Archive for category: Gender Equality

, ,

The Gender Wage Gap in Andorra

Gender Wage Gap in AndorraThe small, independent country of Andorra is situated between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. Due to its small size and minimal engagement in world politics, the news does not often discuss Andorra. However, the gender wage gap in Andorra remains a persistent issue. With tourism being a main source of income for the principality, its society is mainly urban. In January, the 2025 conclusions of the European Social Treaty were released and they found that Andorra was in non-conformity for several of the articles.

History of Workforce and Gendered Pay

The 2021 Chamber of Commerce Economic Report revealed that the average wage increased 1.8%, and for the sixth year in a row, Andorra raised the minimum wage by 3.5%. The report shows that the average wage for women was lower than that for men. It notes that the gender wage gap in Andorra actually widened in 2021 to 28.5% despite the commitment to the recommendations of the European Committee of Social Rights in 2020. Specifically in the financial sector of jobs, men’s wages were 80% higher than women’s. The report suggests that the reasoning for the gender wage gap is that there are more women working part-time jobs in lower paying sectors than men. Therefore, women are at more of a disadvantage for poverty rates due to lower income and limited childcare options.

In the executive summary of the Andorra 2022 Human Rights Report, it states that on March 31 of 2022, “parliament approved the country’s first gender equality law.” In 2022, women made up 48.6% of the workforce and the law prohibits unequal pay for equal work. There were no cases filed in 2022 of gender discrimination in terms of pay but the ADA did report cases of gender discrimination in regards to unequal salaries. Women did not file complaints or official cases for fear of repercussions from their employers. “The new gender equality law approved in March requests companies with more than 50 workers to implement gender equality plans.”

European Committee of Social Rights

The European Committee of Social Rights is the governing body of the European Social Charter which identifies European countries’ conformity to seven situations relating to social and economic justice. The 2025 report that came out in January 2026 found that Andorra was in nonconformity with six of the seven situations. The categories in which Andorra did not conform were:

  1. Article 2.1 – Measures to ensure reasonable working hours.
  2. Article 3.1 – No policies on new and emerging risks in the gig or platform economy and telework in regards to the right to safe and healthy working conditions.
  3. Article 3.2 – Self-employed and telework workers do not receive protection by occupational health and safety regulations in regards to the right to safe and healthy working conditions.
  4. Article 3.3 – Self-employed and domestic workers do not have a guarantee of the implementation of health and safety regulations in regards to the right to safe and healthy working conditions.
  5. Article 4.3 – There has been no measurable progress in reducing the gender wage gap in regards to the right to a fair remuneration.
  6. Article 5 – There has been no encouragement or efforts to strengthen the right to unionize among workers.

Article 4.3 is the crucial one regarding the gender wage gap in Andorra. With the law that companies with 50 or more workers must keep documentation of the gender pay gap in the workplace, reports have indicated that women earn 26% less than men. Considering the gender wage gap was 22.17% in 2018, Andorra has made no measurable progress to reduce the gender wage gap and is therefore in nonconformity with article 4.3 of the European Social Charter.

Current Efforts To Close the Wage Gap

Andorra’s compliance with Article 20 of the European Social Charter is in part because there has been measurable progress in promoting the participation of women in the labor market. Employers are offering equal opportunity for workplace advancement and the number of women in decision-making positions at companies is increasing. These three factors cause Andorra to be in conformity with article 20 because of the measurable progress it is making to close gender inequality in the workplace.

This translates over to the gender pay gap with the gender equality law that has now been enforced to better analyze the transparency of the gender wage gap in Andorra. In response to the backlash the Andorran government is receiving, it responded to say that it is taking the recommendations “as a constructive roadmap to continue advancing in the deployment of labor rights.” The gender equality law has been strengthened in the last year with regards to the registration of equality plans among individual companies. The 2025 European Social Charter report is a reminder that work to close the gender wage gap in Andorra cannot be stagnant. The government is taking this seriously and is already enacting new enforcers in parliament.

Looking Ahead

With the release of the 2025 European Social Treaty conclusions, Andorra must now address the stagnant issue of the gender wage gap. Its commitment to the European Social Committee in 2020 requires it to be accountable of actively solving problems of inequality. While it has made progress in the areas of women becoming more prominent in positions of power, the gender wage gap in Andorra still presents critical setbacks to women experiencing poverty. Without an equal playing field and equal pay, women are more put at higher risk for poverty than men. It is time to close the gender wage gap and help women rise up in success.

– Kaitlyn Crane

Kaitlyn is based in Rohnert Park, CA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Everything To Know About the Gender Wage Gap in Kyrgyzstan

Gender Wage Gap in KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan is a small country located on the east side of Central Asia, bordered by China and Uzbekistan. After several years of fighting for their independence from the USSR, Kyrgyzstan soon became its very own developing country with a population of approximately 7.4 million. However, having since gained their independence, Kyrgyzstan continues to struggle economically due to the wide variety of factors, albeit one of the most widely criticized aspects of Kyrgyzstan’s development would have to be its disparaging wage gap between genders. Here is information about the gender wage gap in Kyrgyzstan.

The Gender Wage Gap in Kyrgyzstan

Achieving true gender equality within Kyrgyzstan is challenging due to Kyrgyzstan’s notable imbalance in payment regarding working hours for both men and women. Women appear to earn only around 75% of the profits that men do, despite sharing similar levels of education and work experience. While many female workers primarily take jobs in sectors with lower pay, such as education, health care or social work, females must also participate in more domestic work, such as feeding and raising children, which is unpaid and limits opportunities for outside work, thereby expanding the gender wage gap in Kyrgyzstan.

According to Kyrgyzstan’s Country Gender Equality Profile (CGEP), over the past 15 years, its women’s employment rate has declined from 49.3% to 43.8%, likely due to the country’s traditional gender norms and expectations, which make it more challenging for women to find well paying work. Of the women who have employment, more than 75% of them are in low paying social jobs, causing them to receive a low income on average which contributes to the 25% gender wage gap in Kyrgyzstan. Women also spend 4.5 times as many minutes per day on household labor, which goes unpaid and thus their efforts unrewarded.

Causes for Inequality in Kyrgyzstan

While there isn’t a definitive reason as to why women receive less pay than men on average, a potentially eye opening reason could be Kyrgyzstan’s rising domestic abuse rates. As of July 2025, authorities received more than 10,000 reports of domestic violence with Kyrgyzstan, a 35% increase from the same period in 2024. Most of the abuse is against women and young girls, especially those with disabilities which place them in situations where they are unable to find work or fight back against their oppressors. Reporting domestic abuse to the police is a very challenging situation as tormenters often coerce victims into remaining silent about their misfortune which makes them afraid to speak up and more difficult to protect them from harm. Due to these patterns, the number of unreported physical or sexual assault cases that occur will likely stem way higher than what is actually being projected.

Poverty in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan currently lives in extreme poverty, with more than 30% of its residents living below the standard rate of living. Their limited access to healthcare and education make it challenging to find work and obtain a salary used to keep themselves afloat. Many young children in Kyrgyzstan have to drop out before graduation in order to perform work with little to no pay for their efforts. Even with the resources allotted, they are most often unfairly distributed amongst the genders, which further adds onto the difficulty of women in Kyrgyzstan being able to find work.

Solutions

Thankfully, there are efforts underway to assist struggling women employees as well as to combat the gender wage gap in Kyrgyzstan that still exists. On February 10th 2025, several delegates met up in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek to discuss potential solutions. They proposed several ideas including the Kyrgyzstan Gender Equality Strategy 2030, a regulation intended to provide extra economic opportunities for women, developing women’s entrepreneurship programs and strengthening protection from gender discrimination in Kyrgyzstan.

Another important solution proposed at the meeting included the previously formed Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). First formed in 1979, this convention aims to oversee workplace discrimination against women alongside other guaranteed rights such equality and the right to vote in elections. While signs of major improvement in Kyrgyzstan have yet to be shown, providing for more reinforcement as well as supporting these programs can provide a safe and effective package toward protecting these guaranteed freedoms.

Looking Ahead

Overall, the gender wage gap in Kyrgyzstan provides little room for female workers to climb up the ranks and obtain fair payment. Receiving a typically low income alongside domestic cases rising throughout the recent years make finding and keeping employment challenging. However, that’s not to say that efforts haven’t occurred to combat workplace discrimination. Solutions, such as the Kyrgyzstan Gender Equality Strategy 2030 and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), have occurred to reduce inequality in the workforce. The gender wage gap in Kyrgyzstan is more than just a personal issue, but rather a systematic one that requires cooperation from both governmental forces and the general public in order to reach an effective solution that positively affects everybody.

– Will Mancuso

Will is based in Lake Mary, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Educating Girls in Kenya: Employ Them and End Poverty

Educating Girls in KenyaIn Kenya, youth unemployment is a major driver of poverty. Each year, millions of young people enter the labor market, but many lack the qualifications needed for formal employment. In 2024, the youth unemployment rate stood at 11.93%, underscoring the continued limitations on access to stable jobs due to skills gaps.

When girls in Kenya are not educated, they continue to face barriers to completing secondary school due to social constraints and economic hardship, which increases their risk of falling into poverty. Without access to education and skills training, youth unemployment continues to fuel poverty and trap families in cycles of economic insecurity. Keeping girls in school and teaching them practical skills can reduce youth unemployment, expand opportunities and help break the link between joblessness and poverty.

Gender Inequality in Education

Kenya’s labor data show large gender disparities that worsen youth unemployment and increase exposure to poverty. According to the World Bank’s 2022 report, roughly 32.67% of Kenya’s female youth are not in education, employment or training (NEET). This means they are disconnected from opportunities that could help protect them from poverty.

Focusing on educating girls in Kenya is crucial to closing this gap and giving them pathways out of youth unemployment.

Skills Training as a Pathway Out of Poverty

To address these gaps, the government and its partners have strengthened Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), a World Bank–funded program, increased enrollment in flagship TVET colleges from 6,971 to 57,857 students. During the program, the share of female graduates entering the workforce rose from 51% to 74%, demonstrating how skills-based training can help women overcome barriers to employment.

In addition to government action, nonprofit efforts are helping girls continue their education and build better prospects. The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Kenya was established in 2025 as a new national initiative to expand access to secondary school for girls from low-income backgrounds. In its first year, the program directly provided school fees, uniforms, menstrual supplies and disability support to 2,082 girls in Kajiado County.

To ensure students also received academic and psychosocial support, the initiative trained 163 government teachers as mentors. CAMFED’s approach is part of a broader pan-African movement that has helped millions of children access education and uses peer networks to support girls beyond the classroom.

Corporate Partnerships Reduce Youth Unemployment

Partnerships with the corporate sector are strengthening the link between jobs and skills. By 2030, the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works program in Kenya aims to help seven million young adults, including about five million young women, find suitable employment. The approach works with government, businesses and educational institutions to improve practical training, align skills with employer needs and support business growth.

The initiative also partners with TVET institutions to integrate competency-based skills and create pathways that connect education to income opportunities in digital technology, agribusiness, the green economy and other industries. Another instance of implementation is the 2Jiahiri campaign, launched by the KCB Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation. The plan aims to create approximately 43,000 jobs and offer vocational training to 8,500 young people.

Graduates have access to funding, business support and starter toolkits. 2Jiajiri has created more than 150,000 jobs and trained more than 35,000 young people, boosting their access to economic opportunities.

Final Remarks

This coordinated effort shows how educating girls in Kenya and linking their skills to real jobs can reduce their vulnerability to poverty. When education aligns with actual career paths, students graduate into productive economic roles rather than into uncertain futures. Schools, government training programs and private-sector partners work together to keep girls in school.

If these models are scaled and sustained, they can help more girls stay in school, find respectable jobs and build an economy where young people can contribute with confidence and independence.

– Madison Brown

Madison is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Gender Wage Gap in Liberia and Its Impact on Poverty

The Gender Wage Gap in Liberia and Its Impact on Poverty The gender wage gap in Liberia continues to be a major barrier to poverty reduction, and the country’s labor market continues to face persistent gender inequality. Despite women playing a central role in the economy, especially in informal trade and agriculture, women consistently earn less than men. In addition to reducing access to education and health care, this income disparity limits household stability and reinforces cycles of poverty that disproportionately affect women and children.

Vulnerable Employment and Low Wages

The prevalence of vulnerable employment, which includes informal, low-paying jobs without job security or social protections, is significantly higher among women in Liberia than among men. More than 90% of employed women are in vulnerable employment, compared to roughly two-thirds of men, according to the World Bank. These positions often lack minimum wage standards or stable income, making it difficult for women to save money or escape poverty.

Education Gaps, Informal Work and Social Barriers

Educational inequality is another major driver of the gender wage gap in Liberia. According to national data, women are less likely than men to have completed formal education and have lower literacy rates. More than 40% of Liberian women have never attended school, compared to approximately one-third of men. Limited access to education increases the likelihood that women remain in low-wage, informal work and reduces opportunities to enter higher-paying sectors.

Women are overrepresented in Liberia’s informal economy, which accounts for the majority of the labor market. Small-scale farming, street vending and domestic work, which are typically excluded from labor protections, serve as the main sources of income for many women. This concentration in informal work restricts access to credit, legal protections and fair wages, exacerbating income inequality and economic instability, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

Social norms and unpaid care responsibilities further widen the gender wage gap. Unpaid domestic work, such as childcare, cooking and water collection, is more frequently carried out by women than men. Even when legal frameworks promote gender equality, these responsibilities reduce the time women can spend in paid employment and limit their ability to pursue higher-paying opportunities.

Health Impacts of the Gender Wage Gap

Income inequality and health outcomes are closely linked, and women’s well-being is directly affected by the gender wage gap. Research published by the National Institutes of Health indicates that limited access to income, education and employment opportunities adversely affects women’s health and increases household vulnerability to poverty. Lower wages reduce women’s ability to afford adequate nutrition and medical care, worsening existing disparities.

Policies and Programs Addressing the Wage Gap

International development programs and policy reforms aimed at expanding women’s access to education, credit and formal employment form part of Liberia’s efforts to reduce the gender wage gap. According to the World Bank and the United Nations (U.N.) Women, reducing gender income disparities could significantly improve household incomes and national economic growth. Long-term poverty reduction depends on stronger enforcement of labor laws and the expansion of economic programs targeted at women.

A Case for Closing the Gender Wage Gap

Closing the gender wage gap in Liberia is critical to breaking cycles of poverty and advancing sustainable development. Investing in women’s education, expanding access to formal employment and supporting income-generating initiatives can help reduce economic inequality and improve outcomes for families and communities. Strengthening women’s economic participation would also enhance resilience and support broader poverty reduction efforts across the country.

– Honey Regev

Honey is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Gender Inequality and Women’s Rights in Ghana

Women’s Rights in GhanaGhana is a beautiful country in Africa, full of life, located on the coast, rich in history and known for its delicious cuisine. All of these desirable factors make it a location worth visiting, as it attracts many tourists. Many tour websites go into detail about the friendliness, hospitality and use of English as a main language, all of which are intriguing and important to know about a location, whether traveling or not.

However, what is also important is understanding a place beyond the surface and the infrastructure set up for tourists to see. Here’s something to know about women in Ghana.

Women’s Rights in Ghana

Being a woman living in Ghana has not always been sunshine and rainbows. Women’s rights in Ghana started strongly, as pre-colonial society showed more optimistic outcomes. Women were central to agriculture, excelling in farming and trading.

They were also seen as leaders and, in some cases, ruled over others, including men. However, in the ‘50s, when the British colonized Ghana, there was a drastic shift in how women were perceived. They were pushed to the bottom of the social hierarchy, marginalized and excluded from many job opportunities.

After Ghana gained its independence, the fight for women’s rights continued. Violence against women remains common and job scarcity is still something they struggle with. In the ’90s, equal rights laws were passed to address these issues. However, because these reforms are relatively recent, women are still pushing for better representation and stronger policies.

Gender Inequality in Ghana

Women’s rights in Ghana go hand-in-hand with the poverty the country faces. According to the Human Rights Index, Ghana still has a significant gap in gender equality compared to global figures, with a GII value of 0.514, while the world average is 0.455. With the gender social norms score at 98.97% and with higher scores indicating worse outcomes, the data shows how deep the problem runs.

Gender gaps and inequality can directly worsen poverty because they exclude a whole group of people from economic rights, resources and education. When women are unable to help provide for their families, this creates broader insecurity that extends beyond the marginalized group itself.

Women’s Groups Addressing the Gender Gap in Ghana

People in Ghana recognize these issues and have established many organizations to address and change them. These include MamaCare Ghana, which helps educate and support women in marginalized communities and the Alliance for African Women Initiative, which supports women financially by helping them access credit and business education. They also include Women’s Trust, which promotes economic independence and Global Mamas, which provides jobs for women who need to support their families.

These groups have created a meaningful shift in how equality is advancing. There are now job opportunities to pursue, educational gaps to close and a stronger sense of belonging within communities. Global Mamas has made a significant impact by providing training to 62 apprentices and helping its members earn 2.5 times the minimum wage.

Final Remarks

Women’s rights in Ghana have followed a long and emotional journey. Women have been leaders, fighters and now advocates. This struggle does not diminish the country’s beauty, which remains known for its joy, hospitality and strong sense of community, even amid ongoing challenges. People continue to come together through it all, making that beauty even more apparent.

– Danielle Johnson

Danielle is based in Knoxville, TN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Gender Wage Gap in Slovakia

Gender Wage Gap in SlovakiaSlovakia’s modern era of government is relatively new. Slovakia was formerly part of Czechoslovakia and under Soviet control until the “velvet divorce” in 1993. Since then, Slovakia has become a parliamentary democracy and joined NATO and the European Union in 2004. Despite its prosperity, Slovakia is not exempt from common issues that countries face today, such as the gender wage gap. The European Union has voted for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which means member states, including Slovakia, have until June 2026 to transpose the requirements into their legislation. Here is information about the gender wage gap in Slovakia.

The EU Pay Transparency Directive

The purpose of the directive is to close the 12.7% gender wage gap across the EU. According to the European Council, “The EU wants to strengthen the principle of equal pay for equal work between men and women.” The directive will ensure pay transparency by requiring EU businesses to report salaries and take action if the gender wage gap is higher than 5%. The European Commission monitors and enforces the implementation of the directive in member states. Additional requirements include wage transparency before employment, allowing employees the right to information on average pay levels and increasing the representation of women on supervisory boards. Further details of the EU Pay Transparency Directive are available on the “EU Action for Equal Pay” page of the European Commission’s website.

Research on the Gender Wage Gap

A 2025 research-based article by Paula Gašpercová determined the gender wage gap in Slovakia between men and women as 16.8%. In comparison, the wage gap in Slovakia between mothers and childless women is 9.9%. One reason for this difference is that women often work in parts of the economic sector with lower compensation. Despite women often being more educated than men, their preference for the humanities leads to lower-paid jobs, while, in contrast, men are more likely to work in technical and scientific fields.

Further research shows women fall behind in their careers after becoming mothers. Additionally, mothers seek jobs based on security and flexibility rather than financial benefits. When complemented by the domestic responsibilities that women disproportionately carry out, this results in fewer opportunities for career advancement.

The unpaid care labor that women often perform is vital to the economy, and if one were to assign it a monetary value, it could exceed 40% GDP, according to UN Women. Care work largely does not receive recognition, even though it directly contributes to capital production. Therefore, women who are balancing the majority of unpaid labor with (often low-paying) jobs are less likely to reach economic independence, gather less savings and have lower retirement pensions, which collectively leaves them at risk of poverty. 

Gašpercová refers to Slovakia as a traditional country in which women are more likely to bear familial responsibilities. For example, while parental leave is available to both men and women, women use it more often. Furthermore, women are hindered from returning to work by limited access to child caregiving services. Beyond the current research, there are still unknown factors affecting the gender wage gap that suggest discrimination and other unquantified components.

Slovakia’s New Pay Transparency Laws

Slovakia’s Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family introduced new legislation in September 2025 that fully transposes the EU Pay Transparency Directive to close the gender wage gap in Slovakia. As Trusaic outlined, changes brought on by the new legislation include requiring private employers to report any gender wage gap. Gender wage gap reports must be published and disclosed to internal employees. While Slovakia’s current law prohibits discrimination based on gender and encourages equal pay for equal work, the EU Pay Transparency Directive creates enforceable standards and increases employer scrutiny. Slovakia is expected to enact the new EU Pay Transparency Directive legislation by June 7th, 2026.

Gini Index

The Gini index measures income inequality by calculating how wealth is distributed among members of a household, with the ideal number being 0, as it signifies total equality. In 2023, Slovakia’s Gini index was 23.80. The World Bank gathers information on the Gini index when comparing global economies since data demonstrates a direct correlation between lower poverty rates and a lower Gini index.

The Slovak government is preparing to take appropriate action, informed by the EU Pay Transparency Directive, to close the gender wage gap. Encouraging businesses to provide equal pay for equal work is one step in the process of providing women with the opportunities to overcome systemic barriers. The introduction of pay transparency legislation will contribute to lower rates of income inequality, less poverty and will subsequently lead to further economic growth for Slovakia.

– Thirza List

Thirza is based in the United States and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Empowering Women to Close the Gender Pay Gap in Malawi

Gender Pay Gap in MalawiPoverty is an ongoing issue in Malawi with more than 70% of people living under the international poverty line. A vast majority of Malawians are living on less than $2.50 per day, resulting in 13 million struggling to achieve economic security.

Women are at an increased disadvantage due to social norms, creating an even bigger disparity in equality. The gender pay gap in Malawi affects not only women, as equality in the workplace, at home and societal beliefs can benefit everyone.

Conditions for Women in Malawi  

Women hold low economic power in their homes and workplaces, balancing unpaid childcare with paid jobs in productive sectors such as agriculture and mining, while still consistently being offered fewer hours and lower wages than men.

Girls are typically married before 18, having to abandon their education to care for their children. This limits their opportunities in the workforce and continues to perpetuate the notion that women are less skilled and deserve less pay. By taking away the chance for a full education, women are left at a disadvantage compared to men, who can finish their education and enter the workforce.

Women as Leaders in Poverty Reduction 

A 2023 UN Study focusing on the gender pay gap in East and Southern Africa supports the idea that women can become leaders in poverty reduction. Empowering women and giving them financial autonomy could help lift the entire country out of poverty. Women are more likely to share their income with the household, investing more in their children’s health, housing and education. Prioritizing investing in their own families further stimulates the economy and fuels the next generation to create better overall living conditions.

To integrate women confidently into the labor market, the U.N. is calling for legislative change, creating transparency in the hiring process and prohibiting discrimination based on gender or marital status. Malawi can achieve this by developing regulations for minimum wage, increasing benefits and making salaries publicly available. All of this contributes to the elimination of the glass ceiling, bringing women to the forefront of economic progress.

Malawi must work to change societal norms, while also implementing work-life balance policies to ensure that unpaid child care is no longer the only option. Progressing to share child care responsibilities will empower women and unlock the full potential of the Malawian workforce. Uplifting women will facilitate socioeconomic growth, working to lift the entire country above the poverty line.

The good news is that progress has already begun. Malawi has achieved an equal representation of genders in schools by removing education fees and creating a safe space for girls to learn. This is key in empowering young girls to enter the workforce with confidence and the knowledge necessary to succeed.

Empowered Women Advocating for Change 

Advocacy and the creation of support programs are essential in closing this gender divide. The Young Feminists Network (YFN) is an organization that lobbied to establish an Executive Committee at the end of 2024, representing the interests of women nationwide. Its work is pivotal to bringing the gender pay gap in Malawi to the forefront of government policy changes and giving women a voice at the political level.

YFN’s Equal Pay Day event in 2025 brought women together to discuss the “Untapped Societal Potential due to the Persistent Gender Pay Gap.” This shift in narrative, driven by young women, places an increased emphasis on the value women have to the economy. YFN is working to reshape the idea that women are less by recognizing their potential to become integral members of society.

This is vital work, increasing awareness and empowering women across the country to be confident and demand equal pay. YFN is an effective example of how societal norms are shifting and how women are asking for more. The full potential for Malawi’s economic growth is being unlocked as women find their collective confidence to demand equal pay. Young women are at the forefront of calling for change, not just to benefit themselves, but to help everyone in Malawi.

With government support and legislative change to close the gender pay gap in Malawi, women will continue to rise and bring prosperity to their country. Empowering women and giving them financial autonomy will lead to poverty reduction, powering the economy to create a sustainable future. All Malawian women need is the space to succeed. 

– Hope Jowharian

Hope is based in Paris, France and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Gender Wage Gap in Montenegro

Gender Wage Gap in MontenegroMontenegro has made steady progress on gender equality, however, women continue to earn less than men across most sectors of the economy. Structural habits in employment, social expectations and inequalities within the labor market reflect the gender wage gap in Montenegro, resulting in higher poverty risks for women.

A 2021 report from the International Labor Organization (ILO) indicates a 21.6% difference between female and male average earnings. Prime-age workers, highly skilled workers and foreign employees experience the most significant gap. Differences in the wage gap are not due to lack of qualifications or experience, but structural inequalities that shape the outcomes of women’s earnings.

Sectoral Segregation Reinforces Inequality

One of the leading factors of the gender wage gap in Montenegro is occupational segregation, as most women work in lower-paying sectors. Men dominate higher-paid fields, including construction, technology and energy, while women are concentrated in fields including retail, education and health care. Many women are on fixed-term contracts, facing larger wage penalties and limiting long-term earning potential. These disparities increase women’s vulnerability to poverty.

Female workers in Montenegro often acquire higher levels of education compared to men. However, these improved qualifications are not yet reflected in their pay. According to the LIO, highly educated women continue to earn less than similarly educated men. This suggests that gendered stereotypes, limited access to leadership roles and hiring patterns continue to hold back guaranteed equal pay and reinforce the gender wage gap in Montenegro.

Women Face Higher Poverty Risk Amid Unequal Earnings 

Montenegro’s Gender Equality Index score for 2023 was 59.3, placing the nation below the European Union average by more than nine points. According to the Statistical Office of Montenegro (MONSTAT), monetary and economic resources remain the least equal category. Scarce access to economic opportunities alongside lower earnings positions Montenegrin women at a higher risk of poverty than men, especially single mothers and rural women.

Reforms Aim To Reduce the Wage Gap

The Montenegrin government has introduced several legal and policy reforms to strengthen equal-pay protections and expand economic opportunities for women. Reforms include improving labor-law enforcement, expanding digital-skills training and supporting female entrepreneurship. The European Union and international partners are supporting these programs. According to the UNDP, these initiatives increased women’s participation in training programs supporting more than 500 women-led businesses between 2020 and 2023. Strengthening these reforms is vital to closing the gender wage gap in Montenegro.

Ending the gender wage gap in Montenegro will require a sustained investment in childcare, stronger enforcement of equal-pay law and expanded opportunities for women in high-growth industries. With consistent support from national institutions, the European Union and local organizations, Montenegro can reduce poverty rates and build a more equitable and resilient economy for all. 

– Hana Abulkheir

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

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Closing Kenya’s Gender Gap in Tech Education

Kenya's Gender GapIn 2025, Kenya is witnessing a transformative shift in education. Across cities, towns and rural villages, digital learning hubs are opening doors for women and girls to access science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for the first time. This access is driven by both government-backed digital literacy campaigns and grassroots organizations such as AkiraChix. These initiatives aim to close Kenya’s gender gap in the technology sector and position young women as leaders in the country’s growing digital economy.

Kenya’s Government Connecting the Gender Divide

Kenya has long been recognized as one of Africa’s technology pioneers, with its capital city, Nairobi, earning the nickname “Silicon Savannah” for its start-up ecosystem. However, despite this progress, Kenya’s gender gap in digital access remains significant. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), women occupy fewer than 30% of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) roles in Kenya, and mobile internet use is considerably lower among women than men.

To tackle this divide, Kenya’s government has launched several digital literacy initiatives under its Kenya Vision 2030 and national ICT strategy. These initiatives aim to expand computer access in schools, increase teacher training and extend technology access in low-income regions. The government’s 2030 goals would allow women and girls to gain stronger digital skills and develop a greater interest in STEM fields.

How AkiraChix Is Coding a New Future for Women

At the heart of this transformation is AkiraChix, a Nairobi-based nonprofit founded in 2010 that trains young women from underprivileged backgrounds in coding, design and entrepreneurship. AkiraChix runs a camp program that introduces girls to technology and design software. Its CodeHive program offers a fully subsidized, yearlong training in software development, product management and digital design for women ages 20-24.

According to AkiraChix’s 2022 Impact Report, more than 80% of graduates secure a placement or start their own ventures within six months of finishing the program. In its 2021 Impact Report, one 2020 alumna, Rebecca Wambui, said learning to code through the CodeHive program helped her realize that “I can also do this.” She has since developed a chatbot to help local farmers access affordable market prices.

Community Hubs Expand Rural Opportunities

Beyond Nairobi, a growing network of community digital learning hubs is making STEM education accessible in rural and low-income areas. UNESCO-supported programs have introduced more than 200 girls from 20 schools to robotics, mobile app design and 3D printing. Similar to AkiraChix’s programs, UNESCO bootcamps often give girls their first exposure to engineering and computer science. These programs play a key role in narrowing Kenya’s gender gap by increasing interest in STEM.

By equipping women with marketable STEM skills, Kenya is strengthening innovation and inclusive growth. Studies show that expanding digital access contributes directly to higher gross domestic product (GDP) and employment rates in developing nations. For graduates of AkiraChix, UNESCO programs and other digital hubs, the results include greater financial stability, improved livelihoods and stronger educational outcomes.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite these gains, challenges remain. Many rural areas still lack stable electricity or affordable data, limiting the reach of digital learning. Additionally, cultural norms and gender stereotypes continue to discourage girls from pursuing STEM, and the cost of devices remains a barrier for low-income families.

Experts emphasize the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, teacher training and the integration of digital skills in school curricula, supported by public and private partners.

Kenya’s expanding digital learning ecosystem demonstrates how innovation and equality can intersect to drive national progress. By giving women and girls the tools to thrive in STEM, the country is working to bridge its gender gap in technology and build a more inclusive future.

– Abigail Ariyo

Abigail is based in Ottawa, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Gender-Balanced Politics: Women in Power Reduce Poverty

Gender-Balanced PoliticsIn Rwanda, women hold almost two-thirds of the seats in parliament, the highest proportion in the world. When women entered politics in large numbers after the 1994 genocide, the government began prioritizing laws that improved daily life for families. Since then, Rwanda has expanded access to education, strengthened health care systems and reduced poverty among female-headed households.

Similar progress is visible elsewhere. In Nepal, thousands of women now serve on local councils, shaping budgets and school programs. In Finland, women have long led policies that make childcare affordable and education universal. Across the world, gender-balanced politics has shown that when women share power, communities thrive and poverty is reduced.

Why Representation Matters

Globally, women hold just 27.2% of parliamentary seats. Although this figure has risen from 11.3% in 1995, progress remains uneven. Research shows that gender-balanced politics has measurable economic benefits. Countries with more women in parliament tend to invest more in education, health care and family welfare, policies that reduce poverty in the long term. One study found that a 10-percentage-point increase in women’s representation is linked to a 0.74-point rise in GDP growth

Rwanda continues to lead the world, with women holding about 63.8% of parliamentary seats. Following the genocide, reforms ensured that women played a central role in rebuilding national institutions. Between 2001 and 2014, “the poverty rate declined by almost 18 percentage points.”

Across Europe and the Americas, countries with higher shares of women in parliament also rank high in education, universal health care and family support policies. The Americas average 34.5% women MPs — well above the global mean — showing how gender-balanced politics can translate into social progress.

Pathways to Gender Balance

Countries use quotas, mentoring and civic education to achieve gender-balanced politics. The IPU reports that nations with gender quotas average 31.2% women in parliament, compared with 16.8% in countries without quotas.

Mentorship and training help women access campaign networks, while civic education shifts public attitudes toward equality. Yet challenges persist: cultural norms, unequal campaign funding and harassment continue to hold women back.

When women share power in parliament and cabinet, policy priorities change. Investments in early education, maternal health and social protection rise. Countries with more women leaders tend to pass laws that expand women’s economic rights, boosting labour participation and reducing gender disparities.

Inclusive governance also strengthens accountability. Governments that reflect their populations’ diversity allocate resources more equitably, reducing poverty for all.

The Road Ahead

Gender-balanced politics is not just about equality, it’s about building fairer, stronger societies. Countries that include women in decision-making tend to achieve lower poverty rates, better health outcomes and faster development.

Rwanda and Nepal show what’s possible when women shape national policy. As more nations follow, gender balance in governance can evolve from an aspiration into a proven strategy for poverty reduction.

– Lucy Williams

Lucy is based in Wrexham, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr