Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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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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Health Care in Cameroon: Challenges of Conflict and Disease

Health Care in CameroonCameroon is a lower-middle income country located in Central Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to over 28 million people with a projected 80% population increase by the year 2050. Similar to the skyrocketing population, life-threatening diseases in Cameroon have also been on the rise in recent years.

The top causes of death in Cameroon recorded in 2021 include lower respiratory infections as number one followed by stroke and Covid-19, respectively. Since 2021, there has been a surge of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV in Cameroon and other neighboring countries, highlighting the urgency for accessible health care.

The fragility of the health care system in Cameroon is largely due to ongoing conflicts in the North West and South West regions. Since 2016, Cameroon has experienced violent confrontations between government forces and separatist groups, widely referred to as the “Anglophone crisis”. The violence has resulted in the displacement of millions and the destruction of more than 200 medical facilities. As a result, in 2025, a projected 3.3 million people living in Cameroon will need humanitarian aid.

Malaria

The malaria outbreak began in 2013, initially affecting the northern regions of Cameroon. According to CNN, 800 people died from the outbreak and over 12,000 individuals were hospitalized for severe malaria. However, less than 10 treatment centers were available and qualified doctors were scarce.

In 2021, 50% of hospitalizations in Cameroon were caused by malaria, with the majority of patients being children under 5 years old. Cameroon accounted for 2.6% of global malaria cases and 2.1% of malaria deaths in the following year.

In order to improve health care coverage for citizens in Cameroon, the CDC has supported the prevention and control of malaria since 2017. This collaboration has allowed Cameroon to introduce the Cameroon Field Epidemiology Training Program (CAFETP) in 2010, which has helped provide training to other medical professionals in several surrounding countries. The joint effort helped train hundreds of CAFETP graduates and technicians to effectively recognize and treat malaria.

Cameroon introduced a vaccine for malaria in January 2024, becoming the first country to do so. By December 2024, Cameroon achieved a vaccination coverage rate of 47%. While there are still some regions within Cameroon that lack adequate health care, this accomplishment has made substantial strides toward an equitable health care system.

HIV

As of 2024, Cameroon is estimated to have over 500,000 individuals living with HIV. Despite the substantial numbers, there is a notable drop in the prevalence of HIV between 2011 and 2018 in people ages 15-49. In more recent years, the HIV transmission rate between infants has also decreased, from 3.22% in 2023 to 1.78% in 2024. These achievements are primarily attributable to aid from organizations such as UNICEF and the CDC.

Funds raised by UNICEF brought resources to support HIV transmission rates among infants and young children. In addition, UNICEF supported various HIV interventions for pregnant women, including antiretroviral therapy and testing.

The support of the CDC through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) allows access to HIV health care in all 10 regions in Cameroon. The magnitude of this is substantial, as 95% of individuals receiving HIV treatment in Cameroon are using PEPFAR-supported sites.

In addition, Cameroon launched its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) system in April 2023 as part of its effort to increase health care access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as individuals living with HIV. By December 2024, this program allowed over 3 million people to register for the UHC program while also ensuring free access to HIV services for over 400,000 individuals.

Tuberculosis

In 2021, tuberculosis was listed as the fifth highest cause of death among individuals living in Cameroon, affecting 164 per 100,00 people. The mortality rate has seen a slight decrease since 2015, going from 31 to 30 per 100,00 individuals. More notably, is the tuberculosis mortality rate in individuals with HIV going from 31 to 14 in the same time period.

The CDC played a vital role in this operation, as nearly all tuberculosis patients at PEPFAR facilities have also been tested for HIV. In addition to HIV treatments provided by the UHC program, it provided free consultations to nearly 650 thousand children, along with free tuberculosis treatment to over 27 thousand individuals.

In response to these medical milestones, Cameroon initiated the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), focusing on ending tuberculosis by 2030. This strategy emphasizes screening and early diagnosis, training health care workers, disease prevention, and consistent management of HIV and tuberculosis in affected patients.

A Look Into the Future

While Cameroon continues to face health challenges intensified by internal conflicts, a growing population, and the burden of communicable diseases, recent developments demonstrate meaningful progress. Continued investment in health care access, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations, will be critical to ensuring that the country is equipped to meet both current needs and future demands. With outside support and long-term planning, Cameroon has the potential to strengthen its health care system and improve health outcomes for millions of its citizens.

– Grace Johnson

Grace is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Somalia

Disability and Poverty in SomaliaDisability affects 11.7% of Somalia’s adult population, revealing deep inequalities in education, employment and access to services—issues worsened by poverty, rural hardship and a fragile health system amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Many people with disabilities face systemic exclusion from schools, workplaces and public life due to a lack of inclusive policies and cultural beliefs. These challenges are further intensified by widespread poverty and rural isolation. In many areas, the fragile health care system—undermined by decades of conflict—cannot provide the necessary treatment leaving people with disabilities more vulnerable during ongoing humanitarian emergencies. Here is information about disability and poverty in Somalia.

About Disability in Somalia

About 13.5% of adults in rural areas have reported having a disability. This higher rate is likely influenced by limited access to health care services, poor nutrition and the impact of prolonged conflict, which increases the risk of injury and chronic illness. Rural communities also tend to face greater barriers in accessing rehabilitation services and assistive devices, contributing to higher levels of untreated or unmanaged disabilities. It is estimated that landmines and “Explosive Remnants of War” are causing 7,000 disabilities a year.

The most prevalent disabilities among both females and males are an inability to see or walk properly. Such physical impairments will significantly impact someone’s ability to perform daily activities, access education, and participate in the workforce.

Somalia has ratified other international treaties such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (2015), the Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights which make some commitment to prevent discrimination and promote care and inclusion. However, there is little enforcement of these provisions and they did not ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Due to this, Amnesty International says that, “the rights of most people with disabilities continue to be excluded, and their particular needs and concerns forgotten.”

About Life for the Disabled in Somalia

Life poses several challenges for disabled people, showing the link between disability and poverty in Somalia.

  • What is the literacy rate of disabled Somali people? The literacy rate of those who are disabled is substantially lower than those who are able-bodied. About 80.6% lack education, and only 3.3% achieve higher education. 
  • What is the mobile phone ownership rate? Mobile phone ownership is less common among people with disabilities, with 79.2% owning a device compared to 92.1% of those without disabilities. Similarly, mobile banking usage is lower, 74.3% versus 88.6%, respectively. This is significant because a lack of mobile phones suggests a broader disparity in digital and financial inclusion.
  • How much of the population is in poverty? Nearly 70% of Somalia’s population lives below the international poverty line, defined as earning less than $2.15 a day. People with disabilities consistently face higher unemployment levels than those without disabilities, regardless of where they live. In urban areas, for instance, 23.2% of individuals with disabilities do not have employment, versus 17.6% of non-disabled individuals.
  • What is the median food consumption? In Somalia, it is $399. Rural areas have a median food consumption of $364, while in urban areas, the lowest median food consumption is $281. In comparison, the average household food expenditure has increased to $10,000 in the USA. People with disabilities in Somalia face even greater challenges, as limited mobility, discrimination and lack of inclusive aid often prevent them from accessing food assistance. In households already struggling with low food consumption, having a member with a disability can further strain resources.
  • What is the health system like? The country’s health system faces critical shortages, and only one-third of the existing health facilities are functional. This has largely been due to the war, and because of the collapse of their health system there has been a spread of diseases such as polio or meningitis which have led to impairments. Further, it is extremely difficult to access the existing health facilities, due to transportation and medical costs. Transportation can cost up to $300 in some cases which prohibits much of Somalia’s poverty stricken-population.

Humanitarian Aid

The EU has allocated up to €202.54 million for humanitarian interventions in the country between 2023 and 2025. This funding supports aid organizations in delivering food assistance, basic health and nutrition services, clean water, protection, shelter and education.

In addition, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been delivering critical services in Somalia since 1981. It delivers programming in health, nutrition, water and sanitation services, women’s protection, as well as addressing the impacts of drought and food insecurity. For example, in 2023, it was able to impact 500,000 people through its work. In particular, it provided life-saving healthcare in challenging environments by delivering it through mobile outreach teams to ensure “hard-to-reach communities can access healthcare.”

Looking Ahead

One cannot separate disability in Somalia from the broader context of poverty, conflict and systemic neglect. With nearly 12% of the adult population living with a disability, the issue is far from marginal. The challenges—ranging from poor health care access and lack of education to food insecurity and digital exclusion—are deeply rooted in both social inequality and the country’s ongoing humanitarian crises. While international aid and local initiatives offer some relief, lasting change requires sustained investment in inclusive policies and community-based support. 

– Noorum Khan

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Examining Child Marriage in Russia

Child Marriage in RussiaIn 2015, the headline “Chechen Police Chief Marries Teen Bride Amid Mounting Scandal” appeared in The Moscow Times, before appearing in The Guardian. The image at the top of the article displays a young girl, simply 17, next to the groom, Nazhud Guchigov. When the story first broke, reporters stated that Guchigov was 57, but later amended this to 46. Guchigov’s marriage was a hot topic for several reasons; allegedly, Guchigov utilized his authority as a police chief to intimidate his bride’s parents and he was already married to another woman, and Guchigov made divisive statements regarding the matter on his Instagram.

About Child Marriage in Russia

In Russia, 254,000 girls were married by 15, and 5.4 million were married by 18. Unfortunately, even the best resources and websites on the matter do not provide much information regarding the population of girls who are experiencing coercion to marry. According to Girls Not Brides, an organization dedicated to eradicating child marriage and advocating for young women in developing countries, under Russia’s Article 12 of the Family Code, both men and women must be at least 18 years old to marry. However, there is other legislation that provides loopholes. Under Article 13 of the Family Code, a boy and a girl can marry at younger than 18, but never younger than 14 under special circumstances.

When dealing with child marriage in Russia, the problem runs significantly deeper than laws concerning the age of consent and getting beyond that red tape. Poverty, gender inequality and deep-rooted practices are all factors that influence the rate of child marriage; these factors are incredibly prevalent in modern Russia.

In 2020, the percentage of Russians living in poverty was 12.1%. While poverty has been decreasing throughout Russia, despite the ongoing war with Ukraine, poverty disproportionately affects women. The persistent pay gap and income gap greatly impact the average earnings of women in Russia. The matter becomes worse. As women tend to make less money, a woman’s poverty is then passed down to her children, affecting their access to higher education. Consider this pattern regarding the cycle of child marriage. Higher education is a wonderful resource when offering girls careers and lives outside of being a housewife, yet Russia’s current economy stubbornly limits a woman to that role.

Poverty and Misogyny in Russia

Poverty also exacerbates misogyny, the root cause behind child marriage in Russia. Russia’s domestic violence rate reflects Russia’s sexism and misogyny. Domestic violence against women is abundant in Russia, where 10% of all domestic violence deaths globally take place. For reference, Russia comprises 2% of the world’s population. There is abundant evidence revealing the link between poverty and domestic violence, and living in poverty can intensify violence towards women to immense extremes. Barbara Niess-May of the Safe House Center provides specific data points to make this point clearer: “In short, being poor further entraps the survivor in the abuse, and often lengthens any process she may go through to escape.” Returning to Russia’s domestic violence, the poverty disproportionately affecting women easily becomes a tool, manipulated by the abuser to keep the victim beneath him.

In a study by Marina Pisklakova-Parker, titled “Gender Issues in Russia,” she found that “71 percent of Russians share the opinion that the main purpose of a woman is to be a mother and a good housewife.” More concerningly, she also reported that “The Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova publicly stated that since 10 April 2020, the number of domestic violence cases had more than doubled from 6,054 to about 13,000 per month.”

The Work of the ANNA Center

Despite the previously mentioned statistics, there is a growing feminist movement within Russia. The government has pledged to end child marriages in Russia by the year 2030; the United Nations has also made it a global goal to end all child marriages. Foreign aid plays a critical role when advocating for girls and women inside Russia, and the efforts have not been in vain. According to Bearr.org, there are 2% fewer domestic violence murders and 6% fewer rapes. Marina Pisklakova-Parker, the previously mentioned researcher, created The ANNA Center, the first domestic violence shelter for women in Russia, in 2015. Following the ANNA Center is the Zona Prava, the Consortium of Women’s Non-government Organizations, Nasiliu and the You Are Not Alone Network as the leading Russian NGOs combating violence against women, which includes child marriage. 

The impact of these shelters is no small feat, and sparked great change throughout the country of Russia. Pisklakova-Parker’s ANNA shelter is open to all women, no matter their income or residential address, two factors that make state shelters inaccessible to many women. To gain entry to a state shelter, women had to bring documentation of their husbands’ finances. In implementing this rule, many women are so longer able to utilize the shelter’s safety, as it would demand that they confront their abusers about their leaving. ANNA has no such rule, and is open to whoever needs the shelter. There is no public information containing how many women ANNA has helped, but in interviews, Pisklakova-Parker speaks positively of the growth of the shelter.

Nasiliu

Operating alongside ANNA, Nasiliu is an online resource for victims of domestic violence. Anna Rivinia established Nasiliu in 2015, beginning as a media project that focused on raising awareness of domestic violence in Russia. As recently as April 18, 2024, Nasiliu has expanded to global outreach for all Russian-speaking victims across the world. Most admirably, Nasiliu provides education on how to combat domestic violence legally within the framework of the Russian legal system.

– Peyton Worsham

Peyton is based in Jacksonville, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Women in Red-Light Reformation: Voices of Resilience and Reform

Women in Red-Light Reformation: Voices of Resilience and ReformRed-light Districts are areas where prostitution and brothels account for a significant portion of the economy. Though these areas exist globally, Asia and Europe render their red-light districts at an economic forefront, with India’s sex industry generating an estimated $8 billion annually and the German sex industry accounting for billions of euros per year.

The ‘Red’ in Red-light Districts

The ‘red’ in its name, though etymologically, is a reference to the red lights that served to distinguish houses as houses of prostitution, also serves to bestow the areas with a sense of danger, heat and vice. Starvation, abuse, lack of education, lack of sanitation, denied access to health care, bodily violation, violence, exploitation, et cetera are the drivels in the path that emerged from kidnapping, coercion, desperation borne of poverty and displacement, to name a few. But thinking of these women as victims in need of rescue could be a misconception. They appear to be women who have survived and taken up arms against the tides that threatened to swallow them whole.

5 Women Transforming Lives in Red-Light Communities

  1. Ganga Harjivandas – India. A woman whose legacy is immortalized by the recent Bollywood biographical film, she is one of the most pivotal characters involved in the history of Mumbai’s Kamathipura. Sold into a brothel at the age of 16 by her husband, she endured violation most brutally, despite which she rose to power and prominence by establishing herself as the Madam of Kamathipura and advocating for the rights of the marginalized women and orphans of the area. Her work remains invaluable to the dignity of the workers of Kamathipura, the apex of which manifested in a meeting with the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.
  2. Elena Eva Reynaga – Argentina. Imprisoned in an Argentinian jail in 1994, she, alongside fellow sex workers, sowed the seeds of what would eventually become the Association of Meretrices Women of Argentina (AMMAR). Enduring 35 years in sexual slavery and subjection to police brutality, harassment, assault and repression did not break her. Indeed, it only made her more determined than ever to speak out and rally for legal protection for women like herself. As of 2025, the AMMAR has successfully pushed the abolition of laws criminalizing sex work in major cities across Argentina, thereby preventing the further imprisonment and exploitation of women in red light districts.
  3. Beniko – Japan. Propelled by a sense of being lost, she found herself being encased working in the Yoshiwara district of Japan. After a decade of servitude, she decided to highlight to the world the inner landscape of the buildings of Yoshiwara through the art of photography. By displaying with pride her work and the atmosphere of the district, she presents a symbol of hope and unabashed bravery to the young women of Japan.
  4. Felicia Anna – Netherlands. A Romanian sex worker who works in the De Wallen District of Amsterdam. After having spent years advocating against callousness and repression of women in the De Wallen via its jurisprudence and gentrification. In 2018, she organized a pressure group, Red Light Union, in lieu of representing workers who faced agony in relation to rental agreements and housing.
  5. Mollie Byrnes – United States. A former worker from Helena’s red-light district who owned an establishment called The Castle, which became a blooming hub of the sex trade. The enduring prominence of the Castle in the area is symbolic of the legacy of the women who worked there. This has further prompted discussions on the decriminalization of sex work and worker protection.

Advancing Rights Through Lived Experience

The women highlighted in this article have each contributed to reform efforts within red-light districts through legal advocacy, community organizing, business leadership and artistic expression. Their work has supported initiatives such as the decriminalization of sex work, the formation of unions, the provision of social services and increased public awareness. These efforts reflect ongoing movements across various regions to improve working conditions, access to health care and legal protections for individuals in the sex industry. As global conversations on labor rights and human dignity continue to evolve, their contributions remain part of a broader dialogue on policy, inclusion and support for marginalized communities.

– Ruhani Rahul

Ruhani is based in Leander, TX, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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New Center for Nuclear Medicine in Uzbekistan to be Established

Nuclear Medicine in UzbekistanCancer occurs in roughly 108 people per 100,000 people in Uzbekistan. Compared to the rest of the world, this rate is relatively low. However, Uzbekistan’s cancer mortality rate sits at around 67%, an alarmingly high number. Breast, stomach, and cervical cancers are the most common diagnoses. Luckily, Uzbekistan is working to change this.

New Nuclear Medicine Center in Uzbekistan

The Uzatom Agency, the Uzbek executive authority responsible for implementing state policy for atomic energy use, and the S. Berezin Medical Institute (MIBS) have formed a partnership to open a new medical center to introduce modernized nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan. This project was announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and will be supported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Founded in 2003, the S. Berezin Medical Institute established networks of diagnostic centers and providing new diagnostic technology and treatment methods. MIBS operates more than 80 centers across 60 cities in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Annually, MIBS provides more than 1.5 million MRI and CT scans, as well as 4,000 examinations every day.

Focusing on Nuclear Medicine in Uzbekistan

The agreement between the Uzatom agency and MIBS aims to focus on implementing nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan as an integral part of improving and modernizing the country’s healthcare system, specifically its oncology care system.

The center will have new, state-of-the-art equipment for numerous procedures and services. It could have technology capable of performing positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and high-precision radiosurgery systems, like Gamma Knife and CyberKnife. There are also plans to equip the center with a laboratory for the production of radiopharmaceuticals, radioactive drugs used for diagnostic imaging and treatment. Additionally, the center will provide radionuclide therapy and perform isotopic-based diagnostic research.

This new nuclear medicine center will improve upon Uzbekistan’s health care system by providing doctors with the technology to detect cancer earlier than previously possible, track metastases, and treat a patient’s tumors and complex diseases rather than defaulting to surgery and painful operations.

Improving Uzbekistan’s Health Care System

This project is part of Uzbekistan’s goal to modernize its health care system and to start rolling out reforms by 2026.

A series of reforms have already been established in the Syrdarya region of the country. As of September 2023, some achievements of these reforms include the establishment of a state health insurance fund, a more structured primary health care (PHC) system, new provider payments and contracts with health facilities, and advanced e-health information systems for pharmacies.

A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) specifically emphasizes the successes of the PHC reform in Syrdarya. It holds the following accomplishments in high regard: expanded roles and increased autonomy for nurses, greater capacity for family doctors to spend more time on complex cases, evidence-informed clinical guidelines and protocols, and stronger connections between PHC teams and community health organizations.

More Efficient and Organized

The successful execution of these reforms has laid a foundation for a more efficient and organized health care system beyond Syrdarya and across Uzbekistan. With the introduction of centers for nuclear medicine in Uzbekistan and other healthcare reforms in the works, the country is making great progress towards its goal of modernizing its health care system and creating a healthier country.

– Hannah Fruehstorfer

Hannah is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Austria’s Poverty Increase in 2023

Austria’s Poverty IncreaseIn the last several years, Austria-Hungary has experienced fluctuations in poverty rates with slight increases in poverty from one year to the next. More recently, 17.5% of Austrians were at risk of poverty in 2022, and this rose to 17.7% in 2023. A minimal change, but alongside this, the numbers related to Austrians living in absolute poverty are more striking. The number of Austrians living in absolute poverty rose from 201,000 in 2022 to 336,000 in 2023, statistically a 50% increase from one year to the next. In the broader sense, this means that 2.3% of the Austrian population was living in absolute poverty in 2022, and this figure rose to 3.7% by 2023.

Austria’s poverty increase is due to many-layered socioeconomic conditions, but statistics show that many of Austria’s citizens suffering from or transitioning to poverty are either single parents or large families. Large families usually refer to households with three or more children; these households, along with single-parent households, are much more at risk of poverty compared to coupled households with two or fewer children. An added statistic is that single mothers are perhaps the most susceptible to increased poverty from year to year, since the mother needs to provide for both household income and the weight of raising the children of the household.

Family Allowance and Family Association for Mental Health

Currently, Austria has several avenues to help these types of households and counteract growing poverty, both in the form of reduction programs and citizen benefits. Unique to Austria is the cash transfer program Family Allowance, or “Familienbeihilfe,” which focuses on providing funds specifically used to aid children in a given household. However, although this program is largely open to any household in need, the amount of cash increases with the number of siblings residing in a household. In other words, the larger the family, the larger the cash transfer, making this program especially helpful in curbing Austria’s poverty increase.

Poverty reduction programs in Austria focus on economic and educational help. The Family Association for Mental Health (FAME) program is a very surgical and focused program. FAME primarily focuses on supporting children from ages 3-6 living in tough poverty conditions and works as a six-month education program for those children’s parents.

Additionally, the program further targets parents who have little to no access to the means of paying for parenting support. The six-month program consists of completing three separate modules with a mentor, allowing the children of the household to participate in activities, and fostering healthy family relationships while providing economic support for struggling families.

Citizen Benefits to Help Reduce Poverty

One of the best ways to stifle Austria’s poverty increase is through government-granted benefits to citizens in hard situations. Since Austria’s poverty increase mainly came from large families and single-parent households, there are several benefits available specifically for single mothers to avoid poverty.

For instance, it is illegal for pregnant women to work eight weeks before and after a delivery date, but the mother receives full net pay during this time. In some cases, maternity leave can even last up to two years after birth and parents can split it between each other. In addition, all mothers receive a monthly child-maintenance fund equivalent to $1,600, depending on the child’s age, job, and university level; this fund can increase up to $2,200. Single parents in Austria can also claim a single-parent tax allowance in addition to net pay and other programs such as the Family Allowance.

Looking Toward the Future

Austria’s increase in poverty is intricate and cautious, however, it might be possible to negate in future years with supportive policies and advocative bills passed in favor of not only providing for the citizens but encouraging a flourishing lifestyle for the entire family. No matter how big or small.

– Russell Bivins

Russell is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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US Support for Global Education 

Global EducationEducation remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against global poverty. When children receive access to quality education, they are better equipped to secure well-paying jobs, improve their livelihoods, and contribute positively to their communities. However, more than 244 million children and youth around the world are currently out of school, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Most of these children live in the poorest and most fragile regions on the planet. The importance of U.S. support for global education becomes especially evident when considering these staggering figures.

Legislative Efforts To Expand Access

Recognizing the critical role education plays in global development, U.S. lawmakers have introduced key legislative measures aimed at expanding educational opportunities in developing countries. Among these is the READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2023, which builds upon the foundation established by the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act of 2017. This legislation reaffirms the United States’ commitment to improving educational systems abroad and is a cornerstone of U.S. support for global education.

A Bipartisan Push for Global Literacy

The READ Act Reauthorization Act of 2023 is a bipartisan initiative sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). The legislation prioritizes U.S. foreign assistance for educational programs in low-income countries. It aims to enhance foundational literacy, improve teacher training, ensure access to safe learning environments and extend educational opportunities for girls. This bipartisan support underscores the shared belief in the importance of education as a means to foster stability and prosperity worldwide.

Impact Since the READ Act Became Law

Since becoming law in 2017, the READ Act has served as a blueprint for U.S. efforts to expand access to quality education around the world. Backed by USAID, American-funded programs have focused on building foundational literacy skills, training teachers and creating safe, inclusive classrooms — especially in regions affected by conflict and poverty.

The impact has been far-reaching. In 2022 alone, USAID-supported basic education programs reached more than 33 million students and more than half a million educators across more than 50 countries, according to the agency’s Education Progress Report. These efforts are helping transform the lives of learners in some of the world’s most underserved communities.

With the READ Act’s reauthorization in 2024, the U.S. renewed its global education strategy through 2029 — this time with a sharper focus on accountability and equity. The updated bill prioritizes support for girls, displaced youth and children with disabilities, ensuring that American leadership continues to break down barriers to learning and create lasting opportunities for future generations.

Partnerships and Holistic Support Systems

The READ Act also encourages collaboration with local and community-based organizations to tailor educational interventions. For example, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) works with 90 partner countries to support holistic approaches — including school meals, health programs and teacher training — that help children stay in school and succeed. By addressing barriers such as malnutrition and illness, these efforts create enabling environments for effective learning.

Empowering Girls Through Education

Girls in particular benefit significantly from these initiatives. In many parts of the world, girls are often the first to leave school due to crises, household responsibilities or systemic barriers. U.S.-backed global education efforts seek to address challenges such as the lack of sanitary facilities, child marriage and gender-based violence. Research shows that when girls stay in school longer, they are less likely to marry early, face health risks or live in poverty — and their future families are more likely to thrive.

A Strategic Foreign Policy Priority

For lawmakers like Senator Dick Durbin, global education is not just a humanitarian issue, it is a foreign policy priority. In a statement following the Senate’s passage of the READ Act Reauthorization, Durbin underscored the strategic value of investing in education worldwide:

“Doing so will ensure U.S. development programs continue to focus on providing basic education around a sound, long‑term strategy — one that includes making sure girls have access to schooling.”

The reauthorization came at a time of growing concern over pandemic-related learning loss and its long-term global impact. Durbin and his co-sponsor, Senator Marco Rubio, framed the legislation not only as a step toward educational equity but also as a strategic investment in global stability and U.S. national security.

A Broader Congressional Commitment

The READ Act Reauthorization is just one part of a broader bipartisan push in Congress to make global education a centerpiece of U.S. foreign policy. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are increasingly recognizing that supporting girls’ education and leadership is not just a moral imperative, it is a strategic one.

  1. Girls LEAD Act (S.634): Introduced in the 117th Congress, this bipartisan bill directs the U.S. Department of State and USAID to develop and implement a strategy to enhance the civic and political participation of adolescent girls worldwide. The act emphasizes increasing girls’ leadership skills, addressing barriers to their participation and ensuring their meaningful engagement in democratic processes. It also mandates annual reporting to Congress on progress made.
  2. Keeping Girls in School Act (S.3535): Introduced in the 118th Congress, this bipartisan legislation focuses on increasing access to quality secondary education for adolescent girls in developing countries. It requires USAID to identify and address barriers that prevent girls from attending school, such as child marriage, gender-based violence and lack of sanitation facilities. The act also calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy to empower adolescent girls through education and mandates regular reporting on the implementation of this strategy.

The Cost of Inaction

Failing to invest in global education risks deepening cycles of poverty and instability in vulnerable regions. Without adequate educational opportunities, communities are more likely to suffer from conflict, poor health outcomes and economic stagnation. Continued U.S. support for global education is not just a humanitarian necessity — it is a wise and forward-looking investment in global peace and prosperity.

– Polina Makarova

Polina is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Freeze on US Foreign Aid to Mexico

Foreign Aid to MexicoThe U.S. freeze on humanitarian aid has left many of Mexico’s private humanitarian organizations defunded. In Tijuana, Baja California, centers for migrants, low-income and houseless folk are experiencing trouble. A Mexican city so close to the U.S. is experiencing such a different reality than the U.S. city of San Diego. These organizations provided help with job search, medical care, psychological care, food, childcare and shelter. According to a report from inewsource, the freeze severely cut funding to dozens of programs that aided Mexico’s vulnerable population.

The Bigger Picture

Though the U.S. may only spend 1% of its federal budget on foreign aid, the impact is still strong. By withdrawing foreign aid to Mexico, the U.S. has hurt a lot of Mexico’s humanitarian organizations, ultimately hurting the people that are most in need. Some more examples of Mexican organizations affected by the freeze in foreign aid are Casa Frida, Comunidad AVES, Peace Oasis of the Holy Spirit Amparito shelter, Asylum Access Mexico and the Federal Mission Commission for Refugee Assistance. All of these organizations help asylum seekers and refugees with ranges of services.

Conversely, remittances from the U.S. to Mexico continue and are a strong source of foreign aid to Mexico. Remittances often work by Mexican immigrants working in the U.S. and sending the money they earn to their families back at home for a better means of life. Normal workers are leading this cash flow into Mexico, not the government, and they are not suitable for institutional humanitarian programs.

The Importance of Foreign Aid

Inequality threatens national security. According to the American Foreign Service Association, strategic foreign assistance can prevent instability, reduce the need for costly military interventions and strengthen global partnerships. It is never good to have one nation struggling so much, as it can lead to a potential uprising. Foreign aid has been a proven form of violence prevention.

One-third of Mexico’s population (or 36.3%) lived in poverty in 2022 and an additional 7.1% of Mexico’s population lived in extreme poverty. This is more than 40% of the population.

Given Mexico’s large population in poverty, foreign aid to Mexico is incredibly useful for the country. Mexico has used foreign aid in sectors like security and justice, economic development, humanitarian assistance and border security. An example of how foreign aid was used is in the Merida Initiative. This initiative fell under the security and justice sector and now La Merida is one of the safest places in Mexico. Foreign aid is important to Mexico.

Mexico’s Foreign Aid Outlook

Political analysts suggest that under their new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico may start investing more in regional humanitarian efforts, further positioning itself as a regional leader in Central America. Oxford Analytica reports that this shift could lead to increased support for international aid programs. Though the U.S. may not be sending foreign aid to Mexico for the time being, other countries are still offering their support like France, Japan, Uruguay, Chile and Spain.

The freeze on U.S. foreign aid to Mexico has led to widespread funding cuts for humanitarian organizations that support vulnerable populations. While remittances and other nations continue to provide support, the absence of the structured assistance that U.S. aid once offered is felt. With poverty affecting over 40% of Mexico’s population, the lack of foreign aid to Mexico hurts people in need. As Mexico navigates this change, the long-term effects of reduced U.S. support remain to be seen.

– Andrea Roji

Andrea is based in Chula Vista, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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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