Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Poverty and the Gender Wage Gap in Peru

Gender Wage Gap in PeruPeru struggles with high national poverty rates and an economy that inflation and political and financial uncertainty further hinder. While Peru was one of the most prominent performers in Latin America in the last 25 years, COVID-19 hit the nation especially hard. Its economy contracted by 11% in 2020, accompanied by a 10 point rise in its national poverty rate (from 20.2% in 2019 to 30.1% in 2020) as a result of the pandemic. The nation is recovering from this setback, but several obstacles are in its way. One major obstacle is gender inequality — or, more specifically, the gender wage gap in Peru.

Gender Inequality in Peru

Gender inequality in Peru originates from an adherence to traditional gender roles. Women are less likely to work full time for pay, for example, occupied instead with unpaid work such as household chores and child care. Women in Peru spend around 24 more hours per week on unpaid tasks than men, while men spend roughly 21 more hours per week on paid tasks than women. The prevalence of these gender roles affects economic participation and wages for women — the median full-time female worker in Peru earns 17% less than the median full-time male worker.

The labor force participation rate for women in Peru was 65.9% in 2023, compared with 79.5% for men. The effects of motherhood intensify this gap, with 41% of women in Peru stopping working after their first child, a percentage that remains after 10 years. Women with children often seek more flexible occupations such as part-time or informal jobs to accommodate their added responsibilities, according to the OECD. Traditional gender roles reinforce these effects of motherhood and may discourage the full-time participation of women in the workforce.

Bridging the Gap

Increasing the participation of women in the workforce could both strengthen efforts to reduce the gender wage gap in Peru and bolster the nation’s economy. Women represent a large portion of the population — their contributions to the workforce could help Peru’s formal economy grow, especially after COVID-19. Addressing this gap could be key to restoring and revitalizing the nation’s economy in the wake of the pandemic.

Education level is an important step towards achieving these goals. Women who graduated from upper secondary school and university have 80% and 90% labor market participation rates, respectively, while those with lower levels have under 50% participation, according to the OECD. Encouraging higher education could thus stimulate Peru’s economy by incorporating more people into the workforce, while simultaneously addressing gender inequality.

However, while reducing gender inequality in Peru still needs more work, education rates have increased for both genders in recent years. Rates of enrollment for boys and girls from pre-primary to upper secondary education are virtually the same, and illiteracy has essentially vanished among older teenagers of either sex, at a rate of about 0.5 percentage points. By contrast, among 60+ year-olds, women tend to be more frequently illiterate, with the gap between genders reaching roughly 18.7 percentage points, according to the OECD.

Encouraging higher education and economic participation among women could help bridge the gender wage gap in Peru — heightened labor participation and education provide girls with a stronger political voice and representation. Bridging this gap in itself could incentivize more women in Peru to work, including those in disadvantaged communities. Thus addressing gender inequality could gradually reduce the national poverty rate and bolster Peru’s economy.

Addressing Poverty and Gender Inequality in Peru

Organizations such as Peruvian Hearts, a nonprofit that focuses on educating girls and women in Peru, encourage the independence and economic participation of women. This organization’s PH Scholars program offers university scholarships and psychosocial support to disadvantaged girls to empower and educate women. It focuses specifically on girls from low-income families and has raised $666,072, as of June 2024, to address gender inequality and the interconnected problem of national poverty.

Globalteer’s Women’s Empowerment Project also aims to educate disadvantaged women in Peru and encourage their participation in the workforce. Concentrated in rural villages near Cusco, this project provides resources, financial backing, market knowledge and support to women in these areas to encourage economic independence and address poverty in Peru. This organization has currently raised $5,759, as of June 2024, to bridge Peru’s gender divide.

Peru has undoubtedly made significant progress in addressing gender inequality. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the gender wage gap can encourage more women to participate in the workforce and thus bolster Peru’s economy.

– Lana Swindle

Lana is based in Princeton, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Saudi Arabia Sent Its 53rd Relief Plane for Gaza

Relief Plane for GazaThe conflict in Gaza has resulted in many people struggling with acute malnutrition because of the lack of sufficient food being delivered and the inability of health care clinics to provide services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 8,000 children aged less than 5 who have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition, with 1,600 of them diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.

Furthermore, as of May 21, 2024, only one-third of the 36 hospitals in Gaza still function, which impacts thousands of Gazans struggling with urgent health issues. As a result, countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.) have utilized their resources to aid the people through food and medical assistance.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center

On June 12, 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), delivered its 53rd relief plane for Gaza to help the people severely impacted by the fighting. KSRelief’s 53rd relief plane for Gaza contained food and medical supplies to alleviate the pain of the Gazans. The aircraft arrived at Egypt’s El-Arish International Airport to be transferred across the border to Gaza. This highlights the importance of international collaboration in providing aid to Gazans when the conflict has rendered humanitarian assistance almost impossible.

KSRelief’s 53rd relief aircraft for Gaza reflects Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for the people enduring pain and suffering in Gaza and Palestine as a whole. For example, on March 20, 2024, KSRelief announced that it provided $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to help with its life-saving operations in Gaza.

Furthermore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia raised more than $100 million for Gaza and Palestine via its “Sahem” national portal, which allows Saudi citizens to donate money to support humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia’s national and multilateral efforts to help Gaza and Palestine as a whole have been a beacon of hope for those severely impacted by the fighting.

International Organizations at the Forefront

International humanitarian organizations have also been working extensively to help the people in Gaza since the war started on October 7, 2023, despite the immense challenges facing them. For example, as of June 6, 2024, the WHO has supplied essential trauma emergency kits and kits for noncommunicable diseases and severe acute malnutrition to those most affected by the conflict.

In addition, in May 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP) provided food aid to more than a million people in Gaza and the West Bank despite reducing rations due to access constraints. This illustrates how international humanitarian organizations have been unwavering in their determination to help Gaza even as the fighting intensifies.

Humanitarian Aid andEnding the War in Gaza

Although people have been inundated with horrific stories about Gaza, there have also been many instances where countries such as Saudi Arabia and international organizations such as the WHO are working tirelessly to help the people and give them hope. KSRelief’s 53rd relief plane for Gaza shows how regional countries have been working hard not just to provide aid but to put an end to the war and hopefully bring peace to them and the entire Middle East.

On the other hand, the WFP’s courageous efforts to deliver food to Gaza despite access constraints show how even actors outside the region want to help end the fighting. This highlights how humanitarian aid is not just a short-term solution to this war but a tireless effort to bring lasting peace to people who endure pain daily.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Armenia

Charities Operating in ArmeniaArmenia, located in the Caucasus region between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, possesses a rich cultural heritage and spirit. Despite many historical and contemporary challenges, numerous charities are actively working to bring relief to communities, solve pressing social issues and create sustainable development within the country. Here are five charities currently operating in Armenia, each playing a pivotal role in fostering a brighter future for the nation.

Armenian Relief Society (ARS)

Founded in 1910, ARS provides comprehensive humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. It works to preserve Armenia’s rich culture and history. With a network of hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers and members, 220 chapters that operate in more than 27 regions, ARS is able to lead the charge on the front line in the battle against poverty.

Through a wide array of programs, including health care, education and social services, ARS empowers Armenian citizens to overcome adversity and build resilient communities. From orphanages and medical clinics to vocational training centers, ARS’s initiatives impact the lives of thousands, offering them pathways to a better future.

Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)

Dedicated to supporting the future of tomorrow, COAF focuses on promoting education, health care and socioeconomic empowerment. Through the construction of schools, renovation of health care facilities and implementation of educational programs, COAF empowers Armenian youth with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in today’s uncertain world. Through initiatives like the SMART Center, a hub for technology, arts and sports, COAF champions creativity, critical thinking and leadership skills, preparing the next generation of leaders in Armenia.

Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA)

A covenant partner of the umbrella organization, FCHA works to provide Armenians access to safe and affordable housing. Amid a major housing crisis, housing and shelter remain a pressing issue throughout Armenia today, particularly in rural areas. FCHA takes on this challenge by partnering with communities to build and renovate homes for families in need.

Through mobilizing volunteers, engaging local stakeholders and using sustainable building practices, FCHA not only provides shelter but also promotes community development and solidarity. Through its various housing initiatives, FCHA works to pave a path to stability and self-reliance while laying the foundation for brighter futures.

Tufenkian Foundation

Established in 1999, the Tufenkian Foundation remains committed to promoting social justice and cultural preservation in Armenia. The organization promotes initiatives that celebrate Armenia’s rich history while simultaneously empowering its people. From supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs to preserving historical landmarks and promoting environmental sustainability, the Tufenkian Foundation’s efforts encompass a wide variety of programs aimed at promoting inclusive growth and community.

Through investment in education, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation, the Tufenkian Foundation fosters a sense of pride and belonging amongst Armenians, further strengthening its people and communities.

Birthright Armenia

Founded in 2003, Birthright Armenia offers a unique opportunity for young Armenians from around the world to connect with their roots, contribute to community development and celebrate their cultural heritage. Through a variety of volunteer opportunities, internships, cultural immersion experiences and educational events, Birthright Armenia empowers Armenian youth across the world to make valuable contributions to Armenian society while furthering their understanding of the country’s culture and history. By creating connections and promoting a sense of belonging, the organization empowers a new generation of global citizens committed to the support and advancement of Armenia and its people.

Looking Ahead

Throughout Armenia and beyond, these five charities stand as pillars of development and progress. Through their devout dedication and support, these organizations exemplify the immense power of charity and collective action in creating positive change. As the country continues its journey toward a brighter future, these five charities operating in Armenia continue to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges, create opportunities and shape a more inclusive and prosperous future.

– Benjamin DeMarais

Benjamin is based in Rogers, MN, USA and focuses on Business and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Whole Day School Improves Education in Croatia

Education in CroatiaThrough the improvement of education through vocational training and the Whole Day School, Croatia has managed a steady poverty index. While Croatia’s relative poverty index has remained relatively stable since 2018,  certain demographics within the country are more likely to live in poverty than others.

These demographics include the unemployed and the undereducated. Although some Croatians struggle with poverty and income, vocational training has become a steady remedy for these struggles. The most significant remedy is changes in education—both among students and teachers.

Programs Benefit Teachers and Students

Implementing programs that better the classroom for both students and teachers is a positive addition to communities in more ways than one. Education not only improves job opportunities but also makes a society more employable overall. Empowering individuals to become more involved in political and economic decisions, increasing income and productivity and fostering cohesion in social aspects are all the ways that education helps to eliminate poverty.

While Croatia has had its dips and changes in the poverty index, it has been relatively stable in the past couple of years because of the implementation of educational changes in both its vocational training and early childhood development years.

Whole Day School and SEE

In 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, H.E. Zdravko Marić and the World Bank’s Country Manager for Croatia, Mr. Jehan Arulpragasam, approved a Loan Agreement for Croatia: Towards Sustainable, Equitable and Efficient Education Project (SEE Education). This project aims to strategically strengthen school infrastructures, improving learning environments for Croatian students. The project will do this through Whole Day School, which improves students’ learning outcomes.

Whole Day School supports the reform of the schoolroom, which is necessary for both the teachers and the students. Teachers are required to have “increased instructional hours and improved teacher training.” Fine-tuning the credibility of this ensures that students are learning in a productive environment and that teachers are receiving the most they can out of their jobs.

In addition, the Whole Day School has set the school day to align with the windows of the work day. Parents whose students are now going to school can alleviate the stress of their labor market demands as their children are safely in school while they are working.

Vocational Educations

While there have been improvements in the educational sector for children, teachers are also reaping the benefits of these reforms. Croatia is making sure that “vocational education training is more relevant to the labor market.” According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), teaching is a first-choice career for 67% of teachers in Croatia. Many of these teachers (at least 91%) “cite the opportunity to influence children’s development or contribute to society as a major motivation” to entering this labor market.

Final Remark

With a combination of increased instructional hours and a system such as the Whole Day School model that benefits not only the students but also the parents, Croatia has seen a remarkable change in its educational institutions in the last 30 years.

– Hailey Nurry

Hailey is based in Pennsylvania, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing Child Marriage in Ghana

Child Marriage in GhanaChild marriage, a human rights violation disproportionally affecting girls, is deeply ingrained within Ghanaian life. Despite the 1992 constitution unequivocally outlawing the practice, 5% of girls in Ghana are married before their 15th birthday and 20% before the age of 18.

A Multifaceted Issue

Child marriage is difficult to eradicate in Ghana because it is rooted in cultural norms and is a symptom of deep-seated gender inequality that commodifies girls and women. Parents may betroth their young daughters to evade the risk of out-of-wedlock pregnancy, which is intertwined with notions of family honor, or in exchange for a bride price. These practices affect girls from rural communities more than twice as much as those residing in urban areas.

Financial hardship is a powerful catalyst for marriage because the latter often acts as an economic harbor for girls and their families; 33% of female minors from Ghana’s poorest wealth quintile marry before they turn 18, compared with 5% from the richest. Moreover, child marriage in Ghana often comes with a lack of formal education. In the absence of alternative prospects, 43% of Ghanaian girls who have not completed secondary education marry as children, compared with 13% who have, UNICEF reports.

The Impacts of Child Marriage in Ghana

With more than 90% of child brides in Ghana aged between 15 and 17 out of school, compared with 18% of their peers, according to UNICEF data, child marriage disempowers girls by cutting them off from their potential and preventing them from engaging in their communities and Ghana’s labor market. Despite the temporary financial relief the practice may offer, it keeps generations of young women stagnated in poverty and in turn hampers Ghana’s socioeconomic development.

Furthermore, beyond the violating nature of the practice itself, child brides are more likely to experience intimate partner violence than women who marry as adults. Globally, girls who marry before 15 are 50% more at risk. With one in five child brides in Ghana married to a man 10 or more years their senior, according to UNICEF data, severely imbalanced power dynamics, combined with reduced access to personal development through education, could leave them vulnerable to continued exploitation. Those who become pregnant also find themselves at a heightened risk of related health complications and maternal death.

Efforts to Protect Girls

The government has shown a strong commitment to eliminating child marriage in Ghana, which is reflected in tangible progress. The proportion of girls married as minors fell from 34% in 1993 to 19% in 2018, according to UNICEF, placing Ghana ahead of the vast majority of other West and Central African nations.

In 2014, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection instituted the Child Marriage Unit, which champions new initiatives and coordinates national efforts to end the practice. Furthermore, in 2016 the government launched its 10-year National Strategic Framework on Ending Child Marriage in Ghana, which sets clear goals and provides direction to all institutions involved, creating a holistic action plan, according to UNICEF.

A 2019 survey revealed a consensus in Ghana that authorities could better enforce the law when it comes to child marriage and that local chiefs should make greater use of their platforms to speak up against it. ActionAid Ghana is one of many NGOs to recognize the necessity of uprooting the practice on a local level, training community-led anti-violence teams that work to bring the issue to light and commune with the authorities to impose justice on the perpetrators.

Education as a Pathway

The UNFPA-UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage has partnered with Girls Not Brides to develop the Child Marriage Research to Action Network (CRANK), which gathers the latest and most robust data on child marriage, and advocates for policy changes and initiatives addressing these findings. The most recent report identifies education as fundamental to steering girls clear of the practice and promoting other protective factors such as engagement with health services.

CAMFED is one of several NGOs working in this area. In addition to providing financial backing to female students living in impoverished rural areas, it has implemented several initiatives centered on community development. The Learner Guides Program trains female graduates and former beneficiaries of CAMFED’s support as mentors for girls in their districts. They learn how to deliver the My Better World program, which empowers girls by helping them to set goals and develop skills that will aid them in future life. Learner Guides also act as empathetic role models, providing pastoral support and health information and connecting vulnerable girls to the appropriate services. They can also access interest-free loans through the program, allowing them to start local businesses and in turn increase their prospects and generate jobs.

CAMFED Ghana has helped more than 248,000 girls access school through donor funds, and its community initiatives and members of the CAMFED Association, a growing network of young women from various backgrounds spearheading CAMFED’s projects, have supported more than 846,000. Its work addresses several other priority areas that the latest CRANK report highlights, such as the importance of female entrepreneurship and of creating safe spaces to empower and inform girls.

Moving Forward

Despite significant progress, child marriage in Ghana persists and more remains to be done to change this. However, momentum characterizes the country’s fight against the practice. Hope is strong for a future where child marriage cannot extinguish the light of childhood for any more of Ghana’s girls.

– Leila Powles

Leila is based in Cheltenham, UK and focuses on Global Health and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cyber Technology Reduces Poverty in the Dominican Republic

.Poverty in the Dominican RepublicArtificial Intelligence (AI) could help alleviate global poverty. Parts of Africa and Latin America are already using cyber technology to boost agriculture and their economy. Agriculture remains one of the key industries across the Caribbean. Around one-fifth of the Dominican Republic’s workers work in agriculture and the country exports valuable goods, including sugar, bananas, cocoa and rice. Demands for wheat have also accelerated, especially from Haiti, following the uprising crisis. This has paved the way to assist in the reduction of poverty in the Dominican Republic.

About Extreme Poverty in the Dominican Republic

Rates of extreme poverty fell by 10% between 2015 and 2019 but jumped again when the pandemic arrived in 2020. Greater tourism and increased trade with other nations mean that, both internally and externally, poverty in the Dominican Republic has been reduced. The country now has more surplus money to invest in emerging technologies.

AI could come in handy in this area. In Africa, for instance, drones are already being used to detect and prevent poachers. They deliver medical aid and support the conservation of wildlife. Satellites are also being used to improve agricultural yields by understanding shortcomings and adapting plans for farmers to fill these gaps.

Lessons To Be Learned

Since many farmers need more training in advanced agricultural practices, machine learning will eventually come in handy. Cyber technology not only helps to quickly calculate complicated equations but also improves the ease of communication between developing and developed countries. With AI speeding up these processes, less money goes into agricultural work and more funding enters the economy.

The barrier comes in the provision and funding of these technologies. The Dominican Republic has proven itself willing to engage with the next generation of tech by using AI. However, the costs will be high and require greater communication and support from nations with high Human Development Index (HDI) ratings. Embracing e-learning platforms will allow this.

Networking

AI is already being used to boost customer relationships and experiences in the banking sector under the “know your customer” initiative. This process tailors support to the specific needs of customers to provide them with the most relevant support possible. Eight “multiple banks” currently employ AI-generated systems.

A developing ecosystem across the Caribbean is also currently sharing data between multiple economies to overcome generic technological and scientific obstacles. None of this could have been achieved without the benefits of machine learning. With agriculture being such a profitable sector, a growth in exports would create a flourishing economy for the country. Increased connections with other nations would match an accelerated connection to local people.

The Weather Creates Significant Obstacles

Machine learning also warns of volatile weather conditions to help farmers be best informed about how to overcome climate issues. Tackling natural disasters has already been proven a government priority with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. The facility provides insurance for natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones and excessive rainfalls.

Pangu-Weather, the AI model developed by Huawei Cloud in 2023, offers weather forecasts and predictions for the paths of tropical cyclones. This would come in handy in the Dominican Republic, where unpredictable weather conditions often undermine the hard work of agriculturalists. Alternatively, Google has offered a 10-day forecast called GraphCast, which it could roll out to the international market for greater availability.

The way forward is using drones to gather sensor data. This data analyzes natural nutrient levels to understand how quickly crops will grow compared to how quickly they need to grow. Drones can also deliver 3D mapping, warnings of irrigation leaks and a consistent tracker of livestock health.

Final Remark

Impoverished nations have some lessons to learn from Latin America. The Dominican Republic is in control of its cyber technology. It has the highest regional rating on the National Cyber Security Index and a defense system against cyber attacks. This development is the first step to a bright future, where progress has already been made in tackling poverty through cyber technology and can continue to expand the prosperous agricultural sector across the region.

– Lewis Eyre

Lewis is based in Bournemouth, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Solving the Problems of Child Poverty in Guyana 

Child Poverty in GuyanaDespite having a stock of gold, timber and bauxite, Guyana has struggled to overcome poverty and attract investments to improve its economy. According to UNICEF, Guyana’s teen and youth poverty rates in 2019 were 33.7% and 47.5% for those under 16. There have been no recent reports on the child poverty rates, but the COVID-19 pandemic may have pushed more into greater poverty. Many factors contribute to child poverty in Guyana, such as access to sanitation, health care, education, food and child labor. However, the government and many international organizations are currently working to solve these problems regarding child poverty in Guyana.

Child Food Poverty

Ideally, a child should eat around five or more different food groups a day to not suffer from food poverty. From 2016 to 2022, 20% of children lived in severe food poverty, eating up to two food groups and 40% lived in moderate food poverty, receiving three to four food groups daily. There has been an increase in food poverty for children, changing from 10% in 2012 to 20% in 2022. Guyana has since introduced many initiatives such as the National School Feeding Programme which targets around 126,000 students in 2024. According to Guyana Times, around 85.0000 students benefitted from this initiative in 2023.

Sanitation

In 2020-2021, around 86% of the population had access to basic sanitation. Two percent of the population in Georgetown have access to a sewage system whereas the rest of the population disposes of waste through septic tanks and pit latrines. Due to poor waste disposal and pollution, waterborne diseases are a risk to the health and well-being of both children and adults.

To overcome this, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has planned to advance its water, sanitation and hygiene accessibility in Region One, which has a large population of indigenous descent. Through working with UNICEF, it provided a new well in White Water which provides drinking water to more than 70% of the community. GWI has also constructed around 35 Ventilated Improves pit latrines in several communities within Region One, which has benefitted thousands of Venezuelan migrants and Guyanese people.

Right to Health

Health care is free throughout Guyana, but the standard of health care is lower than in other developed countries. Medical facilities are limited, even in the capital Georgetown and there are no medical facilities in remote regions. This means that children living in remote areas cannot access health care. However, recently there have been announcements of more being built within its various regions to improve access to health care facilities, with construction in East Demerara being carried out on a Pediatric and Maternal Hospital to help improve infant and maternal survival rates.

With health care facilities improving and existing in more regions, child poverty in Guyana regarding health should begin to decrease. In May 2024, Demerara Waves reported that child mortality rates are decreasing due to the improvements in the health care system in the country.

Education

Education is free to all in Guyana and is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 15, according to Humanium. However, in rural areas, many children cannot access education due to “poor infrastructure, long distances to schools, transportation costs and a shortage of qualified teachers,” which potentially leads to many children dropping out of school. The COVID-19 pandemic further hindered access to education due to “the lack of information technology and the limited availability of electricity in rural and riverine communities.”

In 2023, the World Bank announced it would contribute $35 million towards reforming the education sector in Guyana. The main aims of these reforms are to invest in access to educational materials, and teacher training and upgrade school facilities. The World Bank aims to ensure affordable textbooks are available to all students and will provide training to teachers. This project will also improve the infrastructure of school buildings and the facilities within them.

As a result of this program, smart classrooms have been introduced, with touchscreen whiteboards, cameras for recording lessons, and monitors to display videos. This helps students who miss school for various reasons as they can access their lessons online through recordings, ensuring that they do not miss large amounts of curriculum.

Child Labor

Child labor often comes about due to family debt, insufficient income or human trafficking. Low education rates are also a contributing factor. Around 41% of Amerindian Indigenous children partake in domestic work and 34% in hazardous work, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Children in Guyana face terrible forms of child labor, such as commercial sexual exploitation or performing dangerous tasks in mining. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 4.9% of children working are used to take part in illicit activities, including the planting of marijuana, and smuggling of drugs, weapons and goods.

Since 2021, law enforcement authorities have taken measures to prevent child labor in Guyana by establishing a National Steering Committee on Child Labour and a Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons. Authorities have also introduced policies like the National Action Plan for the Elimination of Child Labor 2019-2025, according to Humanium. Through policies like these, there have been increased police reports of child labor cases, such as 9 cases of children in forced labor and 14 cases of young girls in commercial sexual exploitation since 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Moving Forward

In recent years, the Guyanese government and international organizations have begun to invest more in long-lasting and permanent solutions regarding child poverty in Guyana. With these improvements and many more in the future, child poverty should steadily decline dramatically, ensuring each child’s safety in society and allowing them to lead healthy and enriching lives.

– Kimran Gill

Kimran is based in Leicester, UK, and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Elderly Poverty in Malawi

Elderly Poverty in MalawiElderly poverty in Malawi is a growing issue that requires attention. With more than half of the population (52.4%) in Malawi living in poverty, UNDP found that 17.2% of 50-year-olds and older in Malawi were living in poverty showing that elderly poverty is an issue that is facing the population. The problem is multifaceted and without proper solutions, the level of elderly poverty could continue to grow. Several factors add to and continue the problems of poverty such as economic issues, social and demographic changes and inadequate healthcare in Malawi. Both local government initiatives and international NGOs such as the Scotland – Malawi Partnership are working hard to address the issue and provide successful solutions.

Economic and Social Issues

One of the main factors contributing to elderly poverty in Malawi is economic instability. One way this is highlighted is the lack of state pensions with less than 5% of the elderly receiving any pension benefits, according to a 2016 HelpAge International report. This is most often the case because most have worked in informal sectors when they were of working age which do not contribute to state pension schemes. This leaves a portion of the elderly without a reliable source of income in their old age.

Support from families has traditionally been crucial in helping older members but this support is becoming less reliable as younger members try to lift themselves out of poverty. The elderly population also tend to face abuse, neglect and harassment because of cultural norms. Malawi’s older population is also growing which increases pressure on resources such as healthcare which the elderly need more often than other demographics. This affects poverty rates due to the availability and quality of care the elderly receive and therefore their health.

Health care in Malawi is heavily strained especially with population growth. The elderly struggle to access timely and adequate health care. Additionally, food security is a growing issue, this is highlighted by rising prices of essential food, UNDP reports. This then leads to poor health outcomes among the elderly, adding pressure to an already poverty-stricken elderly group.

Solutions

Despite the issues being significant some initiatives focus on providing solutions to elderly poverty in Malawi. The Malawian government implemented the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in 2006. The programme has helped to increase income and provide food security for the elderly population to the elderly that were the heads of households. Whilst the program has benefited some, it only reached a quarter of the elderly population, according to a 2016 HelpAge International report. This is why there is a call for a universal pension which studies have found would provide a solution to the issue. Ongoing discussions about the implementation of a universal pension scheme offer a reason to be optimistic about the future support of the poverty of the elderly in Malawi.

The Scotland – Malawi Partnership has also offered solutions to various issues in Malawi, including health care. One such initiative focuses on improving the health care system in Malawi. Considering the already stretched health care system in Malawi, the partnership has tried to help specific issues such as cervical cancer. Malawi has the highest global mortality rate from cervical cancer. The initiative partnered with a hospital in Malawi to provide these screenings to women. Since 2013, the initiative has provided screening to 30,000 women with plans to reach a further 80,000. The effort not only benefits early cancer detection but also the health care burden. This means that women who are in poverty receive timely and effective treatment.

Hope for the Future

Elderly poverty in Malawi is an issue that with effective initiatives and solutions, there is hope for the future. The continuation of the work of both the Malawian government and international partnerships proves that there is a way forward to addressing elderly poverty.

– Rosie Miller

Rosie is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women for Gaza: Gender Poverty and Aid in Gaza

Women for GazaGender significantly influences poverty in Gaza, with data indicating that female-headed households in Palestine are 30% more likely to fall below the poverty line. The recent increase in hostilities has further worsened the already poor living conditions for Gaza’s female population. Since the recent escalation of conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, more than 10,000 women have died.

Gender-Specific Needs Neglected in War

In 2023, Sima Sami Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations (U.N.) Women, declared, “Women and girls pay the highest price when armed conflict erupts.” Documentation consistently shows that the specific needs of women during conflicts, such as sanitary products, antenatal care and safe, private facilities, often go unmet and are typically excluded from conflict prevention and resolution efforts.

Gender Poverty in Gaza

Gaza’s history of political instability, prolonged occupation and entrenched poverty has left deep scars. Amnesty International argues that the lack of clear governance and leadership often results in the re-emergence of traditional structures that reinforce patriarchal values. The hardships endured by women and girls in Gaza extend beyond recent events. Even before the latest escalation of hostilities, the female population of Gaza disproportionately experienced poverty. UNICEF highlighted that malnutrition among pregnant women was already high before Israel’s recent occupation of the area.

The impact of poverty on Gazan women has also threatened their sexual and reproductive rights, issues that existed even before the recent escalation of the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Records show that 94,000 women were already lacking access to sexual and reproductive services before Oct. 7, 2023. In the five months following, this number soared to over one million.

The Current Situation for Women in Gaza

Since Oct. 7, 2023, women have accounted for 70% of the fatalities. Miscarriages have increased by 20% and seven mothers are killed every hour, with more than a million women displaced. In April 2024, the U.N. issued a ‘Gender Alert’ for Gaza’s female population due to the disproportionate impact of recent hostilities. The dire living conditions and crumbling civilian infrastructure have worsened to the point of near nonexistence.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that critical care remains largely inaccessible to women who are sick, injured, breastfeeding or pregnant; only one-third of Gazan hospitals are still functional. The conflict has caused unusually high rates of mortality among women and children. Tess Ingram, UNICEF’s communication specialist, stated in a Jan. 2024 press conference that an infant is born into a ‘horrendous war’ every 10 minutes. Save the Children further highlighted the emotional suffering of families, reporting that more children died in Gaza in Oct. 2023 than in global conflicts annually since 2019.

Aid for Women and Women-led Aid

Reports indicate that five women-led organizations employ a network of 1,575 staff members on the ground. These groups lead humanitarian operations in Gaza:

  1. U.N. Women. U.N. women support gender-specific needs and requirements in Gaza. The organization leads the national gender coordination efforts, lobbying for women’s rights to be incorporated into international emergency responses. 
  2. Women’s protection and empowerment, Gaza and Lebanon, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). MAP promotes maternal, neonatal and child care through an integrated approach to improving quality care for Palestinian and Lebanese women affected by the prolonged conflict.
  3. Women for Women International. Working closely with local women’s rights organizations, including the Wefaq Society for Women and Child Care, this group aims to address urgent humanitarian needs of women through essential service provision such as meals, clothing, hygiene kits and trauma-informed counseling.
  4. Relief Web. With five teams of doctors, nurses and midwives on the ground in Gaza, this organization is providing life-saving and dignity-maintaining medical aid to Gaza’s women and girls; including the distribution of UNFPA menstrual hygiene kits.
  5. Women Against Violence. A Palestinian-Jewish women’s forum that provides shelter for female Jewish and Palestinian survivors of conflict. The group makes efforts to alleviate the mental burden of female experiences by providing a safe space for dialogue between Israeli and Jewish women.
  6. ISRA-United Kingdom (U.K.). A group of women from Birmingham, U.K., operates under the slogan “Women for Gaza.” This NGO provides life-saving provisions to preserve the dignity of women caught amid the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

The intense struggles faced by women-led organizations on the ground in Gaza highlight their steadfast commitment to saving lives. Bahous recognizes, their work transcends mere survival: “It is about maintaining hope, dignity and the possibility of a better future.”

Looking Ahead

In Gaza, the disproportionate impact of conflict on women remains a critical issue, exacerbating their already vulnerable conditions. Since Oct. 2023, women have represented a significant majority of the fatalities and have faced severe disruptions in access to essential health services. Humanitarian organizations, including several women-led groups, continue to make efforts to provide crucial aid.

– Thea Carter

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

Photo: Flickr

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Update on SDG 6 in Pakistan

SDG 6 in PakistanIn 2015, the United Nations (U.N.) and its member countries set forth 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030 to improve the world. SDG 6 is specifically dedicated to clean water and sanitation. Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights that are crucial for the health and economies of communities and countries. They play a vital role in the health of children as water-borne diseases can cause stunting, malnourishment and even mortality, underscoring the significance of this issue.

SDG 6 and Pakistan

According to the Sustainable Development Report 2023, Pakistan is making “moderate improvements with major challenges remaining” in its pursuit of SDG 6 by 2030. The report states that these efforts are insufficient to achieve the goal.

Current Situation

  • Official statistics mention that 90% of the population has access to drinking water.
  • Only 36% of the water is safe for human consumption.
  • The percentage of the population using at least one basic sanitation service has risen from 40 % in 2015 to 68 % in 2020.
  • Pakistan is on track to end open defecation by 2030 with continued government involvement, which indicates the achievement of the sanitation part of SDG 6.

Challenges in Achieving SDG 6

Pakistan’s significant challenges in achieving SDG 6 are multifaceted and mainly involve uncontrolled population growth, water scarcity and instability. The changing climate and minimal water storage are a few factors contributing to these problems. Political instability has also led to less focus on planning and implementation. As a result, 54,000 children die every year because of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and cholera, which can be prevented.

Progress

In the last decade, progress towards achieving the goal has been made. This has been achieved via collaborations with the U.N., the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other organizations like Global Waters and Water Aid Pakistan. The following are a few of the programs implemented to achieve SDG 6.

  1. Hand Hygiene: In 2015, the government of Pakistan established the Ministry of Climate to achieve SDGs by 2030. The ministry has an SDG department that evaluates the progress made through data collection and sets the pathway for the future. In 2020, the Climate Ministry launched a roadmap called Hand Hygiene For All. The campaign targets the whole population and aims to achieve universal handwashing by 2030.

    For this purpose, a Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) cell has been established at the ministry. Around $1 billion is allocated annually for this cause. The provincial governments are ensuring the training of school teachers, female health workers and other community workers in hand hygiene and other behavior-modifying techniques to achieve the roadmap’s targets. Implementing the roadmap would improve sanitation practices and reduce mortality related to waterborne diseases.
  1. Monitoring Water Quality: Recently, the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Pakistan, has completed a project called “Enhancing Water Quality Monitoring System to achieve SDG 6 in Islamabad, Punjab and KP.”

    The project targeted 62 million people and cost $4.4 million. It includes installing the latest equipment in the laboratories and upgrading existing labs. Aditionally, eight vehicles have been converted into mobile laboratories to monitor water quality in two of Pakistan’s most populated provinces. These labs would test water for 16 parameters that the World Health Organization (WHO) has mandated in its guidelines. This will help Pakistan ensure clean water provision for its population.

Final Remark

Despite the hurdles and slow progress in achieving SDG 6, the Government of Pakistan is working closely with international organizations like USAID, UNICEF and other nongovernmental organizations to overcome them. These organizations provide crucial support in funding, technical expertise and advocacy, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s efforts.

– Maria Waleed

Maria is based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr