Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

, , , , ,

Concern Worldwide in Malawi Takes Action

Concern Worldwide Takes Action in Malawi Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, sees more than 70% of its population living in extreme poverty. After gaining independence in 1964, the Malawian government implemented a Poverty Monitoring System in 1994 to address rising poverty levels. Since then, various nongovernmental organizations have dedicated their efforts to improving the health and livelihoods of Malawians. Concern Worldwide, established in 2002, plays a crucial role in addressing multiple issues that contribute to poverty in Malawi.

Poverty in Malawi

A variety of challenges cause poverty among Malawians, including extreme weather variations, difficulty accessing globally traded goods, inequalities in food production and low access to health facilities. These issues result in an increased cost of living that is disproportionately impacting women and rural communities. A study from the National Library of Health describes the connection between income and the health status of families in rural Malawi. Research reveals that by increasing the overall income level by 10%, the average health status and level of well-being of Malawians improves by up to 1.2%. Concern Worldwide understands the crucial role the economy plays in health and poverty levels and takes action from multiple angles. 

Economic Impact

Research from the World Bank explains how economic growth directly affects mortality rates and life expectancy in developing countries. Additional factors such as income and income distribution, food prices, education and access to trading and transportation are primarily impacting the 80% of Malawians living in rural areas. Improving economic conditions requires changes in multiple areas of society by increasing the minimum wage, education and the household division of labor. 

RAISE Program

Concern Worldwide has taken action to improve the economic stability of the country by educating community members. The Raising Assets and Income for a Sustainable Environment in Malawi (RAISE) program, funded by the EU and Irish Aid, provides individuals from four districts in Malawi with a Business Skills Training course to encourage small businesses. This training, offered in Chikwawa, Mwanza, Neno and Nsanje, focuses on business management, risk vs reward and budget organization. Despite navigating literacy barriers, participants claim to have learned valuable skills to increase stability in sales and organization. Not only are entrepreneurs provided the knowledge to start their businesses, but they are also provided with a capital-funded transfer to start their enterprise. 

Health

In particular, rural Malawi’s low-income households, lacking access to medical resources or transportation to health centers, contribute to the lowest mortality rate. Researchers in the National Library of Medicine suggest public health and disease as the primary causes of decreasing mortality rates in struggling countries. Flooding furthers the spread of diseases and blocks roads, preventing access to centers.

To combat this, the organization is increasing the use of accessible technology to aid those who cannot make a trip to a clinic. Chipatala cha pa foni is a mobile hotline where young women and potential mothers can ask questions and hear advice from health care professionals. This program offers potentially life-saving opportunities to women struggling with their pregnancy or overall health. The organization is also implementing entertaining, educational methods to teach young girls about sexual health and reproduction. This helps younger populations be more aware of concerns such as AIDS, HIV, teen pregnancy and early marriage. 

Environmental Relief

Malawi relies heavily on agriculture to support its economy and feed its population. This makes the country dependent on the stability and predictability of the weather. However, Malawi is among the top 10 countries in the world impacted the most by turbulent weather changes. For instance, periods of high rainfall increase the spread of malaria through mosquitoes and flooding makes access to clean water more difficult, increasing the spread of cholera. Concern Worldwide combats agricultural disturbances by implementing Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques. CSA is a form of conservation agriculture that prioritizes the land and its sustainability in the future regardless of unpredictable weather concerns.

Specifically, Concern was one of the first organizations to respond to Cyclone Freddy in 2023. The storm damaged more than 50,000 homes, destroying crops, roads, powerlines and livestock. In response, Concern Worldwide provided 45 camps for displaced families throughout South Malawi and sent blankets, mosquito nets and other supplies to impacted areas. Emergency funds were allocated to 2,000 families forced to rebuild their lives. 

Women

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has made commonly received goods unaffordable throughout Malawi. This increases the overall cost of living and contributes to poverty in an already struggling environment. Concern Worldwide analyzes the rising economic concerns through a gendered lens, considering how these challenges impact women. Malawian women especially lack access to financial responsibility, credit centers and household decision-making, which makes them vulnerable to inequalities in supplies and food production. By encouraging women to have a greater role in household decision-making and implementing a division of labor, families are better prepared to recover from disaster in the future.

A 2022 event featuring a panel discussion on the gendered impacts of the increasing cost of living in Malawi explains the economic and social issues women face and what is being done to address them. The discussion outlines the necessity of adopting a genderless approach to social protection systems to ensure women have equal access and support. The emphasis is on how prioritizing access to social protection programs for women in need can benefit the community long-term by reducing factors that contribute to poverty. In addition to encouraging women to enter the workforce, raising the minimum wage is considered an option to combat increasing costs. This would benefit the daily livelihoods of the workforce and boost the economy in life-changing ways.

Overall Impact

Despite various adversities, Malawi’s stability is gradually improving with the help of Concern Worldwide. This life-changing NGO offers aid and assists communities in protecting and rebuilding their livelihoods. By educating the workforce, supporting women, providing environmental and health care services and backing micro-businesses, Concern Worldwide empowers Malawi to support itself and require less aid in the future.

– Lauren Sellman

Lauren is based in Rochester Hills, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, , , , , ,

Strengthening Education in Brazil

Strengthening the Education System in BrazilBrazil, South America’s largest country with a population of 216.4 million, shows mixed results in education. Student performance declined in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Despite this, illiteracy rates dropped from 6.1% in 2019 to 5.6% in 2022, indicating some improvement in basic education. The country is experiencing increased outbound student mobility, driven by rising tertiary enrollments. Projections suggest Brazil will rank among the top five nations globally for total tertiary enrollments by 2035 despite an aging population. To address these ongoing challenges, the OECD and other organizations are collaborating to enhance Brazil’s education system.

Brazil’s Education System and Socioeconomic Progress

Education in Brazil is a guaranteed social right under the Federal Constitution, providing free public access at all levels. The education system is divided into basic and higher education. Basic education encompasses early childhood, primary and lower secondary and upper secondary education. Compulsory education begins at age 4 with pre-school and continues for 14 years through the end of upper secondary education. Historically, Brazil’s economic growth has benefited from favorable demographics and robust commodity prices. This growth, coupled with specific policies, has significantly improved living standards. Between 2003 and 2014, these efforts lifted more than 29 million people out of poverty, reduced child mortality by 73% from 1990 to 2011 and broadened access to basic education.

OECD’s 5 Steps to Strengthen Brazil’s Education System

  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Brazil’s Educational Funding. COVID-19 significantly affected Brazil’s economy, resulting in reduced education spending. The OECD criticizes the rigidity of this funding, which merely satisfies spending requirements without addressing effectiveness. The organization recommends a more flexible, outcome-focused approach to funding. According to the OECD, increased investment in education would substantially improve the quality of education that students receive.
  2. Enhancing the Teaching Profession in Brazil. To enhance Brazil’s education system, the OECD recommends upgrading the teaching profession. This upgrade should include better salaries, career progression and working conditions for teachers. The organization also suggests that new teachers pass a licensing test and receive induction support during their early years to ensure they have adequate training.
  3. Improving Teacher Effectiveness and Student Outcomes. Boosting student outcomes involves enhancing teachers’ effectiveness in the classroom. This could include proper teacher training and skill improvements in areas such as classroom management. Providing incentives, such as promotions and performance-based payments, can also motivate teachers.
  4. Creating a Positive School Environment. There is a need for improvement in handling bullying and harassment on school grounds, with appropriate punishments for offenders. Schools should strive to create a positive environment for both students and teachers to improve well-being and learning outcomes, reducing the risk of dropouts.
  5. Supporting Disadvantaged Students and Preventing Dropouts. Disadvantaged students should receive continuous support from early childhood education until they complete their education. To address dropouts, teachers should focus on supporting the weakest and least motivated students, possibly through individual teaching and tutoring. Students at risk should also receive additional funding and support to remain in education.

Looking Ahead

Brazil’s commitment to advancing its education system reflects the country’s efforts to prepare for future socioeconomic challenges. Prioritizing innovation, equity and effective resource allocation can potentially address long-standing disparities in education. By fostering collaborative partnerships and emphasizing strategic improvements in education, Brazil aims to create opportunities for all students, supporting both national development and individual growth.

– Indira Smith

Indira is based in Manchester and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Overcoming Obstacles After Migration to New Zealand

Migration to New Zealand
New Zealand hosts 1,500 refugees and asylum seekers annually, predominantly from Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific. and South America. Migrants experience challenges, such as the language barrier between migrants and locals and discrimination, when adjusting to a foreign country. Here is more information about the challenges pertaining to migration to New Zealand.

Language Barrier Between Refugees and Locals

Due to the language barrier, some retired migrants cannot comfortably interact socially with the locals, which disables them from forging new relationships and connections. Moreover, social support and health services are difficult to access because they need to speak English in New Zealand.

Such healthcare services include consulting medical doctors when ill or providing emergency services in critical situations. The inability to convey their health issues can lead to complications in the future. 

Discrimination from Locals

Discrimination is prevalent in New Zealand; however, it is more common for migrants and foreigners to experience racial prejudice. Due to physical appearances or the inability to speak English, migrants may get harassed in public places by locals. 

“As stated in the 2016 General Social Survey (GSS), about 26% of recent migrants said they’d felt discriminated against in the previous 12 months, compared with about 16 percent for both long-term migrants and people born in New Zealand.” This affirms that racial discrimination does occur for migrants regardless of the duration they have lived in New Zealand. Furthermore, discrimination effects poverty via:

  • Social Isolation: Issues of poverty can be magnified when discrimination can mentally affect migrants, leading to isolating themselves from society. This also reduces the community resources that provide employment and access services.
  • Wage Gaps: After employment, migrants may experience wage inequality compared to their local colleagues. Employer discrimination can result in economic instability for the migrants.

Unemployment Among Migrant Workers in New Zealand

There have been numerous accounts where multiple Chinese migrant workers are left jobless due to their employers firing them. “Three Chinese migrant workers who were sacked within a month of each other by the same Auckland employer are the latest among at least 100 workers who are unemployed after paying thousands of dollars for their accredited employer work visas (AEWV).” Many have paid thousands of dollars for accredited work visas yet cannot earn a steady income or afford living costs.  

Existing Poverty Among Migrants in New Zealand

Despite initiatives from independent organizations to address the challenges of migration to New Zealand, poverty among migrants in New Zealand is still prevalent. According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 16% of migrants could not afford to live in their previous country. In contrast, almost a third of all migrants do not have sufficient funds to pay for their living costs in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Red Cross

In 1944, during World War 2,  the New Zealand Red Cross welcomed New Zealand’s first refugees – more than 700 Polish children displaced in the war. The New Zealand Red Cross has assisted more than 7,000 people to start a new life in New Zealand for the last 20 years.

For the first six months, volunteers will help former refugees with logistical arrangements, such as purchasing groceries, setting up an online bank account, heading to the local school for English lessons, and familiarizing themselves with the local neighborhood.

The Human Rights Commission

If refugees experience racial discrimination, they can approach the Human Rights Commission (Te Kähui Tika Tangata) for details and help. Specific types of racism are illegal, and the Human Rights Act safeguards refugees from racial discrimination and harassment in some public areas: government services and grocery stores.

New Zealand Immigration ensures that former refugees and their families are included in the local community while staying mentally and physically healthy, having a place to call home, learning English, and staying independent with a job.

A Path Forward for Migration to New Zealand

While migrants may encounter these issues, government-initiated plans and organizations provide effective solutions for a smoother transition from impoverished countries to New Zealand. With a wide range of support, migrants can join communities to live comfortably with others without the burden of poverty.

– Nalini Vijayakumar

Nalini is based in Perth, WA, Australia, and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Radio Begum: A Lifeline for Afghan girls 

Radio BegumSilence is the most powerful instrument of oppression. After regaining control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have silenced Afghan women and girls in almost every aspect of life: enforcing a systematic attack on women’s rights. This has made Afghanistan virtually unlivable for women and girls, with the situation representing the world’s most severe women’s rights crisis. Within this critical context, Afghan journalist Hamida Aman founded Radio Begum, which provides a lifeline of hope for Afghan women and girls.

The “Gender Apartheid” in Afghanistan

The Taliban are “methodically and intentionally‘” enforcing a system of gender-based segregation – which Afghan activists, like Dr Sima Samar, describe as a “gender apartheid.”

Dr Samar, who witnessed the collapse of the Taliban’s previous regime in 2001, never imagined seeing such extreme violations of women’s rights reoccur just two decades later. Yet, over the last three years, the Taliban have enacted numerous laws banning girls from going to secondary school, accessing employment, the justice system and even public spaces. Most recently, the oppression of women has reached a new extreme, with a ban prohibiting “women’s voices from being heard in public.”

A female teacher in Afghanistan said:  “In my province, we had girls that could be singers, professors, athletes and politicians. Now we have nothing left. All of those talents are in jail, left the country or now live in hiding. Families rush to marry their daughters because they are afraid the Taliban may take them for marriage. Most girls are forced to marry. This is a nightmare I never imagined to happen.”

The Power of Radio to Educate

Radio is a powerful tool in resisting the Taliban’s oppression of women and girls. It provides one of the main sources of information for Afghans, with 72% of the population having access to a radio, as of 2015. This widespread accessibility allows the radio to serve as an important educational platform for Afghan girls.

Recognizing this, Radio Begum emerged in 2021 to support, empower and educate Afghan women and girls. Its daily radio broadcasts currently provide remote schooling and educational support to 5.9 million Afghan girls.

However, Radio Begum is just one part of the wider mission led by its founder, Hamida Aman. Her NGO, The Begum Organization for Women (BOW), brings together a network of social activists, health professionals and journalists who produce broadcasts from Paris to more than 19 provinces in Afghanistan. With support from UNESCO, BOW even extends its support beyond education, producing content dedicated to women’s mental health, gender-specific healthcare and domestic violence, according to UNESCO.

Additionally, with funding from the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC),  BOW has further expanded its reach by integrating radio, satellite TV and internet broadcasting to ensure more girls across Afghanistan can access education for free. Whilst Radio Begum cannot put a stop to the oppression of women and girls, Hamida Aman emphasizes that “by keeping our radio on, by keeping our voices loud, we are resisting,” UNESCO reports.

The Need for International Support

Radio Begum offers a critical lifeline for Afghan women and girls. Despite significant obstacles, BOW’s work exemplifies Afghan women’s resilience and resistance to the Taliban, as they continue to develop innovative ways to support and empower Afghan girls. However, BOW must secure further international funding to ensure Radio Begum continues to provide Afghan women and girls with access to education, employment and leadership opportunities.

Yet, despite the severity of the situation, the international community has failed to take sufficient action. Indeed, Amnesty International and activists, like Sima Samar, continue to call for the establishment of an independent international accountability mechanism to hold the Taliban accountable for their crimes under international law.

– Georgia Wells

Georgia is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Universal Health Care: Improving Diseases Impacting Togo

Diseases Impacting TogoThe top three diseases impacting Togo are lower respiratory infections, stroke and ischemic heart disease. However, Togo’s Universal Health Insurance program could be the solution to reducing the death rate of these diseases.

Health Care in Togo

In Togo, 45% of the population live below the poverty line, which means they face an economic barrier to accessing health care. Moreover, the health care system in Togo is heavily reliant on external funding and resources, so the current system cannot properly aid those suffering from various lethal diseases impacting Togo. This only furthers the need for a proper health care system. However, this need also increases the burden on the present system.

There is less than one doctor for every 10,000 Togolese compared to 36 doctors for every 10,000 Americans. Therefore, there needs to be improvements to access to health care in Togo. This lack of adequate health care coverage is why diseases impacting Togo are the leading causes of death.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Lower respiratory tract infections make up 75 of every 100,000 deaths in Togo. As a result, they are the leading cause of death in Togo, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Lower respiratory tract infections occur when bacteria, viruses or fungi enter the lungs. Common lower respiratory tract infections include the flu, viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Anyone can develop a lower respiratory tract infection. However, young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of contracting these infections and dying from them.

Stroke

The second leading cause of death in Togo is stroke; making up 66 of every 100,000 deaths, according to WHO. Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain begins decreasing. The reduction of blood supply prevents the brain from receiving nutrients and oxygen, resulting in brain cell death within minutes. Blood leaking also results in strokes and occurs when leaking blood in the brain increases pressure on brain cells and damages them.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Ischemic heart disease causes 45 of every 100,000 deaths in Togo, according to WHO. This heart disease occurs when there is a lack of blood flowing to heart muscles, often caused by fat and cholesterol collecting in coronary arteries. This disease therefore commonly causes chest pain, trouble breathing and heart attacks, which is why it is the third leading cause of death in Togo.

Improvements to Health Care

All of these diseases are preventable and or treatable. Yet, until there is adequate access to health care in Togo, these diseases could continue to be the top causes of death.

The Togolese government passed legislation in 2021 to begin developing universal health care and expects all resistance to have coverage by 2025. The program plans to provide health care for public and private sector employees, along with those on public assistance unable to pay. Employees will receive coverage through their and their employer’s contributions. While people unable to pay will revive funding through the government.

The health care program already has 800,000 people enrolled, which is 50% more than the previous 470,000 covered by the former program.

Investment in universal health care means investment in medical equipment, facilities and workers. Investing in these areas could increase the demand for workers. However, it could also increase the number of those seeking health care positions, which could lead to more health professionals able to help Togolese people.

Therefore, with universal health care, comes help for those suffering from the diseases impacting Togo.

– Nivea Walker

Nivea is based in Elon, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

SDG 10 in Costa Rica

SDG 10 in Costa RicaIn many respects, Costa Rica has been able to boast about serious accomplishments: curbing deforestation, democratic balance, foreign investment and trade freedom. However, while there has been success, there has also been increasing economic inequality and steady poverty rates. SDG 10 in Costa Rica is experiencing some setbacks. The U.N. created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to bring attention and action to economic woes, along with environmental and social safeguards. Each SDG tackles a different issue; SDG 10 deals with inequality.

Inequality and Social Investment

Since the mid 20th century, Costa Rica has invested heavily in social programs. A 2016 World Bank report shows how Costa Rica’s abolition of the army freed up capital for “education, health and social security.” In the 2000s, investment in social and public services became more than 20% of the GDP.

Experts say these factors helped Costa Rica gradually improve the quality of life for many people. For example, according to a former Costa Rican president, Luis Guillermo Solís, “… the consolidation of social reforms allowed the construction of a society with a strong predominance of the middle class,” ReVista reports.

Despite these successes, poverty is not reducing at an ideal rate, and inequality is increasing. Although the poverty rate in Costa Rica is one of the lowest in Latin America, it has been steady “at around 20% for almost two decades.” Some attribute these problems to Costa Rica’s changing policies on social programs.  The former president of the Inter-American Court of Justice, Elizabeth Odio, says, “The country has had improvements in the fiscal balance, but this has been done at the expense of social issues. We are deteriorating two fundamental pillars: health and education,” ReVista reports.

Workers

There have been less opportunities for less-educated workers in recent years, and an aging population puts pressure on households. Also, groups such as migrants, indigenous people, and single mothers are continuing to struggle. Meanwhile, educated workers are in an improving situation, and prices continue to rise. It seems that this dynamic is widening the disparity and worsening SDG 10 in Costa Rica.

One group that is being negatively affected by inequality is Nicaraguan refugees and migrants. This group makes 7% of the Costa Rican population. Sadly, “Nicaraguans in Costa Rica are overall poorer, tend to be less educated and earn less,” according to UNHCR. Also, they tend to work “informally,” resulting in them getting fewer social transfers than locals.

According to UNHCR, studies suggest that “improving employment conditions, social inclusion, and access to services” would help Costa Rica and Nicaraguan migrants. Many migrants could contribute more to Costa Rica if they were more included in the social system.

Crime

Costa Rica has also experienced an uptick in crime. This can be attributed to drug trafficking becoming a worse problem in recent years. Because of Costa Rica’s coastlines, it is an advantageous port for drug traffickers, and it has become the largest shipment point for cocaine going to the U.S. and Europe.

Murders have risen while the price of cocaine has dropped, causing an increase in addiction. These factors compounded with high inflation have perpetuated poverty and inequality. To make matters worse, drug trafficking has created violent gangs that strain the system even further, GlobalPost reports.

As a result of the pandemic and a lack of opportunities, many young people have dropped out of school and are joining gangs.  Also, the rise in crime is deterring tourists from visiting, which is hurting the tourist industry; tourism is “7.1% of the country’s labor force.”  This strains poor communities even further, contributes to inequality and weakens SDG 10 in Costa Rica.

In response to crime, the Costa Rican government hired 1,500 more police officers, and they have installed cargo drug scanners on the coasts.  Also, “the Ministry of Public Security grew by $40 million,” according to The Costa Rican Times. The U.S. has contributed scanners and $40.5 million to fight crime and drug trafficking.

Solutions

Organizations like CEPIA are working to address issues like lack of education and lack of skills in the job market. CEPIA provides after-school programs, care for families living in vulnerable circumstances, professional training and employment, legal orientation and more.

CEPIA supports “over 1,000 children, teenagers and their families from poor backgrounds.” If a contributor to inequality is lack of education and opportunities for less skilled workers, CEPIA has many services to fill that gap. Hundreds of poor children receive school supplies. Those students can also participate in sports along with psychological counseling. In addition, 600 adults participate in the programs as well.

Along with CEPIA, SOS Children’s Villages is working to help children in need. They report that one in three children live in poverty in Costa Rica. As a result, this organization “has worked with other non-governmental organizations and companies to improve youth employability.” It also “created a digital platform called YouthLinks which connects young people with mentors in the country and region.”

SOS Children’s Village supports disadvantaged people around the world, and they have worked in Costa Rica Since 1972. It has schools, which strive to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. There are 190 children learning at their kindergartens, 300 children grow up in their care and 70 young people are given assistance as they work to become independent.

Although Costa Rica is a country moving on an upward trajectory, SDG 10 in Costa Rica has been struggling. Still, the country continues to fight for a better future.

– Michael Messina

Michael is based in Newburyport, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Higher Education in Sri Lanka

Higher Education in Sri LankaThe higher education landscape in Sri Lanka reflects a nation that has prioritized education since gaining independence in 1948. The commitment to providing education up to the bachelor’s degree has contributed to the country’s impressive literacy rate of 92%. This is of the highest in South Asia, despite ongoing economic and social challenges, including the civil war. While the enrolment rate at secondary school is 99%, this drops to 21% at tertiary level, with women making up 65% of total university enrolment.

Funding State Education

After the end of British colonial rule, Sri Lanka established a state-funded educational system with a national framework in place in 1961, when the government took control of denominational schools. However, public spending on education has been persistently low in the last decade, accounting for only 2% of the gross domestic product (GDP), which fell to a historic low of 1.2% in 2022 due to a global economic crisis. As a result, household private spending on education in Sri Lanka tends to be significantly higher, indicating a gap between government support and the demand for educational services.

Private Higher Education in Sri Lanka

However, while Sri Lanka offers state education, there are more government-approved private universities. Private institutions play a crucial role in higher education, with 27 government-approved private universities compared to 18 public ones. Private universities are under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education. In contrast, the purview of the University Grants Commission oversees public universities.

The National Human Resource Development Council of Sri Lanka data showed that in 2021, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) was the largest private higher education provider, with 10,402 students. Other providers were the National Schools of Business Management (NSBM), Horizon College of Business and Technology, CINEC Campus and SLTC Campus. Many of these universities have also recently formed partnership arrangements with U.K. universities, enhancing their international recognition.

Recent Developments

The government has recently established the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, aiming to improve the standard of the country’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education system to a more competitive level. This initiative aims to boost STEM education to attract a competitive market for private providers. However, due to limited opportunities in the free government public universities, 80% of these students seek private higher education pathways.

As a result of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, middle-class parents have been pushing for their children to join degree pathways after their O-Levels rather than after the General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-level examinations. This means they can graduate three to four years earlier and start their career. This shift allows students to complete degrees in a shorter time frame, immediately entering the workforce and addressing critical skills shortages in the job market. As a result of these developments, there is a clear link between the higher education system and encouraging sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka.

Final Note

While Sri Lanka has made substantial progress in ensuring access to education, significant challenges remain in higher education enrollment and funding. The rise of private institutions, coupled with government initiatives to enhance STEM education, presents a pathway for improving the employability of graduates and fostering economic growth. Continued investment and strategic planning will be vital in overcoming current challenges and ensuring that Sri Lanka’s higher education system meets the needs of its population and economy.

– Amani Almasri

Amani is based in Durham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Gender and Ethnic Wage Gaps in Ecuador

Gender and Ethnic Wage GapsGender inequality in the labor market manifests itself in many ways, not only regarding salary differences but also often involves women working longer hours in more informal sectors and engaging in higher levels of unpaid work. Despite not being one of the most underperforming Latin American states addressing the gender pay gap, Ecuador was ranked 89th out of 186 countries for gender inequality by the Human Development Index in 2012. This highlights that there is still work to be done to improve opportunities and benefits afforded to women in the workplace.

The Gender Wage Gap

In Ecuador, female workers earn between 13-26% less than men, with women in rural parts of the country estimated to work around 23 hours longer a week than their male counterparts. Women are also more commonly involved in “vulnerable” employment, working without formal arrangements or protections. They are, therefore, reliant on the economy doing well to stay in their job and are more likely to end up in poverty. Since the ’90s, the proportion of women employed in such employment in Ecuador has increased to 61.1%, compared to 43.5% of men, higher than the Latin American average.

Additionally, there is an invisible side to this gender wage disparity. According to data from the Household Satellite Account, “in 2014, unpaid work performed by women in Ecuador represented 15% of GDP.” Thus, the gender wage gap in Ecuador is much more than just differences in earnings; it is the quality of the work and conditions available to women. These gendered differences within the labor market intersect with racial and ethnic discrimination, making life especially difficult for minority women.

Ethnic Wage Gap

Ecuador’s population is diverse, with 1.1 million indigenous citizens from 14 nationalities. Throughout its history, similar to other countries with large Indigenous populations, these groups have suffered marginalization and discrimination. This has significantly impacted the relative prosperity and quality of life of indigenous people. In Ecuador, ethnic wage gaps are considerably higher than gender ones, with Indigenous citizens receiving only 33% of nonindigenous workers’ salaries.

Regarding opportunities, Indigenous people are two to three times less likely to be in stable, specialized careers in countries like Ecuador, where large Indigenous communities live in urban areas. When the gender pay gap intersects with these profound ethnic ones, this inequality becomes even more pronounced, especially for Indigenous women. These groups not only suffer from gender wage gaps but are put at an even more significant disadvantage in comparison to their nonindigenous female counterparts due to racial inequalities. Also, many Indigenous women live in rural areas of Ecuador, meaning they are also affected by the differences in rural and urban working opportunities and conditions.

Addressing Gender and Ethnic Wage Gaps in Ecuador

The Ecuadorian Constitution has attempted to address gender equality, committing itself to eliminating discrimination against women and creating a National Council of Women (CONAMU) focusing on policy directly related to women’s issues. Legislation such as the Law for Equal Pay between Women and Men has obliged employees to pay equal wages to male and female workers in the same jobs. Similarly, the Law to Promote the Violet Economy has expanded on this to promote female participation in sectors where they are often underrepresented.

The government passed an additional gender parity law in 2020, setting quotas to encourage increased female participation in election candidate lists and address the gender imbalance within the government. In 2021, this quota was set at 15% and increased to 30% in 2023. The government hopes that gender parity for electoral candidates will be reached by 2025. These diversity requirements have shown promising progress thus far, with women making up 46.9% of the candidates in the February 2024 subnational elections.

The United Nations (U.N.) has also made significant progress in expanding education provision for women and girls and encouraging female participation in elections. U.N. Women have worked alongside the United Nations Office For Project Services (UNOPS) to develop initiatives to help “national and local administrations incorporate a gender perspective” in the public sector.

This will ensure that the specific needs of women and girls are being addressed across different government sectors to bring Ecuador closer to meeting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The organization has also promoted monetizing unpaid care responsibilities to recognize the additional labor women carry. If this proposal were to come to fruition, it would have significant benefits for Ecuadorian women, who in 2012 carried out around 40 hours of unpaid domestic work a week on top of other work commitments.

Final Remark on Wage Gaps in Ecuador

Despite Ecuador making great strides in improving the gender wage gap, not much is being done to tackle the profound ethnic wage gap that is disadvantageous and limiting ethnic minorities (especially Indigenous people). To ensure that all women earn a fair wage for their work and are valued as much as their male counterparts, addressing this ethnic pay gap alongside gender is crucial. Otherwise, indigenous women and those from other ethnic minorities will be left behind.

– Ciara Howard

Ciara is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, ,

Poverty Reduction in Vietnam: Economic Growth and Challenges

Poverty Reduction in VietnamOver the last three decades, poverty reduction in Vietnam has experienced unprecedented success. The Doi Moi Reforms in 1986 have been a success story in what was once one of the poorest nations. This progress continues today. With the average distance of the poverty line shrinking, upward mobility is widespread and welfare programs and public investment continue to improve lives. Despite these successes, there are remaining challenges. There are still many people living in transient poverty, and some areas of multi-dimensional poverty require solutions. For instance, gender equality, ethnic, minorities and rural communities bear the brunt of Vietnam’s current challenges.

Economic Growth

Poverty reduction in Vietnam is largely attributed to the reforms of the 1980s. Key Changes were incentives to diversify agrarian production, opening trade to the global market and domestic investment which contributed to exports and job creation in urban areas, according to the UNDP report. The income these policies generated drove the improvement of domestic services and improved quality of living.

The 2022 World Bank report found that the Low and Middle low-income country poverty rate dropped from 16.8% to 5% in 2010-2020. In the same decade, the size of the middle class has tripled from 7.3 million people in 2010 to 22.6 million people in 2020. Health outcomes have also improved. Vietnam’s universal health index is higher than global averages at 73, and infant mortality rates fell from 32.6 per 100 births in 1993 to 16 in 2022.

In 2015, the government implemented a National Target Program to reduce deprivation in some remote rural areas and regions where incomes have not risen as fast as in other areas. They are continuing to develop them into 2025, according to the UNDP report. These programs include the New Rural Development program, which aims to improve critical services for rural communities, such as education, health, transport, water supply, security, communication and more.

The impact of Foreign direct investment (FDI) should not be ignored either. After joining the World Trade Organization in 2007, formal jobs with foreign-owned enterprises opened up in the manufacturing sector. There were 2 million more manufacturing jobs in 2020 than in 2018, and 1.9 million had formal work contracts. Showing a link between FDI and an increasing number of jobs with higher wages, according to the World Bank report.

Addressing Inequality and Ethnic Minorities

These are encouraging trends and the economic achievements are monumental. However, poverty is dynamic, and despite these successes, most households are still vulnerable to transient poverty. For the majority, their households can be driven below the poverty line by a sudden change in their conditions. Sixty percent of households are vulnerable to income poverty, especially in rural regions. For instance, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 73.3% of Vietnamese lost income, UNDP reports.

Children without access to technology suffered the most significant learning losses during lockdowns. The poorest regions of Vietnam, which are usually remote and mountainous, are disproportionately home to ethnic minorities. While ethnic minorities represented 6%-13% of Vietnam’s population in 2020, they accounted for 21%-42% of the nation’s poor, according to the World Bank report. These disparities indicate that ethnic minorities benefit the least from Vietnam’s poverty reduction efforts and are most vulnerable to conditions of poverty.

The government has focused on tailored plans to support ethnic minorities with central funding through National Targeted Programs (NTPs) to test innovation on a local level. The 4M initiative, (meet-match-mentor-move) aims to enable ethnic minority women to break their isolation by introducing them to non-agricultural markets like e-commerce, social media and multi-stakeholder networks, UNDP reports. Knowing production and business methods, these women have expanded their markets and enterprises, benefiting around 13,000 women.

NTPs can support interaction among government bodies and communication between government agencies and local authorities to test new solutions to poverty reduction in remote areas. For instance, incorporating digital technologies at a grassroots level, as they did with the 4M initiative and digitizing poverty reduction services targeting remote communities to reduce administrative costs and service time.

Steps Going Forward

According to a survey of the NTP-National Rural Development, much of NTP spending was on socio-economic infrastructure, but targeted household programs may lift the remaining poor above the poverty line. The concentration of poverty among ethnic minorities in rural areas also calls for NTPs which target these communities directly, ensuring access to resources, investment and digitization.

While challenges remain, particularly for ethnic minorities and vulnerable communities facing climate risks, Vietnam’s commitment to poverty reduction offers hope for continued progress. Poverty reduction in Vietnam is one of the three NTPs in 2021-2025. By adjusting the multidimensional poverty line, 10 million more people are eligible for government social assistance. Aim for a 1.5% annual reduction in MDP International cooperation and an adaptive approach to policy will be essential to ensure that Vietnam can continue its journey toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

– Jonathan King

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

Photo: Pexels

,

Continued Transition: Cambodia’s Renewable Energy

*Cambodia Renewable EnergyCambodia is continuing its promising transition towards renewable energy as the most committed country in the region in the global move towards green energy. In Cambodia, 59.2% of the current energy supply already comes from renewable sources, with the government having intense plans to reach its 70% target by 2030. International cooperation and ventures with social power provide hope for Cambodia in its green energy transition.

Hydropower, Solar and Wind Energy

The country has focused on building hydropower and solar infrastructure to support its transition, aiming to move away from importing fossil fuels dependent on global markets, according to Energy Tracker Asia. The Sesan-II Dam was a key development in its transition; this is a facility in Stung Treng Province which opened in 2017 with eight turbines. The dam is the longest in Asia with the ability to produce 1,970 GWh per year to Cambodia’s national grid – 20% of the country’s total electricity generation in 2020.

Beyond its impressive expansions in the hydropower industry, Cambodia is also focusing on the solar energy and wind department. Although solar arrays currently only provide 5% of the country’s electricity supply, there are predictions that this could reach 30% by 2040 as a less expensive source. Cambodia is already building solar mini-grids to provide accessible energy in rural areas but the potential for these schemes is immense considering the country’s strong daily solar irradiance

Cambodia still has 245 villages that do not have access to electricity due to their remoteness, solar power may be the key to solving their problem. Solar mini-grids have become the most cost-effective way to bring 24/7 electricity to remote communities – a renewable and cheap solution to the holes in Cambodia’s energy system.

For the wind energy industry, Cambodia is planning to connect wind power to its national grid by 2026. Energy Minister Keo Rattanak made clear that six projects have already been approved in Mondulkiri which will generate 900 MW. This investment already supersedes past predictions of up to 500 MW potential energy production by Blue Circle.

International Partners

An important aspect of renewable energy in Cambodia has been its commitment to international cooperation to meet its aims. Australia has become a key partner in promoting green energy with a recent visit to EnergyLab Cambodia, a non-profit that is supporting the growth of green energy markets within the country.

The EU has also made key commitments to work with Cambodia towards its green goals; the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, launched four new initiatives this year to promote renewable energy among other sustainable goals.

Although there seems to be a committed effort towards the transition to renewable energy in Cambodia, there is still a significant need for private investment in the sector. This involves the government ensuring an economy that remains attractive to foreign investors – something that cheaper energy will hopefully lead to. Phoumin Han, an energy economist for ASEAN and East Asia, argues that promoting investment in rooftop solar paneling can be a key area for continuing development without relying on government expenditure.

The Future

EnergyLab is an organization that continues to support Cambodia’s transition towards renewable energy and providing electricity to the rest of Cambodia’s population. The organization guides policy decisions while also promoting private investment in the sector. Founded in 2018, it consults across the world but has particular success in hosting Clean Energy Week.

Renewable energy in Cambodia has opened doors for energy independence without fears of global market shifts in fossil fuels – while also allowing the country to provide electricity to 98% of its population in 2022. The continuing growth in solar and wind energy paves their path to meet future energy goals, although still dependent on international cooperation and private investment.

– Charley Dennis

Charley is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr