Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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5 Ways the Global Citizen Festival Is Changing the World

Global Citizen Festival Is Changing the World
Global Citizen is an advocacy organization focused on ending global poverty and addressing critical issues worldwide. Hugh Evans and Simon Moss founded Global Citizen in 2008 to mobilize leaders and engage the public. Since its start, the organization has taken off and been incredibly successful. One way Global Citizen raises awareness is by hosting an annual festival. The festival aims to raise awareness about global issues like inequality, poverty, education and changing weather patterns. The event inspires people to make a difference and advocate for change. The Global Citizen Festival is changing the world in five important ways.

5 Ways the Global Citizen Festival is Changing the World

  1. Takes Action: Potential festival attendees must complete specific tasks to be eligible for ticket selections. Each action taken earns a certain number of points. Activities for this year’s festival include uploading activism videos, sending out tweets, signing petitions, taking quizzes and sending messages. Instead of purchasing tickets, people must earn them. Global citizens completed 2 million actions in 2022 before the festival began. Since the first festival in 2012, around 34 million actions have been taken. These actions create immense change and push leaders and the public to make a difference.
  2. Raises Awareness: One big part of the festival is incorporating celebrities and musicians to bring awareness to global issues. Global Citizen creates lineups to bring in fans from all over the world. The understanding of current issues is raised by bringing in fans and completing action tasks. This year’s lineup features Megan Thee Stallion, Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Conan Gray and Stray Kids. By utilizing celebrities and music, the festival can bring in 60,000 people. That is 60,000 more people making a difference. The festival is also live-streamed and broadcast so people all over the world can watch it, which allows more people to engage with the festival and support the message. The influence of celebrities is enormous, too. Promoting and engaging with the celebration on social media helps raise awareness and promote the event.
  3. Education: The global citizen festival is only possible with education first. Global Citizen is constantly working towards educating people about current issues and what they can do to help. The festival provides engaging opportunities to learn and collect information about global problems. The festival has panels, workshops, personal stories and exhibits to educate and reach people deeper. Before, during and after the event, education is possible. Education is vital in a world where poverty has shown no sign of stopping. The festival is changing the world through this education and engagement.
  4. Mobilizes Leaders: Global Citizen targets the public to make a change and encourages leaders, too — the festival pressures leaders to support initiatives and legislation that empower our world and alleviate global poverty. Last year, many leaders made pledges on stage and through video calls to make a difference. Places like Ghana, Canada, Norway, Germany and many more made these promises. The festival also mobilized partners to agree to new financial and policy agreements to evoke a more significant change. The Global Citizen Festival prides itself on mobilizing leaders and creating a safer space for everyone. Leaders continue to join the cause and address the world’s most pressing issues.
  5. Fundraising: Although citizens must earn general admission tickets, the festival still raises money through donations. Partners, sponsorships, the world’s wealthy and the general public are all contributors. In 2022, the festival raised $2.4 billion to fight global poverty. The festival looks to match or beat that number this year. Now more than ever, money is needed to make a difference in alleviating poverty. Although the festival primarily focuses on mobilization and advocacy, the funds help end poverty and other global challenges.

Looking Ahead

The Global Citizen Festival is changing the world. The event shows how decisive collective action can be and how advocacy can come from anyone. Since its start, the festival has inspired millions of people to make a change and fight extreme poverty. Through the use of celebrities and musicians, the festival can educate and empower individuals. It inspires leaders and organizations to commit to preserving the world’s future. 

– Madison Rogers
Photo: Flickr

Neglected Tropical Diseases in Pakistan

Neglected Tropical Diseases in Pakistan
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) disproportionately impact vulnerable populations in some regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. These conditions, such as intestinal worms, schistosomiasis and dengue fever, are preventable and treatable. They are common in areas with poor sanitation and limited or no access to clean water and health care. NTDs in Pakistan keep communities trapped in poverty and illness. Furthermore, NTDs harm physical and cognitive development, reduce school attendance and economic productivity and overwhelm underfunded health systems.

Pakistan faces significant health and economic challenges due to several NTDs that are considered high-burden. However, it has been effective in community engagement, prevention education, as well as diagnosis and treatment to control NTDs in outbreak areas. Assessing the impact of these targeted initiatives can inform comprehensive national strategies to alleviate the burden of NTDs and improve health equity across Pakistan.

Community-Based Efforts Against Intestinal Worm Infections 

Intestinal parasitic infections disproportionately impact children in underdeveloped countries. About 12% of illnesses that intestinal parasites cause in children aged 5 to 14 years occur in underdeveloped nations. In 2019, the First Lady of Pakistan, Samina Alvi, launched a school-based deworming program in coordination with the health and education ministries to treat intestinal worm infections in children. A national survey revealed alarming infection rates, with approximately 17 million school-age children across Pakistan requiring deworming, including around 574,000 in Islamabad. The Islamabad Deworming Initiative aims to treat 547,000 children aged 5–14 in Islamabad to overcome intestinal infections. It successfully treated more than 200,000 children in 2019 and planned to reach 574,000 in the next round.

Targeted Snail Control to Combat Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease causing great morbidity and mortality, with more than 220 million people infected globally as of 2021, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Schistosomiasis is a rare disease in Pakistan, but the risk factors of dams, irrigation, increased travel and proximity to endemic countries could lead to endemicity. At least one snail species that could potentially host the parasite is present locally. Though control efforts focus on eliminating snail populations and contamination sources, a case acquired from travel to an endemic country highlights the need for prompt treatment and health education to prevent the spread in Pakistan. Reducing schistosomiasis risks through these measures is important to alleviate poverty and improve health for vulnerable communities lacking access to clean water and health care.

Fighting Dengue Fever in Pakistan

Dengue is endemic in Pakistan with seasonal peaks, but the country has experienced a significant surge in cases in 2022 following severe flooding. From January to September 2022, more than 25,000 confirmed dengue cases and 62 deaths occurred nationally, with the majority of cases in September. Sindh and Punjab provinces have been the most affected. Pakistan’s health ministry and the Global Fund are conducting vector surveillance, control activities and enhancing clinical management capacity. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides additional coordination, training, diagnostic tests and other support. Priorities like piped water and waste management infrastructure remain vital to control dengue transmission long-term and reduce impacts on vulnerable urban populations. However, the current flood-driven outbreak highlights the need for ongoing readiness to mount coordinated responses that curb massive case surges.

Integrated NTD Programs with Broad Coverage

NTDs disproportionately impact vulnerable populations in developing countries like Pakistan, trapping affected communities in cycles of disease and poverty. NTDs impair childhood development, reduce school attendance, hinder economic productivity and overwhelm under-resourced health systems. Comprehensive multi-disease control initiatives with national reach are necessary to alleviate the overall NTD burden. Sustained political commitment and domestic and global funding focused on evidence-based interventions could help reduce the transmission and prevalence of neglected tropical diseases in Pakistan. 

Given appropriate investments and strategies, controlling multiple neglected tropical diseases in Pakistan could improve health security and economic outcomes among its poorest and most marginalized citizens. Fighting NTDs is an important component of equitable development and poverty reduction in affected countries.

– Asia Jamil
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Health Initiatives in Guatemala

Health Initiatives in Guatemala
With a population of more than 17.9 million people, Guatemala is the “most populous country in Central America.” Although it boasts a high birth rate, Guatemala suffers from various health issues, such as malnutrition and stunting, HIV and child and maternal mortality. According to the Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya (ODIM) Guatemala, Guatemala holds “one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world,” with almost half of all Guatemalan children under age 5 suffering from chronic malnutrition. The following five facts about health initiatives in Guatemala detail the positive efforts being made to provide support and resources to those in need.

5 Health Initiatives in Guatemala

  1. The USAID Health and Nutrition Project – USAID partnered with Jhpiego to improve the accessibility of health care resources to Guatemalans. The Health and Nutrition Project (PSN) assists the Ministry of Health (MSPAS) in western Guatemala by increasing access to much-needed family resources. As the two regions of focus, Quiche and Huehuetenango, hold the “highest neonatal mortality rates and malnutrition rates in the country.” This project aims to provide additional training to health care workers and improved access to contraceptives, maternal and neonatal care.  With a $19.4 million budget, this program has already achieved “measurable improvement” in its quality of health care services for malnutrition and neonatal care, along with its training of more than 100 midwifery technicians. This project has also implemented the tool “Rueda de Prácticas para Vivir Mejor” into more than 4,000 homes, providing 19 healthy practices for parents to implement in their newborn children’s lives. 
  2. Aid From the World Food Programme (WFP) – The World Food Programme (WFP) provided nutrition training and emergency food resources to Guatemalans in need. In 2020, the Guatemalan government instituted the “National Crusade for Nutrition,” which primarily focuses on reducing malnutrition by providing health care resources and promoting wellness. To aid this initiative, WFP has focused its $12.3 million budget on providing Guatemalans with emergency food assistance and workshop sessions on nutrition. Through these efforts, WFP has aided more than 14,000 individuals in June 2023 alone. This has provided more than 6,000 people with “capacity building sessions on nutrition,” and trained more than 1,000 people on school feeding programs. 
  3. USAID’s Partnership With Intrahealth to Tackle HIV/AIDS – USAID partnered with Intrahealth to provide support and resources to HIV patients. Due to the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, there remains a great need for technical assistance, funds and information to be provided to Guatemalan HIV patients. With a budget of more than $10.9 million, this five-year project contributes to health initiatives in Guatemala by reducing misinformation and “improving the quality of life” of those affected by providing quality resources and support. Between 2021 and 2022, this project provided diagnostic support to more than 600 individuals, administering more than 17,000 HIV tests by newly trained medical staff. This project has also provided treatment services to more than 11,000 patients across eight clinics in the Guatemalan region.
  4. ODIM Guatemala’s Healthy Mommy & Me Community Program – ODIM Guatemala provides maternal and neonatal support through Healthy Mommy & Me. As children face development issues due to malnutrition and lack of resources, ODIM Guatemala instituted its Healthy Mommy & Me community program. Since 2015, this program has assisted 120 mothers and their children annually, providing them with “four methods of intervention” to promote positive growth. These methods provide health care for both mothers and their children up to 2 years old, aid healthy development through education and nutritional diets and supplements and provide opportunities for mental support. With a $45,000 budget for 2023, this health initiative in Guatemala aims to provide “multi-faceted, evidence-based and culturally-aligned” philosophies to aid the community. 
  5. Mayan Health Initiative Treatment Centers – The Mayan Health Initiative established two rehabilitation centers for Guatemalans with disabilities. As discussed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, roughly 10% of Guatemalans live with a disability. Although a number of treatment centers exist, religious beliefs, location and other “constraints” create a barrier between seeking and instituting treatment. To aid health initiatives in Guatemala, the Mayan Health Initiative established two treatment centers in Guatemala’s rural areas that prioritize physical, speech and occupational therapy among patients. Since 2014, this program has aided children with cardiac and orthopedic issues, providing a wide range of support for families to afford and prioritize this treatment. The combined centers aid more than 200 families and continue to grow annually. Because of the Mayan Health Institute’s impact, they state that their “most pressing challenge” involves “an increase in patient demand” as Guatemalans throughout the area travel specifically for their services and support.

 Looking Ahead

These five facts about health initiatives in Guatemala show the positive efforts being made to reduce the barrier between accessibility to health care services and those in need. As malnutrition and mortality rates rise considerably amongst indigenous people in Guatemala, it is imperative that additional resources break the inequities and boost positive growth. 

With additional resources, funds and support allocated by NGOs and community programs, Guatemala can begin to shed its label of holding the “highest rate of stunting in the Western Hemisphere.” It is imperative that Guatemala’s most vulnerable communities receive the necessary support that can lift them out of poverty and provide them with sustainable and healthy lifestyles.

– Kristina Gaffney
Photo: Flickr

Leveraging the Blue Economy in Tanzania To Alleviate Poverty

The Blue Economy in Tanzania
The “blue economy” refers to the management of our oceans, blue resources and sectors. The blue economy seeks to promote well-being and social equity, helping to alleviate poverty by promoting and regulating the sector in a sustainable manner. Leveraging the blue economy in Tanzania will increase food security and employment — particularly for the youth and women, helping contribute to economic growth in a sustainable manner and improving the livelihoods of the people who live in the country. With the blue economy contributing to 60% of the gross domestic product in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s capital, alone employing 33% of Zanzibar’s population, it shows the importance of developing the blue economy for Tanzanians and the government.

Blue Economy Increases Employment Opportunities

One of the main ways leveraging the blue economy in Tanzania alleviates poverty is by tackling the country’s unemployment rates through job creation in the blue economy. As of 2022, unemployment rates were at 2.76% with youth unemployment rates at 4.26%. 

Therefore, in 2023, the African Development Bank Group (ADB) launched a $54 million initiative backed by the Government of Tanzania to drive job creation for youth in Zanzibar’s blue economy. The ADB set up a “Skills Development for Youth Employability in blue economy Project,” to help young Tanzanians find well-paying jobs in the blue economy. These are around the ocean and ocean-based activities include tourism, the maritime economy and the oil and gas industries. The most important industry targeted is the tourist sector as according to ADB it “contributes more than 29% of Zanzibar’s gross domestic product and employs about 33% of its workforce.”

This project aims to help 43,000 young Tanzanians, 40% of them being females and prepare 1,500 of them to become entrepreneurs and start their businesses improving their livelihoods and subsequently creating a positive feedback loop to “spur the creation of new jobs,” according to ADB.

Blue Economy Helps Local Communities

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 2023 has collaborated with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries to develop a strategic plan to implement the blue economy in Zanzibar. To improve the livelihoods of coastal communities by growing economies thereby “creating jobs, improving food security, and reducing poverty, inequality and gender disparities.”

The upcoming initiatives will focus on sustainable habitat management, ecotourism and marine spatial planning, and through collaborative efforts with the UNDP, “Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations and the private sector,” it is hoped that the initiative will support Tanzania’s most marginalized members of society along with women and children to build a more resilient future. Sustainable habitat management will play a multi-purpose role in areas like marine protected areas and areas of coral reef restoration by helping support biodiversity and providing opportunities for eco-tourism which can generate income for local communities, creating a sustainable approach to prosperity.

Leveraging the blue economy in Tanzania to alleviate poverty is important as it helps locals increase their income due to higher paying jobs promoted by the blue economy allowing them to help their families break out of cyclical poverty and create intergenerational wealth. Furthermore, it also creates a stronger and more resilient economy, which will help benefit people and sectors that aren’t a part of the blue economy, improving livelihoods for all.

– Kishan Patel
Photo: Flickr

Tackling Period Poverty Among Adolescents in Laos

Period Poverty in LaosPeriod poverty, defined by the American Medical Women’s Association as having “inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including sanitary products, washing facilities and waste management,” is a prominent issue affecting adolescents in Laos. A 2020 study published in PLOS One Journal revealed that period poverty in Laos is disproportionately impacting adolescent girls in the country’s rural northern regions, leading to high rates of school absenteeism due to menstrual-related matters. 

It is a lack of standardized, thorough and timely menstrual health education, as well as a lack of menstruation-accommodating restrooms in Lao schools that perpetuate period poverty and further propagate social stigmas surrounding menstruation among Lao adolescents. 

The Core Problems 

PLOS One Journal study, “Menstrual Health and Factors Associated with School Absence Among Secondary School Girls in Luang Prabang Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study,” surveyed 1,366 high school girls across six schools in the Luang Prabang Province in Northern Laos regarding their experiences with menstruation. The results showed a desperate need for earlier, more comprehensive menstrual health education for Lao girls, as well as improved restroom infrastructure for menstruating students. The Lao public education system does include a brief menstrual education course for ninth-grade girls. 

However, the education system not only provides limited and highly oversimplified information but also often delivers it too late. About 28% of the girls participating in this study reported that they had absolutely no knowledge about menstruation before their first period. This lack of knowledge often leaves girls feeling confused and fearful about this normal bodily function, and girls who never learned proper menstrual hygiene feel as though they must miss school and other daily activities. 

Many Lao girls have also become accustomed to associating menstruation with a form of shame or punishment, with 68% of girls in this study believing that menstruation was the body’s way of getting rid of a woman’s “bad blood,” and 65% of these girls reporting feelings of embarrassment regarding their menstrual cycle. 

Aside from inadequate menstrual health education, improper restroom infrastructure and resources often leave menstruating Lao students feeling uncomfortable or unable to engage in proper menstrual hygiene in school facilities. Four out of the six schools that this study examined did not have restrooms for separate genders, leaving many menstruating students to feel embarrassed about their cycles and disposal of menstrual products around students who do not menstruate. 

Additionally, the restrooms in four out of six schools were not equipped with waste bins in their bathroom stalls that allowed students to properly dispose of used menstrual products. This lack of waste bins further contributes to the humiliation that menstruating students feel when they have to dispose of their menstrual products publicly and often leads to fear of using school restrooms entirely. An astounding 78% of girls surveyed said that they avoid changing their menstrual products at school, with 65% avoiding school bathrooms entirely. 

Confronting the Issues: Solutions from the Lao Government and Plan International

Over the past several years, the Lao government has begun to directly confront period poverty among Laos’ adolescents, looking to improve students’ access to menstrual health education and proper facilities. In 2021, Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports announced its Education and Sports Sector Development Plan which will provide “comprehensive sexuality education” to students of all education levels, including primary school. 

This agenda will ensure that Lao girls receive information about their changing bodies before their first period, alleviating some of the feelings of helplessness and anxiety once menstruation begins. Aside from strengthening national menstrual health education, in 2019 the Lao government enacted the Decision on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Standards for Early Childhood Education and General Education, which, over time, will construct gender-segregated restrooms in all Lao schools equipped with proper and private disposal bins for menstrual waste. 

While there is still significant progress to be made with this initiative, with the help of UNICEF Laos has integrated menstrual health indicators into the country’s education management information system, allowing for the project’s progress to be strictly monitored. 

Outside of government intervention, humanitarian organization Plan International has partnered with sustainable period brand Modibodi to provide the women of rural northern Laos with thorough menstrual health education, as well as a sustainable solution to menstrual hygiene. Throughout 2022, Plan International and Modibodi delivered their menstrual health education program to 4,450 Lao women and adolescents. Additionally, Modibodi donated 22,000 pairs of its reusable period underwear to these women, which not only lessens the continuous burden of affording sanitary pads or tampons but also makes menstrual hygiene much simpler, particularly for students. 

A Continuous Effort

The efforts to alleviate period poverty among adolescents in Laos are fairly nascent, meaning the country can make much more progress. The Lao government has taken positive steps by introducing comprehensive sex education at all education levels, improving restroom facilities in schools and showing a commitment to addressing this issue at a systemic level. Furthermore, the collaboration between Plan International and Modibodi has strengthened menstrual health education for the women of northern Laos and has provided sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. These efforts must be sustained to ensure that no Lao students miss out on their education due to feelings of embarrassment or inadequate menstrual hygiene resources. 

– Reagan McDaniel
Photo: Flickr

Gender Wage Gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Gender Wage Gap in Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina, or BiH, is a country in South East Europe. It is comprised of two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS), as well as the self-governed condominium of the Brčko District. The gender wage gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina is significantly worse than it is in the European Union (EU). According to a report by the AIRE center and United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in BiH, women’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is about 19,457 in Bosnian currency (BAM) or $10,709, to men’s 36,189 BAM or $19,917, meaning women earn 53.7% of men’s income. In the EU, the average working woman earns 87 cents for every euro that the average working man earns. BiH also sees less representation of women in politics and the labor market more generally.

Historical Factors

Many historians point to the Bosnian War of 1992-1995, part of the wider breakup of Yugoslavia in that period, as a catalyst for the gender wage gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The hyper-masculine wartime rhetoric is seen to have entrenched a number of damaging gender beliefs and stereotypes. 

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantially worse effect on women’s pay than it did on men’s pay, as determined in a number of different studies. The U.N. BiH Common Country Analysis for 2022 revealed that the increase in unpaid domestic and care work as a result of the pandemic disproportionately affected women, with 50% reporting an increase in domestic work (as opposed to 35% of men) and 28% reporting an increase in childcare work (as opposed to 23% of men). In addition, the UNDP Report Economic Impact Assessment of COVID-19 in BiH found that the pandemic particularly affected female-dominated sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, education and human health and social work.

‘Equal Pay for Equal Work’ Versus ‘Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value’

‘Equal pay for equal work’, according to Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), prohibits men from earning more than women in the same jobs. Although this is positive, it does not address the reality that women are not able to access high-paying jobs as easily as men. For example, discrepancies in male versus female education, as well as gender stereotyping, lead to occupational and sectoral segregation, with women in BiH generally leaning toward the fields of health and social care, education and social sciences and men leaning more toward the fields of information and communication technologies, engineering, production and construction. 

‘Equal pay for work of equal value’ is a concept that seeks to redress some of these imbalances, and 40% of all countries have put legislation in place to this effect. The principle of ‘equal pay for work of equal value’ is reflected in Article 77 of the Labour Law of FBiH, with ‘work of equal value’ defined as work that ‘requires the same level of professional qualifications, same capacity for work, responsibility, physical and intellectual work, skills, working conditions and work outputs.’ As stated by the UNDP, however, this law ‘lacks a clear definition of equal pay, which should encompass not only wages but also all other forms of cash and nonmonetary compensation, and does not prescribe fines for the violation of this provision.’ No such law is present in the Labour Law of RS. 

The Persisting Challenge

Unfortunately, there remain several reasons why even the presence of ‘equal pay for work of equal value’ does not translate to closing the gender wage gap in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For example, culturally assigned gender roles, such as the expectation for women to undertake childcare responsibilities, lead to lower participation in the labor market among women in comparison to men. Also, gender-based discrimination, although legislated against in both FBiH and RS, is difficult to properly regulate.

Looking Forward

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has implemented various legislative measures to address the gender wage gap. These measures are evident in laws such as the Law on Work in BiH Institutions, the Labour Law of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Labour Law of Republika Srpska (RS). These laws provide protective provisions for pregnant women and mothers, including provisions related to maternity leave and breaks for breastfeeding during working hours.

Efforts are also being made towards achieving pay transparency in the country, aligning with broader EU initiatives. However, the formal integration of pay transparency measures into the legislative framework is still pending.

Several charitable organizations and nongovernmental groups in BiH are actively working to shift the cultural discourse on gender issues. For instance, the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation offers legal and psychological support to survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence (GBV), while also educating men about women’s rights. Women for Women International, an organization established during the war to aid survivors of torture and rape, continues to advocate for women’s rights. Its affiliated organization, the Žene za Žene International Association of Sarajevo (ŽzŽ), empowers women to pursue roles in politics and other leadership positions.

These efforts reflect ongoing work in BiH to promote gender equality and address issues related to women’s rights and gender-based discrimination.

– Amelia Stout
Photo: Flickr

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Music Has No Borders: A Tribute to Jane Birkin

Jane BirkinA cultural icon, Jane Birkin captured the hearts of many through her exceptional talents and distinct style. Her collaborations with the French singer Serge Gainsbourg not only redefined music but also left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. Songs like “Je t’aime… moi non plus” became anthems of an era, showcasing her evocative voice and unique artistic expression.

She is also known for her great contributions to the world of film and fashion. She graced the silver screen in both British and French cinema and is famously the inspiration behind the ‘Birkin Bag’ by fashion house Hermes. Her beauty, grace and charisma made her a symbol of artistic liberation and creativity.

Many of the obituaries of Jane Birkin cover all of this information, remembering Birkin for her artistic achievements. While her accomplishments in the artistic world were both incredible and undeniable, her humanitarian work was also significant.  As a singer, she used her talent to bring light and hope to those who needed it most.

“Je Suis Pas d’Accord”

In the new millennium, following her rise to stardom, Jane Birkin shifted her focus to philanthropy. For example, she worked closely with Amnesty International, an organization devoted to global human rights. During the organization’s 40th anniversary celebration in 2001, which coincided with their commitment to eradicating torture, Birkin boldly tackled the uncomfortable subject. Taking to the screen once more, this time in a television interview, she addressed the issue.

Empathizing with her audience, she acknowledged that there are moments when one can feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem and question the impact one individual can have. However, she asserted that this is a misconception; even the smallest act of publicly condemning practices like torture, simply stating, “Je ne suis pas d’accord” (I disagree), can wield significant influence, demonstrating an unwavering faith in collective strength and the power of advocacy.

Aung San Suu Kyi

One way in which Jane Birkin demonstrated her commitment to human rights and philanthropy was by doing what she did best: music. She released a song with Amnesty International titled “Aung San Suu Kyi,” named after the Burmese political leader. The song was to shed light on Aung San Suu Kyi’s plight for democratic freedom, inspired by this woman who spent 15 years under house arrest. Birkin’s dedication to advocating for justice and freedom didn’t go unnoticed, and it led to her being denied a visa by the Chinese government ahead of an organized concert.

Despite facing obstacles, her relentless efforts in raising awareness about human rights violations and her collaboration with both Amnesty International and the International Human Rights Federation showcased her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place.

Her Songs Touched Our Hearts

In addition to her advocacy endeavors, Jane Birkin displayed a strong desire to contribute more directly. Following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, she joined forces with the nonprofit organization International Movement ATD Fourth World. This organization had a dedicated team on the ground in Haiti, providing assistance to families in vulnerable situations. In April of the same year, Jane Birkin embarked on a journey to Haiti, accompanied by members from the ATD Fourth World Volunteer Corps.

During her time in Haiti, Birkin engaged directly with people impacted by the earthquake. She connected with Haitian children and patients in hospitals, lending her voice to songs of hope. Through her musical talent, she managed to inspire optimism in a place where it had been scarce. The climax of her visit came in the form of a concert, where she shared the stage with local Haitian musicians. This performance is etched in the minds and hearts of attendees, many of whom still vividly recall the emotions they felt on that day. A member of the ATD Volunteer Corps, Jacqueline Plaisir, said that “her songs touched our hearts.”

Jane Birkin’s involvement extended beyond the spotlight; she actively participated in the day-to-day activities of the volunteers in Haiti. This included accompanying them on visits to families in need and ensuring that essential resources reached even the most isolated corners of the affected region.

“It May Even Be Selfish”

Upon her return from Haiti, a conference organized by ATD Fourth World was held to discuss the reconstruction of the affected areas. Birkin shared her own experiences in the country with those present, including her motivations: “It was a reward for all these years of being something that resembles a singer.”

When asked about the possibility of retiring, she resolutely declared her commitment to continue. She considered her humanitarian endeavors not as difficult tasks, but rather as experiences that consistently filled her with a sense of amazement. Even amid the direst of circumstances, she found solace in the kindness of those tirelessly striving to help and enact positive change. She even went as far as to say that her work “may even be selfish,” as she felt invigorated after her visits.

Legacy

Setting aside her artistic accomplishments, Jane Birkin’s life was a tapestry of remarkable experiences. Her dedication to humanitarian causes yielded lasting memories for those who were present. This article merely scratches the surface of Birkin’s humanitarian contributions. She also embarked on journeys to destinations like Israel, Palestine and Rwanda and collaborated with organizations during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Birkin’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, such as the Haitian musician Jean-Francois Gay, who aptly expressed this sentiment by saying that in his homeland “we like to say that those who do good never die.”

– Danielle Chorley
Photo: Flickr

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How the US Federal Budget is Helping Reduce Global Poverty

U.S. Federal Budget
The U.S. federal budget for the fiscal year 2024 focuses on the high stakes of global poverty. In light of the unprecedented humanitarian crises around the world, the budget seeks more than $10.5 billion in humanitarian assistance, with $6.5 billion allocated through USAID-administered channels. This funding aims to address an average of 75 crises each year, spanning more than 65 nations and encompassing regions like Ukraine and Syria.

Humanitarian Assistance in the Fiscal Budget

The Ukraine-Russian conflict has done serious damage to the already devastated issue of global poverty. The economic woes of developing countries have increased, while sustainable development has become stagnant. Calls for humanitarian assistance have peaked at 360 million people. More than 110 million individuals have been displaced from their homes, while an alarming 260 million people grapple with severe food insecurity, with some teetering on the brink of famine.

It is no surprise that the U.S. economy is a vital and almost dominating part of the world’s financial structure. The U.S. federal budget for the fiscal year 2024 realizes the crisis that beholds the world and is doing its part to lower the impact.

The Impact of International Assistance

The United States Agency for International Development is responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance. The U.S. federal budget has equipped USAID with $32 billion for foreign assistance. More than $1.1 billion will go toward Feed the Future programs that focus on the food crisis, which the Ukraine and Russian war and changing weather patterns have affected.

The budget also allocates funding for “Bright Spot” countries that have recently shown promising democratic developments. Further, as the U.S. promotes itself as the champion of democracy, it has dedicated $2.8 billion to flourishing democracy, meanwhile objecting to corruption as outlined in the Summit for Democracy and the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal.

Global development is heavily dependent on private sectors and capital growth. The Budget request of $60 million emphasizes empowering new enterprises that will lead to stronger economic resilience. For global health, $4.1 billion will be directed toward combatting contagious diseases, reducing child and maternal mortality rates, strengthening nutrition programs, addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis and expanding the global healthcare workforce, in alignment with the President’s Global Health Worker Initiative. Furthermore, $745 million was requested to be put toward preventing and responding to threats of future infectious diseases.

The aspect of gender equality and women’s security also has a place in the budget. An amount of $200 million was requested for the State and USAID to promote gender equality and ensure the economic security of women.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. federal budget for 2024 aims at providing humanitarian assistance to those in need. The records show that people across the globe are in desperate need of aid. The budget’s targets—if met—will surely help in uplifting those who need assistance.

– Asra Mairaj
Photo: Flickr

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The Steps Toward Malawi Debt Restructuring

Malawi Debt
Malawi is a country located in Southeast Africa. Boasting natural beauty and a rich culture, Malawi has a diverse landscape. The nation has been incredibly resilient in recent years, continuing to grow and persevere through economic challenges. Malawi has had a complex debt situation for decades. To try and support its development goals, Malawi borrowed money. The country now faces an extreme debt burden, putting the citizens in unsafe, vulnerable positions. This debt halts Malawi’s economic and social development.

Debt History

In 1964, Malawi gained its independence from Britain. The country’s debt journey began soon after that, in the 1970s, when it started borrowing money to fund social programs and new infrastructure projects. The first loans to the country came from Western banks and numerous government programs. 

Malawi’s economic stability relies heavily on agricultural exports. So, when interest rates started to rise, and the price of exports dropped, debt began to build up quickly. In the 1980s and 1990s, about $100 million of debt payments departed from Malawi each year. As the debt kept adding up, Malawi was scrambling to find solutions. The economy started to decline significantly, prompting their decades of struggle with debt. 

To combat this, the IMF and World Bank started the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative to help developing countries with debt. This initiative allows governments to regain 100% debt relief from the African Development Fund, World Bank and IMF. In 2006, the HIPC initiative authorized Malawi to get $2.3 billion of debt canceled. Annual debt repayment improved, and the conditions for citizens did, too. Now, Malawi could focus money on social programs instead of repaying debt.

Current State

The struggle with debt began again around 2015. As export prices decreased, Malawi looked to borrow money to support themselves. Malawi has few options for increasing revenue besides agriculture, so as droughts rose and sustainability declined, the country ran into trouble. Malawi was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, too. Restrictions and lockdowns furthered the economic burdens. Most agricultural movements stopped, and many citizens lost their jobs. Extreme poverty rose, as did food insecurity. To bounce back from the pandemic, Malawi reached out for help. 

In 2023, Malawi currently has $1.2 billion owed in external debt. The country owes $495 million to the African Export-Import Bank and $337 million to the Trade and Development Bank. These two make up the bulk of money Malawi owes. The others include the Export-Import Bank of China and the Export-Import Bank of India. For a developing country, this is a large amount of debt to repay. However, Malawi is optimistic about the restructuring of this debt.

Future Plans

Malawi has a plan for taking care of its debt. The Malawi finance minister announced on September 5, 2023, that he was optimistic about Malawi’s debt restructuring. The country seeks a new IMF loan by the end of the year. The African Export-Import Bank and the Trade & Development Bank have already signed the restructuring. Malawi still needs the India and China Export-Import banks to sign to guarantee the IMF loan. 

The minister stressed the resilience Malawi has built these last few years and the difficulties they have overcome. The country continues to break through despite unforgiving conditions. The main setback that Malawi faces now is a need for more foreign currency.

The IMF has tirelessly supported Malawi and sent a team to work with the government. The IMF has implemented new programs for debt restructuring in Malawi. One strategy that the IMF proposed was adopting market reforms. Doing this would stabilize their debts and allow economic growth.

Malawi is gaining momentum with restructuring the debt and is hopeful it will continue. Malawi’s debt-to-GDP ratio currently stands at 73%. By adopting new strategies and gaining support from international organizations, Malawi could restructure its debt sustainably and efficiently.  

– Madison Rogers
Photo: Flickr

How El Niño Affects the Impoverished

El Niño Affects the Impoverished
El Niño is a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that affects weather worldwide. While it only occurs every two to seven years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center announced the arrival of El Niño in June 2023. Experts say the typical weather patterns involve trade winds that blow West along the equator, which takes warm water from South America towards Asia. El Niño disrupts that pattern.

“During El Niño, trade winds weaken. Warm water is pushed back east, toward the west coast of the Americas,” says the National Ocean Service. “El Niño can affect our weather significantly. The warmer waters cause the Pacific jet stream to move south of its neutral position. With this shift, areas in the northern U.S. and Canada are dryer and warmer than usual. But in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Southeast, these periods are wetter than usual and have increased flooding.” Here is more about El Niño and how it affects the impoverished.

What Does It Do?

Experts say that the warmer-than-average water temperatures that El Niño creates can affect hurricane season. According to Meteorologist Brooke Silverang via ABC 25 News, “During the hurricane season which continues through the end of November, El Nino tends to increase wind shear across the Atlantic Basin. This helps suppress the development of tropical activity in the Atlantic. On the other hand, it can also lead to stronger hurricanes in the Pacific.” Experts say that El Niño typically peaks in late fall and winter, so it will be harsher during those times.

According to Jonathan Erdman via Weather.com, “T​he classic El Niño winter is rather warm from Alaska into western and central Canada and then into the northern tier of states from the Pacific Northwest to the western Great Lakes. It tends to be colder and wetter than average through much of the southern U.S., particularly from Texas to the Carolinas. We found that some cities in the Southwest, Southern Plains and mid-Atlantic have their snowiest winters during El Niño.”

El Niño can last around nine to 12 months, sometimes a few years. Experts say the current El Niño will likely continue through early 2024. 

The Way El Niño Affects the Impoverished

These drastic weather patterns can have life-altering effects on people living in poverty. A study even found that disease outbreaks became 2.5%-28% more intense during the 2015-2016 El Niño event. Studies have shown that El Niño affects the impoverished the most.

According to U.K.-based charity Save the Children, regions already experiencing multiple crises will feel the effects of El Niño the most. It revealed the forecasts of below-average rainfall in El Salvador and Guatemala, increased risk of landslides and flooding in Haiti and risk of flooding and food shortages in the Horn of Africa.

During previous El Niños, dramatically changing weather patterns have affected impoverished people the most. However, there are ways the more fortunate can help.

Solutions

Save the Children has already compiled a list of what others can do to help impoverished families through this event. On the charity’s page discussing this issue, something brought up often is how international governments can assist these families during this time. A suggestion is that they can increase funding for early action, local and national responders, and commit to new climate finance. 

Save the Children is also actively working to prepare for the effects of El Niño. On top of monitoring potential risks across regions, it is “building and strengthening social protection systems to mitigate the worst socio-economic knock-on effects,” according to its website. 

– Brianna Leonard
Photo: Flickr