brand IKEA, where she encouraged fans to donate to UNICEF.

Kehlani Ashley Parrish

Parrish is an American singer, songwriter and dancer known for multiple trending songs, including her hits “Nights Like This” and “Folded.” She has also supported developing countries through her song “Next 2 U,” using merchandise sales tied to the release to raise $555,000. The proceeds were donated to Operation Olive Branch, a platform that provides support to people in Gaza, as well as to communities in Sudan and the Congo.

Rachel Agatha Keen (RAYE)

RAYE is a London-based singer-songwriter best known for hits like “Escapism,” “Where Is My Husband?,” and “Prada.” RAYE is one of many female artists who are supporting developing countries by working with Global Citizen, an advocacy platform that aims to end extreme poverty globally. At Global Citizen’s annual festival, fans earn access to tickets by taking actions, such as signing petitions or completing tasks on the Global Citizen website, rather than paying for them. RAYE has supported Global Citizen by performing at its 2024 festival.

Alice Suki Waterhouse

Suki Waterhouse is an English actress, model and singer and the wife of “Twilight” actor Robert Pattinson. The “Good Looking” singer has supported developing countries through her involvement with Facing the World.

Facing the World is an organization that is dedicated to helping children with facial disfigurements in Vietnam. Additionally, she has attended the 2014 UNICEF U.K. Halloween Ball to help fundraise for children in Syria.

Final Remarks

Larsson, Kehlani, RAYE and Waterhouse are four or many female artists supporting developing countries. Indeed, they use their platforms to help those in need. 

– Renata N Hirmiz

Renata is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Seismograph Technology Solutions for Typhoon Bualoi

Seismograph TechnologyAccording to data measurements from the Nay Pyi Taw Seismological Observatory in the Philippines, the tropical storm typhoon Bualoi, which occurred in the West Pacific Ocean during September 2025, measured a strong 6.9 on the Richter scale. Typhoon Bualoi brought heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides that caused extensive damage to roads, buildings and bridges, along with power outages and numerous casualties in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. In Vietnam, 30,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm. Poverty rates remain high across Southeast Asia, where these three countries are located.

Tropical storms, such as Typhoon Bualoi, form over warm tropical oceans. When they intensify, they are classified as hurricanes, cyclones or typhoons, depending on the region in which they occur.

Typhoon Bualoi’s Impact on Vietnam’s Poverty and Infrastructure

According to Sky News reports, Typhoon Bualoi caused extensive flooding and landslides in Vietnam. Consequently, the town infrastructure of Vietnam became disarrayed, leading to the disconnection of roads and regional areas in the northern mountains of Son La and Lao Cai provinces, as well as central Nghe. Excessively high levels of water rose in the Thao River of Yei Bai to emergency levels, causing floods to overflow into residents’ houses.

Other news report stations have revealed that more than 200,000 homes, cities and farmland were destroyed by the typhoon, amounting to an approximate maximum of $600 million in damages. Tropical storms heighten and accelerate poverty due to the extensive cost of infrastructural repairs and disruption of town services. Poverty markers from the charity Oxfam indicate that 13 million people in Vietnam live in poverty.

Typhoon Bualoi also disrupted several transport networks: Vietnam’s Noi Bai International Airport had to suspend operations to ensure safety during the storm and Vietnam Railways Corporation canceled most services between Hanoi and the business hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Climate instability may have further worsened the storm’s impact, as rising global temperatures melt ice caps, raise sea levels and increase the likelihood of natural disasters.

Seismograph Technology Solutions 

The seismograph at the Filipino Nay Pyi Taw Seismological Observatory records ground oscillations caused by seismic waves from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and certain microseisms from storms at sea. Seismographs are built with electromagnetic sensor components that convert ground movement into electrical signals, which are recorded and processed by digital or analog circuitry. They can be calibrated to measure earthquake magnitude quantitatively, using scales such as the Richter scale.

Tropical storms, such as Typhoon Bualoi, leave detectable signatures in seismic data, as ocean waves generated by strong winds produce signals known as seismic fingerprints. Seismograph technology helps evaluate and assess these microseisms from typhoons, enabling authorities to implement effective evacuation plans and relief efforts according to the storm’s severity. More effective evacuation plans and a durable disaster risk management strategy, especially during the monsoon season, are crucial in reducing the widespread poverty caused by tropical storms.

Seismograph technology proved instrumental during Typhoon Bualoi, supporting the execution of evacuation protocols and the delivery of charitable aid to affected regions.

Innovative Seismograph Technology

Innovative seismograph technology has been developed for the enhanced detection of smaller, lighter and more types of seismic waves. The innovative technology employed mathematical research techniques in the field of polarization analysis, which involved studying the motion of particles in three dimensions to detect a wide range of polarized seismic waveforms. Such research has been pivotal in evaluating seismic waves from underground locations with minimal observation points.

The novel seismograph technology enhances the detection of earthquake seismic waves, facilitating the construction of more effective natural disaster risk assessments, as well as short-term and long-term preparedness for tropical storms. Building natural disaster shelters, implementing evacuation strategies and preparing for domestic flights, as well as irrigation dams and inland water transport, are all aspects of tropical storm preparedness.

Charity Response to Typhoon Bualoi

The charity ShelterBox supports relief efforts in regions affected by Bualoi through emergency shelters, solar lights, mosquito nets and blankets. The Samaritan’s Purse charity also provided aid to support the effects of the typhoon by distributing relief kits. It included food kits, cooking pots, mosquito nets, blankets and personal hygiene kits containing towels, soap and dental products, which were distributed to hundreds of families in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam.

Seismograph technology has been an instrumental solution, alongside other charitable outreach efforts, in alleviating poverty caused by tropical storms. By evaluating seismic waves, it facilitates more effective evacuation protocols and disaster preparedness.

– Deborah Asante

Deborah is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Behind The Numbers: The Story of HIV/AIDS in Niger

HIV/AIDS in NigerNiger has one of the lowest HIV rates in sub-Saharan Africa – but experts warn that low prevalence does not mean low risk. Behind the calm statistics lies a fragile health system, deep gender disparities and poverty that magnifies every infection.

According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), as of 2020, about 31,000 people in Niger live with HIV, with roughly 1,200 new infections each year. While Index Mundi cites adult prevalence remaining steady at just 0.2% as of the same period, only 68% of those infected were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), leaving nearly a third untreated. In a country where more than 40% of citizens live in extreme poverty, these gaps carry steep social and economic costs.

A Hidden Epidemic

Health officials warn that Niger’s low HIV rate masks deeper weaknesses in detection and prevention. In an interview with the University Research Co, a company focused on international development and health, Halima Mainassara, Chief of Party for the U.S. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) in Niger, reinforced the urgency of the disease, “Every new HIV case detected is important – their contacts also need to be tested,” says Mainassara, “This ensures that all individuals who test positive will receive treatment and that the virus cannot spread further.”

Despite gains – such as the integration of HIV and tuberculosis care in 262 treatment centers – resource shortages, long travel distances and stigma over HIV/AIDS in Niger still limit testing and follow-up, according to the World Health Organization – Africa (WHO AFRO). Per the same report, mortality among TB/HIV co-infected patients fell from 21% in 2019 to 14% in 2022, but coverage remains uneven between cities and rural areas.

Gender and Youth at the Margins

Women and young girls carry most of the burden. UNAIDS data from 2021 shows they account for just under 55% of HIV cases in Niger, reflecting social inequalities that restrict education, health care access and decision-making. Early marriage, gender-based violence and limited reproductive services heighten vulnerability.

“When a woman is divorced as a result of her HIV status, it is difficult for her to keep her children,” said Sona Soumaré Conté, President of an NGO working with HIV-positive women in Niger. “Their husbands are afraid their children will not be well taken care of or will become contaminated.”

A report by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) stated that adolescents are also at risk. Knowledge about HIV prevention among young people remains low, and misconceptions persist, especially in rural communities where sexual health education is scarce.

Poverty and the Global Connection

HIV and poverty form a vicious cycle. Illness limits productivity, weakens households and deepens food insecurity. A report that UNAIDS and the World Food Programme (WFP) did in 2022 found that for families already surviving on less than $2 a day, one untreated infection can mean lost income and school dropouts.

The link extends beyond Niger. Global efforts to end extreme poverty rely on stable, healthy populations. In the same report, the World Food Programme and UNAIDS launched a joint cash-transfer project that provides small stipends (≈ US $76 per quarter) to people living with HIV to improve treatment adherence, underscoring the inseparable link between health and development.

Solutions in Action

One organization leading change is Solthis, an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) partnering with Niger’s Ministry of Health to strengthen HIV prevention and care. Through its Lahiyata project launched in 2023, Solthis works in Maradi and Niamey to improve sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls, offering education, counseling and access to HIV and STI testing. In addition, Solthis technical support program helped train health workers, upgrade laboratories and expand treatment access nationwide. According to data from UNAIDS, between 2022 and 2023, more than one million pregnant women in Niger received voluntary HIV counseling and testing, linking many to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy.

Progress and the Path Ahead

Niger’s progress is real: ART coverage has grown from 26% in 2011 to 68% in 2020, likely attributed to the increase of foreign aid between 2015 and 2020 and Niger’s adoption of UNAIDS’ “90-90-90” prevention framework, and nationwide awareness campaigns are improving testing uptake. But sustainability is fragile. Most funding comes from international donors, and local programs risk collapsing if aid declines, per UNAIDS. To secure its future, Niger must expand ART coverage for HIV/AIDS in Niger, target key populations, and confront stigma through education and inclusion.

– Matt Irwin

Matt is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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5 Charities Operating in Taiwan That Reflect Confucianism

Charities Operating in TaiwanAccording to the Bertelsmann Stiftung Country Report (2022), 7.36% of the Taiwanese population is relatively impoverished. In other words, the poverty rate in Taiwan is relatively low. The low rate may be due to Taiwan’s strict definition of poverty. However, there is a cultural significance that expresses the value of well-being in humanity. For example, many members of Taiwanese society follow Confucianism, a set of philosophies that honors community and compassion for those in suffering and facing difficult times. Culture could explain why there are many organized and well-funded charities operating in Taiwan.  

Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation

The first of the charities operating in Taiwan is the Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation, which prioritizes the senior citizen community that is either living alone or experiencing the mental and physical challenges that come with aging. As of 2025, 20% of the Taiwanese population is age 65 or older, making Taiwan a “super-aged society.” Hondao is a key charity operating in Taiwan, prioritizing the growing elderly population dilemma by providing an accessible support network and services to the numerous aging individuals. Since Hondao’s development in 1995, it has developed 40 programs for older people. Every year, the organization impacts the lives of at least 10,000 senior citizens. In 2021, the organization provided disability assistance and daycare to 265,587 elders.

Homeless Taiwan Association

The Homeless Taiwan Association began in 2011 with a group of social workers from multiple eastern Asian countries. This charity operating in Taiwan strives to change the way poverty and homelessness are addressed. The Homeless Taiwan Association primarily fights for policies that will provide housing for people experiencing homelessness. Currently, the organization has 21 bed housing in four locations. Every year, the association is able to make a lasting impact on 30 to 50 individuals experiencing homelessness.  

The nonprofit understands that receiving public homeless housing is a challenging task, which is why the Homeless Taiwan Association runs the Hidden Taipei program to change the stigma surrounding the homeless population. Hidden Taipei offers guided tours by people who have experienced homelessness or are currently homeless. It’s a win-win for the tour guide and tourist. Guides earn 60% of the tour’s cost and change lives by sharing their life stories, while tourists listen, reflect and take in the cityscapes.

The Ark Association

The Ark Association’s mission is to bring love and care to every corner of Taiwan. Founder (and current Chairperson) Winny Wen began her journey in service work and volunteerism by dedicating her time to long-term care facilities. In 2014, the Ark Association originated. Today, the Ark Association truly touches lives in every corner of Taiwan by assisting multiple vulnerable groups. It mobilizes youth volunteers to help marginalized families, people without housing, older adults and rural areas. 

Specifically, the Ark Association is developing bathing centers that offer hygiene education for the homeless and delivering hot meals to individuals with unstable housing. Furthermore, the Ark Association is expanding outside of Taiwan by taking on school building projects in Nangquien, Qinghai and Cambodia.

Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation

In 1987, Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation (TWRF) originated. Its original purpose was to protect and support women who were victims of prostitution to Japanese soldiers during WWII. Today, the organization continues to help those victims through legal counseling and therapy options. Now, TWRF has broadened its support to domestic violence victims and to human trafficking victims. 

In 2005, 600,000 to 800,000 people in Taiwan were trafficking victims, and of that number, 50% were minors. From that point onward, TWRF began training volunteers to rescue underage sex trafficked victims. Continuing, TWRF also advocated for victims by contributing to lobbying. The TWRF has accomplished developing the “Children’s Welfare Act” and the “Youth’s Sexual Transaction Prevention Act” in order to protect these victims. Today, Taiwan’s trafficking in Persons Report reveals that the trafficking victims has significantly lowered to 279, thanks to organizations such as TWRF.

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity is dedicated to giving care to children with disabilities or special needs. The nonprofit offers a variety of resources for children with disadvantages to be raised in a safe, encouraging environment. According to the Taiwan Health and Welfare Report of 2023, 51,043 individuals between the ages of 0 – 17 have disability certificates. 

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity has a childcare development center that teaches music classes, gym activities, parent-child bonding activities and parent education lessons. Currently, the charity operates two group homes, a childcare center with therapy options and an emergency shelter that offers 24-hour access.

Looking Ahead

Charities operating in Taiwan are enriching lives one person at a time. These examples of charities demonstrate how Taiwanese culture is rooted in compassion. 

– Mireya Aguilar

Mireya is based in Layton, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Providing Health Care to Refugees in Border Countries

Health Care to RefugeesJordan is one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting countries relative to population. It shelters more than 3 million migrants and refugees, including more than 1.3 million Syrians, along with Iraqis, Palestinians, Yemenis and others. This influx has placed considerable strain on Jordan’s national health system, which must balance the needs of citizens with those of displaced populations. The challenge has grown increasingly political, raising questions of equity, inclusion and national identity.

Policy Evolution and the 2019 Reform

Jordan’s refugee health policy has evolved through a complex interplay of humanitarian priorities and national politics. Since 2012, the country’s Ministry of Health has collaborated with international partners, including UNHCR, WHO, UNICEF and bilateral donors, to integrate refugees into existing public health services, rather than establishing parallel systems. This model sought to ensure sustainability while maintaining the state’s control over its health infrastructure.

In April 2019, Jordan introduced a major policy change: Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR were permitted to access public health care at the “noninsured Jordanian rate,” effectively restoring access to government facilities after a period of reduced subsidies. This measure reflected an attempt to balance national cost constraints with humanitarian obligations and international diplomacy.

According to analyses by researchers, this decision was influenced by shifts in both domestic politics and global funding flows. Initial momentum for refugee inclusion, strong during the early years of the Syrian crisis, began to decline as fiscal pressures intensified and political attention shifted. Jordan’s leadership weighed the costs of long-term refugee care against concerns about public resentment and donor fatigue.

Donor Politics and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund

To sustain health-service delivery for refugees and vulnerable Jordanians, the government established the Jordan Response Plan (JRP) framework and a Health Sector Working Group. These bodies coordinate with the Jordan Health Fund for Refugees (JHFR), a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. This mechanism pools donor contributions from the European Union (EU), Canada, Germany and other countries to support public health facilities that treat refugees.

The fund represents a hybrid model where humanitarian assistance and national systems converge, blurring traditional lines between emergency relief and development aid. Such arrangements also reveal how refugee health policy in border-host states is inherently political. International partners influence policy through funding priorities, while Jordan’s government uses refugee-health initiatives to strengthen diplomatic ties and demonstrate regional stability. Researchers argue that this dynamic reflects “policy integration by necessity,” a balancing act between sovereignty and donor expectations.

Equity and Inclusion in Practice

Despite the use of inclusive policy language, access remains uneven. Studies of Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Jordan show that health care equity depends heavily on legal status, registration and location. Refugees registered with UNHCR generally qualify for subsidized public health services. However, unregistered or urban refugees often face high out-of-pocket costs.

Research also finds that gender, chronic illness and camp residency shape who can obtain care. For example, while camp-based refugees may receive consistent primary care from NGOs, urban refugees struggle with costs for hospital care and medicines. The WHO’s 2023 review noted that health service utilization among refugees is constrained by both financial and administrative barriers, even where policies formally allow for inclusion.

This disparity underscores how refugee health is as much a political question of belonging as a technical challenge. When governments define access tiers by citizenship or registration, they reaffirm boundaries of national identity, determining who is seen as part of the social contract and who remains outside it.

Health Care as Diplomacy and Strategy

Jordan’s refugee health policy has also become a form of regional diplomacy. By maintaining access for Syrians and cooperating closely with international agencies, Jordan projects stability and reliability to donors and neighboring states. The World Bank and WHO both highlight Jordan as a leading example of a country “integrating refugees into national systems” within the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

This approach aligns humanitarian and strategic interests: providing health care prevents disease outbreaks, reduces social tensions and supports regional security. It also strengthens Jordan’s leverage in international negotiations, where hosting millions of refugees positions the country as a key partner for the West.

Lessons for Other Border-Host States

Jordan’s effort illustrates that refugee health policy is not solely a humanitarian issue but a political ecosystem involving ministries, donors and citizens. Effective inclusion relies on sound fiscal planning, effective diplomatic management and public trust. When handled strategically, as in Jordan’s integration model, health care for refugees can enhance both human security and state resilience.

For other border-hosting nations, the Jordanian case offers three takeaways:

  1. Integrate refugee care into existing national systems rather than creating separate structures.
  2. Align donor funding mechanisms with government priorities to ensure sustainability.
  3. Recognize that equitable access to health care reinforces social cohesion and prevents instability.

Providing health care to refugees, therefore, is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic investment in regional peace and long-term system resilience.

– Clara Garza

Clara is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of Soil Degradation on Global Poverty

Soil Degradation
Healthy soil is at the heart of the food system, yet its decline is putting billions of lives at risk. For communities that rely on agriculture, fertile land is not just valuable; it’s essential. The impact of soil degradation on global poverty often goes unnoticed, but it impacts food security, economic stability and well-being worldwide. As soil loses nutrients and structure, harvests shrink and the cycle of poverty grows stronger.

How Soil Health Ties to Economic Stability

When land loses its vitality, rural livelihoods face immediate danger. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that about 1.7 billion people live in regions where crop yields are falling because of human-driven land degradation. This loss in productivity means families must choose between putting food on the table and paying for essentials like health care or education.

Smallholder farmers depend on healthy soil for their income, nutrition and resilience. Degraded land produces fewer crops, making it even tougher to break free from poverty. The strain can push entire communities toward unsustainable land use or risky ways of making a living, creating even greater challenges over time.

What Makes Data-Driven Farming Effective?

There is hope, though. Proven solutions exist to help communities turn things around. Sustainable land management practices can bring soil back to life and improve crop yields, helping families find a way out of poverty. These efforts focus on restoring fertility, stopping erosion and protecting the diversity that keeps soil healthy.

A key strategy involves thorough soil testing. When farmers know the exact makeup of their soil, they can spot nutrient gaps that hold back growth. With this information, they can make better choices about fertilizers or which crops to plant next. Soil sampling can reveal critical insights about what is missing beneath the surface, giving farmers the confidence to put resources where they matter most and boost productivity.

Which Actions Help Restore Vital Soil?

Communities, organizations and governments have found several effective ways to improve soil health.

  • Agroforestry: Growing trees together with crops helps prevent soil erosion and improves water retention.
  • Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops between main harvests shields soil and adds much-needed organic matter.
  • Conservation Tillage: Disturbing the ground less keeps its helpful microbes and structure intact.
  • Crop Rotation: Changing up crops between seasons puts nutrients back into the soil and keeps pests in check.

As these practices take hold, they help communities build resilience to climate change and shape brighter economic futures. Solving the impact of soil degradation on global poverty is not only an environmental goal—it is a vital step toward a more equitable and food-secure world.

– Kelly Schoessling

Photo: Flickr