Archive for category: Child Poverty

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Combating Child Marriage in Bhutan

Child Marriage in BhutanChild marriage remains a pressing concern in Bhutan, casting a shadow over the lives of countless girls and perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Despite efforts to address this harmful practice, cultural norms, poverty and gender disparity continue to fuel its prevalence.

Child Marriage Statistics in Bhutan

According to a report from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 26% of women aged 20 to 24 in Bhutan were married before the age of 18, with 6% of them getting married before age 15. These numbers translate to more than 79,000 child brides in the country, with 1 in 4 young women experiencing marriage during childhood. Particularly prevalent in regions like Samdrup Jongkhar, Dagana, Sarpang and Mongar, child marriage persists as a deeply entrenched social issue.

Factors Driving Child Marriage

Poverty emerges as a significant driver of child marriage, as families from less educated and economically disadvantaged backgrounds often resort to marrying off their daughters early. Limited education among teenage girls exacerbates the problem, with more than 70% of child brides having received minimal or no formal education. Although urban areas have seen a decline in child marriage rates, rural regions continue to grapple with the practice, perpetuated by traditional customs like cross-cousin marriages and arranged unions among children.

Consequences of Early Marriage

The consequences of early marriage are dire, particularly concerning girls’ health, education and overall well-being. Shockingly, 90% of women (who were married before age 18) aged 20 to 24 in Bhutan have given birth before the age of 18 or 20, posing significant risks to maternal and neonatal health.

Moreover, early marriage erects formidable barriers to accessing education and socioeconomic opportunities for young women, further entrenching cycles of poverty and inequality. Married girls are also at heightened risk of domestic abuse and pregnancy-related complications and are more prone to dropping out of school, with far-reaching implications for their prospects.

Initiatives to Combat Child Marriage

Bhutan has taken steps to address adolescent health issues and combat child marriage through initiatives like the Youth Friendly Health Services program. The program, active from 2013 to 2018, aimed to improve youth access to health care while discouraging early marriage and increasing community awareness.

Grassroots efforts, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have also seen 20 communities publicly commit to eradicating harmful practices, including child, early and forced marriage. In alignment with these efforts, Bhutan’s Marriage Act of 2017 establishes the legal marriage age at 18 for both genders, with no exceptions.

Furthermore, the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA) deems engagement in marriage or sexual activity with a child as statutory rape. However, enforcement of these laws remains lacking, particularly in remote rural areas.

Call for Comprehensive Strategies

However, it is imperative to recognize that lasting change requires sustained commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders involved in addressing this critical issue. To effectively combat child marriage, concerted efforts are needed from governmental, civil society and international entities to enforce existing laws and address underlying factors such as poverty and gender disparity.

By advocating for change at multiple levels, a world where every girl has the opportunity to realize her full potential and lead a life of dignity and empowerment can be created.

– Sandeep Kaur

Sandeep is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Alleviating Child Poverty in Eswatini

Poverty in EswatiniThe kingdom of Eswatini is a small country in Southern Africa. It is a landlocked nation surrounded by South Africa to its north, west and south and Mozambique to its east. While it takes only three hours to travel from Eswatini’s western to eastern borders, this country’s intriguing traditions, wildlife, festivals, ceremonies and public events are some of the primary reasons tourists frequent it. Nevertheless, around 58.9% of the population of Eswatini lives below the national poverty line. Within this population, 56.5% of Swazi children are multidimensionally poor, meaning they lack adequate nutrition, housing, clothing, sanitation, water, health care, education and information and communication technology (ICT). Fortunately, many organizations are working to serve children in Eswatini.

HIV Infections Among Swazi Children

HIV is a particularly cruel form of child poverty in Eswatini. With one of the highest rates of HIV infections globally, the country is grappling with the devastating impact of this disease. Currently, approximately 26% of Swazis suffer from this disease. In 2020, more than 13,000 children between the ages of 0 and 14 were living with HIV.

Fortunately, Eswatini has made significant progress in its war on HIV. It is one of two African nations in history to not only meet but exceed the 95-95-95 global HIV treatment targets in 2020 and the number of HIV infections is declining every year. In 2022, the Pact organization reported that more than 6,000 Swazi children were supported with HIV services through its Ready, Resourceful, Risk Aware project.

Further, in 2023, through a mobile clinic, the World Food Programme (WFP) provided treatment literacy training to 135 caregivers and 1,800 children at 46 neighborhood care points (NCPs) in Eswatini. Working with Eswatini’s government, the WFP created safety nets for Swazis affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS. The target of these safety nets was 27,000 at-risk children at NCPs and specific Swazi schools.

Malnutrition Among Swazi Children

Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among children in developing countries, representing a significant aspect of child poverty in Eswatini. One consequence of chronic malnutrition among Swazi children is stunting, which occurs when a child is shorter than average for their age. In 2022, the stunting rate for Swazi children stood at 20%. Additionally, malnutrition contributes to child wasting, a condition characterized by thinness relative to height and a weak immune system. About 2% of Swazi children aged less than 5 experience wasting and one in 20 is underweight.

Many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are helping Swazis fight against child malnutrition, with one standout leader being the WFP. In 2023, the WFP played a pivotal role in addressing child malnutrition in Eswatini through various initiatives. By identifying the most undernourished populations across the country, the WFP targeted its efforts where they were most needed.

Through the innovative home-grown school feeding program pilot, nutritious meals were provided to NCPs, which serve as a combination of soup kitchens and informal preschools offering food, daycare and education to orphaned and vulnerable children. By implementing this program and working with Eswatini’s Ministry of Education, the WFP provided 23,000 school children with healthy food.

Clean Water and Sanitation for Swazi Children

One in three Swazis does not have access to clean water. Consequently, more than 200 Swazi children aged less than 5 die yearly from diarrhea caused by poor toilets and dirty water. Therefore, to attain number six on the United Nations (U.N.) list of Sustainment Development Goals, Eswatini has determined to provide all Swazis with fair and universal access to clean, safe, affordable water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030.

Further, many organizations, such as World Vision and WaterAid, are working to provide Swazi children with clean water and better sanitation. In 2022, World Vision and WaterAid provided clean water to local regions throughout Eswatini, enabling more children to enroll in Eswatini’s schools and spend more time learning.

Final Remark

Many Swazi children continue to find everyday life difficult. However, men and women in and outside Eswatini work night and day to create a brighter future for these children.

– Jacob Stubbs

Jacob is based in Indianapolis, IN, US and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Helping Schoolchildren in Uganda Using Simple Technology

Schoolchildren in UgandaIn 2014, South Korean Park Joong-Ryeol created a small company in Uganda. He aimed to alleviate the problems that schoolchildren in Uganda face while traveling for water. This company is Jerrybag. It makes lightweight but sturdy bags to make transporting water more accessible and safer. Since its inception, the company has donated more than 18,000 Jerrycan bags to 30 schools in Africa.

Water Problems in Uganda

In Uganda, water is a scarce resource. In rural areas, it is difficult for citizens to get any water. Some estimates state that one in four people lack access to clean water. Women and children usually travel long distances to collect water for themselves and their families to survive. On average, they trek six kilometers and spend two hours each day getting water.

This grueling task deprives children of education, as they must prioritize fetching water over schooling and poses serious health risks. Schoolchildren in Uganda burdened with transporting heavy 10-kilogram jerrycans of water unaided suffer from spinal pain, with a study revealing that 62% of them experience such discomfort.

Moreover, the lack of paved sidewalks on rural roads exacerbates the dangers faced by these children. Forced to walk alongside cars, they are constantly at risk, with statistics highlighting the alarming rate of fatalities due to road accidents. In Uganda, for instance, an average of 12 people per day lost their lives in car accidents in 2022, compared to five per day in Britain during the same period. The unsafe conditions of these roads further compound the challenges encountered by children in their daily lives.

Jerrycan Bags

The Jerrycan bag is a waterproof backpack that fits a Jerrycan. It eases the burden for kids while they are transporting water. The bag features a reflective “SLOW DOWN” sign to notify drivers to combat the dangerous roads. Jerrybag adopts a holistic approach by empowering local women in Kampala through employment opportunities. By hiring these women to produce the bags, the company not only improves the lives of children but also contributes to economic empowerment in the community.

In recognition of its impactful work, Jerrybag received the prestigious Seoul Design Award in 2023. The award is given to projects that create sustainable solutions to everyday problems, underscoring the significance of Jerrybag’s work. Funding its operations in Uganda through its South Korea website, Jerrybag sustains its mission by selling merchandise and allocating a portion of the proceeds to its studio in Uganda. As the company’s popularity grows, it can scale up production to provide more bags for children in need. Jerrybag currently produces more than 400 bags monthly, exemplifying its commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of children and communities in Uganda.

Jerrybag’s impact extends beyond providing water-carrying solutions in Uganda; the company has also played a significant role in supporting the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demonstrating its commitment to community welfare, Jerrybag generously donated 4,870 hygiene kits and 14,160 masks, aiding the country’s efforts to combat the spread of the virus. Furthermore, Jerrybag engages in initiatives to empower disadvantaged children through design workshops, fostering creativity and skill development.

Final Remark

Jerrybag is a simple but creative solution to the struggle schoolchildren in Uganda face. The company’s success shows how basic changes like a new backpack can make a difference.

– Richard Sartor

Richard is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Parent Education Improving Childcare in Rwanda

Childcare in RwandaChildren are among the most vulnerable, often suffering from life-threatening conditions as a result of a severe lack of economic and social resources. Consequences include malnourishment and limited learning opportunities, all related to poverty. Research has shown a link between children’s poverty and their childhood health as well as later health outcomes as adults.

Health Impact and Stunting

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 38% of Rwandan children are stunted, meaning their cognitive, motor and language abilities are severely impaired. This is a direct result of a child’s early development in life, which plays a crucial role in determining long-term educational outcomes. Children who come from low-income households are three times as likely than those in wealthier households to experience stunting. This significant disproportion showcases poverty as playing an important role.

Home Environment and Childhood Development

The home environment and parents are significant in shaping early childhood development. According to UNICEF, only one in five parents in Rwanda engages in early childhood learning activities in the home. Children are also limited in their opportunities to attend preschool or engage in other educational learning opportunities. Malnourished children are at a higher risk of becoming stunted, limiting their learning ability in the future.

Government Action

To assist parents, UNICEF and the Rwandan government worked together to implement initiatives to improve childcare. In 2019, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, The National Parenting Curriculum was commissioned, aiming to enhance parent education and familial support.

The National Parenting Curriculum also outlines initiatives to reduce stunting and malnutrition among Rwandan children. It emphasizes the need for childhood development to begin long before school starts. The document also stresses the role of parents in helping to support children further.

Parental education can help keep children engaged and improve their quality of life to keep them sustained and out of poverty.

On-The-Ground Solutions

Extensive strategies from the Rwandan government and advocacy organizations are helping to mitigate the dangerous impact of poverty on childcare in Rwanda. One such initiative fighting on the ground is the Children of Rwanda.

Children of Rwanda is a nonprofit supporting children unable to attend school in Western Rwanda. The organization works directly with local schools to provide bursaries to children struggling with education costs. In addition, families also receive health insurance. The foundation has empowered more than 250 children to return to their local schools.

Looking Ahead

According to a policy research paper published by the World Bank examining global trends in poverty among children in international poverty lines, the extreme child poverty rate was reduced from 20.7% to approximately 16% between 2013 and 2022. This underscores the importance of government collaboration with humanitarian aid organizations in improving early childhood development and eradicating child poverty.

Recognizing the need for reform and support can help increase awareness of the dangerous effects of poverty on the well-being of children. We can prevent poverty and it all starts with supporting the children of the future.

– Dominic Samaniego

Dominic is based in Fullerton, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology and Solutions, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in Georgia

Child Poverty in GeorgiaNestled between Turkey and Russia, Georgia beckons with its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Yet beneath the surface of this picturesque landscape lies the stark reality of child poverty in Georgia.

The Challenge

Children in Georgia are disproportionately more susceptible to poverty than any other demographic group. Georgia continues to grapple with the absence of a comprehensive social protection system tailored to the needs of children, failing to support families and bolster their capacity to withstand adversity adequately. Deficiencies persist in legislation and policies geared towards prioritizing children and providing financial assistance and access to essential social services.

Consequently, numerous vulnerable families and children, including those with disabilities, victims of violence, minorities, and those from impoverished backgrounds, continue to be marginalized and underserved. In 2020, while the absolute poverty rate for the total population is 21.3%, this rate is higher for children at 26.4%, according to UNICEF.

The March 2020 declaration of a state emergency inflicted severe consequences on individuals in Georgia, exacerbating the plight of numerous families. Those already living in overcrowded households faced heightened vulnerability, pushing them deeper into poverty. Around 146,000 children aged 0 to 17 had a lower capacity to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF reports. However, strong economic recovery in 2021 and 2022 translated into poverty reductions, with an estimated 15.6% of the population below the poverty line.

Targeted Social Assistance (TSA)

Georgia invests 7% of its GDP in social protection initiatives, according to UNICEF. The country implemented three main cash transfer programs in the last 15 years, the most prominent being the Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) program. As of October 2018, approximately 11.2% of the population in Georgia was receiving TSA cash benefits. Around 12% of children ages 0 to 15 live in a household with at least one member who receives TSA cash benefits. In addition, 14.2% of children of that same age group live in a household where a family member receives transfers from the Child Benefit Programme (CBP).

To help alleviate child poverty in Georgia, UNICEF has continuously worked with the Georgia government to improve the TSA program. It advocates for the enhancement and oversight of legislation and policies aimed at rendering the social protection system more conducive to the needs of children. Its efforts entail aiding the government in comprehending the underlying patterns and catalysts of exclusion, thereby influencing policy discourse and the allocation of public finances.

In addition, UNICEF collaborates in the development, adaptation, piloting and potential scaling-up of child-sensitive cash transfer programs, including child benefits, to further diminish child poverty in Georgia. Its ultimate goal is to ensure that the most vulnerable families with children possess the means to navigate economic upheavals and cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment for their children.

Childcare and Social Protection Services

Moreover, UNICEF strives to establish connections between childcare and social protection services, drawing upon recent achievements and insights gleaned from reforms in childcare and targeted social assistance. To highlight some of the success, UNICEF reports that since 2017, the revised TSA program has significantly improved the identification of poor families with children. In addition, the new child benefit contributes to reducing child poverty in Georgia. While commendable, past successes in reducing child poverty in Georgia underscore the ongoing need for further efforts. Despite remaining challenges, Georgia remains committed to reform and endeavors to steer its economic trajectory toward sustained prosperity in the future.

Reflecting on the successes achieved in reducing child poverty in Georgia, it is evident that UNICEF’s collaborative efforts with the government have been instrumental. UNICEF has made significant progress in supporting vulnerable families with children through initiatives such as the enhanced TSA program and the implementation of child-sensitive cash transfer programs.

However, despite these achievements, the persistent existence of child poverty in Georgia highlights the ongoing need for further action. As socioeconomic landscapes evolve and new challenges emerge, the Georgian government and UNICEF must continue their commitment to addressing child poverty. With continued dedication and collaboration, Georgia’s vision of a poverty-free future for its children can be realized. By addressing systemic barriers, enhancing program effectiveness, and prioritizing the needs of children and families, they can build upon past successes and pave a path toward a future where every child in Georgia has the opportunity to thrive.

– Maya DaSilva

Maya is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Global Health and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Food for the Poor Is Fighting Poverty in Honduras

Food for the PoorHonduras is located in Central America and suffers from high levels of poverty. According to the World Bank, Honduras is one of the poorest and most unequal countries in the Central American region, with more than 50% of the population living in poverty. Food insecurity in the region remains high due to climate activities and the poor economic state of the country.

Furthermore, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) estimates that 23% of all children less than 5 years old in Honduras suffer from stunting as a result of chronic malnutrition and how vital it is that this issue be addressed.

Food for the Poor (FFTP)

Food For the Poor began operating in Honduras in 1999 in order to help mitigate the effects of Hurricane Mitch, which battered Central America in 1998. FFTP works alongside charities such as CEPUDO, which is a locally-based charity operating in San Pedro Sula. Currently, FFTP is involved in 99 projects and aims to:

  • Builds schools to provide access to education above grade six.
  • Establish livelihood and income-generation projects.
  • Ship and distribute food to support nutrition programs at schools and community centers.
  • Ship medicine, pharmaceuticals and supplies to hospitals and clinics across the country.
  • Build safe and secure homes for families.
  • Send items to be included in emergency kits as part of emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Furthermore, in an effort to combat food insecurity in the region, FFTP partnered with Feeding My Starving Children and sent 62,208 MannaPack Rice meals to hundreds of Honduran families facing food insecurity in 2023. MannaPacks are a special meal for malnourished children that contains protein, vitamins and minerals. It is aimed at undernourished children in the Global South.

Partnerships

In 2009, FFTP partnered with CEPUDO to provide 5,000 Honduran schoolchildren with new desks and 48,000 residents with new shoes. This was in addition to the $204 million worth of educational supplies, food and health care items donated by FFTP in the previous years. The Executive Director of FFTP claimed that the most important way of breaking the cycle of poverty is through education and that was the spark behind the desk program.

CEPUDO and FFTP also provide workshops and training classes in education and community centers to aid poverty-stricken communities. Currently, the organizations are building a sustainable village in San Antonio. The village will “provide greater access to education, food, health, income generation and safe housing for families in need.”

This sustainable village will feature a vocational agricultural school. Additionally, there will be a health clinic designed to serve more than 1,000 residents and a women’s income-generation center. The organizations are also supporting local coffee farmers and implementing women’s empowerment training workshops that support careers in baking, sewing and more.

– Cordelia Moore

Cordelia Moore is based in Lewes, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Soldiers in Sudan

Child Soldiers in SudanSudan has been rife with conflict since its first civil war in 1955 when the north and south clashed. In 2005, they agreed to stop fighting and in 2011, South Sudan became its own country. But in the meantime, there have been ongoing tensions, especially in the Darfur region since 2003. Even though they made another peace deal in 2020 to have a temporary government, there was a military coup soon after and the fighting started again in 2023.

Across Sudanese conflicts, child soldiers are a consistent humanitarian concern, with most nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) emphasizing their recruitment in the South. However, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), approximately 6,500 children served in armed groups in northern Sudan during the civil war, with around 70% serving in Darfur alone. This trend continued with armed groups recruiting more than 400 children between 2011 and 2020 and an 11% increase in recruitment just in 2023.

The Multi-Faceted Reality of Child Soldiers in Sudan

Children become soldiers for a variety of reasons. While some are forced into service by armed groups, many, especially those separated from their parents, do so “voluntarily.” Sudan’s conflict has caused extreme poverty and widespread violence, leaving children with few alternatives than to turn to the armed forces simply out of a need for their resources and protection.

Though some children may become soldiers consensually, such activity is still a violation of international humanitarian law. It can have severe long-term consequences on child soldiers, ranging from physical to psychological illness. The experiences of child soldiers, which are often the drivers of such trauma, are characterized by violence during an age when development is most vulnerable.

Child soldiers are not only combatants but may, in fact, serve a variety of roles. Recruitment may mean a child is utilized in the armed forces as a cook, porter, messenger or spy; many sexually exploit children, too. Limiting the scope of what a child soldier is to exclude these distinct forms of abuse can leave certain victims out of the reintegration process.

Understanding this nuance is crucial not only for grasping how child soldiers in Sudan serve but also for pinpointing where they serve. Though initially conscripted in areas like Darfur, many armed groups train child soldiers in Sudan for the sole purpose of being sent to combat zones elsewhere. Several reports indicate that dangerous conflicts ranging from Yemen to Libya may employ child soldiers from Sudan.

Solutions

Several organizations have played key roles in aiding child soldiers in Sudan and Darfur. In 2007, the United Nations (U.N.) initiated the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) to mediate hostilities, aiding child soldiers’ transition back into society through a process known as Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR). UNAMID oversaw several releases of child soldiers for reintegration. In 2011, The Sudan Liberation Army / Historical Leadership (SLA/HL) released 70 child soldiers, of which 24 were girls. Similarly, the Sudanese government released 21 child soldiers in 2016. Following the 2020 peace agreement, UNAMID ended its operations.

Subsequently, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission (UNITAMS) was created to uphold the peace agreement and oversee Sudan’s transition to democratic rule. Continuing much of UNAMID’s goals, UNITAMS had “a strong child protection mandate,” which allowed for the monitoring of any human rights violations against children and the further facilitation of DDR. However, a military coup stopped the democratic transition in 2021, preventing UNITAMS from fulfilling this mandate. UNITAMS ultimately ended its operations on Feb. 29, 2024.

NGOs have also been essential to ending the recruitment of child soldiers in Sudan, with one of them being War Child. War Child is known for many campaigns, but in 2019, it launched its Can’t Wait to Learn program in Sudan, intervening in children’s education as early as possible to dissuade them from becoming soldiers. This targets the issue of recruitment at its source, bringing quality education to an impoverished population. War Child reached 2,667 children in 2019 alone but ended its operations following the resumption of conflict.

Final Remark

Despite the challenges, supporting organizations working toward ending poverty and the recruitment of child soldiers remains one of the best strategies to ensure the future of reintegration and demobilization in Sudan.

– Jacob Rampino
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Child Poverty in Guinea-Bissau

Child Poverty in Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissau is a former Portuguese colony that has historically had much instability and political coups. The country gained independence in 1974 but with its long and arduous struggle against the colonial power, there have been several attempted coups in Guinea-Bissau. The most vulnerable of society are those who feel the consequences of Guinea-Bissau’s long history of instability and struggle: the children of Guinea-Bissau are hit the hardest. In regards to child poverty in Guinea-Bissau as of 2021, 5.8% of the population of Guinea-Bissau has at least one school child not enrolled in school while 44.1% of the adult population has not completed primary education. Additionally, even those who are in education are typically living under the international poverty line anyway.

Child Labor and Poverty

Poverty in this sense is not just measured in fiscal terms but rather in access to opportunities and resources. SOS Children’s Village estimates that 75% of children may not have access to housing, clean water or education. Additionally, child labor is a routine and necessity for many families. As many as 17% of children in Guinea-Bissau are child laborists which can cause both physical and mental harm.

Child labor can also lead to other exploitations; sexual, economic or slavery. This also affects children attending school. Currently, around 200,000 children in Guinea-Bissau have to work. Female children are particularly at risk of child marriage, violence and female genital mutilation which becomes a contributing factor to child poverty in Guinea-Bissau, according to SOS Children’s Village.

A Fragile Country

The World Bank defines Guinea-Bissau as “fragile,” which some have argued as a challenge for development tactics, whereas UNICEF argues the context of risk requires different approaches to international aid and development to adapt. Some argue that fragile countries have weaker trust in institutions. This creates a very difficult environment for those trying to help alleviate child poverty in Guinea-Bissau, however in recent years the EU’s Multi Indicative Programme 2021-2027 intends to improve cooperation from the EU to Guinea Bissau. In particular, the EU plans to intervene with three strategic priorities in Guinea-Bissau including: “Support[ing] Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health towards a Universal Health Coverage System – DAC 120” and “Enhance[ing] the Governance of the Education System and contribute to developing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) – DAC 110.”

The Government tried to rectify the issue of child poverty through the Convention on the Rights of the Child which aimed to create an effective child protection system but due to the political and military instability of the state the Convention has made slow progress. The United Nations has indicated that high illiteracy rates and cultural traditions mean that the Convention’s policies and changes have been delayed in their implementation. Additionally, Guinea-Bissau has slowed down the progress of the Convention by not officially translating the most common languages forcing those organizations still fighting for children in Guinea-Bissau to use ad-hoc and potentially inaccurate translations of the Convention.

Solutions

SOS Children Villages describe the children of Guinea-Bissau as being at risk due to the country’s difficult political and social situation but offers hope as recently have acknowledged that child mortality rates have improved. As many as 270 children and young people grow up under SOS Children’s Villages’ care in its flagship program to reduce child poverty in Guinea Bissau. SOS Children’s Villages has a dedication to improving the lives of children without parental care/at risk of losing parental care. It achieves this through their three step mantra; prevention, protection and advocacy. Prevention aims to keep families together to avoid child-parent separation while protection includes training foster parents in care standards and supporting young people with self-reliance. Finally, its advocacy focuses on making systemic change through policies by bringing the discussion of child poverty in Guinea-Bissau to the forefront of various platforms.

Other thinktanks such as The World’s Children’s Prize encourage the general public to speak out against child poverty in Guinea-Bissau by enfranchising people’s agency to say what they think and vocally speak out against child poverty.

– Sona Nikoghosyan
Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need To Know about Child Poverty in Palau

Child Poverty in PalauPalau, an archipelago, emerges as a tiny island nation spanning a mere 458 square kilometers in the vast expanse of Oceania. The country’s population, estimated at approximately 21,779 in 2023, harbors a notable proportion of vulnerable young individuals, with around 21.6% below 18. While Palau boasts commendable achievements in health care, evidenced by its low child mortality rates compared to other Pacific Islands Countries and Territories (PICTs) groups, with the “Under 5 Mortality” rate (Per 1,000) being 13.3%, it still confronts issues of poverty that afflict its youngest inhabitants.

Palau’s Economic Landscape

Palau’s economic landscape predominantly revolves around tourism, supported by agriculture and fishing. Palau is an upper-middle-income country with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of US$13,230 in 2023. However, extreme poverty persists, particularly in rural regions with limited access to resources. The causes of family and subsequent child poverty in Palau are multifaceted and volatile. Palau also faces challenges similar to those of other PICTs. Theses include limited access to global markets, fragile resource bases, limited economies of scale, vulnerability to global economic changes and natural disasters that cause economic shocks.

The Extent of Child Poverty in Palau

The United Nations (U.N.) finds approximately 30% of children aged less than 14 living below the basic needs poverty line as of 2006. This is a huge indicator of child poverty in Palau. Children who grow up in poverty lack the necessities of life, such as food, cleanliness, shelter, health care and education. Globally, around one billion children are “multidimensionally” impoverished, which means they lack basic requirements such as nutritious food and safe water.

There is an absence of comprehensive data on childhood wasting and stunting, which is hindering efforts to address malnutrition and its adverse effects on child development. Equally concerning is the prevalence of obesity among Palauan youth, with a staggering 35% of them being classified as overweight or obese. These statistics prove that there is an urgent need for action to address not only material deprivation but also nutritional provision in food and underlying health disparities among Palau’s children.

Efforts to Combat Child Poverty in Palau

In response to these challenges, in collaboration with governmental and nongovernmental entities, the National Youth Council (NYC) of Palau plays an imperative role in advocating for youth empowerment and social inclusion. In the long run, this can be seen as a benefit to upskilling the youth. It provides them with better employment opportunities and, hence, leaves them less vulnerable.

NYC Palau, established in 2004, is dedicated to empowering youth by collaborating with government and NGOs to offer various services and activities. Through extensive research and database management, it monitors youth engagement in various sectors, assesses their well-being and addresses issues such as substance abuse, unemployment and conflicts with the law. Using this data, NYC Palau formulates policy mandates to achieve youth empowerment goals, setting targets for partner organizations.

President Tommy Remengesau also declared 2016 the “Year of the Youth” to prioritize youth welfare and enable an environment for their development. The declaration aims to implement a comprehensive youth strategy through the council that promotes all organizations to better identify and serve the interests of Palau’s youth. Additionally, NYC Palau implements career counseling programs, school-specific initiatives and schemes to enhance Palau’s labor market, which are often supported by grants.

Palau’s Commitment to Child Rights

Palau’s commitment to combating child labor, a grave reality and consequence of child poverty, is also displayed by its ratification of Convention No. 182 by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The 182nd Convention of ILO addresses the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. This includi slavery, sexual exploitation, the involvement of children in armed conflict, prostitution, pornography and drug trafficking that endanger children’s health, morality or psychological well-being.

In 2019, Palau took significant steps to protect children from the worst forms of child labor by enacting a new Penal Code. This legislation specifically targets child pornography and the trafficking of children for labor exploitation, underscoring Palau’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and welfare. This is in addition to its impressive Realization of Children’s Rights Index score of 8.17 out of 10.

Final Remark

Child poverty in Palau is a multifaceted issue that demands nuanced solutions and collaborative efforts across sectors. Palau can chart a path toward sustainable development and social justice by continuing to address the underlying determinants of poverty, investing in education and health care and prioritizing youth empowerment.

– Malaikah Niyazi
Photo: Flickr

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CARE’s Work Toward Ending Child Marriage

Child MarriageChild marriage (CM) violates human rights and has detrimental effects on the lives and welfare of girls. Although there are legal prohibitions against the marriage of underage girls, cultural and social norms often take precedence over these enforced laws. However, nonprofit foundations and organizations are working toward eradicating the practice worldwide.

Among them is CARE, a nongovernmental organization that started in 1945 after Arthur Ringland and Dr. Lincoln Clark advocated for the establishment of a nonprofit entity designed to transfer food packages from America to Europe during World War II (WWII). Throughout the years, CARE developed other aid initiatives serving crises in response to changing global political dynamics, including the Berlin Blockade and the Korean War.

In 1982, programs for women’s advancement were established in Bangladesh. Similarly, in 1993, CARE targeted its efforts into prioritizing the empowerment of girls and women to tackle poverty. Today, the nonprofit works in up to 109 countries worldwide and has become a global organization working toward gender justice, among other causes.

CARE’s Approach

CARE has approached the fight against child marriage through a primary program called “Tipping Point.” The initiative was implemented from 2013 to 2023, in Bangladesh and Nepal in South Asia and adapted in West Africa, Mali, Niger and Northern Syria in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program consisted of three phases.

The first phase, which lasted for four years, prioritized innovations and learnings by engaging adolescents and parents in sessions in which open dialogue was encouraged. A central effort in this phase was to challenge deep rooted harmful social norms related to CM. During weekly sessions with separate groups of girls and boys, the kids were encouraged to self-reflect and think about love, their strengths and their dreams, as well as unequal social norms such as girls’ mobility, division of labor, restrictions on girls and risks of Child marriage.

Additionally, boys worked on reflecting on their masculinity. The sessions with the mothers were focused on reproductive health, family planning and also their own agency. Part of these sessions included discussions about their relationships with the children and generally building soft skills within connections at the family level.

Second Phase

The second phase, which lasted three years, invested in creating spaces for all community members to reflect on the unequal social norms. Suniti Neogy, CARE’s Senior Technical Advisor, says that work at the community level was also a crucial part of the program, working toward changing norms around issues that girls grappled with, such as mobility and access to education.

Sessions were also held with religious leaders, school teachers and government officials on reflections on issues of equality, workload, sexual health, virginity and honor, including the risks and benefits of CM. CARE’s fight against CM begins with opening the dialogue among and between the families and the girls. “If you work on girls’ or women’s empowerment, but you don’t work with the families or you don’t work with the community around them, it’s not easy to change that,” says Neogy.

The third and final phase of “Tipping Point,” also lasting three years, used experience from the previous two phases to advocate for policies addressing core factors propelling the practice of CM. The final phase also connected girls with women’s rights organizations so they could find support beyond the program.

Challenges

Neogy says a primary challenge when fighting CM is how “everybody thinks that we are there to stop Child Marriage.” According to her, the question “How many child marriages did you stop?” is frequently asked in government forums. “If her confidence is not built, if she’s not even able to speak for herself, if she continues to have no agency, it will not make a difference in her life if she’s married today or tomorrow,” stated Neogy.

According to Neogy, prevention is the only way to combat Child Marriage. She says the work has to be done with different sectors and different stakeholders so that “from all sides, it’s the same language that is spoken.”

CARE’s Director of “Tipping Point,” Serkadis Amassu, says that combating CM with law reforms has not worked. She states that the practice is highly intrinsic to social and gender norms, with some communities in South Asia believing that marrying girls will bring respect to the family and save them from potential disgrace if the girl becomes pregnant before marriage.

Girls in Action

Girls in Action is also a part of CARE’s gender transformative program. The model brought together girls from different communities in Bangladesh and encouraged them to identify an issue in their community that hindered them from achieving their dreams and aspirations.

Through surveys, the girls collected data regarding that issue within their communities and they then presented it to the parents and other community members. Neogy says activities like this encouraged the girls to speak out, negotiate with their parents and build a relationship between the girls.

Success Story

CARE’s “Tipping Point” program concluded in December of 2023. However, its accomplishments toward bettering the lives of girls and adolescents still linger in the communities. Data published by the organization shows a reduction of CM by 63% in girls who attended 36 to 40 “Tipping Point” sessions in Bangladesh, the country with the fourth most cases of CM worldwide.

Overall, CARE’s published results show a favorable shift in social norms concerning girls’ freedom and agency, as well as a betterment of collective community efforts to uphold girls’ rights over time across various sectors.

– Paula Pujol-Gibson
Photo: Flickr