Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Rebuilding Women-Run Businesses in Ethiopia

Women-Run Businesses in Ethiopia
The conflict in Ethiopia has left a trail of devastation, leading to the loss of lives, widespread displacement and significant damage to infrastructure, services and the economy. In 2021, Ethiopia reported 5.1 million internally displaced people in 12 months, exacerbating the already prevalent poverty in the region. As of 2021, 18.4% of the population (22,076 people) were classified as vulnerable to poverty. This situation has prompted a collaborative effort by organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction in the affected regions. A key component of this effort is economic recovery, and a crowdfunding campaign known as Rebuild HER Business is pivotal in rebuilding women-run businesses in Ethiopia, thereby addressing poverty at its core.

Rebuild HER Business Campaign

The Rebuild HER Business campaign is an initiative that UNDP Ethiopia has led to support women entrepreneurs in conflict-affected regions. The Great Ethiopian Run (GER), known for promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fundraising for local causes, partnered with the campaign to launch it. The campaign’s impact goes beyond financial assistance. The GER’s annual 10-kilometer race in November is linked with the Running for Cause charity initiative, providing a unique opportunity to rally support for women entrepreneurs who have been adversely affected by the conflict and are at risk of falling into poverty.

The campaign’s objective is to raise $500,000, which will be used to provide a $500 capital fund to 1,000 women in the northern regions of Ethiopia. This capital fund will be a lifeline for these women struggling in the aftermath of the conflict. All funds raised through the Rebuild HER Business campaign are for women as a capital fund, with the operational costs covered by UNDP and their partners. The campaign directly combats poverty among women in the region by providing essential financial support.

The Significance of Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Women in Ethiopia play a crucial role in their communities, particularly in rural areas where 80% of the population resides. Women provide the majority of the agricultural labor in these communities. They are responsible for providing most of the agricultural labor and managing small businesses that contribute to the local economy. However, women in Ethiopia often face more basic economic constraints than men, such as limited access to credit and restricted market access, making them more vulnerable to poverty.

According to a report by the World Bank, vulnerable employment is a significant issue in Ethiopia, with 89.2% of women in vulnerable employment as of 2021. Vulnerable employment is characterized by informal work arrangements, a lack of social protection and vulnerability to economic shocks, making individuals more likely to fall into poverty. The participation of women in the labor force is essential for economic development and poverty alleviation, demonstrating the need for this support.

Empowering Women for Sustainable Development

The Rebuild HER Business campaign goes beyond mere financial assistance; it empowers women who are providers for their families and vital community builders. The economic fabric of these recovering communities relies heavily on the success of women-run businesses, which, in turn, positively impacts poverty in the region, contributing to the fight against economic hardships. Moreover, empowering women, especially those severely disadvantaged and in hard-to-reach places, is a critical component of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, with poverty alleviation at its core. 

Achieving inclusive economies, justice and a sustainable environment hinges on women’s active involvement and empowerment. The Rebuild HER Business campaign aligns perfectly with these goals, as it seeks to provide women entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to overcome the economic challenges they face, helping reduce those vulnerable to poverty. 

Conclusion

The Rebuild HER Business campaign is significant in Ethiopia by supporting women-run businesses. It helps these women rebuild their businesses and communities. This campaign showcases the power of working together, the importance of empowering women and the difference crowdfunding can make in promoting long-term development.

– Marnie Woodford-Venables
Photo: Flickr

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The Invention Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies

Micronutrient Deficiencies
More than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient malnutrition due to their food lacking essential vitamins and minerals for development as their diets lack variation and they consume predominantly processed foods. The absence of vital nutrients like vitamin A, iron, iodine or folic acid in their diets means 2 billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, which is the primary cause of intellectual disability in children due to iodine deficiency. Those suffering from micronutrient deficiencies are at an increased risk of blindness due to a lack of vitamin A and complications during childbirth and pregnancy due to iron and folic acid deficiency. Luckily, an invention called the Sanku Dossifier is addressing micronutrient deficiencies.

About Micronutrient Deficiencies

As micronutrient deficiencies impact brain development and immune systems, those affected are less likely to succeed in school and, therefore, less likely ever to escape the poverty cycle. According to The Micronutrient Initiative and the World Bank, the hardest-hit countries could see their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per year decrease by as much as 2–3%, demonstrating how micronutrient malnutrition perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

More than 8,200 children under 5 die daily from micronutrient malnutrition, causing 3 million children to die yearly. These deaths are preventable if people can access the nutrients they need. Since the 1920s, food fortification has addressed micronutrient deficiencies as consumers gain a nutritional benefit without changing where they buy their products or what products they buy. Staple food products like flour, salt, sugar, rice and vegetable oil are fortified in developing nations so people will consume nutrient-rich food. Food fortification is one of the most cost-effective approaches to combat malnutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers food fortification a powerful, evidence-based and cost-effective intervention to address vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

The Sanku Dossifier

The Sanku Dossifier received recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Inventions of 2019. It fortifies food, adding an exact amount of necessary nutrients, such as iron, B12, folic acid and zinc to flour. By distributing the Sanku Dossifier to small African flour mills, locals can purchase nutrient-rich food even in remote villages, improving their development and growth. Sanku – Project Healthy Children (SPHC) provides millers with a dossifier and an appropriate amount of premix at no extra cost by selling them empty flour bags for the same price they would have bought elsewhere.

Committed to ensuring their dossifiers effectively reduce micronutrient malnutrition, SPHC remotely monitors the dossifiers and will check on mills if they see the dossifier is not being used or needs repairing. It is a cost-effective method as providing fortified food for one person for an entire year costs only $1.32. So far, Sanku – Project Healthy Children has reached 55 million people and is on target to reach 100 million by 2025. 

SPHC is an innovative leader against malnutrition. Felix Brooks-Church, CEO of Sanku, was named a Laureate of Rolex Awards for Enterprise thanks to the Sanku Dossifier’s prospects to reinvent the future. Using the Rolex prize fund and the unrestricted MacKenzie Scott grant they received will allow them to improve the nutrition of 200,000 people in Tanzania while helping Sanku – Project Healthy Children achieve their greater goal of helping 100 million people. 

Moving Forward

In conclusion, the Sanku Dossifier innovation is a groundbreaking solution that is effectively addressing the pervasive issue of micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. By fortifying staple foods with essential vitamins and minerals, this innovation is providing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to improving nutrition and reducing the prevalence of malnutrition-related illnesses.

 – Alice Isola
Photo: Flickr

From Conflict to Prosperity: Life in Post-War Afghanistan

Post-War Afghanistan
It has been more than two years since the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) — the Taliban — marched on Kabul and took political control in Afghanistan. In that period, despite circumstances already having been particularly dire, conditions have worsened further, with reports suggesting that more than 90% of Afghans are at risk of poverty. This strain has seen a rise in child labor, child marriage and organ selling. Early 2022 figures estimated that the conflict internally displaced as many as 3.8 million people. This article aims to develop a brief understanding of how the country got to this stage, illustrate the severity of its economic woes and highlight the measures and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact but emphasizing the challenges faced in doing so. Here is some information about life in post-war Afghanistan.

Unveiling the Roots 

With the declaration of Taliban control in 2021, international non-humanitarian funding was largely suspended, while foreign controls froze billions of dollars in assets. Consequently, the country has succumbed to economic collapse, with its economy shrinking by 25% since August 2021. Corruption, a lack of infrastructure and accountability, insecurity and inhibiting state regulations prove costly to the current economy and prohibit tangible means for economic resurgence. An enforced ban on female attendance means fewer than 3% of eligible girls attend secondary school. 

With less than half, 44%, of eligible boys receiving secondary school education, Afghanistan’s means for producing the next generation of workers is inherently flawed. Foreclosures of businesses, commonly female-led, considerably impact export figures, causing a decline in the industrial sector. Estimates show that Afghanistan’s economy has declined as much as 5% as a direct result of restrictions on rights to work for women. Withering exports are now struggling to match continued import demands resulting in an imbalance. An over-dependence on foreign aid and export revenue will result in economic capitulation; developing a new generation of workers is one of the few viable means for rehabilitation but the Taliban’s enforced government policies have stunted this. 

A People in Crisis in Post-War Afghanistan

Poverty in Afghanistan is a deeply entrenched and pervasive issue, which decades of conflict, political instability, climate disasters and economic fragility have exacerbated. The country has one of the world’s lowest GDPs per capita, with a large portion of its population living below the poverty line — with as much as 40% facing acute food insecurity. The merciless onslaught of natural disasters, such as flooding and earthquakes, continues to prove a real threat to any form of stability — evidenced by a projected third consecutive failed wet season for 2022–23. Catastrophic earthquakes in late 2023 have claimed at least 1,000 lives.

Limited access to education, health care and essential services compound the problem, trapping generations in a cycle of deprivation. As much as 27% of children are engaged in child labor, while one in 16 children die before reaching 5 years. Additionally, the ongoing conflict disrupts livelihoods and displaces communities, further deepening the crisis. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, facing barriers to education and health care, with Afghanistan ranking 170th of 170 countries for women’s inclusion, justice and security. North of 29 million Afghani citizens rely on humanitarian aid, a limited means since the accession of Taliban power. Addressing poverty in Afghanistan is not just a matter of economics but a crucial step toward stability and long-term peace. International aid, infrastructure development and sustainable employment opportunities are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and rebuilding the nation.

The Effort for Change in Post-War Afghanistan

With a history of conflict and turmoil, humanitarian organizations worldwide have established them as indispensable contributors to Afghanistan’s economic stability and social security. Major IGOs and NGOs such as UNICEF, Save the Children, the U.N., Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) play a pivotal role in societal sustenance, providing the means for health care, education, protection and nutrition through funding, on-the-ground development initiatives and community building. 

The U.N. estimates that $1.67 billion was donated to humanitarian aid in Afghanistan via the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs body in 2021, north of $425 million of which was contributed by the U.S., the leading donor. In fact, on January 11, 2022, the U.N. launched a funding appeal for more than $8 billion in humanitarian and other aid for Afghanistan — the most immense single-country appeal in U.N. history. Save the Children is responsible for lifting more than 187,00 children from poverty, educating more than 241,000 and protecting 36,000 from direct harm.

UNICEF has supported more than 682,000 children with education through community-based education classes. The primary source of funding for these organizations is the generosity of both public and private donations. As evidence shows, the work and efforts of humanitarian institutions do enable the means for legitimate change.

– Ruairí Greene
Photo: Flickr

The Gendered Impact of Disasters in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda
The landscape and structure of Antigua and Barbuda make it particularly susceptible to extreme weather events like hurricanes and storms. For instance, in 2017, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria destroyed $136 million worth of physical assets, harming the tourism industry and significantly reducing the available housing on the island. International institutions and organizations have partnered with local governments to strengthen the island’s resilience to hurricanes and other weather events. Here is what some are doing to address disasters in Antigua and Barbuda.

Aid to Address Disasters in Antigua and Barbuda

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) granted more than $46 million to the island’s state environmental department to “climate-proof” local buildings and make them less likely to be damaged during climate-related disasters. With financing from the European Union, the UNDP allocated $5.7 million to help recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma. 

These environmental disasters and extreme weather events negatively impact women more than men. There remains a structural preference towards men in matters of inheritance, marriage and community and state programs of land distribution. Because of this male preference for asset control, management and distribution, women have less access to economic opportunities than men, which may force them to rely financially on men. With less access to income-generating activities, disasters can impact women the most as they may lack the financial stability to bounce back rapidly from the damages that an environmental disaster causes. This also puts women at risk of gender-based violence as fewer economic opportunities could make them more financially reliant on men. 

Women are also overrepresented in the service and tourism industry, an industry which is particularly affected by weather-related disasters. Additionally, when schools close because of weather events, data shows that women are more likely to stay home and care for their children, missing out on the income from their work. Female-headed households are often more vulnerable to natural disasters as they are often single-parent and tend to be larger, with women often caring for dependents like children or elderly family members. After the hurricanes Maria and Irma, studies demonstrated that women paid 1,000 more dollars in damages to recover from the disaster than men. 

A Progressive Rise in Female Representation in Governmental Bodies and Initiatives 

One way to mitigate the gendered impact of environmental disasters would be to ensure accurate political representation of women in governmental bodies. Currently, women hold only 11% of the seats in the national parliament of Antigua and Barbuda, which makes policies and decision-making less susceptible to reflect all the intricacies of the gender inequality still affecting women in Antigua and Barbuda. However, women are more involved in recovery initiatives after environmental disasters and often take charge in the aftermath of these disasters through their work with organizations such as the Barbuda Council, a local governmental institution with more women than men among its members. The Environmental State Department also launched an internship program for university students meant to turn into full-time positions upon graduation. More women than men enrolled in the program, leading to the department now primarily being staffed with women in 2021.

These positive changes in the government have translated into more state initiatives to reduce the gendered impact of environmental disasters. The Environmental State Department has committed to specifically targeting and reducing gender-based vulnerabilities in the face of weather events. 

The Sustainable Island Resource Framework

In partnership with the UN Environment Program, Antigua and Barbuda has also created the Sustainable Island Resource Framework, a funding allocation mechanism dedicated to reducing the effects of environmental disasters and changing weather patterns. The Fund has expressed its intent to integrate the protection and prioritization of vulnerable groups such as single mothers and children in its decision-making. These developments cast a positive light on the future in terms of reducing the gendered impact of environmental disasters. 

– Tatiana Gnuva
Photo: Flickr

5 Facts About Living Standards in Jammu and Kashmir

Living Standards in Jammu and Kashmir
In one of the most politically contested areas of the world, poverty and inequality have been severely affecting the population. Jammu and Kashmir (J+K) are to the north of India, the northeast of Pakistan and west of China, with all three nations laying territorial claims to some or all of the region. This article will delve into how poverty and inequality are affecting the J+K population, as well as look at what some are doing to assist and alleviate those living in poverty. Here are five facts about living standards in Jammu and Kashmir. 

5 Facts About Living Standards in Jammu and Kashmir

  1. Poverty rates are decreasing, but the statistics do not tell the whole story. According to an Indian government report published in 2023, the percentage of people living in multidimensional poverty in J+K in 2016 was 12.56%, falling dramatically to 4.8% in 2021. While this may initially seem like an encouraging statistic, it is important to remember that this is still 655,000 people living below the national poverty line of India (₹1286 a month, equivalent to $15.62). Rural areas in J+K (75.19% of the population) also report much higher rates of poverty than urban areas, meaning that the figure may be altered by disproportionately low levels of poverty in urban areas. For example, the largest J+K city of Srinagar recorded poverty rates of just 1.2%, whilst the far more rural Ramban district has a staggering 35.26% poverty rate.
  2. Electricity is not available to some of the population. The MPI Report also stated that 2.9% of the J+K population is without a reliable source of electricity, a crucial resource that people use in cooking and for providing hot water and heating during the colder months. About 45.2% of J+K residents also do not have adequate fuel to cook their food, exacerbating the electricity shortages in the region and causing a problem of malnutrition, with more than a quarter of J+K citizens reporting inadequate levels of proper nutrition. While a lot of progress has occurred to ensure that more and more people receive electricity each year, it is clear that more is necessary to ensure that every J+K household has reliable access to fuel and energy, two necessities crucial for the alleviation of poverty. 
  3. Almost half of the population does not have access to proper sanitation. About 47% of J+K is without proper sanitation, a statistic that the fact that 14.2% of residents do not have access to safe drinking water has likely bolstered. This, along with the high levels of malnutrition outlined in the previous section, poses a big problem for public health and health care services across the region. J+K health care took a heavy hit following COVID-19, and development in the pharmaceutical industry is difficult for an area restricted by a low-density population and overall poor transport connectivity between major population hubs. 
  4. Literacy rates are gradually improving across the region, albeit at unequal rates. The 2023 J+K census found that the literacy rate stood at 67.16% compared to 54.5% in 2010, clearly showing significant progress in education and development in the region, especially considering the increasing population rates over the past decade. However, males and females do not share the improvements in education, as male literacy stands at 76.75%, with female literacy only at 56.4%. This is reflective of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the region, with men and women not receiving equal citizenship rights, and instances of rape at the hands of military personnel have been at very high rates since the 1988 insurgency.
  5. Action is underway to improve living standards in Jammu and Kashmir. In 2022, Manoj Sinha, the Lt. Governor of J+K announced a series of economic investment proposals between the government and business groups that would help accelerate economic development in the region. These economic advancements have already helped fuel innovations to help those living in poverty, such as Tauseef Ali Malik, who increased the portability of a traditional Bukhari heater. The positive effects of these investment programs are also felt within public infrastructure, such as the J+K Power Department, who used this extra funding to repair 500 feeders of 11kVs in under eight hours following heavy snowfall, showing the determination of the government to provide reliable energy to all. 

Looking Ahead

Overall, poverty in Jammu and Kashmir is steadily decreasing, and living standards are steadily increasing. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing insurgency have hampered many attempts to alleviate poverty further. Gender inequality continues to be a persistent problem, and sanitation issues put further pressure on an already failing health care system. However, the swathe of development and investment initiatives that the Lt. Governor announced have the potential to make significant progress in tackling poverty, having already made positive developments in the provision of electricity and heating. While there is still a long way to go, there is a growing sense of optimism that these initiatives will make a real difference to those suffering in Jammu and Kashmir. 

– Tom Lowe
Photo: Flickr

Violence, Poverty and Resistance in Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas

Rio de Janeiro’s FavelasIn Rio De Janeiro’s favelas, there is a well-documented issue of police violence. The number of deaths continues to rise, with a disproportionately high impact on Black Brazilians who are nearly three times more likely to die due to police violence than their lighter-skinned counterparts. In 2022, Ms. E. Tendayi Achiume, a Special Reporter on contemporary forms of racism, expressed her concerns about the excessive and lethal use of force by Brazilian law enforcement. Unfortunately, reports suggest that these human rights violations persist unchecked.

In cases where institutions and states fall short in protecting vulnerable populations, grassroots initiatives have emerged to fill the gap. Organizations like DefeZap, Casa Amarela and others are actively striving to break the cycle of poverty and violence that plagues the lives of thousands of innocent favela residents in Brazil.

The Favela 

Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio De Janeiro. It is home to between 150 and 300 thousand people, all crowded into a space of .8 square miles. Rocinha is a steep, sprawling maze of houses built on top of each other, sometimes up to 10 stories high. The streets are dense with people, pavements are wide enough only for motorcycles. Heavy bootlegged electric wires hang just above the hairline of the sprawl. There are no safety regulations. Sanitation runs in a channel between houses. Disease is frequent, and with only two health centers for the whole population, many do not receive the help they need. Compared to other favelas, however, Rocinha has “relatively good infrastructure.” Houses are built out of concrete, and businesses like banks and pharmacies operate freely. Rocinha even has electricity, running water and appropriated cable TV. It is a home, but it is unsafe. 

Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, home to between 150,000 and 300,000 people, all crowded into a compact area of 0.8 square miles. The community is built on steep slopes, with houses stacked on top of one another, sometimes reaching up to 10 stories high. The narrow streets are often bustling with people, and the sidewalks are just wide enough for motorcycles. Informal, unauthorized electrical wires dangle dangerously above the streets, lacking proper safety regulations.

Sanitation facilities in Rocinha consist of open channels running between the houses, leading to frequent health issues. With only two health centers serving the entire population, many residents struggle to access the medical care they need. While compared to some other favelas, Rocinha boasts relatively better infrastructure, with concrete housing and the presence of businesses like banks and pharmacies. Basic utilities such as electricity, running water and even cable TV are available. It is considered a home to many, but it remains an unsafe and challenging environment.

Cocaine

In the 1970s, the introduction of cocaine laid the groundwork for the current situation in contemporary favelas. This led to the emergence of armed drug trafficking factions engaged in violent territorial disputes. Over time, these groups have become deeply entrenched in the local community. They buy land, provide infrastructure like electricity and cable TV and offer employment opportunities, especially to young men. With few other job prospects available, many residents feel compelled to accept these opportunities. Unfortunately, this situation has led to the unintentional criminalization of all favela residents by association.

A central element of this criminalization is the stigmatized image of the ‘Bandido’—a portrayal of young, impoverished, Black individuals as inherently dangerous. This stereotype perpetuates the perception of favelas as impenetrable crime centers in the public’s imagination, which, in turn, can encourage law enforcement to employ aggressive raid tactics.

Violence 

Violence in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas has been a part of life since the 1980s. A public conversation around “Bandidos” shows how separate the favela is from normative Brazillian space. Nilton Cerqueira, Secretary of Public Security from 1995 to 1998, said in 1996 that the “Bandido is not a civilian.” These comments came to light during a time of “Wild West Bonuses.” In fact, the police received a salary bonus of 50-150% for demonstrating “fearless courage.” Even after its abolishment in the early 2000s, the number of deaths remains shockingly high. In 2020, 1,245 people died due to incidents with the police in Rio de Janeiro. In 2021, the number was 1,356, and this rose to 1,330 in 2022. 

Resistance 

In the favelas, where the state often falls short in serving its citizens, various community organizations and NGOs have emerged to bridge the gap. One such noteworthy example is DefeZap. Established in 2016, DefeZap enables individuals to report instances of violence involving state agents anonymously and securely through WhatsApp. After documentation, these reports go to a Collaborative Investigation and Documentation Network, which, in turn, forwards them to the appropriate authorities. From 2016 to 2019, DefeZap received more than 300 video sources, contributing to more than 200 investigations. The organization’s effectiveness and the positive outcomes it has achieved for favela residents have driven its expansion. In 2019, DefeZap and its technologies found application in the Human Rights Commission of the ALERJ (Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro).

Casa Amarela is another involved organization. Casa Amarela operates out of the favela Morro da Providência, delivering “human and territorial development through art and culture.” The group seeks to “reduce the social impact caused and maintained by the state’s lack of assistance in the favela.” Educational, artistic and cultural activities and classes are led by educators, residents and activists from the local area. Casa Amarela welcomes around 120 families and enjoys around 150 participants. Classes for ages 3–7, 8–13 and 14–21 help keep young people away from the militias and in education. Classes include skateboarding, boxing and music. Afro-dance lessons are also offered as a way to reinforce the “positiveness of the children[‘s] black skin” despite the demonization they face in Brazillian society. These young people can expect to be nurtured and inspired to dream of a better life for themselves and their families. 

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenging circumstances in Rio De Janeiro’s favelas, residents persist in creating comfortable, beautiful and communal living spaces. Rather than solely depending on NGOs for support, they are taking action to ensure their voices are heard. For instance, on May 21, 2020, residents organized a protest to address the issue of violence against the black community. Their collective efforts resulted in a temporary reduction in police violence, and they remain committed to these actions until they achieve the freedom they seek.

– James Durbin
Photo: Unsplash

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Foreign Aid to Haiti: How the US and Ecuador Are Helping

Foreign Aid to Haiti
In 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moise was killed in his own home in an attack planned by individuals from Columbia all the way to the U.S. The current situation in Haiti remains hostile as a result, with street gangs perpetrating intense acts of violence — violence that is only possible with consistent political instability, insecurity and poverty in Haiti.

Those factors have massive effects on its people, many of whom are living in severe poverty on top of being under constant threat. It starts from the top down; nearly 66% of the capital city of Port-au-Prince is under that threat. With no stability in the capital, the outer regions of the country can not gain a foothold themselves, and the unemployment rate rises as businesses are forced to close, driving poverty rates.

Because of the violence taking place, more than 160,000 people are internally displaced which has hindered NGO aid efforts including CARE and the International Organization for Migration, the latter being boots on the ground providing access to clean water and health services in the most dangerous regions. Change is needed at the source and both the U.S. and Ecuador are stepping up efforts to fight poverty in Haiti. Here is some information about foreign aid to Haiti.

Foreign Aid to Haiti to Help With Stability

Ecuador played a role in discovering who took part in the plot against the country’s president, offering a chance to hold those involved accountable while closing the door on a solemn time in Haitian history. It shed light on Columbia due to the perpetrators residing there but also because of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate who suffered the same fate as other armed men based in Colombia. Venezuela voiced its support for Ecuador’s claims by saying a “gang of Colombian hitmen” committed political violence outside Colombian borders. 

The United States backed support with action by signing the December 21 Accord, along with a host of other political actors and civil society groups, that aims to establish a new transitional and representative government that will lead to free and fair elections by the end of 2023. United States Ambassador Robert Wood stated the accord is “an opportunity for Hattians” to work towards bringing stability to the country by “improving governance.” Ecuador was crucial to the negotiations and drafting of the resolution that relied heavily on international support.

Foreign Intervention

In late 2022, Prime Minister Ariel Henry made a plea for armed, multinational support. Kenya stepped forward volunteering to lead such a force, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supporting the deployment, believing it needs to be both “robust” and “rapid.” The U.S. previously said it would provide foreign aid to Haiti, and with Ecuador, introduced a resolution to the United Nations that would authorize the deployment; an action that long-term, is designed to bring stability to and fight poverty in Haiti by the U.S. and Ecuador.  

The Haitian people back the force because it is a way for the country to push out street gangs, which are the root cause of much of insecurity and poverty in Haiti. Reuters reports that around 70% of people would support it in coordination with the national police. 

Both countries reiterated their support for Haiti at the United Nations Security Council meeting in early 2023, with the U.S. saying it is encouraged by the outpouring of support and Ecuador acknowledging the efforts of the national police under the conditions. Haiti lacks the resources to “resolve this crisis alone,” said Victor Généus, Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister and the security risk that Haiti is facing, is a security threat to the whole region. Stopping it at the source is mutually beneficial for many near the small Caribbean nation.

– Benett Crim
Photo: Flickr

NGOs Help Women in Syria Tackle Period Poverty 

Period Poverty in SyriaWith more than 90% of Syria living in extreme poverty, it is no surprise that access to menstrual products is now deemed as a luxury in the country. 12 years ago,  incessant corruption, sectarian bias directed towards Alawites, bribery and bureaucracy among others threw Syria into war. The effect involves everything from hunger and anxiety to severe hardship. Additionally, many women experience period poverty, with limited access to menstrual products.

The Crux

Period poverty, according to Medical News Today, is the lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, waste management or a combination of these. It impacts approximately 500 million people worldwide. With part of the country still under siege and other parts submerged by an earthquake, women in Syria are facing period poverty and at an alarming rate.

Amid the ongoing war, prices of food and other necessities in Syria have skyrocketed leading to a high cost of living. Pads that were sold for between 15 and 25 Syrian pounds now cost 2,500 to 4,000 pounds.

Relief items sent by donors, rarely however, contain products for menstruation. These gender-blind responses discriminate against women as other items including food, clothing and shelter are deemed more important than menstrual products. These and other factors have led to period poverty in Syria.

A Helping Hand

Utopia, an NGO made up of women started making hand-sewn pads to cater for the gap in the market as a result of the war. Within the one hour of constant electricity supplied by the government as a result of the country’s war-ravaged power plants followed by a five hour power cut, the small team makes a little over 20 reusable, economical and eco-friendly pads. The organization has been able to sell/donate around 370 pads and 900 diapers for the aged and babies.

To combat period poverty in Syria, Utopia sells the pads at the manufacturing cost of 1,000 pounds per pad. The NGO used to provide food, drugs and financial assistance to needy students but had to include pad production as a result of the changing times and its impact on Syrian women.

Local NGO, Arab Women’s Society, has partnered with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the Syria Trust for Development to provide hygiene kits, including menstrual pads, to families in the vicinity. The society and its partners distribute period products and hygiene kits to 1,200 women in rural parts of Deir Ezzor, three times a month.

Founded by Evelina Llewelly, the period poverty-fighting organization, Jeyetna, based in Lebanon collects donations in cash and in-kind and gives them out to individuals on the ground.

The organization, which makes combatting period poverty in Syria and eliminating the stigma around periods their aim said in an interview with Alarabiya News, “In the case of natural disasters, period poverty worsens due to the gender-blind prioritization of other needs perceived as more essential like shelter, food, and water.”

A Look Ahead

Periods do not stop during war or earthquakes. It is commendable that these local NGOs are doing all within their power to help eliminate period poverty in Syria with scanty resources during these trying times. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, “Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.

Yet, it goes without saying that more could be done to alleviate this situation bedeviling Syrian women. 

– Angela A. Darkwah
Photo: Flickr

Navigating Gender Equality in Turkmenistan

Gender Equality in TurkmenistanTurkmenistan, a Central Asian nation known for rich history and diverse culture, has made notable strides in various aspects of development since gaining independence in 1991. Among the many areas of focus, women’s rights has been a forefront topic sparking debate both within the country and on the international stage. While challenges still persist, there has been substantial progress.

Historical Overview: Understanding the Journey of Gender Equality in Turkmenistan

Like many countries in Central Asia, Turkmenistan has a traditional society influenced by deeply rooted cultural norms and patriarchal values. Especially under the Soviet Union in 1920, women had limited opportunities for education, employment and political participation until the country gained independence. After 1991, the government began to address gender inequality. This included “aligning Turkmenistan’s legal framework, policies and practices for children and women with international standards and best practices.”

Education Equality: Breaking Barriers to Provide Equal Access to Education

Turkmenistan has made significant progress in providing equal access to education for women. Women and men in Turkmenistan have equal rights to pursue education at all levels. According to data from UNESCO, the number of girls enrolled in primary education was approximately 275,071 in 2022 compared to the number of boys enrolled, which was 289,941. As well as education being accessible at primary levels for girls, women in Turkmenistan have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Universities and institutions of higher learning admit both male and female students with no gender-based restrictions on education choices. According to figures from UNESCO, the number of female students enrolled in higher education institutions was 237,454 in 2022 compared to the number of male students enrolled, which was 248,425.

Political Participation: Women’s Role in Shaping Turkmenistan’s Future

Turkmenistan has made efforts to increase women’s political participation, with women occupying seats in the national parliament and local government bodies. In the March 2023 elections, 25.6% of the parliament seats were held by women. This represents substantial progress compared to previous years; in 2013, women made up 16.8% of parliament. The presence of women in parliament works in hand with the legislation aimed at protecting women’s rights, which includes measures against domestic violence and gender-based discrimination. These include:

  1. Constitutional Provisions. Turkmenistan’s Constitution contains provisions related to women’s rights; Article 18 of the Constitution states men and women have equal rights. 
  2. CEDAW Commitment. Turkmenistan is a signatory to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women; the signage of this international treaty reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and women’s rights.
  3. Maternity and Family Support. The country has policies in place aimed at providing support for maternity and family needs. These measures include maternity leave, childcare facilities and family support services to promote the well-being of women and families. As discussed by UNFPA, Turkmenistan’s efforts ensure “that every woman exercises her right to a safe pregnancy and childbirth and to decide on when and how many children she will have.”

Women as Agents of Change: Gender Equality in Turkmenistan

Turkmen women have increasingly joined the workforce, making vital contributions to the nation’s economy. As established businesses and start-ups become more frequently present throughout the country, entrepreneurship is on the rise among Turkmen women. One woman in particular has put this into practice. Bahar Shihkulieva founded and directs The Business Women’s Center. It supports the “development of women’s entrepreneurship in Turkmenistan” and their creative initiatives by organizing events that strengthen and expand the cooperation of Turkmen women. With empowered women like Bahar founding organizations that actively support women in the workforce, this actively inspires and promotes education among children and future generations.

To further advance women’s rights in Turkmenistan, it is crucial for the government and civil society organizations to work together to continue the efforts made to promote education among women and children. Promoting gender equality requires not only legal reforms but also changes in societal attitudes and behaviors. Turkmenistan has come a long way in promoting women’s rights. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that women can fully participate in all aspects of society without discrimination.

– Mia Deniz Duru
Photo: Flickr

Organic Underwear Company Tackles Period Poverty in Austria 

Period Poverty in AustriaEven in high-income countries like Austria, women struggle to afford sanitary products during menstruation. This issue is commonly known as period poverty. Due to widespread protests in the EU, some European countries like Austria lowered the tax on tampons and other sanitary products. Despite the progress in tackling period poverty in Austria, the problem persists among low-income groups. Innovative businesses and humanitarian organizations are spearheading initiatives with a mission to bring dignified menstrual cycles to all Austrian women.

Targeting Period Poverty in the EU

The humanitarian organization Plan International says period poverty occurs when monthly expenses for period products pose a “financial burden,” leading to a lack of products and adequate hygiene. Over the past few years, studies in EU countries like France, the Netherlands and Germany revealed period poverty and barriers to accessing hygiene products for certain groups in these countries.

In 2007, the European Commission allowed EU countries to lower the tax on feminine hygiene products to as little as 5%. Although some EU countries still tax menstrual products over 20%, the same amount as wine and cigarettes, other countries like Austria opted to lower the tax in response to protests. On Jan. 1, 2021, Austria reduced the tax on menstrual products from 20% to 10%. Before Austria’s policy change, menstrual products were taxed 10% more than unprocessed tobacco and caviar.

The progress in fighting period poverty in Austria is thanks to the combined efforts of activists and independent businesses. One of these businesses is Strawberry Week, which sells organic underwear and period products. Strawberry Week started campaigning in 2016 with an open letter to the Austrian Finance Minister. The group also protested in front of the Ministry of Finance with other activist organizations in late 2019. These activists are part of a growing movement to end period poverty in the EU. It is finding success with signature campaigns, referendums and demonstrations.

Period Poverty Continues in Austria 

According to the OECD Better Life Index, Austria is relatively prosperous and ranks high in living standards. Despite this, Strawberry Week says the costs of monthly period care pose difficulties for Austrians living in poverty. Seventeen percent of the Austrian population is at risk for poverty.

Strawberry Week calculates the average menstruating person in Austria spends 7,000 EUR (over $7,400 USD) on period products and contraception in their lifetime. Although menstrual products are necessary for hygiene, people struggling financially must spend money on food and other essentials before period care.

3 Recent Solutions to Combatting Period Poverty In Austria

Since the tax decrease at the beginning of 2021, humanitarian organizations and activists have implemented several initiatives to reduce period poverty in Austria further.

  1. “Red Box” initiative for free period products in Vienna. From October 2021 to January 2022, the German drugstore BIPA provided free menstrual products in several locations in Vienna’s 20th district. This was a pilot project targeting one of the more poverty-stricken areas of Vienna.
  2. Strawberry Week Shop and period products for homeless Austrian women. Strawberry Week’s customer purchases recently allowed the organization to provide organic undergarments and pads to homeless women staying at the Haus Miriam shelter. Strawberry Week focuses on sustainable products without synthetic additives for better vaginal health.
  3. Free hygiene products in Vorarlberg state schools. In the Austrian province of Vorarlberg, the state parliament voted to provide free sanitary products like pads and tampons to girls in ten state schools. Health spokesperson Nadine Kasper said the new policy is particularly important for young girls underprepared for the onset of their periods. Vorarlberg follows the example of some Austrian universities that provide free products to their students. In a 2023 Strawberry Week survey of 3,568 Austrian university students, 27.6% said their universities provide menstrual products.

Austria is just one example of how people face barriers to accessing basic hygiene products, even in countries that enjoy high living standards. Despite progress in tax policy, organizations like Strawberry Week keep advocating for greater accessibility of menstrual products to eliminate period poverty in Austria.

– Lia Freeman
Photo: Flickr