, ,

Fragility and Rule of Law in Afghanistan: Women’s Rights at Risk

Fragility and Rule of Law in AfghanistanThe Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group, returned to power in 2021 after a 20-year insurgency. Following its ousting by a United States (U.S.)-led invasion in 2001, the group regrouped across the border in Pakistan. Within a decade they began reclaiming territory in Afghanistan. Since its return to power, the Taliban has severely threatened Afghan civil rights and liberties. The group has revived practices similar to its oppressive rule in the late 1990s. The United Nations (U.N.) mission in Afghanistan has reported numerous human rights violations. Journalists face intimidation, press freedoms have been sharply curtailed and several news organizations, including The Daily Afghanistan, have shut down. Additionally, the Taliban has reinstated the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, known for enforcing bans on activities deemed un-Islamic during its previous rule.

The Current State of Women’s Rights

Women’s rights in the region have been eradicated. According to Amnesty International, Afghanistan ranks last for women’s rights globally, positioned at 177 out of 177 countries on the Women’s Peace and Security Index for 2023/2024. It is the only country that restricts girls’ access to education beyond the sixth grade and prohibits women from working for nongovernmental organizations.

The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has expanded its authority to control personal behavior and enforce punishments rigorously. This expansion is based on a 114-page document with 35 articles dictating nearly every aspect of life in Afghanistan. “We assure you that this Islamic law will greatly aid in promoting virtue and eliminating vice,” said ministry spokesman Maulvi Abdul Ghafar Farooq. The ministry’s enforcers have the authority to detain and fine law violators.

Article 13, focused on avoiding temptation, mandates that women must conceal their figures, cover their faces and refrain from making eye contact with men who are not family members. Article 15 prohibits women from traveling without a male guardian or interacting with unrelated men. Acting Minister Mohammad Khalid Hanafi emphasized that there would be “no compromise in the enforcement of Islamic laws.”

Fragility and Rule of Law in Afghanistan

The collapse of the previous government has led to a significant breakdown in legal protections for women: ​​

  • Replacement of Existing Laws. The Taliban has replaced the existing legal framework with its strict interpretation of Sharia law, abolishing many rights and protections that women previously enjoyed under the Afghan constitution and civil code.
  • Arbitrary Implementation. The new legal system often applies rules arbitrarily, lacking consistent application and due process. This unpredictability further undermines the rule of law and leaves women vulnerable to rights violations.
  • Limited Access to Justice. Under the new regime, women face severe limitations. Many formal legal institutions have ceased to function or now exclude women entirely. This effectively denies them any recourse to legal protection or dispute resolution.

International Responses

The U.N. has been at the forefront of condemning the Taliban’s actions and advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan:

  • The U.N. Security Council Resolution 2681 (2023) called for the immediate removal of all restrictions violating the rights of Afghan women and girls. 
  • The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has characterized the situation in Afghanistan as “gender apartheid.” The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has called on the Taliban to release women human rights defenders and respect all human rights of women and girls.
  • Many countries have used diplomatic channels to express their concerns. The United Kindom (U.K.) The ambassador to the U.N. denounced the Taliban’s actions as “medieval misogyny above humanitarian need.” Multiple U.N. member states, including Albania, Ecuador, Malta and Spain, have characterized the situation as gender apartheid in U.N. Security Council sessions.

Legal and Policy Initiatives

Several legal and policy initiatives are being pursued to address the fragility of the rule of law in Afghanistan. 

  • Codifying Gender Apartheid: Efforts are underway to codify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity, potentially involving the International Criminal Court (ICC) in addressing systematic discrimination against women in Afghanistan. U.N. experts have called for investigations into the Taliban, holding them accountable for human rights violations based on gender, which amount to gender persecution.
  • Targeted Sanctions: Some nations are exploring the implementation of targeted sanctions against specific Taliban leaders responsible for rights violations. This approach aims to increase pressure on decision-makers within the Taliban regime. 
  • Humanitarian Aid Principles: Calls are intensifying for principled engagement in humanitarian aid. Furthermore, demands are being made for the Taliban to immediately lift the ban on Afghan women working for the U.N. and NGOs. There is also a push for supporting the full and safe participation of women in humanitarian decision-making and delivery, alongside increased support for humanitarian organizations, particularly those led by Afghan women.
  • Accountability Mechanisms: There are growing calls for accountability, a key feature in truly upholding the rule of law. Advocates demand that perpetrators of international human rights and humanitarian law violations face accountability. They emphasize the need to address gender persecution and other abuses targeting diverse women and girls.

Looking Ahead

The fragility of the rule of law in Afghanistan underscores the challenges of maintaining legal protections in unstable political environments. This situation highlights the need for robust international mechanisms to safeguard human rights and uphold the rule of law in fragile states.

– Hannah Ravariere-Moakes

Hannah is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Economic Inclusion of Women in Uganda

Women in UgandaIn Uganda, women continue to find their capacity to materialize their potential hampered by deeply entrenched inequalities despite considerable political progress. The 1995 constitution rendered men and women equal before the law. Since then, numerous governmental initiatives have sought to eradicate gender-based discrimination. This includes the 2007 establishment of the Equal Opportunities Commission, a statutory authority that works to enforce anti-discrimination laws and equalize opportunity.

However, the United Nations (U.N.) has identified a chasm between this politically decreed equality and the living reality of Ugandan women, social mores frequently limiting their engagement in the public sphere. The result is a gaping monthly gender wage disparity of 32.3% and a mammoth loss in human capital and, thus, national wealth. Organizations of varying scales are, therefore, working to foster the economic inclusion of women in Uganda.

Resilient Women Uganda

Established in 2016, Resilient Women Uganda is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that helps vulnerable girls and women escape cyclical poverty by creating spaces where they can blossom unimpeded by patriarchal beliefs that undervalue them.

Harmful practices mar the economic inclusion of women in Uganda. A massive 45% of female Ugandans have suffered physical abuse at the hands of their partner. Additionally, more than one in five have experienced sexual violence. Moreover, child marriage is rampant, with 34% of girls entering unions before they turn 18 and 7% before the age of 15.

Seeking to limit the effect that these breaches of basic rights have on girls’ development, Resilient Women Uganda operates a shelter for those in immediate danger of violence or exploitation, where they can access food, medical treatment and pastoral care.

Furthermore, the organization offers vocational training in various sectors, supporting its beneficiaries in sculpting a future. Through the program, at-risk girls aged between 13 and 19 can develop skills that will lead them to secure employment and become economically self-sufficient members of society. In 2023, 55 young women trained by the program found jobs in hairdressing and fashion design.

The Women’s Microfinance Initiative

The Women’s Microfinance Initiative (WMI) empowers female entrepreneurs from impoverished rural communities by providing them with microloans and increasing their financial literacy. Founded in Washington, D.C., in 2008, the organization operates through hubs across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The “Transition to Independence” program gives women access to four consecutive loans at a 10% flat interest rate, which they can use to propel their businesses into economic self-sufficiency. The program also provides a holistic support system that seeks to mold its beneficiaries into well-rounded participants in the economy. At the community-level hubs, operated by local women, the borrowers receive training in business and marketing, ongoing mentoring and free bookkeeping resources such as calculators and notebooks. They also open bank accounts as part of the program and develop a strong grasp of financial processes.

WMI combats exploitative lending practices through its woman-centered approach, which is reflected in an impressive loan recovery rate of 98%. Its borrowers experience a monthly income growth rate of between 100% and 400%. The organization’s impact is as far-reaching as it is remarkable; in 2023 alone, it provided 12,000 loans and it has served more than 28,000 women since its inauguration.

Moreover, WMI estimates that its loans impact an additional 20 people for every borrower. This considers the effect of increased household income on family members and the reach of each business’s roots within the community’s economic network. According to the U.N., self-employed women in Uganda face heightened vulnerability to poverty due to limited access to services and capital. WMI is working to remove these barriers and allow female entrepreneurship to flourish.

Women in Technology Uganda

Women in Technology Uganda (WITU) is an NGO that has supported girls and women from underprivileged communities with training programs in technology and entrepreneurship since 2014. The “Code Girls” program operates across primary, secondary and tertiary education to bring ICT training to young people, especially girls, who are otherwise unlikely to access STEM resources. In 2022, the program bridged the technological divide for 1,354 students.

WITU also offers talented young women the opportunity to complete a two-year diploma in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship through the Women’s Institute of Technology and Innovation. In 2022, 33 girls excluded from tertiary education because of a lack of financial means received scholarships.

Moreover, the 12-week “Elevate” program fosters economic autonomy by training young women from marginalized backgrounds in ICT and providing them with various marketing and employability skills. As of 2022, the program had served more than 6,000 women. Given that just 31% of Ugandan women have access to the internet, compared with 69% of men, WITU’s work represents a vital pathway toward improved economic inclusion of women in Uganda.

Moving Forward

Although significant challenges remain, numerous organizations are working to strengthen Uganda’s social fabric by fighting for a future where its women are free to incorporate their unique and colorful threads. Their efforts demonstrate what WMI aptly calls “a long-term investment in human potential” and their shared vision is one of a nation that holds equal promise for all of its people.

– Leila Powles

Leila is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Empowering Women in West Africa

Women in West AfricaFrom Benin, Dossi Sekonnou Gloria remarks that “in West Africa, civil society organizations (CSOs) are viewed with a negative eye.” Discriminatory behavior and practices persist in Benin and regions across Africa. Women’s participation and representation in political processes are continuously undermined. The common perception of women as the “weaker race” poses challenges to women’s rights activists. However, that has not stopped Gloria’s desire to address social inequalities and empower women in West Africa.

The Women Leaders Network for Development

In 2012, Gloria founded the Women Leaders Network for Development or Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD). RFLD is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable development and, more specifically, gender equality and women’s rights. The organization is based in West Africa and has its headquarters in Benin. RFLD is active in 27 countries and works with more than 60 women-led organizations, tackling both “structural and individual barriers to gender equality” and “social inclusion.”

Focus and Expertise

RFLD seeks to empower women in the context of regional initiatives that focus on issues surrounding:

  1. Economic Justice: This involves promoting sustainable livelihoods and financial independence among women.
  2. Ending Harmful Practices: This involves combatting gender-based violence, genital mutilation and other detrimental customs.
  3. Climate Justice: This involves teaching women how to adapt to climate change and develop sustainable practices.
  4. Human Rights: This involves protecting all human rights and providing access to sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice.
  5. Peace and Security: This involves promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding.
  6. Media Development and Freedom: This involves promoting media literacy to identify and combat harmful narratives.
  7. Integration of Gender and Social Inclusion: This involves including women in decision-making processes and providing equal access to services and resources.

Strategic Plan 2023-2028

In March 2024, RFLD announced that it was raising $10 million to fund its 2023–2028 Strategic Plan. The vision for change lies within the plan’s objectives, promoting:

  • Women’s rights, sexual and reproductive health and representation in decision-making bodies. 
  • Civil liberties and democratic values with a focus on human rights through our activities. 
  • Economic justice for women.
  • The principle of participatory governance, the innovative capacity of civil society and the development of the media.

The plan emphasizes the importance of women human rights defenders (WHRDs). Experienced women are best suited to address unique gender-based challenges, offer fresh perspectives and lead efforts in various human rights struggles, making their involvement essential for lasting change. WHRDs not only safeguard basic rights and freedoms but actively work to expand their influence and effectiveness. RFLD has recognized the vital role of these stakeholders and now strives to empower them with its strategic plan.

Country-Level Impact

Notable areas of impact are the issues covered at a country level. Across 27 countries, RFLD conducts awareness campaigns and education workshops, provides training and resources and supports a range of women, from entrepreneurs to small farmers. It also raises civil society activists, lawyers and judges on women’s rights.

From supporting women in the fishing industry in Mauritania and promoting gender equality in cocoa farming in Ghana to combating food insecurity and early marriage in Chad, RFLD’s work follows its various issues of focus. In Mauritius, the organization promotes women’s entrepreneurship in the technology sector. In the Central African Republic, RFLD promotes peacebuilding through interfaith dialogue. Its impact across sub-Saharan Africa is variable and ongoing and this hard work has allowed the RFLD’s progress to spread.

RFLD’s Delegation

The nonprofit’s influence is now reaching the African Union. The RFLD is funding a 13-person delegation to attend the 6th Gender Is My Agenda Campaign Network (GIMAC) Strategic Engagement in Accra, Ghana. The GIMAC Network aims to promote the rights and leadership of women in West Africa and monitor the implementation of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa.

These events will go from 12 to 15 July 2024. The theme of the 6th GIMAC Strategic Engagement is “Educational Transformation for Gender Equity and Sustainability.” With a delegation composed of young women leaders, government officials and CSOs, women’s voices are amplified and contributions are made toward the future of girls’ education in Africa. The delegates also will benefit from the opportunity to network with influential leaders, represent their constituencies and contribute to discussions.

RFLD’s strategic plan, country-level impact and delegation are significant strides in women’s empowerment in sub-Saharan Africa. The organization symbolizes hope for a future where women in West Africa can flourish and fully exercise their rights.

– Caroline Albright

Caroline is based in Milton, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Understanding GBV in Uganda

GBV in UgandaAccording to the European Commission, gender-based violence (GBV) targets individuals based on their gender or disproportionately affects certain genders, often impacting women and children the most. In Uganda, GBV remains a significant issue, with statistics between 2018 and 2020 indicating an average of 5,000 new cases reported annually. This figure likely underrepresents the true extent of the problem. The violence affects not only Uganda’s national population but also the roughly 1.5 million refugees who have sought safety within the country.

GBV Uganda Projects

GBV Uganda Projects, an organization that provides funding in the form of loans, supports projects and small businesses that pay back their loans upon becoming profitable. These ongoing initiatives often focus on sustainability and include practical training for individuals to start their businesses. A key partner, SUP Community Initiatives Africa, began as a Community-Based Organization in 2013, targeting vulnerable individuals and communities in rural and slum areas. It registered as a Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) in 2022, with a mission to empower individuals and communities to address their vulnerabilities effectively.

Empowerment Through Tailoring Projects

GBV Uganda Projects has established a tailoring training initiative that includes building a training center and offering year-long courses in fashion design for 20 women and girls who had to leave school due to abuse. As of June 2024, these participants are taking exams, with a new group set to start in July 2024 and continue until December. This project underscores the organization’s belief that tailoring could be a viable path out of poverty, which often intersects with gender-based violence.

Youth Sport Uganda offers a six-month tailoring program that includes internships, helping 71 participants so far to launch their businesses and support their families. Similarly, The Followings Foundation runs the BEC Tailoring program, equipping individuals with not only tailoring skills but also essential business skills like machine maintenance, record-keeping and financial management, further enhancing their ability to be self-sufficient.

The Importance of Funding

GBV Projects Uganda successfully launched its tailoring initiative, funded by a £14,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa Grant Scheme/Hub Cymru Africa. This financial support from international donors has enabled 20 participants to acquire crucial life skills, providing opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible. Despite these successes, the World Bank notes that prevention programs for gender-based violence in Uganda remain fragmented and limited in scope. This fragmentation often leads to less effective programming, as funding sources like the Wales and Africa Grant Scheme vary by project.

Recommendations and Global Efforts

In 2020, significant strides were made as the United Nations (U.N.), Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Office of the Prime Minister collaborated to enhance systems addressing gender-based violence (GBV), focusing particularly on the vulnerabilities of refugee populations. This initiative was informed by findings from the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project. By 2023, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported the successful implementation of the “SASA! Together model” and “the Girl Shine approach” in Uganda. These programs are part of a broader international effort to mitigate GBV. Since 2019, the Spotlight Initiative has also been instrumental, training more than 900 individuals to assist GBV victims, marking a significant advancement in local and global efforts against gender-based violence.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to address gender-based violence in Uganda are making strides through targeted initiatives and international collaboration. Programs like those run by GBV Uganda Projects provide essential training and support, empowering individuals to achieve financial independence and stability. Support and funding could be essential in expanding these ongoing initiatives and enhancing their effectiveness. This can potentially ensure progress in combating gender-based violence in the region.

– Rachael Denton-Snape

Rachael is based in High Wycombe, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Strides for Gender Equality in Sierra Leone

Strides for Gender Equality in Sierra LeoneSierra Leone, located along the West African Atlantic coast, boasts fertile landscapes that support prosperous agricultural systems. Despite this, the nation has grappled with severe women’s rights issues. A significant change occurred in January 2023 when President Julius Maada Bio enacted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE). This law marks a transformative moment for women in the country, heralding a new era of enhanced equality and rights.

Historic Legislation for Gender Equality

The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE) mandates that public and private sector employers allocate 30% of job openings to women, including leadership roles. It also requires political parties to ensure that 30% of their candidates for parliamentary and local elections are women. Additionally, the act provides for 14-week maternity leave, mandates equal pay for equal work and grants women equal access to financial support and training. Noncompliance with GEWE carries significant penalties. This legislation represents a significant advancement toward gender equality in Sierra Leone, where women make up 52% of the population but hold fewer than 20% of elected positions. The implementation of GEWE aims to correct this imbalance, empowering more women to assume leadership roles.

Educational Challenges for Women

In Sierra Leone, literacy among women remains a significant issue, with educational opportunities limited from an early age. Among girls aged 15 to 24, 41% have not finished primary education and girls are more likely to drop out of secondary school than boys. A major factor contributing to this educational gap is the high rate of early marriage; nearly 30% of girls marry before the age of 18, severely curtailing their educational pursuits. Consequently, only 2% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 are both married and attending school, leading to a female illiteracy rate of 57.65%.

Legislative Advances in Education

In April 2023, Sierra Leone’s parliament enacted the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Act, significantly advancing educational access for married women and young mothers. Previously, until 2020, the government prohibited pregnant women and mothers from attending school. This new legislation guarantees their right to continue education, a vital step toward keeping young women and their families out of poverty by ensuring they can pursue schooling regardless of marital or parental status.

Sierra Leone’s Commitment to Educational Reform

The enactment of Sierra Leone’s Basic and Senior Secondary Education Act marks significant progress in educational equality for women. Starting in 2018, the government prioritized education, implementing several key legislations such as the Free Quality Education Programme and laws supporting the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Rights and Welfare of the Child. These ongoing measures have made education more accessible by reducing financial barriers and guaranteeing free, compulsory education for all children. Recently, the focus has expanded to include specific protections for women’s education, a major advancement for women’s rights in Sierra Leone.

Hope for the Future

The Gender Equality and Empowerment Act, along with the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Act, signify a pivotal shift in women’s rights in Sierra Leone. Before the enactment of these laws, no legislation explicitly protected the educational, political and civil rights of women in the country. These legislative measures, aiming to secure women’s job security and educational opportunities, offer a hopeful outlook for the future of women in the country, providing them with new opportunities to succeed.

– Ellie Buss

Ellie is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Women’s Workforce Participation in Chile

Women's Workforce Participation in Chile In Chile, poverty among women is notably high relative to surrounding countries. In 2006, roughly 19% of the female Chilean population— more than one million women—lived in poverty. By 2016, aid efforts and governmental initiatives lifted 400,000 women out of poverty; and in 2019, a wave of women’s rights protests spurred the government to enact a law protecting women from gender-based violence. While a smaller percentage of the overall population currently suffers from poverty, women experience its devastating effects in greater numbers than men. In addition, legal and social barriers still hinder women from participating in the workforce and securing economic autonomy. Workforce participation in Chile reflects these ongoing challenges, with women facing significant disparities in opportunities and conditions compared to men.

Workforce Participation

In 2002, 74% of men and only 37% of women participated in the workforce. By 2023, statistics reveal that approximately 50% of women in Chile are working, either part-time or full-time. Although these numbers are encouraging, women’s workforce participation in Chile remains among the lowest in Latin America. Women in the workforce often face unequal opportunities compared to men. They are more likely to hold part-time positions, rarely occupy high-level leadership roles and typically earn less than their male colleagues. The World Bank notes that Chilean law does not require equal pay for work of equal value nor does it prohibit gender discrimination in accessing credit, which puts women at risk for financial insecurity.

Care Labor and Conjugal Society

The low rate of women’s workforce participation in Chile is largely due to the prevalence of a traditional household structure. In the majority of Chilean households, the husband earns wages and the wife takes care of domestic tasks. Women are expected to perform unpaid care labor: caring for children and elderly parents and cleaning and cooking for their families. Because they are burdened with the tasks of a domestic caretaker, women inevitably have little time to earn money — if they participate in the workforce at all, part-time positions are the only feasible option. 

The default legal marital arrangement in Chile declares men as the head of the household and prevents women from making financial decisions without the permission of their husbands. According to The United States (U.S.) Department, in Chile “a husband has the right to administer joint property, including his wife’s property, without consultation or written permission from his wife, but a wife must demonstrate that her husband has granted his permission before she is permitted to make financial arrangements.” Consequently, women have almost no financial autonomy within their marriage, which puts them at risk for financial insecurity, particularly in the event of divorce or if their husbands refuse to allocate money toward women’s needs. 

Women’s Rights Movement

In 2019, a wave of feminist protests spread throughout Chile, acting as a catalyst for change. Protestors called on the Chilean government to act on issues like income disparity, gender-based violence and the persistence of traditional gender roles.  A 2023 survey revealed that 74% of the Chilean population recognized that women face inequality and discrimination. This percentage is higher than the global average, which suggests that the movement successfully raised awareness and focused national attention on women’s rights. 

In response to the growing movement, the Chilean government passed the Comprehensive Violence Against Women Act in March of 2024. Historically, gender-based violence has caused women to quit their jobs or drop out of higher education. According to the World Bank, “the procedure established by [Chilean] law to investigate and punish [sexual assault] can oftentimes lack transparency and result in humiliation for victims, proving that it is virtually ineffective.” The 2024 Violence Against Women Act marks a hopeful turn toward more legal rights, less restrictive gender roles and greater society-wide respect for women. 

Mujeres Emplea

Mujeres Emplea, an online platform created in collaboration with several global NGOs, including United Nations (U.N.) Women is a promising new initiative that provides excellent resources to Chilean women. The platform offers digital skills training, matches female candidates with employers and provides information about available childcare. A participant reflected, “In this world, more women are needed to join the workforce and these trainings are needed for our wellbeing, for our lives, for our families.” This platform provides invaluable resources, encourages women’s workforce participation in Chile and supports women in becoming economically autonomous. 

Global Alliance for Care

The Chilean government is also a member of the Global Alliance for Care, which is the first global community that facilitates and fosters spaces for dialogue, analysis, exchange of experiences and learning about care, its recognition as a need, as work and as a right. The organization considers its mission central to accelerate the pace toward achieving women’s economic autonomy. Participation in this alliance raises awareness of the importance of women’s contributions to society and helps to emphasize the urgent need to reduce gender inequality.

Looking Ahead

Despite significant strides in reducing poverty among women in Chile, challenges in achieving gender equality persist. Legislative advancements, such as the 2024 Comprehensive Violence Against Women Act and initiatives like Mujeres Emplea, underscore ongoing efforts to improve women’s economic participation and autonomy. Chile’s involvement in the Global Alliance for Care highlights the commitment to recognizing and valuing women’s contributions. Continued focus on these ongoing issues could foster greater gender equality and enhance the economic prospects of women across the country.

– Maren Fossum-Wernick

Maren is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Poverty and the Gender Wage Gap in Peru

Gender Wage Gap in PeruPeru struggles with high national poverty rates and an economy that inflation and political and financial uncertainty further hinder. While Peru was one of the most prominent performers in Latin America in the last 25 years, COVID-19 hit the nation especially hard. Its economy contracted by 11% in 2020, accompanied by a 10 point rise in its national poverty rate (from 20.2% in 2019 to 30.1% in 2020) as a result of the pandemic. The nation is recovering from this setback, but several obstacles are in its way. One major obstacle is gender inequality — or, more specifically, the gender wage gap in Peru.

Gender Inequality in Peru

Gender inequality in Peru originates from an adherence to traditional gender roles. Women are less likely to work full time for pay, for example, occupied instead with unpaid work such as household chores and child care. Women in Peru spend around 24 more hours per week on unpaid tasks than men, while men spend roughly 21 more hours per week on paid tasks than women. The prevalence of these gender roles affects economic participation and wages for women — the median full-time female worker in Peru earns 17% less than the median full-time male worker.

The labor force participation rate for women in Peru was 65.9% in 2023, compared with 79.5% for men. The effects of motherhood intensify this gap, with 41% of women in Peru stopping working after their first child, a percentage that remains after 10 years. Women with children often seek more flexible occupations such as part-time or informal jobs to accommodate their added responsibilities, according to the OECD. Traditional gender roles reinforce these effects of motherhood and may discourage the full-time participation of women in the workforce.

Bridging the Gap

Increasing the participation of women in the workforce could both strengthen efforts to reduce the gender wage gap in Peru and bolster the nation’s economy. Women represent a large portion of the population — their contributions to the workforce could help Peru’s formal economy grow, especially after COVID-19. Addressing this gap could be key to restoring and revitalizing the nation’s economy in the wake of the pandemic.

Education level is an important step towards achieving these goals. Women who graduated from upper secondary school and university have 80% and 90% labor market participation rates, respectively, while those with lower levels have under 50% participation, according to the OECD. Encouraging higher education could thus stimulate Peru’s economy by incorporating more people into the workforce, while simultaneously addressing gender inequality.

However, while reducing gender inequality in Peru still needs more work, education rates have increased for both genders in recent years. Rates of enrollment for boys and girls from pre-primary to upper secondary education are virtually the same, and illiteracy has essentially vanished among older teenagers of either sex, at a rate of about 0.5 percentage points. By contrast, among 60+ year-olds, women tend to be more frequently illiterate, with the gap between genders reaching roughly 18.7 percentage points, according to the OECD.

Encouraging higher education and economic participation among women could help bridge the gender wage gap in Peru — heightened labor participation and education provide girls with a stronger political voice and representation. Bridging this gap in itself could incentivize more women in Peru to work, including those in disadvantaged communities. Thus addressing gender inequality could gradually reduce the national poverty rate and bolster Peru’s economy.

Addressing Poverty and Gender Inequality in Peru

Organizations such as Peruvian Hearts, a nonprofit that focuses on educating girls and women in Peru, encourage the independence and economic participation of women. This organization’s PH Scholars program offers university scholarships and psychosocial support to disadvantaged girls to empower and educate women. It focuses specifically on girls from low-income families and has raised $666,072, as of June 2024, to address gender inequality and the interconnected problem of national poverty.

Globalteer’s Women’s Empowerment Project also aims to educate disadvantaged women in Peru and encourage their participation in the workforce. Concentrated in rural villages near Cusco, this project provides resources, financial backing, market knowledge and support to women in these areas to encourage economic independence and address poverty in Peru. This organization has currently raised $5,759, as of June 2024, to bridge Peru’s gender divide.

Peru has undoubtedly made significant progress in addressing gender inequality. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the gender wage gap can encourage more women to participate in the workforce and thus bolster Peru’s economy.

– Lana Swindle

Lana is based in Princeton, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Women for Gaza: Gender Poverty and Aid in Gaza

Women for GazaGender significantly influences poverty in Gaza, with data indicating that female-headed households in Palestine are 30% more likely to fall below the poverty line. The recent increase in hostilities has further worsened the already poor living conditions for Gaza’s female population. Since the recent escalation of conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, more than 10,000 women have died.

Gender-Specific Needs Neglected in War

In 2023, Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations (U.N.) Women, declared, “Women and girls pay the highest price when armed conflict erupts.” Documentation consistently shows that the specific needs of women during conflicts, such as sanitary products, antenatal care and safe, private facilities, often go unmet and are typically excluded from conflict prevention and resolution efforts.

Gender Poverty in Gaza

Gaza’s history of political instability, prolonged occupation and entrenched poverty has left deep scars. Amnesty International argues that the lack of clear governance and leadership often results in the re-emergence of traditional structures that reinforce patriarchal values. The hardships endured by women and girls in Gaza extend beyond recent events. Even before the latest escalation of hostilities, the female population of Gaza disproportionately experienced poverty. UNICEF highlighted that malnutrition among pregnant women was already high before Israel’s recent occupation of the area.

The impact of poverty on Gazan women has also threatened their sexual and reproductive rights, issues that existed even before the recent escalation of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Records show that 94,000 women were already lacking access to sexual and reproductive services before Oct. 7, 2023. In the five months following, this number soared to over one million.

The Current Situation for Women in Gaza

Since Oct. 7, 2023, women have accounted for 70% of the fatalities. Miscarriages have increased by 20% and seven mothers are killed every hour, with more than a million women displaced. In April 2024, the U.N. issued a ‘Gender Alert’ for Gaza’s female population due to the disproportionate impact of recent hostilities. The dire living conditions and crumbling civilian infrastructure have worsened to the point of near nonexistence.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that critical care remains largely inaccessible to women who are sick, injured, breastfeeding or pregnant; only one-third of Gazan hospitals are still functional. The conflict has caused unusually high rates of mortality among women and children. Tess Ingram, UNICEF’s communication specialist, stated in a Jan. 2024 press conference that an infant is born into a ‘horrendous war’ every 10 minutes. Save the Children further highlighted the emotional suffering of families, reporting that more children died in Gaza in Oct. 2023 than in global conflicts annually since 2019.

Aid for Women and Women-led Aid

Reports indicate that five women-led organizations employ a network of 1,575 staff members on the ground. These groups lead humanitarian operations in Gaza:

  1. U.N. Women. U.N. women support gender-specific needs and requirements in Gaza. The organization leads the national gender coordination efforts, lobbying for women’s rights to be incorporated into international emergency responses. 
  2. Women’s protection and empowerment, Gaza and Lebanon, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). MAP promotes maternal, neonatal and child care through an integrated approach to improving quality care for Palestinian and Lebanese women affected by the prolonged conflict.
  3. Women for Women International. Working closely with local women’s rights organizations, including the Wefaq Society for Women and Child Care, this group aims to address urgent humanitarian needs of women through essential service provision such as meals, clothing, hygiene kits and trauma-informed counseling.
  4. Relief Web. With five teams of doctors, nurses and midwives on the ground in Gaza, this organization is providing life-saving and dignity-maintaining medical aid to Gaza’s women and girls; including the distribution of UNFPA menstrual hygiene kits.
  5. Women Against Violence. A Palestinian-Jewish women’s forum that provides shelter for female Jewish and Palestinian survivors of conflict. The group makes efforts to alleviate the mental burden of female experiences by providing a safe space for dialogue between Israeli and Jewish women.
  6. ISRA-United Kingdom (U.K.). A group of women from Birmingham, U.K., operates under the slogan “Women for Gaza.” This NGO provides life-saving provisions to preserve the dignity of women caught amid the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

The intense struggles faced by women-led organizations on the ground in Gaza highlight their steadfast commitment to saving lives. Bahous recognizes, their work transcends mere survival: “It is about maintaining hope, dignity and the possibility of a better future.”

Looking Ahead

In Gaza, the disproportionate impact of conflict on women remains a critical issue, exacerbating their already vulnerable conditions. Since Oct. 2023, women have represented a significant majority of the fatalities and have faced severe disruptions in access to essential health services. Humanitarian organizations, including several women-led groups, continue to make efforts to provide crucial aid.

– Thea Carter

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Give a Future: Fighting for Gender Equality in Ethiopia

Gender Equality in EthiopiaEthiopia is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa. It is Africa’s oldest independent country and holds the second-largest population on the continent, with a population of 113.6 million. It has sentiments of a Marxist past, with highly restrictive media environments and tensions within the government. Notably, in October 2018, Sahle-Work Zewde was elected as president, marking a historic milestone as Ethiopia’s first female head of state since Empress Zawditu. With her inauguration came a pledge to champion gender equality in Ethiopia, aiming to translate rhetoric into tangible progress.

Gender Equality in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has committed to improving gender equality, especially with Zewde, who made women hold half of the positions in her cabinet. Nevertheless, when it comes to female education, the improvement does not seem so drastic. Similarly, despite women’s significant contribution to the agricultural sector in rural regions of Ethiopia, their contributions often go unrecognized and they face restrictions in accessing resources and community participation.

Recent findings by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) found that one in three women experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence and only 50% of girls who enroll in primary schools ever make it to grade five. This seems to be an issue in Ethiopia, where many girls are unable to transition to secondary and tertiary school due to distance, personal security and economic challenges. Women often face more constraints in regard to less access to credit and limited market access and 30% of Ethiopian women do not make decisions on individual and family issues such as birth control methods.

Give a Future and Gender Equality

Give A Future is a nonprofit run by a group of dedicated individuals who believe in sustainable change through cost-effective programs. It was founded almost 20 years ago by Stephanie Ferrario and her team. The initiative started with homes for street children, which then turned into many homes, three schools, a large scholarship fund for girls, a large microfinance program for women and family programs to help families with their responsibilities. Its ethos builds upon providing knowledge, training and access to credit to create changes that last a lifetime and carry on into the next generations. As they say, “Educated women make the world a better, safer, more resilient place and are good for business.”

All of Give A Future’s programs are run by Ethiopians who are motivated to make their country a better place. Recognizing the vital role education plays in shaping the future, particularly for girls, Give A Future emphasizes the classroom as a sanctuary, providing not just learning opportunities but also a haven of safety and empowerment. The Borgen Project spoke with founder Ferrario, who highlights that “education is the one thing nobody can ever take away from you” and it is always the way to build the foundations for a better life. Therefore, Give A Future provides support for girls and women who want to finish university and supports women in its microfinance program, enabling them to create and run small businesses.

This has a ripple effect and contributes toward dismantling gender inequality once and for all, one woman at a time. The small number of women in business and politics, which Ferrario tells us has remained relatively the same since Zewde was appointed head of state, is a testament to this and highlights the importance of increasing female representation and empowerment at a higher level.

Impact

Recently, Give A Future created shecan.world. On this platform, women have a voice and can tell their stories to others, creating a plethora of role models for women who have overcome challenges and tackled the obstacles in front of them. Ferrario explains how this began during lockdown by telling Ethiopian women’s stories and has now grown into a large online library of women role models with more than 400 women, 100,000 listeners and 600,000 views. The aim is to inspire other women and create a log of powerful and incredible women.

What Can We Do?

When asked what people in the Global North could do to help combat poverty not only in Ethiopia but in the Global South as a whole, her response was insightful. Central to Ferrario’s approach is the cultivation of trust, a vital component in empowering local communities to drive their own development trajectories. Rather than imposing external solutions, she advocates for investing in understanding the root causes of poverty and collaborating closely with local stakeholders and organizations. By prioritizing local expertise and perspectives, interventions can be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by communities, fostering sustainable, long-term change.

– Cordelia Moore

Cordelia is based in Exeter, UK and focused on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Tonga Empowers Gender Equality in Leadership

Gender Equality in LeadershipTongan women are severely underrepresented in political leadership positions, both at local and national levels. This is a reminder of the gender disparities that persist in society and a reflection of deep-seated social norms that perpetuate the idea that women are less suited for leadership than men. However, through initiatives like the Balance of Power and Tonga Youth Leaders, Tonga is empowering gender equality in leadership, breaking down barriers, challenging traditional views and promoting women’s participation in political decision-making.

Barriers to Tonga’s Women in Political Leadership

While women’s leadership within the public sector and family and community life has had successive progress, political leadership progress is still limited. No more than two women have been elected to the national Parliament in a general election, which was in 2017. In the most recent election, in 2021, no women were elected. Women’s underrepresentation in political leadership is a result of barriers that are often rooted in cultural, social and institutional factors that perpetuate gender inequality and limit women’s opportunities to participate actively in political decision-making processes.

Some key barriers to Tonga’s women in political leadership include:

  • Cultural and social norms are deeply ingrained. These norms perpetuate the view that men are inherently better in leadership positions than women and that women don’t have the “right” skills and experience for political leadership roles that men do. Such norms can deter women from pursuing careers in leadership positions, as they may face societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles.
  • Gender stereotypes can undermine women’s credibility as political leaders. Women who pursue careers in politics face scrutiny, discrimination and bias based on gender, with their qualifications, capabilities and decisions questioned or dismissed due to stereotypes about women’s competence in leadership roles.
  • A lack of media representation of women’s voices. Media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions, influencing opinions and circulating information about political candidates and issues. Underrepresentation in the media can reinforce gender stereotypes and traditional gender roles.
  • Institutional and legal frameworks can limit women’s political participation. Women do not have the same financial resources as men. The practice of voters expecting reciprocal gifts from candidates creates challenges for women, as they may have limited resources or face societal pressures that prevent them from meeting these demands. While bribery is illegal under Tongan electoral law, voters do not classify it as bribery and this makes it harder for women to compete effectively in elections.

The importance of gender equality in leadership is crucial as men and women often have differing needs and viewpoints, highlighting the significance of ensuring women are represented. With women constituting half of the population, it is pivotal that their interests are effectively addressed. A balanced participation of both men and women in decision-making is essential.

Balance of Power

Balance of Power is an Australian Government funded, locally-led approach to supporting women in political leadership. It is an initiative aimed at addressing gender disparities in political representation by shifting social norms and attitudes that impede women from being recognized as credible leaders. It focuses on promoting gender equality in leadership by empowering women to participate actively in political leadership roles.

The Balance of Power initiative employs adaptive management and politically informed approaches to drive change. Through training, mentorship and advocacy, the Balance of Power seeks to challenge social norms, traditional views and barriers that hinder women’s engagement in politics. The initiative executes this with media collaboration to increase women’s leadership visibility, strengthening the Women in Leadership Coalition, research and advocacy to address negative perceptions and regional engagement to change social norms.

Tonga Youth Leaders

Tonga Youth Leaders is a “youth-led organization that empowers and develops Tongan youth to become catalysts for positive change in their own communities.” The organization was set up in 2017 by Elizabeth Kite to give a voice to the Tongan youth and encourage their participation in community development through small projects and fostering leadership skills.

The Tonga Youth Leaders organized an initiative called Girls Takeover Parliament, which offers 26 young women and girls the chance to participate in a parliamentary setting, enabling them to express and share views on national issues. The Girls Takeover Parliament initiative helps young women and girls realise their potential, develop leadership skills and allow them the opportunity to pursue a career in politics.

About 90% of participants expressed their interest in pursuing a career in politics after they attended the Girls Takeover Parliament initiative. The initiative has had a significant impact on empowering young women and girls and raising awareness about youth engagement and gender equality in leadership.

Tonga’s commitment to empowering gender equality in leadership is evident through innovative initiatives like the Balance of Power and Tonga Youth Leaders. These initiatives not only challenge social norms and traditional views and break down barriers but also foster inclusivity and encourage youth engagement, as well as women’s active participation in decision-making roles. Through targeted programs, media collaborations and community engagement, Tonga is paving the way for a more equitable and representative political landscape.

– Isabella Green

Isabella is based in Aylesbury, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr