Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Hunger Amid Progress: Addressing Food Poverty in India

Food Poverty in IndiaDespite India’s strides in poverty reduction, the country still struggles with severe food poverty, especially among children. A recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report underscores this contradiction, revealing that 40% of children in India face severe food poverty. These two statements highlight different aspects of the issue, but their lack of nuance makes it harder to grasp the broader picture.

Comparisons With the National Family Health Survey

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides additional context to the UNICEF findings. The NFHS-5 data indicates that India’s child wasting rate is the highest globally at 18.7% and the child stunting rate is 31.7%. These figures reflect the persistent challenges in addressing malnutrition despite various government initiatives like the National Nutrition Mission and the Public Distribution System.

Insights From the Global Health Index

The Global Health Index (GHI) further corroborates the severity of India’s hunger crisis. With a score of 28.7, India is categorized as having a “serious” hunger level. This index highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of malnutrition, including food insecurity, poor dietary diversity and inadequate health services.

Gaurav Dwivedi: Methodology and Challenges

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Gaurav Dwivedi, a data journalist from New Delhi Television (NDTV), emphasized the importance of data validation in assessing food poverty. Dwivedi noted that much of the available data is not validated by the government, resulting in discrepancies that hinder effective policy-making. He also highlighted the lack of awareness and educational programs on nutrition and motherhood, which further exacerbates the issue at the grassroots level.

Dwivedi noted that dietary diversity plays a crucial role in understanding food poverty. In India, ancestral knowledge rather than formal education often influences nutritional choices. This lack of formal nutritional education is particularly ironic in urban areas, where access to information is ostensibly better. Additionally, Dwivedi criticized the rigid criteria set by organizations like UNICEF, which may not accurately reflect the nutritional realities of different countries.

The Urgency of Addressing Food Poverty

Figures and insights from various reports highlight the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to tackle food poverty in India. This involves improving data validation, enhancing nutritional education and adapting policies for climate change and population growth. Additionally, more substantial political commitment and accountability are essential to ensure that economic progress improves nutritional well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While India has made significant economic progress, the persistence of severe food poverty among children highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society and international organizations to ensure every child has access to a nutritious and diverse diet, paving the way for a healthier future.

– Malaikah Niyazi

Malaikah is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Project Mano: Ethiopia Uses Bitcoin to Fight Poverty

Project ManoIn Ethiopia, 40% of the population still doesn’t have access to electricity, contributing to high unemployment, particularly among young adults. Without proper technological skills and access to electricity, people are less likely to find jobs. Nearly 4% of the country’s population is unemployed across both rural and urban areas. Ethiopia’s new initiative, Project Mano, aims to address these challenges by utilizing Bitcoin. The project focuses on Bitcoin mining facilities and substations to strengthen the country’s economy.

Project Mano

Project Mano aims to integrate intensive bitcoin mining into Ethiopia’s economy, powered by the country’s renewable energy resources, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest dam in Africa. Led by the Russian bitcoin mining company Bitcluster, the project will support Ethiopia’s environmental goals of clean energy while also boosting technological infrastructure and growing the nation’s economy. If GERD is repurposed for bitcoin mining, it could generate billions of dollars annually for Ethiopia. At full capacity, the dam could power 200,000 similar machines, potentially yielding more than $2 billion per year.

Project Mano will establish a mining facility in Addis Ababa, strategically located near the GERD. Ethiopia’s climate is also a significant advantage for the facility’s construction. With temperatures ranging from 9°C to 24°C throughout the year, the country provides ideal conditions for bitcoin mining, as facilities are less likely to overheat or freeze. Additionally, Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, the largest on the continent, offers direct flights to most global capitals, making it a key transport hub and helping reduce the cost of importing equipment and materials.

The Benefits

Project Mano will offer significant benefits to Ethiopia’s population in the fight against poverty. Inflation remains high and the crises in Ukraine and Gaza have increased pressure on import prices. With 55% of the population unbanked, money circulation is limited, forcing the government to print more money and worsening inflation. One of Project Mano’s initiatives is to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, allowing it to be used for purchases, employee salaries and taxes. Since bitcoin maintains its value, this could help reduce poverty by stabilizing Ethiopia’s economy and promoting fiscal security.

Furthermore, using the GERD for bitcoin mining will provide 24/7 electricity access, helping Ethiopia combat poverty. The “electrification” of rural areas will lead to the establishment of bitcoin mining substations, allowing remote communities to gain access to electricity while creating new tech-related job opportunities. This increase in employment will boost Ethiopia’s economy and significantly reduce the number of people struggling with food poverty.

Summary

Project Mano proposes bitcoin mining as a solution for securing a stable economy. It plans to establish a facility in Addis Ababa powered by Africa’s largest hydroelectric project and other renewable energy sources. The project aligns with Ethiopia’s renewable energy goals while having the potential to generate billions of dollars for the economy. By expanding technological infrastructure, bitcoin mining will create more employment opportunities, address the high unemployment rate among young adults and help alleviate food poverty. Additionally, the Bitcoin facilities present significant opportunities for foreign investment and access to foreign currency, improving the quality of life for average Ethiopians and stabilizing the economy on a larger scale.

– Chelsey Saya McLeod

Chelsey is based in Southampton, Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News, Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Youth Programs in Ghana

4 Youth Empowerment Programs in GhanaIn Ghana, youth aged 15 to 35 comprise 38% of the population, while children under 15 account for another 35%. These numbers reveal that younger people comprise a large portion of the population, drawing increased focus on their needs. Unfortunately, many young adults in Ghana struggle with high unemployment rates and limited access to education.

According to the Ghana Youth Barometer 2024 Report, around 42.9% of youth reported the system has begun to worsen, as 88.1% reported issues with limited financial resources. The Youth Opportunity and Transformation in Africa (YOTA) conducted a report that analyzes the perceptions and experiences of Ghanaian youth. Shining light to amplify the voices of the next generation. Restrictions and halts, like COVID-19, have caused issues slowing economic growth leading to job loss and a lack of opportunities. Fortunately, youth programs and organizations are empowering the next generation and lending a hand to strengthen their futures. Here are four youth programs in Ghana. 

Youth Employment Agency  

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) was formed to tackle the country’s youth unemployment issues and relieve stress from those struggling. Starting as the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) in 2005, it transformed into GYEEDA in 2012 and became the YEA in 2015. The Agency aims to open up employment opportunities for youth through various programs like job placement programs and skills training. The YEA created Job Centre Ghana, an initiative to address youth unemployment and open up job placements. The center targets undergraduates and low-skilled workers while aiming to build and enhance those looking for work.

Youth Empowerment For Life – Ghana

The Youth Empowerment For Life officially became a nongovernmental organization in Jan. 2010. Its mission addresses the needs of the youth in Ghana through developmental and intellectual activities. It operates a variety of 22 youth projects reaching around 40,000 people with 10 youth centers. Some of its projects include Youth LIFE, which aims to provide vulnerable out-of-school youth in urban and peri-urban areas with opportunities for social and economic development. The project offers training and assistance so the youth can succeed. Some other projects include Youth Entrepreneurship and Youth Speak along with many others. Its Youth Centres are a tool for social empowerment and a space to share and learn information with one another. As the projects continue to make an impact, so do the youth involved.

Child Research and Resource Centre

Founded in 2004, the Child Research and Resource Centre  (CRRECENT) is a civil society organization focused on child and youth initiatives. Its mission is to create a focused foundation for vulnerable children and young adults to have tools and an environment where they can thrive. Its target population is children (0 to 18 years), challenged youth (19 to 24 years) and adults working with children. It works to meet its goals by researching and implementing. CRRECENT current projects include Girls’ Empowerment and Child and Youth Policy. The projects strive not only to teach but also to make an impact on girls and children from different backgrounds. CRRECENT works with Child Protection Committees, developing School Performance and Improvement Plans (SPIP) and implementing activities that work toward improving school conditions. Asserting that education is key to change.

Youth Bridge Foundation

Committed to youth development, the Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF) is a nonprofit organization focused on providing resources to the youth. YBF has a variety of projects and programs aimed to enhance young adults’ lives and careers. Started in 2017, the Educate to Innovate with STEM was funded by Tullow Oil Ghana Limited. A program aimed at helping students improve their performance in math and science. YBF launched and implemented this initiative to address specific educational challenges. The Initiative not only promotes the project but also a handful of others like Youth Vote and the Duapa Youth Reforestation Project.

Looking Ahead

By 2030, African youth will constitute 42% of the global youth population. The support from these organizations and programs offers hope for the next generation. These youth programs in Ghana not only aim to nurture the youth but also help them achieve their fullest potential.

– Savannah Garza

Savannah is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Afghanistan: Women’s Rights at Risk

Fragility and Rule of Law in AfghanistanThe Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist group, returned to power in 2021 after a 20-year insurgency. Following its ousting by a United States (U.S.)-led invasion in 2001, the group regrouped across the border in Pakistan. Within a decade they began reclaiming territory in Afghanistan. Since its return to power, the Taliban has severely threatened Afghan civil rights and liberties. The group has revived practices similar to its oppressive rule in the late 1990s. The United Nations (U.N.) mission in Afghanistan has reported numerous human rights violations. Journalists face intimidation, press freedoms have been sharply curtailed and several news organizations, including The Daily Afghanistan, have shut down. Additionally, the Taliban has reinstated the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, known for enforcing bans on activities deemed un-Islamic during its previous rule.

The Current State of Women’s Rights

Women’s rights in the region have been eradicated. According to Amnesty International, Afghanistan ranks last for women’s rights globally, positioned at 177 out of 177 countries on the Women’s Peace and Security Index for 2023/2024. It is the only country that restricts girls’ access to education beyond the sixth grade and prohibits women from working for nongovernmental organizations.

The Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has expanded its authority to control personal behavior and enforce punishments rigorously. This expansion is based on a 114-page document with 35 articles dictating nearly every aspect of life in Afghanistan. “We assure you that this Islamic law will greatly aid in promoting virtue and eliminating vice,” said ministry spokesman Maulvi Abdul Ghafar Farooq. The ministry’s enforcers have the authority to detain and fine law violators.

Article 13, focused on avoiding temptation, mandates that women must conceal their figures, cover their faces and refrain from making eye contact with men who are not family members. Article 15 prohibits women from traveling without a male guardian or interacting with unrelated men. Acting Minister Mohammad Khalid Hanafi emphasized that there would be “no compromise in the enforcement of Islamic laws.”

Fragility and Rule of Law in Afghanistan

The collapse of the previous government has led to a significant breakdown in legal protections for women: ​​

  • Replacement of Existing Laws. The Taliban has replaced the existing legal framework with its strict interpretation of Sharia law, abolishing many rights and protections that women previously enjoyed under the Afghan constitution and civil code.
  • Arbitrary Implementation. The new legal system often applies rules arbitrarily, lacking consistent application and due process. This unpredictability further undermines the rule of law and leaves women vulnerable to rights violations.
  • Limited Access to Justice. Under the new regime, women face severe limitations. Many formal legal institutions have ceased to function or now exclude women entirely. This effectively denies them any recourse to legal protection or dispute resolution.

International Responses

The U.N. has been at the forefront of condemning the Taliban’s actions and advocating for women’s rights in Afghanistan:

  • The U.N. Security Council Resolution 2681 (2023) called for the immediate removal of all restrictions violating the rights of Afghan women and girls. 
  • The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has characterized the situation in Afghanistan as “gender apartheid.” The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has called on the Taliban to release women human rights defenders and respect all human rights of women and girls.
  • Many countries have used diplomatic channels to express their concerns. The United Kindom (U.K.) The ambassador to the U.N. denounced the Taliban’s actions as “medieval misogyny above humanitarian need.” Multiple U.N. member states, including Albania, Ecuador, Malta and Spain, have characterized the situation as gender apartheid in U.N. Security Council sessions.

Legal and Policy Initiatives

Several legal and policy initiatives are being pursued to address the fragility of the rule of law in Afghanistan. 

  • Codifying Gender Apartheid: Efforts are underway to codify gender apartheid as a crime against humanity, potentially involving the International Criminal Court (ICC) in addressing systematic discrimination against women in Afghanistan. U.N. experts have called for investigations into the Taliban, holding them accountable for human rights violations based on gender, which amount to gender persecution.
  • Targeted Sanctions: Some nations are exploring the implementation of targeted sanctions against specific Taliban leaders responsible for rights violations. This approach aims to increase pressure on decision-makers within the Taliban regime. 
  • Humanitarian Aid Principles: Calls are intensifying for principled engagement in humanitarian aid. Furthermore, demands are being made for the Taliban to immediately lift the ban on Afghan women working for the U.N. and NGOs. There is also a push for supporting the full and safe participation of women in humanitarian decision-making and delivery, alongside increased support for humanitarian organizations, particularly those led by Afghan women.
  • Accountability Mechanisms: There are growing calls for accountability, a key feature in truly upholding the rule of law. Advocates demand that perpetrators of international human rights and humanitarian law violations face accountability. They emphasize the need to address gender persecution and other abuses targeting diverse women and girls.

Looking Ahead

The fragility of the rule of law in Afghanistan underscores the challenges of maintaining legal protections in unstable political environments. This situation highlights the need for robust international mechanisms to safeguard human rights and uphold the rule of law in fragile states.

– Hannah Ravariere-Moakes

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

Photo: Flickr

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What You Need to Know about Child Marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan

Child Marriage in Iraqi KurdistanChild marriage remains a significant issue in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. It occurs in regions where poverty is prevalent, such as India, Africa and the Middle East. Campaigns and legislative frameworks have been implemented to combat the issue.

Prevalence

Data from Iraq’s Central Bureau of Statistics showed that 5% of Iraqi girls were married before the age of 15, while approximately 22% of Iraqi girls married before they turned 18. Child marriage contracts in the Kurdistan region are often concluded informally outside the courts. The marriages are not formally registered, leading to the underreporting of actual rates. There are international legal instruments and local laws that set a minimum age for marriage and require registration. However, enforcement of these laws is often weak. This allows informal marriages to occur without legal repercussions.

Key Drivers of Child Marriage

Several factors contribute to child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan.

  1. Conflict and Displacement: Conflict and displacement exacerbate vulnerabilities, leading families to marry off daughters to reduce economic burdens.
  2. Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional beliefs and social pressures can impact this. Some communities may view early marriage as ensuring their daughter’s future and protecting her family’s honor.
  3. Gender inequalities: Deep-rooted gender inequality and gender biases subordinate the status of women and girls in societies that perpetuate the practices.

Risks of Child Marriage

Young girls who marry as children face numerous risks. They are vulnerable to health issues as a consequence of rape, early pregnancy and premature childbirth. Psychologically, they may suffer from social isolation enforced by their families and domestic violence. Despite legal measures, violence and rape remain prevalent in child marriages due to inadequate official responses.

In Iraq, although rape is criminalized, charges can be dropped if the victim marries the perpetrator. Moreover, since spousal rape is not criminalized, domestic violence is seldom reported, with families often resolving issues privately.

Legal Contexts

“The Personal Status Law and Amendments 1987 sets the legal age for marriage at 18”. However, judges can permit girls as young as 15 to marry under certain circumstances, for example, parental consent if the marriage is deemed as being in the best interests of the girl. This contributes to the prevalence of child marriage in the region. Proposed bill changes to Iraq’s Personal Status Law recently alarmed women and children’s rights campaigners.

The proposed amendments would allow Muslim citizens to choose between secular and religious laws for family matters, potentially legalizing child marriage for girls as young as 9. Furthermore, these amendments would undermine existing protections for women regarding divorce and inheritance. These changes could institutionalize sectarianism in family law and empower religious authorities, raising significant concerns among women and children’s rights advocates. On July 28, 2024, a group of activists, including campaigners from the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square in opposition to the bill.

Actions Taken

In 2016, an Inter-Ministerial committee in Kurdistan adopted a plan to change societal attitudes toward child marriage. The plan included launching a campaign called “Ensuring My Future.” The campaign emphasized the direct link between empowering young boys and girls and reducing child marriage rates. It also challenged the misconception that child marriage secures a girl’s future. The plan targets young girls, adolescent girls and parents by showcasing success stories of women in various professional fields to inspire girls to pursue education and careers. Additionally, religious and health arguments are used to persuade families to abandon the practice of marrying their daughters at a young age.

A Child Marriage Task Force was established in Kurdistan in 2016. The task force has representation from child protection and gender-based violence working groups to coordinate responses and provide guidance. It focuses on prevention strategies, policy recommendations, awareness raising, and improving data collection to address the issue in the region effectively.

There is also an increased collaboration between international organizations, local nongovernmental organizations and government bodies to address child marriage. Initiatives like the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, implemented by the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are working to create sustainable change by addressing the root causes of child marriage and supporting affected girls.

These include a comprehensive approach that empowers girls with education and life skills. Furthermore, it engages communities to challenge harmful norms, strengthens support systems and services, advocates for protective policies, and emphasizes data collection. UNICEF has reported that the collaborative efforts of various organizations fighting against child marriage, including Girls Not Brides, have successfully averted 25 million arranged child marriages.

Final Remark

Progress has been made to eradicate child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan. However, continued efforts are needed to empower girls and shift societal norms to ensure a future where every child can enjoy their right to a safe and fulfilling childhood.

– Hannah Ravariere

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

Photo: Flickr

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Initiatives of World Food Program in Ukraine

World Food Program in UkraineMillions of Ukrainians are facing food insecurity due to Russia’s invasion. Since 2022, World Food Program (WFP) has invested more than $700 million into the economy of Ukraine to combat hunger. Furthermore, it has provided food to more than 3 million people along the frontlines.

Hunger Crisis

Present-day food insecurity in Ukraine began with Russia’s occupation and annexation of Crimea in 2014. The crisis intensified significantly following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, leading to severe disruptions and damage to Ukraine’s agrifood systems. As a result, approximately one in three Ukrainians—about 11 million people—are now food insecure.

The destruction of livelihoods and increased inflation due to war have further impeded access to nourishment for millions of Ukrainians. Additionally, as a major global grain producer, Ukraine plays a critical role in supplying more than half of its exports to low-income countries. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted this supply chain, worsening global food security, amplifying pre-existing food insecurity and driving up food prices.

Foreign Aid to Ukraine by World Food Program

While there is a high density of food insecurity in Kyiv, the greatest proportion of people experiencing Ukraine’s hunger crisis are located close to the war’s frontlines to the north and east of Ukraine. Here, one in four households was discovered to experience severe food shortages. As of March 2022, WFP has provided aid in the form of food and cash, equal to 2.5 billion meals, to tackle hunger in Ukraine.

WFP currently provides food assistance to three million internally displaced and affected individuals in Ukraine on a monthly basis, dispensing food throughout frontline regions. Most of the food is locally sourced and distributed in collaboration with local responders. For example, the nonprofit empowers local female-led bakeries in Mykolaiv to produce bread that is later distributed to thousands of households residing on the frontlines.

WFP also extended its school lunch scheme. The scheme has provided around 100,000 children in more than 700 schools in Ukraine with food. Additionally, WFP schemes work with local organizations and farmers to aid future crop cultivation. This is being achieved by removing landmines and explosive residues from farmlands. Approximately 25,000 square kilometers of arable land may contain landmines and other hazardous debris from the ongoing war, which have already injured and claimed hundreds of lives.

These WFP initiatives aim to rehabilitate mined land into productive farmland, restore agricultural livelihoods and reduce hunger in Ukraine. However, for now, many Ukrainians have to rely on WFP food boxes until local farmers and agrifood systems recover.

Future Outlooks

The Ukraine Third Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3) conducted by the World Bank estimated that it would cost $56 billion to recover and reconstruct Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Humanitarian aid, therefore, will be crucial in preventing a more severe and extensive humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

– Viola Cuthbertson

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

Photo: Flickr

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Declining Poverty Rates in Indonesia

Poverty Rates in IndonesiaThe Republic of Indonesia, the fourth most populous nation, sits in Southeast Asia between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant tourist attractions, Indonesia has faced challenges with high poverty rates. In 2014, the World Bank reported that poverty reduction in Indonesia has begun to stall, with a rate of 11.3%, reflecting only a 0.7% decline since 2012. A report by the Asian Development Bank also noted that 28 million Indonesians lived below the poverty line, with most of the country’s residing in rural areas.

Significant Progress in Poverty Reduction

Currently, this trend has changed, with poverty rates in Indonesia at an all-time low. In March 2024, the Central Statistics Agency recorded a decrease in the number of people living in poverty to 25.22 million, with the poverty rate at 9.03%.  A 0.33% decline compared to the previous year and a 2.22% decline compared to the past 10 years.

According to the Cabinet Secretariat of The Republic of Indonesia, poverty rates decreased in rural and urban areas. In March 2024, the poverty rate in rural areas decreased to 7.09%, a 20% decrease compared to March 2023. The poverty rate in rural areas dropped to 11.79%, compared to a drop of 12.22% from the previous year. With the government facing challenges given the country’s large population and increase in poverty rates during COVID-19, from 9.2% in 2019 to 9.7% in 2020, poverty reduction has become a national priority, needing different approaches and efforts. 

Agricultural Services

Agriculture services were at the forefront in helping Indonesia reduce its poverty rates. A study by The Smeru Research Institute reveals that this was the largest factor in reducing poverty in Indonesia. Agriculture growth was responsible for 66% of overall poverty reduction, 55% of the reduction in urban poverty and 75% of the reduction in rural poverty. In contrast, the industrial sector, part of Indonesia’s development strategy, only reduced poverty in urban areas. These findings highlight that boosting productivity in agriculture is the most effective way for Indonesia to reduce poverty.  

Passing New Economic Policies

To address high poverty rates in Indonesia, the government introduced financial and administrative changes, known as fiscal decentralization reforms. This change aims to shift the power from the central government to local governments. 

According to Springer Link, the government passed village fund policies between 2014 and 2019 to support Indonesia’s villagers, successfully in reducing rural poverty. According to a report by the Central Bureau of Statistics, that compares the years 2015 and 2022, data reveals that the number of people in poverty has decreased from more than 28 million to 26 million. By improving infrastructure in rural areas, such as providing education, health care services and clean water, the Indonesian government effectively reduced poverty. 

Social Protection Program

The Indonesian government continues prioritizing the social protection program as part of its 2045 vision. This includes cash transfers, food assistance and labor market programs. Social protection programs particularly benefit vulnerable people in Indonesia, such as the elderly, whose numbers are expected to rise to 25% of the population by 2045, making them highly susceptible to poverty. 

The Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) is a cash transfer program that helps low-income households alleviate financial pressure and access health care and education services. According to a report by the World Bank, this program led to a 13 to 17% increase in the number of births attended by medical professionals and a 5% increase in the number of children receiving vaccinations. 

Moving Forward

Indonesia has made significant efforts that continually contribute to the decrease in poverty rates. Indonesia has taken major steps forward to help its people, while there have been fluctuations in poverty, the government has consistently prioritized different strategies to reduce it. Indonesia’s success in decreasing poverty rates is not just a national achievement but also a great contribution to global poverty reduction efforts. Acting as a blueprint for other nations that aim to help their populations and reduce poverty.

– Nouf Hunaiti

Nouf is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Transforming Women’s Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan AfricaEducation is one of the most effective solutions to poverty. In many countries with high poverty rates, the education system is highly unsatisfactory, with women disproportionately affected. Around 34 million adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa drop out of secondary school. When women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa receive education, poverty reduction happens more quickly. Furthermore, each additional year a girl spends in school leads to a 20% increase in her earnings.

Recognizing this, many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focus on women’s education in Sub-Saharan Africa later in life and making schools more accessible for young girls. Zambia, Kenya and Ethiopia are among the countries where education systems have required additional support.

Women’s Education in Zambia

Zambia’s education system shows a clear gender disparity in school completion, from primary to college education. Many girls in rural areas face significant barriers to education, including long distances to schools, a lack of resources, early marriages and unintended pregnancies. Only 27% of girls in Zambia complete upper secondary school and among the most impoverished, just 3% do. Additionally, 29% of girls are married before turning 18, often before they have finished their education. However, NGOs have stepped in to make education more accessible for young women.

Bright Hope works with local churches in Bolivia, Kenya, Zambia, Uganda and Haiti to provide hope and aid to those living in extreme poverty. In Zambia, the organization has established a girls’ dormitory in a rural area, making education a safer and more accessible option for young women. Luke Peterson, the Director of Strategic Relationships and Ally Communications, told The Borgen Project, “These girls often traveled long distances to attend school, walking the long journey before and after dark and many of them were abused on their way to and from school.” This led to high dropout rates and trauma from the abuse.

Bright Hope created safe places for these young women to stay while pursuing their education. Peterson added, “This dorm was just completed and is one of the only buildings in the village with security, electricity and running water and the girls are very excited for the fall semester to start!” Bright Hope has helped make education more accessible for them.

Women’s Education in Kenya

Similar to Zambia, Kenya’s education system also suffers from a significant gender disparity. Contributing factors include long, unsafe distances to schools, early marriages and culturally defined gender-biased roles. Girls in Kenya are often expected to clean, cook, fetch water and sell firewood or charcoal daily. This leaves them with little time to study compared to boys. Only 18% of Kenyan women aged 25 and older have completed secondary education and just 27.8% of girls who finish primary school enroll in secondary education.

In response, Bright Hope has established a farm in Turkana, Kenya, where it has more than 225 farmers, all of whom are mostly women and they grow fruits and vegetables. Peterson spoke about the lead farmer, Elizabeth and said, “She has been growing her food for many years and with her profits from the farm, she can send her kids to university in Nairobi.” Bright Hope’s farming initiative has empowered women, providing them with opportunities for success in a country where they have traditionally been confined to specific roles.

Women’s Education in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, women’s access to education is limited. Only 25% of girls attend secondary school, with even fewer in rural areas where schools are scarce. Those who do attend often face abuse, inadequate bathrooms and gender-biased lessons that discourage them from staying in school. Additionally, early marriage and economic hardship force many girls to drop out. However, with the help of NGOs like the Malala Fund, women’s education is seeing significant improvements.

The Malala Fund expanded its Education Champion Network to Ethiopia in March 2020. The champions—Martha Nemera Woyessa, Amsale Mulugeta and Getaalem Kassa—are working in the Amhara region, where 600,000 girls are out of school. They engage with local communities to improve school conditions. Furthermore, they advocate for policies that prevent child marriage and work to end gender-based violence. Their mission is to accelerate progress by challenging systems, policies and practices to ensure that all girls have access to 12 years of free, safe and quality education.

Final Note

Long distances to schools, abuse and gender-discriminative roles severely limit women’s education in sub-Saharan Africa. However, through the efforts of NGOs like Bright Hope and the Malala Fund, women and young girls are gaining hope for a brighter future.

– Ellie Buss

Ellie is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Womankind Worldwide Transforms Women Lives in Kenya

How Womankind Worldwide is Transforming Women’s Lives in KenyaWomankind Worldwide is a women’s rights organization advocating for change through partnerships with organizations worldwide. It envisions a fairer world where women have equal opportunities. The organization works with 28 partners across 13 countries. Womankind Worldwide has supported 18 million women through community organizations. The organization prioritizes improving women’s lives in Kenya as part of its global efforts. For more than 30 years, Womankind Worldwide has collaborated with diverse groups worldwide to combat the oppression of women.

The Context of Women’s Lives in Kenya

Kenya is a lower-middle-income country and women’s employment rate is 60.3% compared to men’s at 70.4%. In Kenya, young women are particularly vulnerable to the threat of poverty because of their limited participation in the economy. Women are disproportionately responsible for unpaid care work therefore limiting their ability to complete paid work. Although the 2010 constitution committed to a more diverse government so that women would be able to make important decisions about their future, this promise has not been fulfilled. Key promises included women and men having the right to equal treatment and having the right to equal protection. 

In 2023, The World Bank Group reported that Kenya stood above Sub-Saharan’s average of 72.6 out of 100 in the Women, Business and the Law Index. In comparison, Kenya’s index was recorded at 80.6. This score increase was a consequence of stopping gender discrimination in employment and the enforcement of domestic violence legislation. Furthermore, the report suggested that women’s lives in Kenya could be further transformed by making 14 weeks of paid maternity leave mandatory and allowing women to be business owners in the same way as men. 

There have been successes in the improvement of women’s rights in Kenya. For example, the 2012 Passage of the Land Act and the Land Registration Act increased women’s rights over their marital property. Moreover, for the first time, the 2015 Passage of the Protection against Domestic Violence Act addressed domestic violence. United Nations (U.N.) Women’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026 outlines U.N. Women Kenya’s plan until 2026. This includes enhancing women’s participation in governance, creating legislative frameworks to promote the inclusion of women in leadership and advocating for accountability for gender-responsive service delivery. 

Womankind Worldwide’s Aim

In July 2024, Womankind Worldwide’s two new Co-CEOs spoke about the future of the organization’s focus on pursuing equality. Writing on the organization’s website after their appointment, Co-CEO Disha Sughand described envisioning Womankind Worldwide growing ‘an aligned supporter base through our ambitious 2030 strategy’. In addition, Co-CEO Diana Njuguna explained how Womankind Worldwide’s mission is to dismantle ‘power dynamics that prevent community-based organizations from taking their rightful place in the movements’. Womankind Worldwide focuses on working in partnership with women’s rights organizations. The organization continues to take steps to establish collaboration as an important part of the fight for equality.

Partners

The Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), one of Womankind Worldwide’s partners, was founded in 1999. This nongovernmental organization’s focus is predominantly on women’s rights. CREAW has continuously applied pressure to guarantee equal political participation of women so that the 2010 constitution could be put into action. 

Another partner is Women Challenged to Challenge (WCC), who support the participation of women with disabilities in political, social and economic life. For example, WCC trained 25 service providers from Baringo County in Kenya, which included police officers and teachers. They were trained in how to assist people with hearing impairment. Therefore, women’s lives in Kenya are being transformed by Womankind Worldwide’s support for organizations such as WCC. 

Federation of Women Lawyers – Kenya (FIDA Kenya) offers women and their children free legal aid. Overall, its 1400 women lawyers and advocates have helped more than 3 million women. When they are disproportionately economically disadvantaged, help in the form of legal aid makes a significant difference to women’s lives in Kenya. 

Another organization that partners with Womankind Worldwide and is making a difference in women’s lives in Kenya is the Polycom Development Project (Polycom Girls). This project helps those impacted by sexual violence and exploitation. Polycom provides access to education, sanitation and sports. 

2030 Strategy

In its 2030 strategy, Womankind Worldwide outlines its aims for a future where all genders enjoy equal rights. It creates spaces for learning and exchange to help improve personal and social well-being. Womankind Worldwide identifies goals that include dividing power with its partners through sharing opportunities. Its 2030 strategy also includes guiding the agenda so that its partner’s voices are heard to influence change. Also, Womankind Worldwide generates funding for women’s rights and its partner organizations. 

Looking to the Future

Increasing women’s participation in political leadership is an important part of the future of Kenya. Womankind Worldwide is prioritizing putting the 2010 constitution into action through its partnership with nonprofit organizations. Womankind Worldwide works to increase the visibility of its partners and, specifically, Polycom Girls recognizes this. Its work includes emphasizing Polycom’s work to the United Kingdom (U.K.) government to help empower women. Womankind Worldwide has built partnerships across the world to help improve the rights of women. The organization is committed to opening spaces where women can have a say in what they want to change in the world. Transforming women’s lives in Kenya continues to be a focus of these ongoing partnerships in a move toward a fairer world. 

– Amy Fox

Amy is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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ENOUGH Campaign: Food Insecurity Among Syrian Refugees

ENOUGH CampaignSyria has some of the highest levels of hunger across the globe. The World Food Programme found that around 12.9 million people go hungry, with an additional 2.6 million at risk of food insecurity. By 2023, the World Food Programme asserted that the available humanitarian aid was insufficient to combat this growing issue. This prediction was based on the persisting conflict, weak domestic food system and continued environmental blows, such as the Feb. 2023 earthquake. The ENOUGH Campaign is addressing these urgent needs by targeting child malnutrition and food insecurity.

Refugee Challenges in Host Nations

The conditions for Syrian refugees in host nations are also worsening. The UNHCR reported in March 2023 that Lebanon, the host nation with one of the most significant numbers of refugees, suffered a currency loss of 95% in value, resulting in staggering prices for basic needs. Furthermore, of the 6.8 million Syrian refugees globally, 5.5 million of them reside in neighboring countries. In Jordan, the UNHCR estimates four-fifths of refugees live below the poverty line. Additionally, refugees in Iraq and Egypt face major food insecurity issues in camps. 

Personal Struggles of Syrian Refugees

The UNHCR interviewed Khandra, a 50-year-old widow and Syrian refugee with five sons, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. Among many harrowing realities, Khandra recounts, she described her son, 3 years old, when he fled Syria’s daily life. Adnan “wakes up every day at six in the morning to sell tissues on the highway and never returns before 10 or 11 at night. On a good day, he can make around 200,000 Lebanese lira (around $2), while on other days, he sells nothing at all.”

World Vision’s Response to the ENOUGH Campaign

To combat this issue, World Vision International launched ENOUGH in Sept. 2023 to end child hunger and malnutrition by investing $3.4 billion over three years in 67 countries. World Vision has been enacting this to assist Syrian refugees by providing food, water, shelter and education services to more than 7.5 million people. Additionally, on the heels of Feb. 2023’s catastrophic earthquake, World Vision has utilized ENOUGH to provide vital support to those in Syria and surrounding countries. World Vision has reached 2.4 million people in Syria and Turkiye with their earthquake response plan, 75 million people and one million children in Syria and the surrounding countries with regular interventions.

Ongoing Challenges and the Call for Continued Support

The Syrian refugee crisis continues to be in dire need of humanitarian aid, despite global efforts, this has fallen short. Refugees in Lebanon and Jordan are facing increasingly difficult conditions due to economic collapse and widespread poverty, with families like Khandra struggling daily. Khandra’s son’s exhausting routine reflects the harsh realities these communities endure. As food insecurity rises and debt deepens, survival is challenging.

World Vision International’s ENOUGH campaign aims to combat child malnutrition and poverty through substantial investment, but broader global cooperation is crucial. While campaigns like this provide hope, the crisis continues to receive attention. As millions lack basic resources, to protect the most vulnerable it’s vital to keep this at the forefront of humanitarian efforts. Success in meeting ENOUGH’s goals could ensure survival and safeguard future generations.

– Lydia Young

Lydia is based in Glasgow, Scotland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr