Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Addressing Child Poverty in Portugal

Child Poverty in PortugalPortugal has a total GDP of $251.95 billion, with a GDP per capita of $22,112. Therefore, it is surprising to discover that 19.1% of children in Portugal live in poverty. This article seeks to analyze the causes, effects and solutions to child poverty in Portugal.

The Causes

The main causes of child poverty in Portugal are unemployment and in-work poverty. Portugal’s unemployment rate of 5.8% means that Portugal has a higher rate of unemployment than New Zealand and Kazakhstan, both similar-sized economies. Naturally, unemployment causes child poverty.

The ubiquity of in-work poverty is particularly damaging, as an unemployment rate of 0% would not eliminate child poverty in Portugal, due to low wages combined with labor market segmentation. 

The impact of low wages on child poverty is rather self-explanatory; if one does not receive a reasonable salary, then they will likely live in poverty, whereas labor market segmentation contributes to child poverty by limiting people’s employment opportunities. This is because some sectors of the Portuguese economy do not have transferrable skill sets to other sectors. As a result, people in work effectively become ‘trapped’ in their current sector, unable to leave if wages fail to keep up with the cost of living.

The Effects

Child labor is one of the unfortunate effects of child poverty in Portugal. Fortunately, the country is making great strides toward eliminating this by-product. However, this has not always been the case.

For example, in 1999, the Authority for Working Conditions (ACT) found that 49 minors were working as child laborers per 1,000 visits. These children were employed illegally in the construction, hospitality and retail sectors. This has reduced to seven as of 2010.  These children had to find employment due to their economic conditions.

Government Efforts

The Portuguese government realized this, resulting in policies that provide financial aid to families with children at risk of labor exploitation. Consequently, children no longer had to work to provide income for their families, as government financial support filled the financial gap that their labor would fill.

Additionally, education is now compulsory until 18 years old, which has taken children from the constriction site and into the classroom. 

Child poverty in Portugal also ensures that its victims reside in dangerous housing, with more than 25% of Portuguese children living in a house where the roof, walls, floors or doors are either permeable to water or rotten. Damp housing is very dangerous, as it can cause asthma attacks, while also developing into toxic mold, which can cause further respiratory illness.

However, the housing charity Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, has been working to address this issue. This organization simultaneously builds new houses and renovates existing, dangerous properties, to ensure that child poverty in Portugal does not force children to reside in unsafe housing.

In 2016 alone, 35 families in Braga and Amarante were rehoused in newly built houses, which were free from the dangers of toxic mold. While this is only a seemingly small contribution when analyzed on a large scale, this contribution is anything but small for the families who no longer have to worry about the dangers of damp housing.

Solutions

While Habitat for Humanity and the Portuguese government have provided solutions to the effects of child labor in Portugal, solutions to the root cause have yet to be discussed.

The Portuguese government published the Child Guarantee National Action Plan in February 2023, which pledged to spend 5.1 billion Euros. This funding is to be targeted at policies that will reduce child poverty in the long term. For instance, all children will receive one free meal per day at school, which will ensure children eat a nutritious meal. This will improve their health.

Additionally, free preschool will be provided for every child, which ensures that children suffering from child poverty in Portugal are not disadvantaged compared to children whose parents can afford to send their children to a privately funded preschool. This policy will reduce inequality in educational attainment, which will break the cycle of child poverty in Portugal in the long run, as better grades improve people’s job prospects. 

A Short Summary

There are a variety of causes, effects and solutions to child poverty in Portugal. The Portuguese government has made successful interventions to eliminate child labor. Furthermore, Habitat for Humanity has rehoused families at risk of respiratory illness as a result of damp housing. 

It has taken a while, but thankfully the Portuguese government has begun to take serious steps to tackle child poverty in Portugal, with the Child Guarantee National Action Plan.

– Tom Eccles
Photo: Flickr

Disability and Poverty in Sudan and South Sudan

Disability and Poverty in Sudan and South SudanSudan became an independent country in 1956 and South Sudan in 2011. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the 1993 Sudan census was the first to document a question about disability within the country. The disability rate at the time was 1.6%. In the 2008 census, the question about disability was more inclusive and approached the “international standard classification of disability,” which revealed that the disability in Sudan increased two and half times more–4.8%.

According to the K4D Research Helpdesk (2018), South Sudan’s disability rate was “as high as the global estimate of 15%.” Before the nation’s independence, reports showed that 5.1% of the population was facing disability, but after a clear disability definition and a depletion of the stigma around disability, a 2016 household survey revealed that 15% of South Sudanese households had at least one disabled family member.

Here are 3 NGOs addressing disability and poverty in Sudan and South Sudan to improve the quality of life through education, social, economic and political empowerment of disabled communities.

Action on Disability and Development (ADD) International

ADD International is an NGO that supplies resources and works toward bolstering “disability rights activists and organizations” to effectively make changes in the disabled community at a global scale. It delivers aid to Sudan’s disabled community through the Young Leaders Program. Within this program, young disabled activists receive education about disability law and utilize this knowledge to advocate for change. As a result, many young leaders have culminated with comprehension of their disability rights and have been exposed to other young leaders with a different type(s) of disability which has collectively unified them as a community fighting for the same cause which is disability justice.

The Christian Blind Mission (CBM)

The CBM is an NGO that strives for an all-inclusive world with persons with disabilities in it. It addresses that poverty is the cause and consequence of disability and works to reduce that by helping improve the quality of life of PWDs in the world’s poorest countries. In South Sudan, CBM partnered with the Cartre Centre to change the lives of Robina and Peter, two young leaders with a detrimental cataract disease that can rob them of their sight. CBM immediately covered the costs of the trip, treatment and surgery of the young children, helping them restore their eyesight.

Light for the World

Light for the World is an NGO that amplifies the voices of those with disabilities through inclusive education, access to services and empowerment. The organization has worked in South Sudan since 2007 and partnered with local organizations in the area to accomplish these three goals. In 2021, Light for the World reached at least 5,000 people in South Sudan. More than 300 account children reached out through inclusive education programs and 100 through economic empowerment initiatives.

Bringing Light to the World

It is important to spotlight disability injustice because of the link between disability and poverty. “Persons with disabilities, on average as a group, are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes than persons without disabilities,” the World Bank says. Furthermore, people with disabilities are a marginalized group that lacks inclusion, pushing them deeper into poverty.

These three NGOs bring light to the worlds of young, adult, and elderly disabled populations located in the poorest countries because they understand the struggle of those with disabilities and they know that by supplying the disabled community, justice can be served.

– Amy Contreras
Photo: Flickr

Solar Panels Create A Brighter Future for Health Care

Solar PanelsOver 800 million people live without electricity, and many more face power outages as frequently as daily or live in areas with weak electrical grids. Most would struggle with that alone: no smartphones, laptops or light bulbs. But when considering how that would impact the health care infrastructure of an area, it becomes clear how impactful a lack of electricity could be on the welfare of a given area. That solution is solar panels powering health centers.

One Hospital’s Story

In rural Peru, two communities in the Amazon rainforest that are only reachable by boat have been struggling to provide their community members with consistent health care. More than 12,000 people live in Masisea and Iparia, where the poverty rate is as high as 14%. The community holds members from 87 different groups indigenous to the Amazon. 

In these towns, health centers struggle. A woman who goes into labor at the start of the night may experience dramatically different care than one who goes into labor during the early morning. This disparity exists because there was only spotty electricity, and generators provided much of it with limited functionality and limited fuel. Often, births were conducted under the light of a cell phone. 

Partners in Health has been working to improve health care internationally as their mission, and their Peruvian branch, Socios En Salud, has been operating since 1994. Their work in Masisea has directly impacted the quality of care of at least 1,200 patients in a little over four months. Compared to generators, solar panels create more electricity with less money and can store it. Because of this, oxygen concentrators, lights and refrigerators never have to be turned off again in Masisea. One health center staff member said, “It’s the first time in my life since I was born that I’ve seen lights 24 hours a day.”

Other Solar Health Care Locations

Since 2017, more than 1,000 new locations have solar panels powering health centers. Many organizations have contributed to this bright future, where solar panels create equitable health care. Partners in Health, the UNDP’s Solar for Health Initiative, and SolarAid are some of the biggest. 

Solar for Health focuses on Africa, providing electricity to health centers and health storage facilities in 15 countries. Around half of those living without electricity live in Sub-Saharan Africa, but Solar for Health is trying to ensure that no one needing health care must go without it. However, its focus is not exclusively on improving health care. It also teaches women in the communities gaining solar power to be solar technicians, creating green jobs and promoting gender equality. It also educates communities on the intersection of pollution and health. 

Partners in Health have installed solar panels at many locations outside of Masisea Health Center, including a few in Haiti, one in Boucan Carre and most of their hospitals and clinics in Lesotho and Rwanda. There are many more health care centers than that operating via solar power, both under the umbrella of Partners in Health and outside of it. 

The smallest of the three organizations is SolarAid, which is committed to leaving no health care centers in Africa without electricity. It believes that solar panels create stronger communities and aim to give Africa access to solar power by 2030. This nonprofit originated in 2006 and has made incredible progress since then. It has impacted more than 4 million people, giving them reliable access to light, saving them money and keeping them from using light sources that could be toxic or dangerous. These millions include several health care facilities across Africa.

Conclusion

Renewable energy has opened a path to universally equitable health care. Fuel for generators is prohibitively expensive for most health care centers in impoverished areas, and many cannot connect to a consistent electric grid easily. These organizations, which not only pay for and install solar panels for health care centers but teach people in the community how to care for the solar panels and keep them running, have created a future that is, literally and figuratively, brighter.

– Ren Pratt
Photo: Flickr

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Progress in Bolivia’s Water Access

Bolivia’s Water AccessIn the 2010 renowned film, “También la lluvia” (Even the Rain) by Icíar Bollaín, two directors travel to Bolivia to shoot a film about Christopher Columbus and the Spanish exploitation of the New World. However, as they begin filming, they find themselves within another narrative of exploitation: the Water War protests of the year 2000, where the local population is fighting against the privatization of water resources in response to Bolivia’s water access crisis.

The release of Bollaín’s film coincided with the 10-year anniversary of the Bolivian crisis, reminding the public of this devastating chapter in history that was perhaps forgotten outside of Bolivia. Beyond educating many about a dark time in Bolivia’s past, the movie encourages a necessary discussion about Bolivia’s current water access situation.

The Current Situation 

Despite the victories achieved during the Water Wars, Bolivia continues to struggle with water challenges. Rapid urbanization, natural disasters and mismanagement of water resources contribute to water scarcity in various regions of the country. Rural communities are particularly vulnerable, facing difficulties accessing clean and reliable water sources.

Steady Progress

However, while it is still an issue, it must be noted that there has been significant progress in achieving water access in Bolivia. In 2020, 84.7% of the population had access to improved sources of water, and 62.5% had access to basic sanitation. The country continues to implement different drinking water and sanitation programs in both urban and rural areas which work to increase access to these resources and their quality.

Furthermore, the government has set a goal by 2025 that works for access to essential basic services with an emphasis on vulnerable groups, with the management of water prices and free access for groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Bolivia’s Help

The international community has committed to assisting in Bolivia’s efforts. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved a line of credit of up to $500 million to enhance Bolivia’s water access and security and help secure a sustainable supply of irrigation and drinking water. The objectives of the investment are to increase food security by 25% and raise the net agricultural income of family farms by 36%. The investment will be directed toward mechanized irrigation systems for around 12,500 families from the most vulnerable communities that depend on agriculture to survive. After the new systems, these farms will be able to irrigate an additional 13,871 hectares.

Progress outside of government policy is also being made. The NGO Water for People, which has been working in Bolivia since 1997, has made tremendous efforts. Water for People implements piped water supply and educates communities on how to maintain them for the long term. In addition, the organization helps construct hygienic hand washing stations and toilets in schools.

Looking Ahead

Agriculture is the primary economic activity of 77% of the country’s rural population which makes up Bolivia’s most vulnerable communities. Thus, water scarcity is devastating for Bolivia’s most vulnerable. Bolivia has made significant improvements since its water crisis at the beginning of the century, but progress is still needed. Bolivia’s future has hope as the international community and multiple NGOs work to assist them in their struggle. 

– Cameron Alcocer-Venables
Photo: Flickr

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How the Sweet Potato Can Relieve Poverty in Cameroon

Poverty in CameroonWhile Cameroon has abundant natural resources, historically, it has depended on wheat imports to sustain its population and prevent food insecurity. However, exacerbated by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, Cameroon is experiencing severe wheat shortages, threatening to push many households into poverty. With many local food producers now seeking alternatives to wheat, a solution may be on the horizon as more and more are turning to locally produced flour like sweet potato flour. This article will, therefore, examine how the sweet potato can relieve poverty in Cameroon.

What is the Problem?

Cameroon is a large Central African country situated on the Gulf of Guinea. An ethnically diverse place, its population stands at around 27 million people, almost half of whom live in rural areas. While Cameroon has experienced moderate growth since its Independence, it has been beset by economic stagnation and high inflation in recent years.  

A major importer of essential resources such as wheat, vegetable oil and meat, this crisis is due to disruption to these global value chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Rising food prices and stalling wages mean that many Cameroonians face the prospect of falling into poverty. As a result, 11% of the population faces acute food insecurity; worryingly, this number will likely increase by 45% compared to last year.

For many Cameroonians, wheat is a dietary staple consumed in high volume as pasta and bread. However, as a non-wheat-producing country, Cameroon completely depends on imports, 46% of which come from Russia. However, the war between Russia and Ukraine has severely affected global exports. This has created wheat shortages around the world and pushed up its price. 

In Cameroon, for example, the cost of a kilogram of wheat flour rose from 500 FCFA in February to 600 FCFA in May, an increase of 69% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Not only has this meant businesses are struggling with increased production costs, but the government has also needed to raise the price of bread (a commodity that the government tightly regulates). These price increases will reduce the purchasing power of many Cameroonian households and increase poverty. 

An Alternative

However, as the government has sought to contain the volatility in the wheat market, many are turning to an alternative form of flour made from sweet potato. Already an essential crop in many East African countries, the sweet potato has received significant attention as a cheap, easy to grow and sustainable food source due to its high yield in various climates and ability to withstand drought. However, it is nutritionally rich in carbohydrates, vitamins A, B and C, and minerals like phosphorus, iron and calcium. On a continent plagued with Vitamin A deficiency (which can lead to blindness, disease and premature death), it is hoped that the sweet potato can relieve poverty in Cameroon as it offers promising solutions to malnourishment, food insecurity and poverty. 

What Has Been Happening?

With wheat prices rising to unsustainable levels, the crisis reached breaking point when the Cameroonian Association of Millers suspended deliveries of wheat flour. However, stepping in to quell the fears of many business owners and consumers, in 2011, the President of the National Union of Bakery Owners, Jean Claude Yiepmou Kapwa, pointed out that sweet potato flour can replace wheat in 80% of everyday recipes. Local entrepreneurs successfully producing flour from wheat alternatives such as sweet potato and cassava have now been adopting this idea. While flour makes baked products that taste sweeter and are slightly dryer, overall, its production has been praised by some government ministers supporting the diversification to alternative forms of flour. 

A great example of where sweet potato flour is successfully replacing wheat is through Yaoundé baker Guy Marcel Ngata. Ngata has been making baguettes with sweet potato, cassava and other legumes for the past 13 years. Ngata points out that switching wheat to local flour alternatives has kept his production costs down and increased his profits. Importantly, like other bakeries in Cameroon, the switch has also kept him solvent. But bakers have not been the only ones to feel its benefits. As Adeline Pelage, owner of Bobo Biscuiterie in Douala, explains, sourcing flour from local cooperatives and farms supports agriculture in areas of the country that traditionally have been very poor. This demonstrates how the sweet potato can relieve poverty in Cameroon. 

Conclusion 

As Cameroon, like many other wheat-importing, developing nations, struggle to contain the volatility of the wheat market, it can take encouragement from the initiatives of many Cameroonians who are actively seeking alternatives to wheat to ensure they can still receive a livelihood. Moreover, by turning to locally sourced flour, many food producers are ensuring that bread prices will remain low and that important income sources reach the country’s poorest parts. This helps show how the sweet potato can relieve poverty in Cameroon. 

– Cameron Mason
Photo: Flickr

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Unraveling the Complex Tapestry of Poverty in Niger

Poverty in NigerIn 2021, the UN’s triennial review acknowledged Niger as one of the world’s least-developed countries. In 2023, circumstances have progressively worsened. With the recent military coup d’etat throwing the dependability of International aid into question, natural disasters vulnerability with recurrent flooding and drought, persistent food insecurity and overwhelming population growth, the potential for any economic or social resurgence comes with an inherent difficulty. The focus of this article is to give insight into the stark realities of poverty conditions in Niger, discuss the impact the recent military coup will inevitably have on development and recovery, and finally give light to the initiatives in place designed to rehabilitate the state and what the future might look like.

Examining the Stark Realities of Poverty in Niger

Projections for 2023 from the World Bank estimated that levels of extreme poverty in Niger were to reach 44.1%, that is, more than 12 million people living below the poverty line. Simultaneously, figures from the World Bank also indicate that by September 2023, Niger had been host to more than 700,000 displaced people. Providing provisions and sanctity for the likes of refugees and asylum seekers is not uncommon in Niger, since the country shares borders with some seven other countries, notably Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali. Niger has always been a popular crossroads for migrants. In addition to the overwhelming pressures of providing for foreign migrants, Niger holds one of the world’s fastest-growing populations, with 6.8 births per woman, and comprises a populace that youth dominates. 

Niger’s geography not only leaves it exposed to migration but also vulnerable to the extremities of natural disasters. Niger’s land is largely infertile, a state dictated by savanna and deserts, leaving little room for agricultural development. Despite this, agriculture still contributes to more than 40% of the national GDP — an indication of the frailty of their economy. Flooding in September 2023 caused the collapse of more than 14,000 homes, taking 51 lives in the process. Niger also currently ranks 120th of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, which notes a 16.1% rate of Child Wasting, i.e., children under five that are underweight, and a 47.7% rate of Child Stunting (children under five with low height for their age due to chronic undernutrition).

Unpacking the Aftermath: Coup d’État and Its Impact on Poverty in Niger

On July 26, 2023, a military coup led by the now self-proclaimed Head of State Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew Niger’s government. The immediate aftermath witnessed a pause, then suspension, of international aid from the U.S., condemnation and threat of military intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and further financial aid was halted from the EU, France, Germany and more. Deteriorating relations with such significant foreign powers will inevitably have a catastrophic impact on Niger’s economy, with France having committed as much as €120 million in 2022 (a figure that was anticipated to be exceeded in 2023), the U.S. suspending nearly $200 million in foreign assistance programs, and the EU having allocated more than €500 million of its budget between 2021-24 to development in governance, education and sustainable growth. 

The military coup in Niger is the third in the Sahel region in as many years, following on from similar revolts in Burkina Faso and Mali. Consequently, in 2023 Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States with Burkina Faso and Mali, unifying against the potential for a military intervention from ECOWAS. This, accompanied by the announcement that France will begin to withdraw its military presence from Niger, has led to growing skepticism over whether a way back can be found.

Catalyzing Change: Progress and its Challenges in Niger

Despite circumstances seeming especially dire in Niger, there are initiatives in place and positives to be taken in the fight for social and economic resurgence. Although suspending significant funding to foreign assistance programs, the U.S. has committed to maintaining its humanitarian presence by facilitating food and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger. The World Bank has established clear aims that can rebuild the Nigerian economy, although this heavily relies upon a resolution being met with ECOWAS and key International benefactors. 

The UN has proven determined to maintain its humanitarian capacity in Niger, providing as many as 22,000 persons with food and cash assistance weekly This commitment does not, however, come without challenge, evidenced by the expulsion of its Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator in early October. Alliances with neighboring states Burkina Faso and Mali provided the means for Niger to open its borders not long after the siege. 

However, sanctions that ECOWAS placed upon Niger have largely inhibited its means of trade. So much so that Members of the House of Representatives have posed the question to the Nigerian government to reopen borders with Niger amid growing concerns over the consequential hardship faced by Nigerians. Ultimately the means for prosperity and development are readily available, to attain this Niger and its counterparties must come to a resolution that puts the needs of Nigerien people first.

– Ruairí Greene
Photo: Flickr

Plastics For Change

Plastics for ChangeOver 719 billion people live in extreme poverty, roughly 10% of the world. There are an array of different reasons behind the causes of extreme poverty. Many reasons behind extreme poverty are poor health and living conditions. Limited food and clean water sources are also significant contributors. The factors that lead to impoverished conditions go on and on, but one factor that has a large impact that may not come to mind so quickly is pollution. 

Air pollution and water pollution have a strong negative impact on communities that are living in poverty. With fewer resources available to combat the problem, 92% of pollution-related deaths occur in middle and low-income countries. Children are even more likely to be impacted by the adverse effects of pollution, most commonly from chemicals in the air and water.

Many plastic products that people purchase are created by companies to be used once and then thrown away; consider water bottles and shampoo containers. In middle and low-income communities, it is more likely for people not to have access to solid waste management services. That lack of access leaves these communities with no choice but to burn garbage or dump it into waterways. 

Burning plastic often releases toxic fumes, which have been linked to rendering neurological development. By dumping plastic into waterways, the water is at a higher risk of flooding, increasing the possibility of diseases spreading. Standing water also attracts mosquitoes, which tend to carry parasites responsible for the fatal disease malaria, which is most commonly found in impoverished countries. 

Plastics For Change

The World Bank estimates that 1 in 10 people exposed to unsafe air pollution live in poverty. If someone living in poverty-like conditions does not have adequate access to health care, pollution can have a detrimental effect on the person, especially when other poverty conditions are present. 

A man named Andrew Almack traveled through South Asia in 2011. Upon visiting, he was shocked to see how many people lived in extreme poverty and how much plastic waste was present throughout the region. After visiting, Almack saw the great need for something to be done to reduce plastic waste and pollution. This same year, Almack founded Plastics For Change.

Plastics For Change strives to fight poverty and provide jobs for people in poor communities. The organization also strives to reduce plastic waste by creating and spreading ways to dispose of waste properly. Andrew Almack believed that there was a vast opportunity to use recycling as a way to reduce poverty. The organization encourages companies to switch to recycled plastic in hopes that even more brands will be involved in reducing pollution and fighting poverty.

Reducing Pollution To Fight Poverty

While pollution and poverty may seem unrelated, pollution often harshens the effects of already impoverished communities. Many believe that clean air and clean water shouldn’t be a privilege but that it should be a necessity. Plastics for Change, among many other organizations and nonprofits, has made reducing pollution to fight poverty a means of importance with the hopes that the world will see great change one day. 

– Alesandra Cowardin
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Barbie Movie and Save the Children Empower Girls’ Dreams

The Barbie MovieSave the Children, a global non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children across the globe has joined forces with the iconic Barbie franchise to promote girls’ empowerment through its global girls’ empowerment movement. Recognizing the tremendous influence that media and popular culture have on children, this collaboration aims to inspire and uplift young girls by providing positive role models through the film and supporting Save the Children’s work. The partnership between Save the Children, Mattel and Walt Disney Discoveries aims to foster confident and empowered girls ready to take on the world by shining a light on Save the Children’s educational efforts and turning young girls’ dreams into reality.

Empowering Girls Through Film

Movies have the power to shape perceptions, influence beliefs and inspire action. The Barbie movie franchise, with its diverse characters and captivating storytelling, has been a source of entertainment for generations of children. Through this initiative, Save the Children is grasping the reach and impact of the Barbie movies to convey powerful messages of self-belief, courage and determination internationally. 

The Social Impact Solutions team at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) implements impactful cause marketing campaigns that engage viewers, advertisers and business partners to address significant social issues. Leveraging WBD’s influential brands, franchises and global platforms in collaboration with NGOs and charitable organizations, this team delivers vital resources and support to communities worldwide.

The Barbie movie series has evolved significantly in recent years, featuring strong, independent female characters who defy stereotypes and embrace their individuality. The franchise is using its platform to champion girls’ rights around the world by aligning with Save the Children’s programs that focus on empowering girls, spanning education, health, justice and child protection sectors. These movies emphasize the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness, pursuing dreams and encouraging girls to embrace their full potential.

Addressing Key Issues

The collaboration between Save the Children and the Barbie movie also addresses critical issues that hinder girls’ empowerment. One such challenge is the limited resources that girls need to excel. Through their partnership, they aim to challenge these gender norms and inspire young girls to aspire to any role they desire.

Moreover, the partnership emphasizes the importance of education and literacy in girls’ empowerment. By highlighting the value of education and showcasing the journey of characters overcoming obstacles to achieve their dreams, this collaboration promotes the idea that knowledge is critical to unlocking opportunities.

The Impact of Barbie

When girls are empowered, they become catalysts for change in their communities and beyond. Empowered girls grow into empowered women, ready to challenge the status quo, contribute to society and effect positive change. In 2018, Mattel partnered with Save the Children and launched the Dream Gap Project to empower girls and bridge existing inequalities worldwide. Recognizing the need for collective action, Mattel and Warner Bros. Discovery have joined forces with Save the Children to enable girls to achieve their maximum potential by providing them with education and learning opportunities.

By collaborating with Barbie, Save the Children aims to instill a sense of self-worth, resilience and ambition in young girls, empowering them to overcome barriers and fearlessly pursue their dreams. This dynamic group’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the movie theater. By combining entertainment and education, the collaboration promotes gender equality, challenges stereotypes and fosters inclusivity. It encourages young girls to be confident in their abilities, to support one another and to actively participate in shaping a more equitable world.

Dreams Do Come True

Save the Children’s collaboration with the Barbie movie franchise represents a significant step toward empowering girls and creating a more inclusive society. By leveraging the influence of popular culture, this partnership strives to inspire young girls to dream big, challenge limitations and confidently pursue their goals. Together, they encourage girls to become the architects of their success and equip them with the tools they need to thrive.

“From astronaut, journalist, entrepreneur, and now movie star,” said Louise Soper, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Partnerships for Warner Bros. Pictures, “Barbie’s over 250 inspirational careers remind us that you can be whatever you want to be, and give back to your community too.”

– Dunia Matta
Photo: Unsplash

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Everything To Know About Poverty in Armenia

Poverty in ArmeniaArmenia is a small, landlocked nation between the mountainous edges of Asia and Europe. Armenian culture is rich with familial bonds and social connections, forming a strong community. The people’s strength is evident in their perseverance through a newly won independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, leaving about 30% of its people struggling with poverty. Here is everything to know about poverty in Armenia. 

Agriculture

While 35% of Armenia’s workforce is in agriculture, most farms are smallholder-based, and dividing food crops among the nation becomes difficult. As of March 2023, 23% of Armenian households are food insecure. 

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has been working to limit the food insecurity rates in Armenia, implementing grants and low-interest loans to help vitalize a country’s resilience in agricultural contexts. Poverty in Armenia commonly hits those in rural areas with unfavorable agricultural land — IFAD seeks to limit the disparity that food insecurity inflicts on those already suffering from poverty.

IFAD offers Armenian people loans for small subsistence farmers to expand their growth and increase surplus for sale. They can support the diversification of the agricultural market, a vital point in expanding food security to rural areas, and encourage those suffering from poverty to start businesses and enhance the Armenian economy. 

In 2017, agriculture generated 15% of Armenia’s GDP and is vital to the livelihood of those in rural areas suffering from extreme poverty. Policies and grant support like that of IFAD’s programs work to enhance the lives of those affected by a lack of arable land and an unsteady farming environment. 

Unemployment

Armenia’s high unemployment rate of 16% has been a persistent factor in poverty levels. Access to jobs that are well-paying and accessible is vital to maintaining the lifeblood of an economy. They are essential to declining poverty rates — providing people with an income that can spread across a household and afford necessities. 

Not only does Armenia have poor employment rates, but also low labor participation due to poor working conditions and a lack of opportunity for women — 45% of working-age women do not have employment. A quarter of jobs offered are low-wage, which keeps workers under the poverty line despite having an income, leaving several working poor. 

Those who find work in Armenia tend to be more highly educated. Urban areas have a high percentage of workers with tertiary education degrees, but rural areas have significantly lower levels of upper-level education. Even despite upper-level educational achievements, workers are not saved from the risk of poverty and often still work low-wage jobs that inhibit their growth in the economy.  

Enhancing labor laws that protect workers will provide better working conditions for the Armenian people. Policy improving health and safety standards is vital to bettering the general well-being of workers and, thus, their ability to continue working. Education standards and improving access to quality education are also vital to a thriving workforce.  

Education 

Low-quality education — especially in rural areas — has exacerbated poverty in Armenia. Accessible and advanced education is vital to maintaining steady economic growth as it equips workers with vital critical thinking and resources to be continuously learning post-schooling age. 

Education has been a priority in Armenia since it deviated from the Soviet Union in the early 90s. Still, it lacks the quality necessary to equip its youth effectively for the workforce. Armenian children learning with current Armenian education standards are 58% less productive than those who received higher-quality education. 

Education is a necessary step in laying the foundational knowledge needed for higher-paying jobs that will allow for more opportunities for those facing poverty in Armenia to raise themselves above the line.

The World Bank’s Efforts

The World Bank is currently helping to support and improve the Armenian education system through systems like the Education Improvement Project, a project that aims to tackle financial barriers to Armenian education by covering lab fees and equipment costs.

The organization granted a $25 million loan to fund the Education Improvement Project in Armenia on May 20, 2022. The project functions to improve multiple scales of education within Armenia; it funds the development of new schools while also providing supplies and enhanced training to Armenia’s educators. It also funds development in higher education institutions: the project focuses on creating improved STEM programs to open students to a higher-paying labor market. It creates opportunities for inclusion programs incentivizing young women to enter STEM-related fields. 

Moving Forward

Armenia only gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, so the struggle to steady its economic, social and political environment continues to slip through the cracks. Still, Armenia continues to show steady growth. Poverty levels have steadily declined since 2010, from 35.8% in 2010 to 23.5% in 2018. The strength of the Armenian people has persisted through the years, and poverty in Armenia will continue to decline with continued agricultural and educational advancements. 

– Eden Ambrovich
Photo: Unsplash

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Harnessing Wastewater: Achieving SDG Target 6.3

 

SDG Target 6.3The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development identifies 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and SDG 6 focuses on universal access to water and sanitation services, emphasizing their long-term sustainability. SDG 6 divides into six specific target areas to accomplish this goal, each with its own defined objective. 

One of these targets, SDG Target 6.3, aims to address the issue of untreated wastewater while promoting recycling and safe reuse practices on a global scale by 2030.

SDG Target 6.3 Overview

SDG Target 6.3 comprises two indicators, 6.3.1 and 6.3.2, providing specific measurements to monitor progress. Indicator 6.3.1 assesses the proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows that undergo safe treatment. By monitoring this indicator, the UN can evaluate the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process to protect public health and the environment. Indicator 6.3.2 measures the proportion of bodies of water that demonstrate good ambient water quality. This indicator helps the UN gauge water sources’ overall health and cleanliness, indicating progress in reducing pollution and preserving aquatic ecosystems. 

Botswana Case Study

Effective wastewater management plays a pivotal role in mitigating water scarcity issues in water-stressed countries. Botswana, renowned for being one of the most drought-prone countries globally, presents a compelling case study with its recurrent and extended periods of drought dating back to the 1950s. These droughts have severely affected food security, leaving more than 10% of the population grappling with chronic food insecurity. Moreover, the agricultural sector, upon which 70% of the rural population depends for their livelihoods, suffers greatly as irrigation and crop production primarily rely on rainfall. The adverse impact is exemplified by the staggering number of cattle deaths, with nearly 40,000 recorded during the 2018-2019 drought. 

To underscore the severity of the situation further, the World Bank’s calculations in 2020 revealed that Botswana’s freshwater withdrawal ratio stood at 2.31, indicating that the country consumes more freshwater than it has available.  

Recognizing the need to tackle these challenges and foster economic growth, the government of Botswana conducted a case study. The case study addresses how standards can be used for wastewater treatment and reuse, aligned with SDG Target 6.3, by improving water quality through pollution reduction. The government of Botswana developed national water standards based on international standards developed by the Water Quality Technical Committee through the Botswana Bureau of Standards. 

The government of Botswana involved its Department of Water Affairs in this case study by implementing these standards to treat wastewater discharged from its Headquarters through a constructed wetland system. The study then tested samples from this system for effluent quality in accordance with drinking standards, irrigation standards and wastewater discharge requirements. 

The results from the case study demonstrated that the constructed wetland system effectively treated wastewater for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, construction and dust suppression. Emphasizing the potential impact of wastewater management, adequately treated wastewater can contribute 16% of Botswana’s available water resources. 

Implications for Developing Countries

The success of this case study demonstrates that other institutions in Botswana can replicate the use of constructed wetlands for on-site wastewater treatment and reuse for non-drinking purposes. However, the implications extend beyond Botswana. Globally, 80% of wastewater is released into the environment without adequate treatment. Jennifer Garner, Global Director of the World Bank Global Practice, emphasizes the crucial role of water treatment and reuse in addressing water scarcity and pollution issues, particularly considering that 36% of the global population resides in regions with limited water access. Properly treated wastewater can substitute fresh water in multiple applications, such as irrigation, industrial processes and recreational activities. Furthermore, it contributes to preserving natural ecosystems’ flow, while the by-products generated during the treatment process can be utilized to generate energy and nutrients. 

Access to water is essential for driving economic growth, supporting healthy ecosystems and sustaining life. Approximately 3.6 billion people worldwide lack safely managed sanitation services, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Developing countries can access clean water for irrigation, health and sustainable living by working towards SDG Target 6.3 and halving the proportion of untreated wastewater by 2030.

– Clara Swart
Photo: Flickr