Archive for category: Gender Equality

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The Fight Against the Gender Wage Gap in Belarus

Gender Wage Gap in BelarusThe gender wage gap has been a persistent problem across nearly all professional sectors since the integration of women into the workforce. Unfortunately, this issue remains prevalent in many workplaces today, notably in orthodox societies with traditional views on gender roles, such as Belarus, where the unadjusted gender wage gap favors men by 26.8%.

In Belarusian society, women are often encouraged to pursue lower-risk jobs with standard working conditions and flexible hours, as they dedicate on average 19.2% of their time to unpaid domestic and care work, such as raising children. In contrast, their male counterparts have the freedom to choose professions with longer hours and higher remuneration as they spend only 9.5% of their time on these tasks. As a result of these lower wages and high familial expectations, female workers are more at risk of falling into poverty than male workers. 

Despite ranking at #55 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum 2024 Global Gender Gap Index, Belarus is taking significant steps through legislation and internationally backed initiatives to climb the ladder and end discriminatory practices against women in the workplace. These are two key ways that Belarus is fighting against the gender wage gap.

International Aid Efforts

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is an international organization focused on supporting efforts for social and economic progress worldwide, currently working to improve women’s working conditions in Belarus. As a result of a partnership with UNICEF and the National Statistical Committee, the UNDP is now able to collect sex-disaggregated data, enabling it to find national solutions and track their progress in combating the gender wage gap. 

Progressive Legislation

In conjunction with these social efforts, Belarus has recently passed multiple pieces of legislation that are already producing positive results. 

In 2017, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus adopted the National Plan for Gender Equality. With the goal of developing a more gendered approach to public policy to level the professional playing field and empower women to hold more managerial positions, the action plan has been largely successful since its implementation. Not only do women possess more upper management positions than before, but they also make up 70% of the 69,000 cultural workers in Belarus as they work in the fields of media, education and culture.

In the National Review of the Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, a review in which the government presents answers to questions generated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and UN Women, the Belarusian government explains that they have increased the salaries of employees in the women-dominated public sector. Although they do not give specific figures, professions such as teachers, medical workers and pharmaceutical professionals were the main beneficiaries and are expected to receive further salary augmentation before the end of 2025. This legislation seeks to close the gap between the salaries of these predominantly female professions and the predominantly male industrial professions in Belarus, who consistently earn far more than their female counterparts.

Political Arena

Women have also been rising to prominence in the political arena. Despite the rigid, male-dominated, autocratic regime, in both 2015 and 2020, multiple women were registered as single candidates in the presidential elections, signaling progression towards gender equality across many professions.

While the gender wage gap in Belarus is nowhere near eradicated, these progressive measures put in place by the government and international entities are positive steps towards gender equality in the workplace. These steps provide progressives and feminists across Belarus with cautious optimism. Despite the work that remains, feminist leader Irina Solomatina believes that “being a woman in Belarus is good,” as she hopes for future equality between genders in the workplace and, in turn, a lower risk of poverty for Belarusian women.

– Jack Schuchard

Jack is based in Herndon, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Understanding the Gender Wage Gap in Bulgaria

Gender Wage Gap in BulgariaBulgaria has made notable progress in improving conditions for women, including higher employment and workforce participation rates. However, gender inequality remains a widespread issue. The 2023 Gender Equality Index indicates that Bulgaria still ranks below the EU average, despite an increase by 4.4 points since 2020.

The gender wage gap in Bulgaria serves as a key indicator of progress in economic and social gender equality. For every euro men make per hour, women earn 86 cents. By closing the gap, the risk of poverty amongst women and vulnerable groups can be significantly reduced.

The Gender Wage Gap in Bulgaria 

The gender wage gap reflects the difference between the average hourly earnings of men and women. According to the European Commission, the gender wage gap in Bulgaria currently ranks 2% below the EU average of 16.2%, placing the gap at 14%.

A study that the Zangador Research Institute conducted reveals that the health care, finance and insurance sectors have the largest pay disparities. Women were found to earn more than men in just two fields: construction and support and administrative services.

Understanding the Gap

There are many underlying reasons that explain the gender wage gap in Bulgaria. Understanding the factors behind pay disparities helps highlight the specific challenges women face in the workplace. 

  • A Divisive Labor Market: Men and women tend to cluster in different trades, creating pay disparities, sectoral segregation and career barriers. Fields like teaching and sales, which employ a larger share of women, typically offer lower wages. Comparable sectors that require similar levels of experience and education often pay more.
  • Men Typically Dominate Leadership Roles: Men more frequently receive promotions, leading to faster career advancement and higher earnings. However, more women have entered managerial roles in Bulgaria. In 2014, women led one inf four firms; by 2019, that figure rose to one in three. Despite this growth, a 2022 World Values Survey found that one-third of Bulgarians still believe men make better executives than women.
  • The “Dual Burden”: Women carry out more unpaid labor, including childcare, housework and caregiving. These responsibilities often reduce their working hours. In Bulgaria, nearly three-quarters of women perform household duties daily, compared to just one-tenth of men.

Poverty Amongst Women in Bulgaria

Financial improvements in Bulgaria across 2006 to 2014 doubled the standard monthly wage for men and women. However, data from the Gender Equality Index in 2019 indicates 24% of women and 20% of men are still at risk of poverty. Single women faced the highest risk at 52%, followed by disabled women at 39%.

Reducing the gender wage gap in Bulgaria lowers the risk of poverty amongst women and helps create greater equality in the workforce. To secure economic empowerment for women in Bulgaria, policymakers must address the gender wage gap by establishing equality in the labor market.

What the Future Holds

Since joining the EU, Bulgaria has seen improved living standards, though income disparities persist. The 2021-2030 National Strategy for Promoting Gender Equality outlines concrete legal and policy measures to support disadvantaged groups. The Bulgarian government approved this strategy in 2020 and continues to lead efforts to eliminate gender inequality and social exclusion.

The program aims to establish equality between men and women in the workplace, reduce the gender wage gap and promote women’s economic independence. In 2021, the government upgraded the employment policy framework to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and increase their participation in the workforce.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy aims to implement key objectives of the Employment Priority Strategy. Policymakers will encourage employers to create jobs for disadvantaged groups, thereby increasing the participation of women from vulnerable communities. These measures directly support the core aims of Bulgaria’s National Development Program, specifically Objective 1: Eradication of poverty and Objective 5: Achieving Gender Equality and Empowerment of All Women and Girls.

Additionally, the EU Pay Transparency Directive will require employers to monitor and report gender pay statistics. Starting in June 2027, companies with 150 or more employees must submit annual reports using the prior year’s data. Businesses with 150-249 employees will report every three years, while those with more than 250 will report annually.

Looking Ahead

Ongoing policy initiatives signal a promising path towards narrowing the gender wage gap and advancing economic equality for women in Bulgaria. By actively addressing pay disparities, policymakers can reduce the risk of poverty amongst women and create more equitable economic opportunities across Bulgarian society.

– Beatrice Punt

Beatrice is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Gender Wage Gap in Libya

libya genderWhile discussions on gender equality frequently highlight obstacles, Libya is experiencing notable advancements in women’s economic empowerment. Although disparities remain, consistent progress in education, workforce participation, financial access and greater representation in leadership positions indicates a favorable trend.

Political complexities often dominate the narrative of Libya’s socio-economic landscape. However, beneath the surface, a compelling story of progress in gender equality is unfolding, particularly concerning women’s economic roles. While a gender wage gap in Libya persists, reflecting historical and societal challenges, various initiatives and inherent strengths are actively narrowing this divide, demonstrating how life is improving for women through incremental yet impactful changes. This piece delves into the often-overlooked advancements contributing to women’s growing economic influence in Libya.

Employment and Education

A key indicator of economic empowerment is labor force participation. Since 1990, Libya has seen an increase in female labor force participation. While still lower than that of men, the trajectory is positive, with statistics showing a slight but consistent rise, reaching 33% in 2024. This upward trend signifies more women entering the workforce, which could be contributing to the national economy and gaining financial independence. Such incremental growth, though not always dramatic, represents significant progress in a context marked by traditional gender roles and economic transitions.

Education serves as a foundational pillar for economic equality, and Libya has made commendable progress in this area. A remarkable 70.5% of women aged 25 and older have attained at least some secondary education. This high level of educational attainment is a critical enabler, equipping women with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue diverse careers, engage in higher-paying professions, and contribute to the economy in more significant ways. It indicates a long-term investment in women’s capabilities that will inevitably impact wage equality.

Women in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Libyan women are increasingly venturing into entrepreneurship and embracing digital innovation, creating their own economic opportunities. Initiatives like “She Codes” and “Maharah Coding Academy,” with the support from organizations such as the European Union and CESVI, are empowering women with essential computer programming and digital skills. These programs not only provide pathways to employment but also foster self-sufficiency and independence. The “Deraya Initiative” further supports entrepreneurs, indicating a growing ecosystem for female-led businesses, which are crucial for economic diversification and women’s financial autonomy.

Increasing Women’s Influence in Governance and Finance

Progress is also evident in women’s growing representation in leadership and financial inclusion. The gap in account ownership between men and women in Libya (11.1%) is notably smaller than the broader Middle East & North Africa aggregate (14%), indicating greater access to financial services for women, according to the World Bank. In the political sphere, women are slowly gaining ground, holding 16.5% of seats in the national parliament in 2024, an increase since 2010.

Furthermore, women constitute 40% of members in Local Peacebuilding and Development Committees, actively influencing conflict resolution and community governance. The election of Libya’s first female mayor in late 2024 stands as a historic milestone, symbolizing a broader shift towards greater female representation and influence in decision-making roles.

Policies and Partnerships Driving Change

The strides made are significantly bolstered by the concerted efforts of both national and international organizations. The UNDP in Libya focuses on gender equality, implementing a Gender Strategy that addresses the underlying causes of inequality. It support women’s participation in elections and ensure equal access to resources and decision-making power, including the implementation of the National Strategy for the Advancement of Women in Libya.

Similarly, the European Union finances numerous projects focused on economic and social rights for women and girls, promoting equal access to technology, education, and supporting female entrepreneurship through initiatives like the EU4PSL project. These collaborations are pivotal in accelerating the pace of change.

The Path Ahead for Full Equality

While acknowledging the ongoing challenges, such as the scarcity of precise data on wage disparities and the need for further legal and social reforms, Libya’s progress demonstrates a resilient push towards gender equality. These challenges are viewed as opportunities for continued advocacy and intervention, driving further innovation in policy and programming.

The journey towards the reduction of the gender wage gap in Libya is characterized by steady, if often understated, progress. The increasing labor force participation, significant educational achievements, burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, and growing presence in leadership positions are powerful indicators of a positive shift. These advancements, supported by dedicated national and international efforts, are not just statistics; they represent improved lives for countless women, contributing to a more vibrant and equitable Libyan society. The story of women’s economic empowerment in Libya is one of resilience, quiet determination, and a promising future.

– Cameron Jones

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

Photo: Flickr

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Caring for Equality: Empowering Women in Uruguay

Women in uruguayIn December 2015, Uruguay passed Law 19.353, establishing the National Comprehensive Care System. This was the first law that pushed for gender equality and laid the framework for various positions of care as a right, not only for children under 3 but also for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The law, backed by the coordinated efforts of multiple ministries, regulated services, trained caregivers and public awareness initiatives aimed at rebalancing gender norms. The SNIC aims to challenge deeply entrenched gendered division of labor in Uruguay, where women disproportionately shoulder unpaid domestic and caregiving work.

SIEMPRE Centers: Redefining Care and Empowering Women

Uruguay’s National Comprehensive Care System, launched in 2021, introduced SIEMPRE Centers, which are early community childhood daycares with early-learning facilities managed by public, private and civil society partnerships, according to the March 2025 report. These centers offer up to eight hours of daily care and receive support from collaboration between trade unions, employers, communities and the Instituto Nacional de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes (INAU).

Five components driving SIEMPRE’s impact are workshops for families comprising life and vocational skills like gastronomy (cooking), sewing, hairdressing, gardening and other crafts. These workshops aim to empower parents, primarily mothers, to increase their ability to pursue education or paid work due to freed-up time. Violence prevention is a welcome side-effect of SIEMPRE Centers, with staff often able to detect and respond to domestic or gender-based violence, boosting women’s physical safety, according to the March 2025 report. Lastly, centers help shift gender norms by providing crucial skills to young fathers like cooking and nursing, which are deep-rooted stereotypes assigned to women.

Legal Advances for Women

Legal framework and broader equality policies endorse key international women’s rights treaties and implement a progressive domestic legal framework. Notable laws include:

Supporting networks and civil society organizations like Mujer y Salud en Uruguay advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights through public awareness campaigns. Uruguay XXI, an agency that promotes investment and exports, has advanced gender equality in its workforce. Fifty six percent of its 2024 “Más Comercio” mentoring targets were women-led businesses, and women hold about 58% of its leadership roles.

Driving Change

Further engagement, such as campaigns encouraging male caregivers, aims to break norms. For example, the MenCare Campaign engages men as fathers and caregivers to promote gender equality. Although progress is slow, Uruguay is making efforts to make SNIC a social service. By strengthening collective provision, Uruguay transforms care from a burden into a collective responsibility, which would validate unpaid work and reduce hidden gender costs.

SIEMPRE Centers often negotiate through collective bargaining involving unions, employers and the government. Union-business partnerships can produce systemic reforms.

Constant Obstacles

However, despite formal equality, significant challenges persist, like unequal representation. For instance, women hold about 28% of parliamentary seats and top leadership roles, one of the lowest levels in Latin America. Women endure the brunt of unpaid labor. About 61.4% of women are involved in unpaid work, compared to 35.9% of men, resulting in women dedicating their time to domestic chores and caregiving, limiting their opportunities.

While the SNIC made strides in guaranteeing women’s care, the lack of funds makes it difficult to expand its resources. The SNIC budget share for the past five years has been stagnant, resulting in limited ability to construct and expand new centers nationwide. Violence against women in Uruguay remains at one of the highest rates in Latin America, with about 77% of women over 15 experiencing some form of gender-based violence, according to a survey conducted by the United Nations Uruguay.

Looking Ahead

Uruguay’s SNIC is a bold, feminist-informed leap in public policy that directly confronts the gendered distribution of care and builds new pathways for women’s economic and social success. SIEMPRE Centers represent a strong frontline that provides care, economic empowerment, decision-making power, and violence prevention. Yet progress could halt without continued investment, cultural transformation, and stronger female representation.

– Sebastian Llerena

Sebastian is based in Edison, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Papua New Guinea

Gender Wage Gap in Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea is a developing country located in southwest Oceania. In 2021, U.N. Women reported the island country’s designation as a “lower middle-income country,” amassing a gross national per capita income of $2,386. Based on U.N. Women’s study, statistics show that Papua New Guinea’s income poverty sits at 28%, with 90% of those most affected living in rural environments. To complicate this further, rural women and children are among the most vulnerable under these conditions, facing many challenges to live healthy lives sustainably. Here is information about the gender wage gap in Papua New Guinea.

About the Gender Wage Gap

History has repeatedly indicated a significant disparity in power and economic allocations between women and men. In a society where men dominate the public sphere of influence, women are often disenfranchised. Due to this inequality, women are often short-sighted across sectors with limited access to power, resources, rights and wealth. A precedent of unequal pay for women in the labor market, known as the gender wage gap, often perpetuates this disparity.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines the gender wage gap as “the difference between the median earnings of men and of women relative to the earnings of men.”

The Gender Wage Gap in Papua New Guinea

In March 2025, the World Bank (WBG) published research showing significant increases in gender equality across landscapes in Papua New Guinea. However, research still shows gaps in employment along gendered lines. In its study, it found the following information:

  • In 2023, the value of waged and salaried female workers amounted to 15.6, more than a 10% increase from the previously recorded value.
  • Hourly earnings gaps are evident between female and male workers. Reporting a median hourly wage gap of 31.5% across all workers, irrespective of employment status, and 13.3% across wage workers. In addition to this, the mean hourly wage gap is 30.8% across all workers, irrespective of employment status and 16.3% across wage workers.
  • In Papua New Guinea, 81.9% of women are vulnerably employed (those who are self-employed and have lower labor incomes and low job security), with the remaining female population making up employers and wage and salaried workers. However, in comparison to this statistic, their male counterparts comprise 68.5% of vulnerable employment, with the remaining 27.3% fulfilling roles as employers and wage and salaried workers.

Steps in Achieving Gender Equality Globally

In the face of these wage and economic inequalities, various efforts are occurring to address these disparities. In 2024, the World Bank Group launched an initiative to accelerate gender equality, end poverty and cultivate a more livable planet. This conceptual framework will be implemented from 2024 until 20230 across the world. Its objectives include:

  • Ending gender based violence and elevating human capital
  • Expanding and enabling economic opportunities
  • Engaging women as leaders

Project Implementation in Papua New Guinea

Under the WBG’s program, selected countries like Papua New Guinea expressed a vested interest in prioritizing gender equality through various programs and reforms. The World Bank Group has outlined the following approaches.

  • The WBG is aiming to remove “barriers to women’s economic inclusion.”
  • It is prioritizing gender equality and emphasizing women’s participation in the labor force.
  • The WBG is also integrating gender analysis into the “country’s analytics to inform policy dialogue.”

This initiative leverages collective action in the interest of cultivating a world and future committed to nondiscrimination, inclusion and equality of opportunity. Furthermore, economic opportunities will experience expansion through meaningful and transformative impact. By working closely with nations through a country-engagement model, strategies to implement change through innovative financing and policy reforms will enable the advancement of public resources, support and equality for people regardless of their gender identity.

– McKenzie Rentie

McKenzie is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Celebs and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Gender Wage Gap in Nicaragua Ranks 6th Narrowest Globally

gender gap nicaraguaIn the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, Nicaragua ranked sixth in narrowing gender gaps nationally–the only country in the Americas to rank in the top 10. Narrowing the gender gap entails eradicating the difference in outcomes for and opportunities offered to men and women, which fits into SDG 5. The gender wage gap is a specific manifestation of gender inequality. This gap encompasses the difference between men’s and women’s median financial earnings. While this statistic represents income generally, the issue of women receiving lower wages than men for the same job adds to this difference.

Through a variety of efforts, Nicaragua has decreased its gender wage gap by 80% since 2006. Decades-old initiatives such as the Nicaraguan Women’s Institute have set the stage for Nicaragua’s record levels of gender equality today, and more recent programs such as Better Work are doing on-the-ground work to fight for equal pay.

Nicaraguan Women’s Institute

The Nicaraguan government created the Nicaraguan Women’s Institute in 1987 as a body for spearheading gender equality policies. These policies influence areas of female inequality from domestic abuse to labor. The Women’s Institute targets Nicaraguan institutions, providing strategies that will sustainably enact gender equality over time.

While the institute implemented many of its programs some time ago, the foundation it laid has allowed Nicaragua to reach its impressively narrow gender wage gap today.  Many of its programs have targeted a wide range of areas in a woman’s life beyond wages, including health and education. These strategies, such as the National Program of Gender Equity, may have helped women gain access to employment, decreasing the gender wage gap.

Better Work

Better Work is an initiative that increases factories’ compliance with labor standards from the International Labor Organization (ILO). This program is a joint initiative from the ILO and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Better Work examines a factory’s labor conditions and shares its findings with major companies. Since many of today’s companies prefer to work with ethical factories for reputational issues, noncompliance with ILO standards is penalized.

Gender equality is a core element of Better Work’s approach. Better Work uses training and advisory services to help factories adhere to ILO standards, with gender equality strategies fully integrated into these efforts. Complying with gender equality, such as wage equality, is therefore incorporated into complying with ILO labor standards.

Since its establishment in Nicaragua in 2010, Better Work has worked with 32 Nicaraguan factories, 20 brands, and more than 45,000 workers. The initiative specifically targets the gender wage gap by fighting for shorter hours and higher wages for women to match those made by men. Industry labor accounts for almost a fifth of employment in Nicaragua, meaning Better Work’s efforts can reach a significant portion of the population.

Gender Wage Gap in Nicaragua: Going Forward

The Nicaraguan Women’s Institute and Better Work can be expected to continue to make a positive impact on Nicaragua’s gender wage gap. Nicaragua still has a way to go until it reaches gender equality in the workforce, with a female employment rate of 54.9% and a male employment rate of 75.9% in 2024.

Yet, the Women’s Institute’s institutional change strategy and Better Work’s advisory and incentive-based approach have already helped Nicaragua to decrease its gender wage gap by 80% since 2006, showcasing their effectiveness.

– Madison Fetch

Madison is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Advancing Gender Equality in Ecuador Under SDG 5

Gender Equality in EcuadorGender Equality in Ecuador is making significant progress as the country implements new laws and initiatives to address gender disparities. These efforts align with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims to empower all women and girls. While persistent challenges like wage gaps and gender-based violence remain, recent legislative developments and support from international organizations reflect Ecuador’s commitment to long-term change.

Legal Reforms Supporting Gender Equality in Ecuador 

In 2023, Ecuador passed two major laws aimed at increasing women’s economic participation:

  • The Equal Pay Law: The Equal Pay Law requires organizations to develop equality plans and submit annual wage reports to monitor and address gender pay disparities.
  • The Care Economy Law: The Care Economy Law formally recognizes unpaid care work and provides social protections for caregivers.

These reforms address long-standing barriers to women’s participation in the labor market in Ecuador, where approximately 552,284 women were engaged in unpaid labor as of Oct. 2024. Women aged 15 and older spend nearly 19.2% of their day on care work and domestic tasks (four times more than men). These laws seek to dismantle structural barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the labor market. 

U.N. Women have supported gender-sensitive workplace practices in Ecuador through technical assistance and funding for programs that promote equality. Notably, U.N. Women have advocated for the implementation of the Violet Law which mandates that companies with 50 or more employees must develop an equality plan registered before the Ministry of labor. These efforts align with broader feminist frameworks like the ‘Purple Economy’ which advocates for a caring and gender-equal economic model.

Women’s Participation in Politics

Legislative change has also led to historic gains in political representation. For instance, in 2023, women held 43.1% of seats in Ecuador’s National Assembly. Meanwhile, the cabinet of President Daniel Noboa included 47% women, the highest in Ecuador’s history.

Gender parity reforms in the electoral code have largely driven these advances in gender equality as they require political parties to progressively increase the percentage of women heading candidate lists.

Persistent Gender Gaps in Employment and Pay 

Despite legal reforms, gender disparities remain prominent in Ecuador’s labor market. For instance, in 2023 female labor force participation was 53% for women compared to 76% for men. According to the UNDP, women-led households are more likely to live in poverty due to fewer job opportunities, lower wages and care responsibilities. For instance, 38.1% of the population lived in multidimensional poverty in 2022. In rural areas, that number stood at 70%. These figures highlight how continued efforts are needed to create inclusive economic opportunities for women.  

The Urgent Issue of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence is another significant challenge to achieving SDG 5 for Ecuador. According to Encuesta de Violencia Contra las Mujeres, 65% of women in Ecuador have experienced some form of violence in their life. The government has responded by reinforcing the 2018 Law to prevent and eradicate violence against women and amended the penal code to criminalize femicide and gender discrimination.

For women subject to gender-based violence, a lack of financial resources often makes it harder to escape abusive environments, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. A lack of access to support forces many women to remain in unsafe situations. Governments and organizations must target investment in economic and legal support to break this cycle. 

Collaborative Efforts to Advance SDG 5 in Ecuador

However, organizations like Fundación María Guare aid turning policy into practical support. Since its establishment in 1990, the organization has provided legal aid, counseling and shelter to more than 232 women escaping violence. These programs help vulnerable women access their rights and rebuild their lives. 

Ecuador’s pursuit of gender equality reflects a culmination of policy progress and persistent social challenges. New laws, rising female leadership and grassroots programs demonstrate that change is mobilizing. However, further action is required to close gender labor gaps and end violence. Collaboration between government, international partners and local organizations will be crucial for achieving SDG 5 and ensuring lasting, inclusive development.

– Rebecca Lee

Rebecca is based in Scotland and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Saint Lucia 

Gender Wage Gap in Saint LuciaWage disparities between men and women are a significant issue globally, and the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia is no exception. Despite some progress, women on the island still earn less than men for performing the same work. Factors such as restrictive societal norms and domestic responsibilities heavily contribute to this gap. Efforts are advancing to improve these conditions, but Saint Lucia still has a long way to go before achieving wage equality.

Gender Wage Gap in Saint Lucia

The gender wage gap in Saint Lucia reflects broader inequalities within the job market. Women make up 62.9% of the labor force, significantly trailing men at 75.6%. This disparity does not result from a lack of motivation or capability, but is largely due to the weight of unpaid domestic work carried by women. These societal expectations limit women’s full participation in the workforce, reducing their economic independence and contributing to poverty.

Also, the insufficient accommodations and resources available to support mothers balancing family responsibilities play a significant role in the high poverty rates among women in Saint Lucia. Because women frequently occupy lower-paying jobs, they have less access to the social protections that often receive funding from insurance and social security contributions, which puts them at a further disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.

Power of Education

According to UN Women, women in Saint Lucia earn approximately 10% less than men. However, data from the Saint Lucia Central Statistical Office shows that higher levels of education correlate with a smaller wage gap. This demonstrates the importance of access to quality education in empowering women and enhancing their earning potential. Investments in education are key to addressing the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia and alleviating poverty.

However, Saint Lucia has made meaningful strides in empowering women and promoting educational opportunities that play a crucial role in advancing gender equity among the workplace. Ongoing commitment to these initiatives remains important for further closing the income divide and building a society that thrives on principles of equality and fairness.

Time for Change

One promising initiative tackling the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia is the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project, launched by the World Bank. This clean energy initiative prioritizes gender inclusion by awarding scholarships to women in engineering fields. Since its start in July 2022, the program has awarded 17 scholarships to women pursuing degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, fields historically dominated by men. This program offers a path for women to access higher-paying, high-demand jobs in the STEM field, thereby helping reduce the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia.

Recently in Saint Lucia, young ladies gathered with female leaders to discuss women’s empowerment and networking. The Department of Gender Affairs organized the event in partnership with the UN Women Multi-Country Office through the Build Back Equal Programme. The stories that these leaders shared inspired the girls, showing them that individuals like themselves can thrive despite facing institutional barriers. This event marked the beginning of more opportunities for young women to gain knowledge and feel empowered in their professional journeys.

The milestones achieved through initiatives like the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project and the Build Back Equal Programme are very meaningful. By actively creating spaces for women to enter and thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields, these programs help close the gender pay gap and also lay the groundwork for stronger economic development across Saint Lucia.

Looking Ahead

Despite the country’s small population of under 180,000, Saint Lucia is making bold strides toward gender equity. Such progress deserves greater recognition. Highlighting these efforts brings much-needed attention to the power of investing in women. When women gain access to quality education, professional mentorship and high-paying careers, the benefits extend outward; strengthening families, communities and the nation as a whole. Empowering women is not only a matter of fairness; it is a bridge for a more resilient society.

– Knia Parks

Knia is based in Pepper Pike, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women Coders: Empowering Women in Ethiopia

SheCodes: Empowering Women in Ethiopia Through CodingIn 2025, women in Ethiopia continue to face steep barriers in escaping poverty. This reality spurred the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to adopt the National Policy on Women in 1993, aimed at addressing gender inequities in access to resources and social opportunities. Despite good intentions, this legislation fell short in eliminating the structural and cultural disadvantages that keep many women in poverty.

Fast forward to the global tech boom of the 2000s and Africa now represents the fastest-growing region for technology worldwide—an enormous opportunity for poverty alleviation through economic growth and increased market access. But as the tech sector grows, gender disparities also widen. In Ethiopia, the digital economy has magnified decades-old inequalities in income, leadership and opportunity.

The Feminization of Poverty

With a population nearing 127 million, Ethiopia ranks as Africa’s second most populous country and one of its fastest-growing economies. Yet, approximately 69% of the population—about 82 million people—live in multidimensional poverty. Additionally, 18.4% or more than 22 million Ethiopians remain vulnerable to poverty.  Women in Ethiopia are particularly affected, facing a unique phenomenon known as the feminization of poverty, a concept representing the disproportionate number of women facing debilitating barriers to personal development. The following statistics reflect systemic barriers:

  • Only 21.9% of girls complete lower secondary school.
  • Women face an 18.9-point adult literacy gap compared to men, higher than the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 12.4 points.
  • Vulnerable employment affects 87.4% of women.
  • The account ownership gap between men and women is 15.9 points.
  • Roughly 50% of women are not homeowners.
  • About 37% of women experience intimate partner violence, 10% above the global average.
  • Women trail 44% behind men in hourly wages.
  • Only 30% of women receive STEM training or work in tech.

These gaps cost the country an estimated $3.7 billion annually, underscoring the economic consequences of gender inequality.

Tech Training for a New Generation

In Ethiopia, where only half of all primary school girls reach fifth grade, forging a new path to sustainability and financial independence for future generations of women is critical. SheCodes, in partnership with the Delac Foundation, provides a tech-based solution to these ongoing challenges.

The initiative offers coding education to 5,000 Ethiopian women, delivering free online workshops in front-end development, product design and project management. Indeed, with every purchase at SheCodes, one Ethiopian woman receives free coding education through online workshops focusing on product development, design and management.

Founded in 2017 by Matt Delac, SheCodes initially started as an idea supporting only 10 female students. Almost a decade later, SheCodes has provided online training to more than 235,000 women, of whom 2,257 reside in Ethiopia and across 191 developing countries.

Closing the Gender Gap Through Technology

The program’s work includes growing the number of women coders seeking professional and career development by boosting female participation in technology. This increased involvement is pivotal in poverty reduction, driving economic growth and the continued ascent of women and their families.

Research from the World Bank demonstrated how helping women break into the male-dominated digital and tech sector improves income, raises employment and creates new opportunities for all. The Harvard University Center for  African Studies demonstrated how women-led tech firms experienced a 34% higher return on investment than those led solely by men. With one coding class at a time, SheCodes bridges the employment and wage gap, equipping aspiring women coders in Ethiopia with the skills to build a better future. 

Looking Ahead

Efforts to address gender-based poverty in Ethiopia increasingly intersect with opportunities in the digital economy. Initiatives empowering women coders like SheCodes demonstrate how targeted training and inclusive tech education can equip women with marketable skills and access to emerging job sectors. While challenges remain, expanding such programs may contribute to broader development goals. Additionally, this could lead to improved economic resilience and support more equitable growth in Ethiopia.

– Marcus Villagomez

Marcus is based in Galveston, TX, USA, and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Things To Know About Femicide in Honduras

Femicide in HondurasHonduras is the country with the most femicides in Latin America. In 2020, 278 women in Honduras lost their lives due to femicide and the issue has only gotten worse during and since the pandemic. Additionally, the alarming rates of gender-based violence and murders are mainly due to the patriarchy and sexism that are deep in the culture.

Femicide in Honduras

Femicide is one of the leading causes of death among adult women in Honduras. Despite awareness of this alarming trend, authorities often fail to take sufficient action. An estimated 90% of femicide cases go unpunished.

Many women who attempt to report abuse or domestic violence are not taken seriously, further discouraging victims from seeking help. This lack of response has only fueled the rise in femicide, as impunity and inaction continue to perpetuate the crisis.

Gender-Based Violence

Honduras is considered one of the most challenging places to live as a woman, with gender-based violence widespread across the country. In 2022 alone, 297 women were killed and between 2016 and 2022, a total of 2,264 women lost their lives to such violence.

Impoverished Women Suffer More

Femicide disproportionately affects impoverished women. In poor neighborhoods, police often dismiss complaints and judicial corruption stifles justice, with only 20–30% of women using state services due to distrust.

A mother in Cortes, living in poverty, reported her gang-affiliated ex-partner’s threats. However, police inaction left her vulnerable, illustrating how economic disadvantage compounds the lack of punishment for people who commit femicide.

Weak Law Enforcement

Laws have been enacted in an effort to address the issue, but impoverished women remain vulnerable. Legislation such as the 2006 Domestic Violence Law was designed to offer protection. However, weak enforcement, particularly in low-income areas, has limited its impact. Still, there is cautious optimism, as the president of Honduras has pledged to focus more on women’s rights and the fight against gender-based violence moving forward.

Hope for the Future

There is hope for the future. Movimiento de Mujeres de la Colonia López Arellano (MOMUCLA) is a grassroots organization that has spent years advocating for women’s rights in northern Honduras. In Choloma, the city where it primarily operates, the number of femicides dropped significantly, from 38 cases in 2019 to 13 in 2020, demonstrating the potential impact of sustained local efforts. This organization targets low-income neighborhoods affected by gangs, helping those who are not receiving help from the government.

Conclusion

Femicide in Honduras remains a widespread and deeply rooted issue. Furthermore, femicide disproportionately affects low-income women who often lack the resources to escape dangerous situations, sometimes with fatal consequences. While some measures have been implemented to curb gender-based violence, they have benefited mainly women with greater financial means. Unfortunately, this leaves those in poverty underserved and unprotected.

However, there is hope. A growing number of organizations are stepping up to support low-income women impacted by gender-based violence, working to provide protection, resources and a path toward justice.

– Sydney Carr

Sydney is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels