Advancing Women’s Rights in Spain

Women’s Rights in SpainTo advance women’s rights in Spain, the Spanish parliament is implementing and strengthening legislation to give women more resources, freedom of choice, equal opportunities and greater protection. Hundreds of women gathered in the streets of the country to celebrate the recent passing of the new laws that uphold women’s rights in Spain.

Gender Equality in Spain

The roots of the country’s gender inequality derive from the Franco era of National Catholicism. During this era (1939-1975), the regime significantly restricted women’s rights and gave strict regulations for women to follow. For example, without her husband’s consent, a married woman could not engage in most economic activities, such as participating in the labor force, owning land/property or traveling.

However, Spain’s transition to a democracy spurred a feminist movement with women throughout the country demanding equal rights, leading to milestone changes for women’s rights in Spain.

In the present day, Spain stands strong as one of the top 20 most gender-equal countries in the world. In the Global Gender Gap Report of 2022 by the World Economic Forum, Spain ranked 17th out of 146 countries. Despite Spain’s gender equality rate standing at about 78%, progress is still necessary to achieve gender parity.

Violence Against Women in Spain

Spain has struggled with gender inequality and gender-based violence due to the “machismo” culture prevalent across the nation. The machismo culture contributes to male aggression and violence against women. In 2022, Spain implemented a new system to officially count the number of femicides in the country, making it the first nation in Europe to do so. This system aims to prevent gender-based violence in Spain and address the roots of the problem. According to government statistics, since 2003, at least 1,125 women in Spain have been killed by their husbands or former partners. In 2021, this number equated to 43.

The executive summary of the 2019 Macro-Survey on Violence Against Women by the Ministry of Equality shows that more than 50% of women aged 16 and older in Spain have experienced violence due to their gender at least once, equalling about 11.6 million women.

The 2019 summary further states that 13.7% of women aged 16 and older in Spain have experienced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

The Third Strategic Plan

These staggering statistics explain why the Spanish parliament is focusing its attention on women’s rights in Spain. Lawmakers created a strategy called the Third Strategic Plan for the Effective Equality of Women and Men (PEIEMH) 2022-2025.

This plan is a €21.319 billion investment with four main goals:

  • Create a more inclusive government showcasing democracy.
  • Further the economy through unbiased issuance of wealth and closing the gender wage gap.
  • Eliminate gender violence.
  • Secure women’s rights in Spain in every aspect of their daily lives.

Furthering Women’s Rights

The Third Strategic Plan is cohesive with the new laws the Spanish parliament has passed. One of these pieces of legislation introduces menstrual leave for women, making Spain the first European nation to offer paid menstrual leave for those who endure excruciating menstrual pain that interferes with daily life.

Considering that at least two in 10 women in Spain live in poverty, this means at least 20% of women in Spain endure menstrual poverty as well. Period products, such as pads and tampons, will now be accessible without cost in schools and prisons in response to the rise of menstrual poverty among women.

In August 2022, lawmakers strengthened the “Only Yes Means Yes” legislation to better protect the rights of victims of rape. The law states that any nonconsensual sexual activity is rape and express consent will be key in sexual assault cases. Prior, in order to obtain a conviction, these cases needed evidence proving that a perpetrator used violence or intimidation.

“The new law removes the distinction between sexual abuse and sexual aggression (rape) by making explicit that consent is the deciding factor. Passivity and silence can no longer be interpreted as consent,” noted The Guardian.

Spain is also looking to introduce a law requiring companies and the Cabinet to have at least 40% of their boards made up of women. This law will give more women in Spain the opportunity to be represented in political positions and in the workforce.

Spain continues to strive toward advancing women’s rights and protecting the country’s women. Incorporating new laws will provide a brighter future for the country and its people, especially women.

– Zyairah White
Photo: Pixabay

Women’s Rights in the Bahamas

Women’s Rights in the BahamasFrom women’s suffrage efforts claiming the right to vote in 1961 to gaining independence in 1973, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas has a rich history of fighting for equality. However, despite the current progress, there are persistent political and legal barriers that currently threaten women’s rights in the Bahamas.

Disjoint in the Legal Framework Surrounding Sexual Offences

Sexual violence is endemic within the nation and necessitates legal redress. According to the Royal Bahamas Police, reporting of sexual offenses rose by 14% in 2022 with 204 cases. According to the report, 39% of the victims knew the perpetrator and all the suspects were men. With the understanding that there is a trend of gross underreporting when it comes to sexual offenses, this number could be much higher.

Sexual harassment laws pertain only to the workplace, with the language “solicits sexual favors” employed to encapsulate the meaning of sexual harassment. This means that inappropriate behavior such as sexually charged and/or obscene comments, continuous staring and unwanted physical contact in both the workplace and public spaces are not legally recognized explicitly as sexual harassment.

Additionally, although the intent of criminalizing sexual harassment in the workplace is to deter potential perpetrators, U.N. Women recommends making it a matter of civil law. The reasoning for this recommendation is that the victim has more say in the direction of the case for a civil claim.

For instance, a claimant does not have to provide a “clear and convincing burden of proof” like in a criminal court and instead only has to prove a preponderance of the evidence. The claimant does not have to be subjected to an evaluation of their sexual history (aside from the accused) like in a criminal trial. Such conditions would hopefully encourage more women to come forward and stand up to the violations of their rights.

Marital Rape

The law fails to recognize marital rape as a criminal offense unless the couple is in the process of separation/divorce. Most recently in 2022, there was an initiative to remove the phrase “who is not his spouse” from the definition of rape. However, there was constant pushback from opposing politicians and the powerful influence of the Christian Council.

Unfortunately, so long as this phrase remains in legislation, there could be thousands of Bahamian women who do not have the law protection if their husband rapes them and the damaging rhetoric that consent does not matter throughout marriage could endure.

Lack of Political Representation

A significant step toward advancing women’s rights in the Bahamas is addressing the lack of women in politics and highlighting the need for gender-sensitive policymaking. Whilst the country made history in 2021 with the election of seven women in the Progressive Liberal Party, accounting for 17% of seats in parliament, it is yet to meet the U.N.’s minimum standard of 30%.

One solution that Allicia Rolle, a gender specialist in the Department of Gender and Family Affairs proposed is the implementation of quotas as a temporary measure to promote gender mainstreaming in politics. This is to ensure that there are as many women as men in positions of power.

A Commitment to Action

In February 2022, Prime Minister Davis publicly acknowledged that the country needs to bring many of the domestic laws regarding gender equality “up to date” and that the Attorney General would be looking into “domestic legislation” to meet the need to address the prevalence of gender-based violence in the country. Additionally, the government’s effort involved considering long-term strategies including promoting civic engagement and education surrounding the topic. And while there has not been any concrete update on the implementation of such legislation or programs, this acknowledgment of responsibility toward promoting the advancement of women’s rights in the Bahamas offers signs of hope for change in the future.

– Lucy Gebbie
Photo: Flickr

Understanding and Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Egypt 

Gender Wage Gap in EgyptEgypt is a country with a rich history and diverse culture. Unfortunately, it holds the title of having the highest gender wage gap. The Global Gender Gap Report 2022, issued by the World Economic Forum, positions Egypt at 129th among the 149 countries evaluated in the 2022 index. Egypt’s wage disparity is the highest with a 3.84 ratio, implying that men earn four times more than women in relation to GDP per capita. The World Bank further highlights gender inequality in the labor market, with women representing only 18% of the total workforce in Egypt in 2022.

Consequences and Economic Impact on the Egyptian Economy

Social context influences labor market competition. In Egypt, women’s limited mobility, childcare responsibilities and masculine work environments hinder their job prospects and contribute to lower pay. The gender wage gap in Egypt has significant consequences on society and the economy. The wage gap exposes discriminatory practices in employment and wages, where women face disadvantages compared to men in earning income.

Furthermore, the World Bank (2021) reported that if female participation in the workforce increased, Egypt’s GDP could potentially grow by 34%. This demonstrates the untapped potential of women’s economic contributions. Women’s active involvement in the financial sector, particularly in executive and board positions, enhances the resilience and stability of the country. According to the World Bank, achieving Egypt’s Vision 2030 requires addressing the underrepresentation of women, especially at senior leadership levels.

Possible Solutions from a Governmental Aspect

The Egyptian National Council for Women (NCW) operates as an independent women’s machinery. The President of the Republic of Egypt affiliates the council, which ensures equal treatment of Egyptian women in political, economic, social and cultural aspects. Additionally, the NCW actively plans for women’s advancement. The NCW actively addresses the gender wage gap and promotes gender equality in the labor market. Furthermore, the NCW introduces Egypt’s Vision 2030, aligning it with the Sustainable Development Strategy to construct a fair and equal society.

In its report to the United Nations, the NCW outlined several measures, including the establishment of a gender-sensitive budgeting system and the development of an action plan to increase women’s representation in decision-making positions. Through entrepreneurship programs, the NCW economically empowered Egyptian women. In April 2022, the Shakia Governate program trained 136,000 women in project management, planning, marketing and entrepreneurship concepts, thereby facilitating networking and providing access to valuable services.

The NCW’s efforts to promote women’s empowerment in Egypt yielded visible progress. From 2015 to 2019, the unemployment rate for females decreased from 12.8% to 7.9%. Additionally, Egypt joined the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) in 2018, committing to take action to close the gender pay gap by implementing policies, sharing knowledge and mobilizing resources.

Efforts from NGOs and International Organizations

Several international and non-governmental organizations have partnered with Egypt to address the gender wage gap and promote women’s economic empowerment. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been working with the Egyptian government to strengthen women’s participation in the economy by supporting policies and programs that promote gender equality, such as microfinance initiatives and vocational training for women.

USAID empowers women to close the gender wage gap in Egypt by supporting their entrepreneurial ventures. Through initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurs Network and Tiye Angels, 600 successful women-led businesses have emerged since 2017. Additionally, USAID’s Business Development Service Centers have strengthened 650 women-owned micro-enterprises. The Association for Women’s Total Advancement and Development (ATWAD) is another organization working to empower Egyptian women economically. ATWAD provides training, advocacy and capacity building for women to improve their access to resources and opportunities.

Lastly, ABAAD, a regional NGO, aims to achieve gender equality in the Middle East and North Africa region. ABAAD works in Egypt to promote equal opportunities for women in the labor market and to eliminate gender-based violence, which is a significant barrier to women’s economic participation.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to address the gender wage gap and promote women’s economic empowerment in Egypt are gaining momentum. Initiatives led by the Egyptian National Council for Women, along with collaborations with international organizations like USAID and ABAAD, are making a difference. Progress has been seen in reducing female unemployment rates and increasing women’s representation in decision-making positions. With continued commitment and support, Egypt is on the path towards achieving greater gender equality, unlocking the untapped potential of women and fostering a fair and inclusive society.

– Tanya Hamad
Photo: Flickr

Gender Inequality in Madagascar

Gender Inequality in MadagascarGender inequality in Madagascar remains a key issue for women. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) defines gender equality as the equal opportunities, conditions, treatment and acceptance of human rights and dignity for all individuals, including men, women and children. It entails ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to contribute to and benefit from economic, social, cultural and political development, irrespective of their gender. Unfortunately, this is yet to be the reality in Madagascar, as women in the country still experience gender-based bias and exclusion.

A Cultural Problem

Madagascan cultural traditions and societal norms going back centuries, have forced Malagasy women into a secondary position within the public sphere. Typically, this includes the widespread belief that men should dominate leadership roles and speak out more in public. For example, in the realm of Madagascan politics, only 4% are women, leaving them underrepresented and excluded from social, political and economic circles.

Reports link common practices such as child marriage to restricted education and increased poverty. Around two-thirds of girls from poorer Madagascan regions go into marriage before the age of 18. In contrast, girls with access to secondary-level education in the country are less likely to marry earlier in life. Despite these circumstances making it hard for Malagasy women to achieve equality, the pursuance of livelihood activities from the mangrove forest has enabled those who are uneducated to improve their economic status. But this practice remains highly damaging to the environment and therefore does not present a long-term solution to the effects of gender inequality in Madagascar. Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 in pursuance of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls requires the country to close existing gender gaps.

Some Facts of Gender Inequality in Madagascar

The statistics on gender inequality in Madagascar demonstrate significant economic differences between men and women. Some of the facts are as follows:

  • Men in Madagascar earn, on average, 37% more than women, and this is mostly a result of a lack of wage transparency.
  • Women are 20% more likely to experience unemployment than men.
  • Women and girls, 5 years and older in Madagascar, spend 14.6% of their lives working in the unpaid care sector or on domestic work. In comparison, only 2.8% is the number for men.
  • Women working in the export processing zones of the textile and garment sector are especially vulnerable to workplace inequalities.

Reducing Gender Inequality in Madagascar

Although the statistics paint a bleak picture, there are organizations going to great lengths to alleviate the consequences of gender inequality in Madagascar. These organizations aim to enable women to know their rights and seek representation in unions. This is particularly essential as discriminatory stereotypes still exist within the Madagascan union movement.

Representatives from IndustriALL’s Malagasy affiliates; SEKRIMA, FISEMA, USAM and SVS, have noted the importance of providing mentoring and training to women, so they build confidence and feel able to participate in unions. In 2018, USAM introduced a national quota of 40% for women’s representation. As of 2022, The World Bank announced that 48% of its workforce in Madagascar was female, with representation at all levels. This suggests that since USAM’s introduction of a national quota, women’s representation in Madagascar has improved in some areas.

Another important initiative in Madagascar, Feed the Minds, has worked alongside the local organization, Tanjona Association, to improve the livelihoods of Malagasy women through sustainable silk production. The initiative aims to empower 90 members of a women’s association group in Mandrosoa by training them to make silk using environmentally friendly methods. This will give participants the opportunity to acquire functional literacy and numeracy skills, as well as financial concepts, required to form micro-businesses. According to estimates, [in addition to participants], “490 individuals will indirectly benefit from the project”, demonstrating the importance of implementing these kinds of programs. Feed the Minds and other organizations provide new opportunities that not only benefit present-day Malagasy women but also have the potential to empower future generations of girls and women who may not have been aware of their potential.

The Future for Women in Madagascar

In a 2020 report on her trip to Madagascar, Diarietou Gaye, World Bank Group Vice President and Corporate Secretary, argued that Madagascar must create a middle class to promote economic and political stability, which can then lead to job creation. for youths in Madagascar. This, she says, would require women to gain more responsibility and provide an opportunity for them to exercise their abilities in the same way as their male counterparts. Gaye concluded that if men and women in Madagascar had the same opportunities, with equal empowerment efforts for all, then there would be substantial rewards for not just individuals, but throughout entire communities.

–   Bethan Marsden
Photo: Flickr

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USAID Efforts to Advance Gender Equality

Advance Gender EqualityGender equality is a fundamental human right that is crucial for sustainable development. USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, advances gender equality through its policies, programs, and partnerships. USAID has implemented a range of strategies to promote gender equality, including the following three:

The Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative

The Women’s Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative was launched in 2019 by the Trump administration to promote women’s economic empowerment globally. The initiative has reached over 12 million women in its first year and aims to reach 50 million women in developing countries before 2025 through various programs, partnerships, and initiatives. W-GDP focuses on three pillars:

  • Women Prospering in the Workforce: This pillar aims to support women’s entrepreneurship, increase their access to capital and improve their workforce development skills.
  • Women Succeeding as Entrepreneurs: This pillar focuses on supporting women-owned and women-led businesses, improving access to markets and promoting innovation and technology.
  • Women Enabled in the Economy: This pillar aims to increase women’s access to financial services and assets and remove legal, regulatory and cultural barriers that hinder women’s economic participation.

W-GDP has already made significant progress toward its goals to advance gender equality. The initiative has launched several innovative programs and initiatives that have helped thousands of women entrepreneurs and business owners in the developing world.

U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace and Security

The U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace and Security (2019) is a comprehensive plan that aims to advance gender equality by promoting women’s participation in peace processes and conflict prevention. The strategy recognizes the importance of women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes. It seeks to address the unique needs and challenges faced by women and girls in conflict-affected areas. The strategy outlines four main objectives:

  • To increase women’s participation in peace negotiations, conflict prevention and resolution.
  • To promote women’s protection and access to relief and recovery services in conflict-affected areas.
  • To support women’s economic empowerment and access to education and training in conflict-affected areas.
  • To improve data collection and monitoring of women’s participation and protection in conflict-affected areas.

During the fiscal year 2021, USAID supported more than 77,000 women’s participation in leadership, legal, political, conflict mediation and peacebuilding processes. Additionally, over 5.3 million gender-based violence survivors received crucial health care, legal aid, economic services and psychosocial support. To support women and girls in countries affected by natural disasters, crisis, violent extremism and conflict, USAID invested more than $243 million in various programs.

Ending Child Marriage and Meeting the Needs of Married Children

This document outlines USAID’s strategy for addressing child marriage and supporting married children. The report recognizes child marriage as a harmful practice that can have devastating consequences for girls, including limited access to education, health care and economic opportunities as well as increased risk of gender-based violence. It is estimated that every year around 10 million girls are married before they turn 18. In developing nations, 1 in 7 girls is married before turning 15 and some child brides are as young as 8 or 9. Orphans and young girls without involved caregivers are especially at risk of early marriage. 1 in 9 girls between the ages of 10 and 14 were coerced into a marriage.

The report outlines several key strategies for ending child marriage and supporting married children:

  • Addressing the root causes of child marriage, such as poverty, focusing on approaches that advance gender equality and social norms that devalue girls.
  • Increasing access to education and economic opportunities for girls which can help delay marriage and provide alternatives to child marriage.
  • Promoting laws and policies that protect girls’ rights and prohibit child marriage.
  • Strengthening health systems to provide reproductive health services and support for married children.
  • Engaging with communities and religious leaders to shift social norms and attitudes towards child marriage.

Different stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations and religious leaders must cooperate to address child marriage and support married children. There is a need for data and evidence-based programming to address the issue effectively. The report presents a comprehensive vision for ending child marriage and meeting the needs of married children and provides a roadmap for USAID’s efforts in this area.

USAID’s strategies that advance gender equality demonstrate its commitment to promoting women’s empowerment, reducing gender disparities and improving the lives of women and girls globally. Through its policies, programs and partnerships, USAID strives to create a more just and equitable world where everyone can thrive.

– Nino Basaria
Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Empowerment in Kakuma Refugee Camp

Women’s Empowerment in Kakuma Refugee CampThe Kakuma Refugee Camp, located in Kenya, was originally established for young children who escaped war in Sudan and Ethiopia. Today, the camp is home to about 200,000 people and facilitates access to education, health care and housing. The efforts of organizations enable and empower women in the camp to learn skills and secure income-generating activities. The women in the camp are pushing against stereotypical gender norms while working to support their families. Their stories and success are a reflection of the progress toward women’s empowerment in Kakuma Refugee Camp.

Breaking Stereotypes

CARE tells the story of Jackiline Amina who has lived in the Kakuma Refugee camp since she fled her home in Tanzania and sought refuge in Kenya in 2013. Amina now works as an auto mechanic in the camp. Before she became an auto mechanic, she would work small jobs, including providing laundry services to other refugees and fetching water for people in the camp, to make ends meet. After the father of her youngest child left the family, Amina had to find a sustainable and profitable job to enable her to care for her children. To achieve this, she knew she had to learn a new skill.

Prior to becoming an auto mechanic, Amina tried her hands at welding but did not make much progress as the men in the trade refused to train her, saying “the work was not appropriate for women,” according to the CARE website. Eventually, she got in touch with the owner of a small garage that agreed to train her as a mechanic.

In Amina’s current line of work, she regularly faces gender discrimination and many males undermine a female’s ability to be a competent mechanic. Her fellow male auto mechanics, however, have accepted her into the auto mechanic community and treat her “like one of the guys.” Amina has aspirations of enrolling in an official training program or mechanics school so she can secure higher-paying jobs in the future.

Entering a Male-Dominated Field

In another CARE story, Lucy Nyanga Joseph left Sudan in 2019 and joined her sister, nieces and nephews at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. In 2022, she learned of an opportunity to become a solar engineer in the camp. She was one of three women who enrolled in the program and the only woman to begin working after completion.

Despite many people saying her career path is ill-suited for women, she has gone on to inspire 20 of her friends in the camp to enroll in training for traditionally male-dominated fields. Before becoming a solar technician, Joseph relied on aid from the U.N. Refugee Agency, receiving a total of $11.75 per month. This was barely enough to afford the quality of care she desired for her children. Her new job, however, enables her to provide better for her children.

Stepping out of Gender Roles

In 2019, U.N. Women told the story of Nyamam Gai Gatluak. At the time, Gatluak was a student of the Angelina Jolie Primary School in Kakuma Refugee Camp and a member of the IT club that has participated in several events aiming to empower girl children. She is one of 60 girls who received a place in the boarding school out of nearly 500 who applied. Gatluak has aspirations of becoming a software engineer as a result of the school and IT club empowering women within the refugee community.

She and other young women still face great challenges in pursuing education and career paths. In some cases, these women are not even able to attend school. Even for those who are able to attend, gender-prescribed household duties often prevent girls from fully concentrating on their studies. Typically, household and caretaking responsibilities do not affect young men as society considers this a female role.

Despite the challenges, Gatluak aspires to develop an app that can teach young girls, including those in refugee camps around the world, how to code. She also dreams of developing another app that teaches parents and young women their rights in different local languages. Gatluak understands that many parents and young girls do not know their rights and, as a result, are taken advantage of — a problem that Gatluak aims to alleviate.

Women Empowerment in Kenya (WEIKE)

Women Empowerment in Kenya (WEIKE) is a nonprofit in Kenya that helps vulnerable young women access education and funding to secure a better future for their families. Founded in 2017, WEIKE runs several women’s empowerment initiatives, including a soap-making project, economic education for women and agriculture projects. About 20 women participate in the soap-making project, producing multi-purpose soap for their personal use and selling the rest to bring in an income.

Looking Ahead

Organizations like WEIKE contribute to women’s empowerment, education and economic security in Kenya. Women’s empowerment in the Kakuma Refugee Camp enables them to work toward educating themselves, learning new skills and obtaining high-paying, in-demand jobs to support themselves and their families. The efforts in the camp and results so far help to pave the path to a future of freedom, equity and equality for the next generation of women.

– Ronni Winter
Photo: Flickr

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5 Organizations Empowering DRC Women

Empowering DRC Women
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country in Central Africa that is rich in resources but still remains incredibly poor. A severe food crisis stems from government instability. In addition, violent armed groups often launch attacks and assaults on women and children. Luckily, there are several organizations empowering DRC women. This article takes a look at five of those organizations.

Severe Conditions for DRC Women

In 2018, more than 35% of women between the ages of 15-49 years reported being sexually or physically abused by an intimate partner. Further, almost 30% of girls under the age of 18 have been married or forced into a union. Finally, 70% of both women and men face food insecurity as well.

Here are five organizations that are combating these severe conditions and are actively empowering DRC women.

Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation is an international organization that has been empowering DRC women since 2009. It calculates that 60% of women in the DRC live below the poverty line and have extremely low levels of political participation. The organization works to gain respect for women’s rights and end discriminatory gender practices. Kvinna till Kvinna helps women participate in learning exchanges that provide education and economic empowerment. It also helps finance certain activities of the Rien Sans les Femmes (Nothing Without Women) movement, a collaboration of Congolese women’s rights activists.

By supporting smaller partner organizations in the DRC, Kvinna till Kvinna has definitively lowered gender-based violence against women and has boosted political participation for DRC women. For example, the partner organization AFEM (Association des Femmes des Médias du Sud Kivu) is a collaboration of female journalists. It uses a radio station, Mama Radio, as its platform to empower DRC women.  Mama Radio caught on and AFEM was able to report reduced violence against women.

AFEM coordinator Julienne Baseke noted, “Thanks to Mama Radio, we have been able to break the silence on sexual violence, people are better informed and sexual and reproductive health issues are no longer taboo. The authorities are also held accountable on sexual violence issues and the media are mobilized on violence issues.”

Women for Women International

Women for Women International empowers DRC women in numerous ways. Since 2004 it has supported more than 106,000 Congolese women. Its most recent impact evaluation reports increased access to credit, savings and assets.  Second, it reports an increase in women’s ability to pursue entrepreneurship. Finally, it shares that women are benefitting from improved diets and mental health access. In 2022, 256 women received advocacy training in land titling. It also expanded upon its health insurance projects which were able to reduce fees for women and their families by around 50%.

Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)

WPHF is an international organization that helps empower grassroots organizations to help women become more involved in political affairs. In the DRC, it works with Spotlight Initiative, another women’s rights organization to fund 30 projects that 51 women’s organizations in the DRC spearheaded. These organizations seek to eliminate violence against women and encourage political mobility for women. For example, WPHF supports our GRACE, which seeks to promote gender-based equality and peace in North Kivu. It also supports CAUSE RURALE, which focuses on providing humanitarian aid to reinforce stronger institutions for women.  Finally, WPHF supports AFPDE, in South Kivu and promotes the strength of women’s organizations.

Women Concern (WOCO)

This Congolese nonprofit has been empowering women in the DRC by focusing on women and girls in rural areas. It focuses on helping women and girls see their own potential and provide them with development opportunities. Its unique approach is to utilize men and boys to be partners and co-agents to ensure change. It believes that promoting positive masculinity will in turn create a safe environment for women and girls to seek out opportunities. Its ultimate goal is to end the ongoing cycle of violence against women in the DRC.

Women, Cradle of Abundance

Women, Cradle of Abundance is a DRC organization. It has been empowering women in the DRC by attempting the eliminate systemic poverty for women. The organization provides physical safety, medical care, counseling and community services for women. It also helps improve education for women and girls by supporting schools for disadvantaged children. Women, Cradle of Abundance provides women with micro-savings and microloans. For example, it has provided 199 microloans to Kinshasha women. This helped them start or expand their businesses.

Moving Forward

Between international organizations such as Kvinna till Kvinna, Women for Women International and WPHF as well as DRC organizations such as WOCO and Women, Cradle of Abundance, a lot has been accomplished to empower DRC women. Past and current successes pave the way for more positive change.

– Anna Richardson
Photo: Flickr

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3inaya Project Promotes Gender Equality in Morocco

Gender Equality in MoroccoNGO Santé Sud launched the 3inaya project with the aim of promoting sexual health care and gender equality in Morocco, as well as changing attitudes in the country. Santé Sud is a French organization working in France and internationally, promoting access for all to quality health care. It assists local organizations to improve long-lasting health care systems and restructuring. The 3inaya project is currently projected to run from 2022 to 2024 and has already begun to make strides in improving training and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Gender Equality in Morocco

Regarding the current situation of gender equality in Morocco, Franceline Toe Bouda, Committee Expert and Reporteur commended the country for making progress in accord with their Family Code. However, it was also “noted that the maternal mortality rate in rural areas (over 100 deaths per 100,000 births) was far higher than in urban areas (around 11 per 100,000).” This signifies that there are still areas of improvement in women’s health care and that whilst making strides in urban and more metropolitan areas, more emphasis is necessary in rural areas.

Gender-based violence is sadly prevalent in Morocco, with a report that the High Planning Commission published stating that “the number of victims who experienced at least one act of violence fell from 63% to 57% between 2009 and 2019,” despite being a drop is still a very high statistic. The survey looked at women aged 18 to 64 years, however, didn’t review cyber-harassment or violence.

In 2018, the Moroccan Ministry of Education focused on promoting gender equality by supporting the implementation of a Medium-term Strategic Action Plan. The plan aimed to normalize gender equality in the Moroccan education system through “the dissemination of a positive and objective image of women through the diffusion of knowledge” and “the adoption of a quota for female representation greater than or equal to 30% (aiming for parity) in the statutes and laws governing both education and trade unions” among other goals.

How Will the 3inaya Project Help?

The 3inaya project aims “to promote gender equality and sexual health through educating and raising awareness among individuals.” This strategy extends not only to women but also men and young people to change social norms.

President of LDDF-Injad Network, Najia Tazrout has expressed her desire for widespread education, “arguing that violence against women remains persistent” and “that there is a sense of “normalization and justification” of violence in the country,” Morocco World News reports.

The main action points of the 3inaya project are to train teachers to be able to identify violence toward victims by creating training modules on “sexual health, rights and gender” in higher education such as universities. They have also decided to train health professionals such as nurses and doctors to be able to identify, screen, and care for women victims of violence. Additionally, they intend of training health professionals and social workers in psychological support for sexual assault survivors.

So far, the program has supported “4,500 women and child survivors” of gender-based violence. The project has also trained “12 CSOs from the Réseau Femmes Solidaires, 60 teachers, 90 health professionals, six social workers and the media,” according to Santé Sud.

Improvements and changes that Santé Sud has been making through the 3inaya project promise to show results and make a significant difference in gender equality in Morocco and how the country approaches reducing gender-based violence and stigmatization of victims.

– Priya Maiti
Photo: Flickr

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Improving Women’s Education In Uganda

Women's Education in Uganda
Gender inequality remains a significant issue in Uganda. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, significantly affecting women’s education in Uganda. Even before the pandemic, Uganda saw disparities in male and female literacy rates. According to the World Bank, in 2018, the adult male literacy rate stood at 83% in comparison to 71% among adult females.

Gender Inequality in Uganda

There are about 45.7 million people living in Uganda and 51.71% are female. For the past 20 years, Uganda has committed to a more gender-equal society by promoting women’s empowerment. A series of factors contribute to the marginalization of Ugandan women, including gender norms and lack of skills development and education among females. By improving women’s education in Uganda, organizations can reduce gender inequalities while empowering women and helping them to rise out of poverty.

Education in Uganda

World Bank data indicates that only 54% of primary school-aged girls in Uganda completed primary education in 2017. In 2016, only 57% of females who completed primary school moved on to secondary education. Furthermore, only 25% of females completed lower secondary school in 2017.

Rampant gender inequality in Ugandan society limits the education of girls. Families prioritize the education of boys and girls shoulder the burden of household chores and caretaking, leaving little time for education. Although this issue has lingered for many years, organizations are committed to promoting women’s education in Uganda and advancing women’s rights.

Spreading Sunshine

The Borgen Project spoke with Patricia Stivala, co-founder of an organization called Spreading Sunshine. Patricia and her husband Steve Stivala founded the small organization as a means of bringing light into the lives of disadvantaged people. Part of the organization’s efforts includes supporting the Street Business School in Nakigalala, Uganda. The Street Business School empowers impoverished women by allowing women opportunities to develop their business skills and education so that they can establish small businesses.

Spreading Sunshine donated money to the Street Business School to allow more than 100 women to go through a six-month training program to start their own businesses. Patricia attended the graduation ceremony of these women. From spending time in a large group to enjoying lunch together, she was able to celebrate these women’s successes. She went on to mention the pride and joy these women felt after rising above the societal limitations placed on females.

Other Efforts

Many other efforts are underway to promote girls’ education. The U.N. explains that “Education Plus is an advocacy drive to accelerate actions to prevent HIV and [gender-based violence] with access to secondary school education for girls as a strategic entry point.” Five U.N. agencies are co-leading the Education Plus initiative, working with the leaders of nations across sub-Saharan Africa. The Ugandan government launched the initiative in Uganda in June 2022, showing its commitment to advancing women’s education in Uganda.

In August 2022, the Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS) organization launched the #everygirlinschool campaign. Through this campaign, female mentors work to tackle the limitations preventing women’s education in Uganda. By working with the Ugandan government, the organization hopes to strengthen the roles of senior women teachers in the country. An external assessment proves the positive impact senior women teachers have had on the education of young girls. According to statistics, “engaging with senior women teachers increased a girl’s chance of developing reading and writing skills by 264%,” UKFIET says.

The Ugandan Government’s Efforts

Not only is the Ugandan government working with other organizations that strive to promote women’s education and rights but it also launched a new policy of its own in February 2022. The policy encourages previously pregnant girls to return to school to complete their education. As a result, Margaret Babirye (a 17-year-old Ugandan citizen) is able to tend to her baby during her school lunch break. This is an opportunity Babirye never thought she would have prior to the release of this new policy.

In February 2022, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women recognized Uganda’s considerable improvements in both women’s education and human rights. Improvements such as “gender-sensitive educational infrastructure” and strategic laws have led to significant progress.

In August 2022, U.N. Women collaborated with Sweden to launch the Promoting Second Chance Education Program for marginalized young women in Uganda. This initiative provides young women with a six-month course in electrical installation. Atemi Salami, a participant in this program, tells the U.N. that the program has allowed her to obtain a job at an electrical store where she earns a living to support her family.

Looking Ahead

Many efforts are underway to promote women’s education in Uganda. With ongoing commitments, organizations and the government can make strides in reducing gender inequality and empowering women.

– Madison Stivala
Photo: Flickr

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Global Gender Equality Progress

Global Gender Equality Progress
World Vision reports that 689 million people endured extreme poverty in 2021 and research shows that women make up a majority of the world’s impoverished. One trend that is common among countries with high poverty rates is a lack of gender equality. In some of these countries, women make less money than men, have limited access to education, or have fewer rights than men. Fortunately, in recent years, the world is noting global gender equality progress.

New Female Leaders Worldwide

In recent years, gender equality movements have reached government offices as countries around the world have made the progressive change of appointing women to leadership positions. In 2021, Albania appointed 12 out of its 17 total cabinet seats to women, a 70% majority. By giving the prime minister a new, primarily female cabinet, Albania could begin to go in a new direction that could further empower women in the nation. Albania ranks 25th out of 156 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report of 2021.

Honduras also made a significant change to its government in January 2022 when Xiomara Castro became the first female president in the country’s history. Castro has already voiced her intentions to tackle social injustice and help women. This should be encouraging to the citizens of Honduras, particularly its women who have faced numerous challenges such as femicide and reproductive rights restrictions.

Like Castro, in December 2020, Maia Sandu became the first woman to hold the presidency in her country, Moldova. In Moldova, almost 27% of people lived in poverty in 2020 and gender inequality is prominent as women face high rates of gender-based violence and less than half of Moldovan women participate in the workforce. Despite the challenges that Sandu has faced due to gender biases, there is hope for the women of Moldova to reach equality through Sandu’s efforts.

New Female Leader of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

In 2021, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala became the first woman to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO) as director-general. She is also the first African to lead the organization. The WTO is focused on the “global rules of trade between nations.” Its goal is to help nations efficiently conduct trade with each other. Having Okonjo-Iweala as the WTO new leader could be promising in terms of reducing global poverty as Okonjo-Iweala is a “firm believer” in using trade to help raise countries out of poverty. Furthermore, being an African woman, Okonjo-Iweala has experienced the struggles of the African continent first-hand. Africa holds a large majority of the world’s poor, most of whom are women.

New Constitution in Chile Strengthens Equality

In 2021, Chile voted to elect an assembly made up of 155 citizens to construct the country’s newest constitution. This is the first constitution in the world that men and women wrote equally. Many believe that this will help women in Chile make significant progress toward equality.

The previous constitution had a number of flaws as it was drafted, primarily, by one person during a time when Augusto Pinochet ruled Chile with an iron fist. One of the main issues is that men had more rights than women. The new constitution heavily prioritizes gender parity in the country. With more people having input on their country’s laws, Chile can better address the issue of inequality.

Chile’s new constitution could create a new standard for gender equality movements around the world. Because the world’s impoverished mostly consist of women, improving gender equality could reduce that poverty. If more countries adapted governments to promote gender equality, more women worldwide would have the same rights as men. This could be a driving force behind eliminating inequality between men and women as well as eliminating poverty for both.

Continued global gender equality progress will ensure that more women rise out of poverty across the world.

– Tyshon Johnson
Photo: Unsplash