Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone

HIV/AIDS in Sierra LeoneDespite recent reductions in transmission rates of HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone, the lack of knowledge and stigmatism surrounding the condition, particularly among the younger population, could prevent the country from further minimizing the spread of the disease.

The Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone

According to UNAIDS, there were 77,000 adults and children living with HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone in 2022, an incidence of 0.44 per 1,000 of the population. Of these people, 59,000 Sierra Leoneans know their status, shedding light on the increasing awareness of the disease within the nation.

However, this figure is below the 95-95-95 target from the UNAIDS Global AIDS Strategy. This outlines the organization’s aims for 95% of those living with HIV to know their status, 95% of these people to be on ART and 95% of those on treatment to be virally suppressed.

There has been progress towards this goal, however, with the country seeing a 39% reduction in new HIV infections and a 42% reduction in AIDS-related deaths since 2010. Furthermore, almost all of those affected by the disease are on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), in line with UNAIDS’s strategy and highlighting increased accessibility to the treatment.

Yet the prevalence of HIV/AIDS amongst the younger population of Sierra Leone remains relatively high. The World Bank indicates that 6,700 children aged 0 to 14 are living with the disease, yet only 1,704 are receiving ART, according to UNAIDS.

Gender-Based Inequalities

The gender-based inequalities of HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone amongst young women are also an issue for the nation. The prevalence rate of the disease is double for women (1%) compared to men (0.5%) and The National Institutes of Health also remarks that over a third of women have encountered at least one HIV risk factor, raising issues surrounding sexual violence towards young women and girls.

In 2019, UNAIDS named Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, as champion for the charity, in hopes of raising awareness of the gender-based inequalities of HIV/AIDS infections. As “a strong advocate for the empowerment of girls and young women,” according to UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, this position will hopefully produce more conversations on this issue, and mobilise the younger generation to become more conscious of the disease. By introducing the Hands Off Our Girls campaign, Maada Bio is striving to protect young women in Sierra Leone from rape and early marriages which are seen to be key factors in the transmission of HIV/AIDS in young women.

The Stigma

Awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone is key for changing preconceptions of the condition, and will hopefully mobilize more people to seek regular checkups and screenings. UNAIDS data shows that 67.1% of the population would not buy fresh vegetables from a shopkeeper with HIV, and a further 53% do not think that children living with the condition should be able to attend school with children who are HIV-negative. This highlights the social stigmatism towards HIV/AIDS that is still present in Sierra Leone.

Furthermore, amongst the younger Sierra Leoneans aged 15-24, only 29.13% know about HIV prevention. It is therefore imperative that information about the disease is accessible to young people, particularly about transmition, to reduce further infection rates.

With the HIV transmission rates falling, and the First Lady as the new champion of UNAIDS in the country, HIV/AIDS in Sierra Leone could soon reach the goals of the 95-95-95 strategy. However, education amongst the younger population is vital to prevent the further spread of the disease and encourage more to get regular screening to receive life-saving treatment.

– Ben Kane

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

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Recent Outbreaks of HIV/AIDS in Venezuela

HIV/AIDS in VenezuelaWith a series of economic and political crises throughout the past decade, Venezuela has become increasingly vulnerable to the rampant spread of HIV with little public accessibility to safe-sex materials and practices. The nation has faced extreme shortages of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in both pharmaceutical and clinical settings, leading to inflated treatment rates. Although there are around 110,000 people expected to be living with HIV/AIDS in Venezuela as of 2020, only 55% have proper access to complete and consistent viral regimens. Tens of thousands of individuals are continuously defenseless to this chronic, deadly virus with many forced to migrate to surrounding nations in the hope of receiving life-saving treatment plans.

Deterioration of Health Care Systems

Venezuela was previously considered one of the most well-suited nations in South America to deter the severity of the HIV/AIDs crisis, instituting free, centralized ART treatment through government funding in 1990s. However, when faced with newfound economic challenges in the early 2010s—the price of oil, a leading export of the nation, drastically plummeting worldwide—many mechanisms necessary for proper maintenance of its healthcare systems began to deteriorate. Hospitals could no longer upkeep effective follow-up and control measures with inaccurate estimations of affected patients.

Amid economic upheaval, the monthly price for ART rose to around $95-100 per month, a burdening cost for low-income citizens. From 2011 to 2015, there was a 75% increase in HIV-related deaths, the greatest amount since 2000. By 2017, there were no hospitals containing ART drugs to distribute, with 85% of pharmacies facing drastic drug shortages. Only 26% of people with HIV were able to acquire regular ART regimens, and more than 90% of individuals who had registered for ART treatment directly through the government did not receive it.

Barriers to Prevention of HIV/AIDS in Venezuela

HIV is a chronic, rapidly evolving virus, with ART serving as a long-term health necessity for those impacted. As many found themselves depleted of sufficient ART treatments, whether due to the heightened cost or sheer unavailability across the nation, they resorted to other temporary strategies to improve their condition: partaking in intermittent treatments or partial-self dosing, oftentimes utilizing expired medication.

Recent research showcased at the 19th European AIDS Conference in 2023 indicated that intermittent dosing of ART drugs increased the overarching rate of virological failure, leading to “concerningly higher” rates of resistance to this therapy. Although intermittent treatment may be beneficial in the short-term, shaping into the next-best option for those unable to obtain regular ART dosages, its long-term sustainability is undermined by these unintended, potentially life-threatening consequences. Even with the 67% coverage of ART for people with HIV reached by 2022, only 7% have obtained an undetectable (un-transmittable) status, speaking to the continued demand for full, regular ART dosages.

The primary preventative measure for HIV/AIDs is the usage of condoms, allowing for the practice of safe sex without the possibility of transmitting the virus. However, inflation has caused the price of condoms in Venezuela to escalate to over three times the monthly minimum wage. Education on HIV prevention is still stigmatized, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to an inability to navigate and employ fundamental safety measures.

Marginalized Communities

The presence of HIV/AIDS in Venezuela has disproportionately affected marginalized groups, highlighting the ongoing discrepancies in ART access. In 2022, there are an estimated 15,000 transgender individuals in Venezuela, with an HIV prevalence rate of around 35.8%, according to the Humanitarian Practice Network (HPN). Additionally, men who have sex with men (MSM) were found to have an HIV prevalence rate of 23.3%, contrasting the national 0.5% of the total population in Venezuela. Alongside other systemic barriers, many have noted the lack of enforcement of anti-discrimination laws instated throughout the Venezuelan health care system, leaving many LGBTQ+ individuals deprived of proper viral regimens.

The Warao people, the second-largest indigenous group in Venezuela, are another demographic experiencing the severity of the HIV/AIDs crisis. There is an overall prevalence rate of 10% among their population, although many doctors have suggested this rate may be as high as 35% among males. Removed from ART and other treatment measures that can properly manage the virus, many HIV-positive members of the community have ultimately passed away after developing end-stage AIDs.

Solutions for HIV/AIDS in Venezuela

Without acquiring the necessary ART from the government, many people with HIV in Venezuela have been forced to migrate to surrounding nations with more inexpensive treatment options, according to the HPN. And yet, as they relocated, another issue of xenophobia arose: while ART was now objectively more accessible, there were new barriers to treatment including health prejudice and discrimination.

In 2020, UNAIDS established a partnership with UNESCO to allow Venezuelan migrants “health education, prevention, and health promotion,” centering a future-oriented approach to ending the HIV/AIDs crisis. This collaboration emphasizes the physical and mental well-being of Venezuelan migrants, promoting sex education curriculums that prevent the onset of violence and discrimination. Activists have similarly focused on improving care for those living with HIV, such as Nilsa Hernandez, founder of Valientes Por La Vida (Brave for Life). A Venezuelan herself, she crossed the border to Brazil to continue receiving ART after being depleted of immunity for over two years. Hernandez hopes to support other migrants with HIV with guidance on adapting to life in Brazil, providing them with the necessary resources to navigate the country while obtaining access to viral regimens.

The rebuilding of Venezuela’s health care system—with international organizations continuously supporting migrants and other marginalized groups—reveals a hopeful path to mitigating HIV/AIDs in Venezuela by 2030.

– Eileen Lincoln

Eileen is based in Fairfax, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gender Wage Gap in Singapore

Gender Wage Gap in SingaporeThe latest updates showed that the unadjusted gender wage gap between male and female full-time employees aged 25 to 54 in Singapore has been narrowed down from 16.3% in 2018 to 14.3% in 2023, according to the released infographic figures from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). According to United Nations data, Singapore ranks as “the second-most unequal developed economy in the world.” “Singapore does not have an official poverty line … Most Singaporeans are not aware of the scale and depth of poverty in Singapore,” stated a report from the Singapore Management University’s Lien Center for Social Innovation.

Unequal Earnings

The gender dimension is one of the most significant contributors to economic disparity and poverty in Singapore. Recent data from MOM highlights that women, despite having equivalent working hours and qualifications, earn less than men. These unequal earnings impact women’s financial stability, limiting their access to essential services such as health care and hindering their ability to save adequately in the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Women have about 40% less CPF savings compared to men, which underscores why 64% of women, versus 38% of men, depend on immediate family members for assistance with medical expenses, according to a 2010 health-care financing study by the National University of Singapore and Singapore Health Services.

The adjusted gender gap involving human capital and the labor market is 6.0% in 2023, lower than 6.7% in 2018. According to MOM’s report, the adjusted gap “is the unexplained component from the decomposition, which is the remaining gender pay gap between men and women employees after adjusting for both human capital and labor market factors where data was available.” The report considered, particularly, the occupational segregation of male and female employees as the main driver behind the gender wage gap in Singapore.

The report concluded three factors that could impact women’s choice of occupations: personality and skills; psychological traits; social norms and values. “These factors would continue to influence one’s choice of occupation, their career progression and earnings,” according to the report.

Unfair Treatment

A recent survey implied that in 2023, female employees still think they are not treated fairly regarding job compensation. In Singapore, 59% of investigated women employees said that they had an unfair base salary, and only 33% of them felt they were satisfied with the payment. Although the job market enhanced advocacy for diversity and encouraged women to have career paths in STEM, the fight against gender wage bias still has a long journey. 

The gender pay gap is a concerned issue for the government and society in Singapore. In 2022, the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development aimed to support female employees in acquiring equal wages and flexibility in the workplace. In a total of 115 pages, the White Paper gave a call to all Singaporeans to equal job opportunities, caregiver support, mindset shifts in the workplace, etc. 

Minister Tan See Leng said that a closure in the gender wage gap in Singapore might need a “multi-pronged approach.” Fortunately, the Singapore government is striving for more equality in the job market by partnering with schools, industry, and the community to implement the SG Women in Tech movement, aiming to train and involve more talented female employees in the tech industry. 

Tan also mentioned that the government has been advocating for equal sharing of caregiving responsibilities in families by “increasing Government-paid paternity leave from two weeks to four weeks.” MOM has introduced a guideline on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) to assist employee’s requests for FWA. The government will also introduce the Workplace Fairness Legislation that sets goals to protect employees from discrimination in the workplace, according to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

Increase in PMET Occupations

By 2018, the number of women who have at least a diploma qualification rose to 71%, which is almost double higher than that in 2002, according to a 2020 report. While traditional occupations such as nurse and accountant still significantly represent women’s labor market in Singapore, there is a large increase in women’s share among professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs). From 2018 to 2023, the percentage increase in female PMET occupations is 2.5% more than that in males, according to MOM.

With the aid of Flexible Work Arrangements, women now have increasing participation in economic activity by enjoying equal educational and workplace opportunities. In the past decade, female employment for ages 25-64 increased from 69.2% to 76.6%, and the employment gap with men has decreased from 20.1 to 12.4 percentage points.

The Singapore government also works with the Council for Board Diversity to improve women’s share on the boards of the top 100 companies listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The percentage of women on boards increased from 7.5% in 2013 to 22.7% in 2023. Statutory Boards also had a nearly 10% increase in women’s representation, according to a 2024 report.

– Cindy Hong

Cindy is based in Milpitas, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Unlocking Economic Opportunities With Education in the Congo

Education in the CongoThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boasts the world’s second-largest rainforest, a wealth of precious minerals and large crude oil reserves, the spoils of which most Congolese do not enjoy. In fact, two-thirds of the population lives below the poverty line, subsisting on less than $2.15 a day. This dire situation stems from a long history of sociopolitical turmoil. Additionally, ongoing violent conflict in the DRC has stunted economic growth and subjected citizens to prolonged instability and violence.

Furthermore, inhospitable conditions are most acutely burdensome for women, who face gender discrimination, early marriage, poverty and food insecurity. Women with little or no educational attainment are even more vulnerable to experiencing these issues. Humanitarian organizations are investing in programs to make high-quality education more accessible throughout the Congo. These efforts are instrumental in the fight against gender inequality and extreme poverty.

Education in the Congo

For underprivileged Congolese children, tending to crop fields is more routine than sitting in classrooms reading and writing. Beginning in the ’80s, parents had to pay tuition fees to send their kids to school. Then, in 2019, a new policy waived the cost of attendance, enabling more than three million children to enroll. While higher rates of young people attending school is an encouraging sign of progress, the education system in the DRC needs to be equipped to accommodate the influx; classrooms are overcrowded and instructors are overwhelmed.

Education Cannot Wait

Education Cannot Wait (EWC), the global fund for education in less-resourced areas, has stepped in to aid the DRC. The nonprofit is addressing teacher shortages, supplying psychosocial support services and training for educators and instituting nutrition programs at school. As of August 2023, EWC has built or rehabilitated 343 classrooms and trained 2,425 teachers. The inclusivity and protection component of its mission has facilitated the distribution of more than 3,000 female hygiene kits to girls and supports the monitoring of school performance.

Other Initiatives Supporting Education in the Congo

Another organization dedicated to increasing the universal availability of education in the Congo is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has allocated $7.7 million toward improving classroom instruction. USAID works closely with faith groups, private institutions and international partners to provide greater academic resources for at-risk communities with low literacy rates and poor math scores. Its initiatives aim to equip schools with sufficient supplies like textbooks and higher-quality lessons in social and emotional skills, numeracy, soft and vocational skills and literacy.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), partnered with the French Development Agency (AFD), is also conducting a four-year teacher training project in the Congo. One of the guiding motivations behind the program is to boost the presence of women in the educational profession, which may make school environments more welcoming for girls.

Final Remark

Certainly, investing in the education and empowerment of young Congolese will yield significant benefits for the DRC. It will advance the country’s efforts to eliminate extreme poverty and build a more prosperous future for its citizens. Enhancing the availability and quality of educational resources is the crucial first step toward these overarching objectives.

– Natalie Kaufman

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

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Agastya International Foundation: Sparking Curiosity via Science

Agastya International FoundationImagine a world where a single mobile science lab can ignite curiosity in millions of underprivileged children. A lab that will transform their futures and bridge the educational gap across rural India. Welcome to the revolution led by Agastya International Foundation. This story unfolds the remarkable journey of an organization determined to redefine education through hands-on science learning.

A New Era of Learning

In the late ’90s, Ramji Raghavan returned to India with a vision to revolutionize education. Inspired by conversations with experts about the lack of hands-on learning in the Indian education system, he co-founded Agastya International Foundation in 1999. The mission was clear: to enhance government school curricula through innovative, hands-on methods. To make education accessible to all children regardless of their economic or social backgrounds. Agastya’s team, composed of dedicated teachers, scientists and volunteers, promotes inquiry and curiosity, aiming to transform lives through education.

Agastya’s approach to education is unique and impactful. The foundation uses inexpensive, everyday materials to create science experiments and models, enabling children to replicate them at home. This hands-on method not only demystifies science but also empowers children to think critically and creatively. Older students with a passion for science often become mentors, guiding younger children during large science fairs and ensuring that curiosity is met with answers.

Transforming Education: Impact and Vision

Since its inception, Agastya has positively influenced more than 300,000 teachers and 20 million students across more than 22 states in India. The foundation’s vision is to foster a nation of creators, tinkerers, solution-seekers and leaders who are humane and connected. With programs like teacher training, mobile science labs and science centers, Agastya addresses critical educational gaps through scalable, hands-on experiential learning.

The foundation’s flagship initiative, the Mobile Science Lab, features more than 80 low-cost experiments. It brings interactive science education to schools and makes learning enjoyable.

Agastya’s core programs are designed to spark curiosity through science, art and mathematics. These programs support both teachers and remedial students, all integrated within the Kuppam campus’s ecology classroom. Agastya fosters innovation to solve theoretical and practical problems, focusing on creating economical teaching methods and training teachers. Its diverse offerings include lab-on-a-bike, lab-in-a-box, lab-on-a-tab, media labs and a gifted children’s program. Additionally, night schools and extensive teacher training programs have further extended its reach and impact.

Scaling New Heights

Interest from the Indian Government and private donors has helped Agastya scale rapidly, reaching two million children annually. The foundation’s 170-acre campus in South India transformed from an arid wasteland into an ecological marvel and serves as a world-class center for learning, hosting more than 600 students daily. This campus supports Agastya’s innovative teaching methods, making it a beacon of hope and progress.

Conclusion

Agastya International Foundation stands as a testament to the power of innovative education. By transforming how scientific knowledge is acquired, Agastya is not just educating children but igniting a lifelong passion for learning and discovery. Through its programs, millions of underprivileged children have been given the tools to dream big and achieve remarkable academic and personal successes. As Agastya continues to expand its reach, the foundation’s vision of an enlightened, curious and innovative India moves closer to reality.

– Sandeep Kaur

Sandeep is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Solar Energy in Rural Kenya: A Pathway Out of Poverty

Solar Energy in Rural KenyaApproximately 71% of Kenya’s population lives in rural areas, where access to electricity is often limited or non-existent. Without electricity, rural communities rely on kerosene lamps for lighting, which are expensive, provide poor-quality light and pose health risks due to indoor air pollution.

Solar energy presents a transformative solution in Kenya. It alleviates poverty by providing reliable electricity, promoting education and enabling various economic activities. Thus, solar energy initiatives in Kenya highlight the potential of renewable energy to drive sustainable development and improve living standards.

Solar Energy Initiatives in Kenya

One innovative approach that has made solar energy accessible to low-income households in Kenya is the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model. This model allows users to pay for solar systems in small, manageable installments using mobile money platforms. The PAYG model reduces the upfront cost barrier, enabling more families to afford solar energy solutions.

Companies such as M-KOPA Solar are leading the change by providing these affordable solar home systems to rural households. M-KOPA Solar first launched its pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar system in Kenya in 2010. These systems typically include solar panels, batteries and energy-efficient appliances, offering a sustainable and cost-effective source of electricity.

More than eight million households in Kenya spend a total of $1 billion on kerosene lamps for lighting, bringing the average to approximately $200 on lighting per household each year. With the introduction of M-KOPA’s PAYG solar systems, Kenyans now spend $200 for a one-time payment to receive electricity.

Impact on Education

Access to solar energy also has a profound impact on education in rural Kenya. Solar-powered schools can benefit from improved resources, such as the ability to use computers and the Internet. This access to technology enhances the learning experience and provides students with skills essential for the modern economy. Furthermore, with reliable lighting, students can study after dark, leading to better academic performance.

Economic Empowerment

Reliable electricity from solar energy enables various income-generating activities that were previously impossible or limited. For example, small businesses can extend their operating hours and farmers can use solar-powered irrigation systems to increase agricultural productivity. These opportunities contribute to higher incomes and improved livelihoods.

The solar energy sector itself also creates jobs, ranging from installation and maintenance of solar systems to sales and customer support. For instance, M-KOPA employs more than 1,000 people, the majority of whom are located in Kenya and the rest in Uganda. This contributes to economic growth, thus reducing poverty.

Moving Forward

Solar energy has the potential to significantly reduce rural poverty in Kenya by providing reliable electricity, promoting education and enabling economic activities. Through innovative models and sustained efforts, solar energy initiatives are transforming lives and contributing to sustainable development. Continued investment, supportive policies and community engagement are key to maximizing the impact of solar energy and ensuring a brighter future for rural Kenya.

– Jennifer Lee

Jennifer is based in Toronto, ON, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Innovations for Poverty Action Is Helping Fight Poverty

Innovations for Poverty ActionInnovations for Poverty Action (IPA) was founded in 2002 and works to find tested and proven solutions to fight poverty. The organization has offices and projects in 20 countries and four continents. Through research and evidence, the IPA has implemented programs in many of these countries to help poverty-stricken areas.

Innovations for Poverty Action in Colombia

IPA first came to Colombia in 2010 and has since completed much research regarding poverty in the country. It has worked in various capacities, including education and migration. One of IPA’s major projects in Colombia, ConsultIPA, came from researching the effects of different programs and their impact on areas facing poverty.

ConsultIPA is an initiative that aims to help small, local nonprofit organizations develop programs. This branch of IPA works out of Colombia and provides support for these nonprofits in their commitment to the right monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) system. So far, ConsultIPA has helped multiple nonprofits start their foundations and implement working strategies. Two of the bigger nonprofits that IPA has helped are Fundación Iguaraya and Planeta Rural. Both of these organizations have impacted their local communities and led to bigger initiatives and practices.

Fundación Iguaraya focuses on sustainability in Colombia and promoting a greater quality of life for its residents. Its initial mission regarded local communities and their involvement in conservation efforts to achieve greater biodiversity. Over time, the mission has evolved into learning more about the local communities and how to best amplify their voices as it relates to the cultural heritage of the people. The initiative has also provided jobs, specifically as tour guides for people traveling to these local spots.

Planeta Rural has also developed into a very important organization in Colombia. The nonprofit works with young people in the rural countryside to provide help for those in need. Planeta Rural has established programs to help the more impoverished areas grow food and explore newer technologies in support of these areas.

IPA in Ethiopia

IPA has also started developing more programs in Ethiopia. Although the group does not have a base in the country, it has partnered with local groups to provide training and support for the Ethiopian people. One of its major programs has been helping the “ultra-poor” through a graduation process. The IPA took a sample group of 925 households and divided them in half: one group would receive the program’s benefits and one would not.

After the households were picked, the project was based on five components: an asset, a training program, a support program, a savings program and home visits. Each component provided the households with much-needed support and had long-lasting impacts on these homes. The impacts of this study have been overwhelming for these families. Exit surveys have shown that the families reported economic impacts, including better saving methods. Families also said that they had enough food daily after the program. Another benefit of this program has been an increase in revenue as more families have been able to find jobs and profit from the new livestock provided during the IPA program.

Looking Forward

IPA continues to provide increasing support for areas affected by poverty and will continue pursuing new evidence and results in the fight against poverty.

– Dorothy Howard

Dorothy is based in Greensboro, NC, USA. and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Women’s Workforce Participation in Chile

Women's Workforce Participation in Chile In Chile, poverty among women is notably high relative to surrounding countries. In 2006, roughly 19% of the female Chilean population— more than one million women—lived in poverty. By 2016, aid efforts and governmental initiatives lifted 400,000 women out of poverty; and in 2019, a wave of women’s rights protests spurred the government to enact a law protecting women from gender-based violence. While a smaller percentage of the overall population currently suffers from poverty, women experience its devastating effects in greater numbers than men. In addition, legal and social barriers still hinder women from participating in the workforce and securing economic autonomy. Workforce participation in Chile reflects these ongoing challenges, with women facing significant disparities in opportunities and conditions compared to men.

Workforce Participation

In 2002, 74% of men and only 37% of women participated in the workforce. By 2023, statistics reveal that approximately 50% of women in Chile are working, either part-time or full-time. Although these numbers are encouraging, women’s workforce participation in Chile remains among the lowest in Latin America. Women in the workforce often face unequal opportunities compared to men. They are more likely to hold part-time positions, rarely occupy high-level leadership roles and typically earn less than their male colleagues. The World Bank notes that Chilean law does not require equal pay for work of equal value nor does it prohibit gender discrimination in accessing credit, which puts women at risk for financial insecurity.

Care Labor and Conjugal Society

The low rate of women’s workforce participation in Chile is largely due to the prevalence of a traditional household structure. In the majority of Chilean households, the husband earns wages and the wife takes care of domestic tasks. Women are expected to perform unpaid care labor: caring for children and elderly parents and cleaning and cooking for their families. Because they are burdened with the tasks of a domestic caretaker, women inevitably have little time to earn money — if they participate in the workforce at all, part-time positions are the only feasible option. 

The default legal marital arrangement in Chile declares men as the head of the household and prevents women from making financial decisions without the permission of their husbands. According to The United States (U.S.) Department, in Chile “a husband has the right to administer joint property, including his wife’s property, without consultation or written permission from his wife, but a wife must demonstrate that her husband has granted his permission before she is permitted to make financial arrangements.” Consequently, women have almost no financial autonomy within their marriage, which puts them at risk for financial insecurity, particularly in the event of divorce or if their husbands refuse to allocate money toward women’s needs. 

Women’s Rights Movement

In 2019, a wave of feminist protests spread throughout Chile, acting as a catalyst for change. Protestors called on the Chilean government to act on issues like income disparity, gender-based violence and the persistence of traditional gender roles.  A 2023 survey revealed that 74% of the Chilean population recognized that women face inequality and discrimination. This percentage is higher than the global average, which suggests that the movement successfully raised awareness and focused national attention on women’s rights. 

In response to the growing movement, the Chilean government passed the Comprehensive Violence Against Women Act in March of 2024. Historically, gender-based violence has caused women to quit their jobs or drop out of higher education. According to the World Bank, “the procedure established by [Chilean] law to investigate and punish [sexual assault] can oftentimes lack transparency and result in humiliation for victims, proving that it is virtually ineffective.” The 2024 Violence Against Women Act marks a hopeful turn toward more legal rights, less restrictive gender roles and greater society-wide respect for women. 

Mujeres Emplea

Mujeres Emplea, an online platform created in collaboration with several global NGOs, including United Nations (U.N.) Women is a promising new initiative that provides excellent resources to Chilean women. The platform offers digital skills training, matches female candidates with employers and provides information about available childcare. A participant reflected, “In this world, more women are needed to join the workforce and these trainings are needed for our wellbeing, for our lives, for our families.” This platform provides invaluable resources, encourages women’s workforce participation in Chile and supports women in becoming economically autonomous. 

Global Alliance for Care

The Chilean government is also a member of the Global Alliance for Care, which is the first global community that facilitates and fosters spaces for dialogue, analysis, exchange of experiences and learning about care, its recognition as a need, as work and as a right. The organization considers its mission central to accelerate the pace toward achieving women’s economic autonomy. Participation in this alliance raises awareness of the importance of women’s contributions to society and helps to emphasize the urgent need to reduce gender inequality.

Looking Ahead

Despite significant strides in reducing poverty among women in Chile, challenges in achieving gender equality persist. Legislative advancements, such as the 2024 Comprehensive Violence Against Women Act and initiatives like Mujeres Emplea, underscore ongoing efforts to improve women’s economic participation and autonomy. Chile’s involvement in the Global Alliance for Care highlights the commitment to recognizing and valuing women’s contributions. Continued focus on these ongoing issues could foster greater gender equality and enhance the economic prospects of women across the country.

– Maren Fossum-Wernick

Maren is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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USAID Programs Push Yemen toward National Stability 

USAID ProgramsYemen has one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises due to prolonged instability after Houthi insurgents took control of Yemen’s capital and largest city in 2014. Now, out of the 35.2 million Yemeni citizens, at least 18.2 million live in severe poverty and rely on foreign aid. The United States government actively provides humanitarian aid to Yemen. In 2024, it announced nearly $220 million in funding to advance Yemen’s transition toward stability. USAID programs in Yemen target key areas that require development and support and are integral to the survival of the Yemeni population.

Food Security

In Yemen, 17.6 million people face high levels of food and nutrition insecurity. USAID funding supports the efforts of the World Food Programme (WFP) and seven NGOs to provide food assistance across Yemen. The funding provides communities with U.S. and locally sourced commodities and cash vouchers for individuals without enough money to shop at local markets, according to a 2024 USAID fact sheet.

In October 2023, USAID contributed $10.1 million for ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) providing for 144,000 cases of treatment to severe and acute malnutrition.

Health

Years of conflict have left more than 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, yet 50%, of health facilities in Yemen are non-functioning or only partly functioning due to a lack of funds, medicines, supplies electricity, and equipment. USAID funding provides primary care and nutrition services to Yemen through static and mobile medical facilities. Additional funding equips health facilities with medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, according to a 2024 USAID fact sheet. USAID funding enabled the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide medical oxygen to more than 1 million patients at 25 hospitals in Yemen during 2021 and 2022.

Water Sanitation

Ongoing conflicts in Yemen increasingly destroy the country’s water and hygiene infrastructure. Now, Yemen faces one of the world’s worst water crises with 16 million people in urgent need of water sanitation and hygiene. With the help of USAID, an additional 1.8 million Yemenis have access to clean water and improved sanitation services in 2024. USAID funds the rehabilitation of water systems, improved sanitation services such as repaired sewage networks, and the installation of toilets and handwashing facilities in homes and health facilities.

Education

A lack of reliable school facilities and resources leaves millions of Yemeni children uneducated. USAID funding in Yemen reached 275,000 children across 676 formal and informal educational settings in 2024, according to the Yemen Country Profile. Aid funds teacher training, educational equipment, teaching materials, child protection, water sanitation and hygiene activities. Due to conflicts and natural disasters, USAID funds home learning programs to maintain education in communities battling school closures.

National Economy Support

USAID programs focus on strengthening the Yemeni economy hoping a stable national economy will increase overall stability in Yemen. USAID helped Yemen establish its first foreign exchange auctions, increasing transparency and stabilizing previously volatile exchange rates, while also supporting the implementation of 17 World Trade Organization (WTO) trade facilitation agreements. Additionally, USAID facilitated more than $2 million in export sales agreements. USAID works to strengthen economic institutions such as the Central Bank of Yemen.

Despite the severe humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflicts, the United States remains committed to providing crucial humanitarian support via USAID programs in Yemen. Through multi-faceted programs addressing food security, health, water and sanitation, education, and economic development, this assistance aims to alleviate suffering, build resilience, and support Yemen’s fragile transition towards stability. While challenges persist, this comprehensive approach demonstrates the international community’s dedication to helping Yemen overcome adversity and create a more promising future for its citizens.

– Lauren Thompson

Lauren is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Mauritius

Elderly Poverty in MauritiusMauritius is an island country in East Africa with a current population of approximately 1.3 million. Most of the population resides in the capital, Port Louis. In 2020, the World Bank projected the poverty rate in Mauritius to be around 15.8%. Though the economy of Mauritius suffered as the country gained independence, diversifying its economic activities over the years has helped with its economic growth. However, poverty still prevails in the country. Elderly poverty in Mauritius is still a concern for the country.

Elderly Population in Mauritius

As of 2024, around 13.9% of the total population of Mauritius consists of people from the age group of 65 years and above, according to The World Factbook. The dependency ratio of a country is determined by the number of people who are currently not in the labor force, or those aged 0-14 years and 65 years and above and it stands at 40.7% in Mauritius. The elderly dependency ratio constitutes 17.3% of the total.

A matter of concern for Mauritius is that the dependency ratio has been increasing recently, which means an increase in the dependent population of the country. A decline in fertility rates from 2.3 in 1990 to 1.41 in 2021 and a recent “brain drain” could be some of the reasons for an increase in the elderly population.

According to the U.N., elderly poverty represents the percentage of people aged 65 or above whose income is lower than half the income that is available to a household to spend and save. Reasons for elderly poverty can be both income (reducing working hours and earning lower wages) as well as health-related.

Integrated Care for Elder People Approach

Every one in 10 old-age people in Mauritius are victims of elderly poverty. The number of elderly people who are prone to mental health issues like Alzheimer’s and Dementia is increasing day by day. To tackle this low-income and health situation, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has initialized an Integrated Care for Elder People Approach (ICOPE) plan to take a step towards ensuring that elderly people have access to proper health and well-being.

Development Context of the ICOPE involves understanding the challenges that older people face in terms of health care and social care and catering to these challenges. Strategic planning aims to improve the general health and well-being of older people by providing prioritized health services, according to WHO. The methodology and processes of the ICOPE aim to understand elderly health care by conducting various workshops.

The guiding principles propose that access to free health care for elderly people should be a right. These principles pose the relationship between human rights and elderly health care, thereby suggesting that elderly health care is a right as much as it is a necessity. The vision, mission and goal of this approach is to ensure that older people enjoy their rights alongside receiving proper integrated health care services.

Strategic Objectives

The strategic objectives are a set of goals that aim to improve elderly health care from the very base. From early screenings recognizing diseases in elderly people to integrated health care which involves the coming together of different social sectors to cater to all the needs of the elderly, the cover everything related to elderly health care. The objectives also focus on influencing legislation and policies to increase government funding for health care, according to WHO.

Poverty and health care are interrelated terms in the sense that good health leads to a better quality of life. Elderly poverty in Mauritius is being tackled through things like health care schemes for this very same reason. Organizations like the WHO are taking various steps to be able to ensure better standards of living for the country’s aging population.

– Adya Umesh

Adya is based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons