Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Disability and Poverty in Malaysia

Disability and Poverty in MalaysiaIn 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Bank expanded the definition of ‘disability’ from medical and biological to social. This new method calls for a balanced approach, giving proper weight to both the medical and social models that contribute to the extent of disabilities people experience.

A social disability model is where “people are viewed as being disabled by society rather than their bodies.”

People with disabilities are more vulnerable to negative social and economic factors than those without. More than 1 billion people worldwide have some form of disability. This prevents them from accessing essential services including education, health care and employment opportunities. As a result, they are less likely to participate in the economy, which in turn drives them to poverty.

Approaching disability and poverty in Malaysia through this lens helps unveil its powerful influence in shaping the country’s growth.

Disability and Poverty in Malaysia in a Post-COVID Era

Many regard Malaysia as a wealthy and economically stable nation. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty rates have risen. As of 2022, 5.6% of the Malaysian population lived in absolute poverty.

As per the National Health and Morbidity Survey as of 2019, about 11.1% of adults in Malaysia have disabilities. Since the pandemic, the average income of houses led by people with disabilities lowered by 36%. Consequently, this spiked the poverty rate to about 55% in those households.

Impactful Challenges to People with Disabilities in Malaysia  

  • In 2021, the government increased financial assistance for people with disabilities by 20% for adults, 42.8% for the old and chronically ill, 50% for children between the ages of seven to eighteen and 100% for children under the age of six. However, since the pandemic, the cost of living has risen, increasing average food prices and bringing a loss of jobs. This has created a greater financial burden for low-income groups.
  • The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that more than 50% of the population is uninformed about disability. Furthermore, one in three Malaysians believe that “children with disabilities should be kept hidden.” UNICEF is working with activists, health care professionals and the government to ensure programs are defined to protect and provide the necessary care for these children.
  • In an effort to improve employment for people with disabilities, the Malaysian government requires that 1% of available jobs must be filled by people with disabilities. If followed, people with disabilities should fill around 14,000 public sector positions. However, the country barely had 4,500 persons with disabilities employed as of 2018, conditions exacerbated by social stigma. Until this law is prioritized, people with disabilities in Malaysia will continue to suffer.
  • Young adults with disabilities are encouraged to register with the job placement system for persons with disabilities (SPOKU) to aid in the transition from secondary school to employment. Private business owners with disabilities can register for business financing assistance instead (SGBP-OKU). However, vocational training and transition support can be improved.
  • Even though access to the internet and usage expanded during COVID-19, the lack of the right resources and skills prevented people with low income and disabilities from taking full advantage of the digital platforms.

Toward Recovery and Growth

  • COVID-19 helped further the marginalization and isolation of children with disabilities and their families. However, access to medical services for children with disabilities living in remote areas has significantly improved since then. For example, UNICEF’s National Early Childhood Intervention Council’s (NECIC) programs such as “COVID-19 Early Intervention Teletherapy Services.” NECIC calls for short-term, mid-term and long-term policy changes.
  • The Education Ministry is working to establish the Special Education Integration Programme (SEIP) in all primary schools in Malaysia. This would enable the integration of children with disabilities into primary schools while allowing for the relocation of schools as needed. This creates the best access for students with disabilities. As of October 2021, there were thirty-four special education schools with 97,220 students enrolled under the Special Education Program.
  • The Economic Empowerment Programme Assessment (EEPA) is a tool implemented by both the government and non-governmental organizations to help assess the employability of people with disabilities. Malaysia Information Network for the Disabled (MIND) was set up to gather information needed and provide access to essential services for people with disabilities.
  • The Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development ensured the state government’s full support in assisting persons with disabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises to gain financial independence. They approved an initial grant of RM3,000 ( around 645.44 USD) for a hydroponic project.

Malaysia continues to prioritize the social well-being of the economically vulnerable. Several initiatives are underway to promote disability inclusion. There is a clear framework for pivotal improvements in the lives of people with disabilities. The government will continue to address disability and poverty in Malaysia as the country accelerates toward becoming a developed economy by 2030.

– Sudha Krishnaswami
Photo: Flickr

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A Foreign Aid Success Story: Armenia’s Journey from Recipient to Donor

Foreign Aid Success 
Barack Obama sent the message that “Development isn’t charity” when he signed off on the 2016 Global Food Security Act. It was accompanied by the sentiment that should the international community invest in a developing nation, they may see a return on their investment.

On April 10, less than a decade after graduating from being a recipient of the World Bank’s IDA fund, Armenia became an official contributor. Bringing with it a $1 million paid-in contribution, Armenia’s development is a foreign aid success story worth knowing about. 

Armenia’s Humanitarian Crisis

Prior to IDA funding in 1993, Armenia’s humanitarian situation was grave. Newly independent and grappling with soaring inflation, Armenia was suffering from an acute food and energy shortage. On top of this, the war over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh put a major drain on resources, disrupted trade routes and occupied government attention. Armenians found themselves displaced, unemployed and without their basic needs met when the IDA offered its assistance — the precedence for foreign aid was clear. 

The Impact of Global Emergencies

In spite of Armenia’s progressive development, aid as an international priority has taken a backseat. A deluge of global crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to rising energy prices, has led governments to rethink their aid commitments. The U.K. government, for example, has reduced its pledge to spend 0.7% of its gross national income on Official Development Assistance. The new aim is 0.5% as a “temporary measure,” and the 0.7% U.N. recommendation has no set date for reimplementation. The abstract promise of a return “when the fiscal situation allows” is the only suggestion of intent.

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare that aid is the first thing to leave a country’s agenda when the going gets tough. Cuts to foreign aid budgets without warning seem to stem from aid being perceived as mere philanthropy by states and citizens alike.

Armenia’s foreign aid success suggests otherwise. It has brought Obama’s “invest now, benefit later” mentality to fruition and illuminates the mutual benefit of aid for all to see. Armenia’s development has brought improvements to health care, the market and international relations. Here is information about Armenia’s foreign aid success.

1. Improvements in Health Care 

Statistics that the World Bank published show clear improvements in the overall health of the Armenian population. In 2000, Armenia’s life expectancy at birth was 71 years. As of 2019, Armenia’s life expectancy has improved to 75 years. 

A look at rates of survival in children tells a similarly positive story. Armenia’s infant mortality rate was 27 per 1,000 live births in 2000. By 2020, this figure had reduced to just 10 per 1,000. 

Of course, one cannot wholly attribute improvements in Armenian health to foreign aid. However, World Bank and IDA payments to Armenia since membership total $2.6 billion, spanning 78 projects. One should not understate the positive impact of humanitarian work on today’s narrative.

2. Expanding the Consumer Market

Ricardo Michel, Director of the Center for Transformational Partnerships at USAID, explained that increasing the number of consumers spurs economic growth both domestically and overseas. This theory is tried and tested; 11 of the U.S.’s top 15 trading partners have received U.S. aid. When faced with the reality that only 5% of the world’s consumers live in the U.S., investing in foreign aid enables U.S. companies valuable access to an expanded consumer market. By this logic, Armenians are stimulating economic growth at home and abroad as a result of past aid from the IDA. 

3. Strengthening International Ties 

Representatives of the World Bank have emphasized the significance of foreign aid to Armenia in strengthening multilateral ties with the international community. Akihiko Nishio and Antonella Bassani, Vice Presidents at the World Bank, welcomed Armenia as a new donor in April, stressing that “the world is in dire need of international solidarity.” With crises coming thick and fast, foreign aid builds the bonds required for global responses and subsequent recoveries — ones that leave no nation behind.

Looking Forward

As the world watches Armenia repay the international community for its assistance, it becomes clear that foreign aid does not need to come from a place of philanthropy, but actually functions as an economic investment for developed countries. 

– Imogen Townsend
Photo: Unsplash

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Food Insecurity and Mental Health Around the Globe

Food Insecurity and Mental Health
In 2023, 9.2% of the world’s population faced chronic hunger, mostly in the developing world. Tragically, nearly one in five people in Africa are undernourished, compared to less than 3% in North America and Europe. 

Many may be familiar with the physical cost of hunger. However, they might not know the crippling psychological harms that food insecurity imposes. The interplay between food insecurity and mental health is one more reason why addressing global hunger has never been more urgent. 

The State of Food Insecurity and Mental Health 

Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to nutritious food, often due to economic constraints. It raises the risk of chronic hunger, preventing people from leading active and healthy lives. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, the world has witnessed inflation and scarcity, plunging 122 million more people into hunger in 2023 compared to 2019. 

Worrying about securing food, or living in perpetual fear of hunger, subjects low-income people to constant stress with serious potential consequences for their mental well-being. A Canadian study found that those grappling with food insecurity are three times more likely to report adverse mental health outcomes. Similarly, research in the U.S. estimated that food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic had three times the negative impact on mental health that pandemic job loss did.

The Hidden Cost of Living with Hunger 

Food insecurity itself inflicts psychological harm. However, some coping strategies can also breed anxiety or shame, particularly if social stigma marks them. This is another way food insecurity and mental health are tragically connected. 

Here are several common strategies for coping with food insecurity: 

  • Buying cheaper foods 
  • Borrowing money for food, or borrowing food 
  • Limiting food intake, especially parents limiting their food intake to ensure their children have enough to eat 
  • Begging for food 
  • Using government assistance or charitable programs, such as food banks 

In South Africa, where more than 20% of households experience food insecurity, researchers estimate that as many as one in five households have resorted to begging for food. This has an association with a higher risk of psychological harm compared to other coping strategies because of the uncertainty, danger and stigma that surrounds begging. 

The Path to Progress  

Improving food assistance mechanisms like government food banks or charitable programs may not provide a comprehensive solution when taking food insecurity and mental health into account. Especially when individuals risk being seen receiving food aid, seeking help often triggers embarrassment or stress. That means going to a local food bank is not enough to truly free people from the harms of hunger. 

Meaningful and sensitive improvements to tackle food insecurity could prove effective in combating mental health crises around the world. One promising initiative is Feed the Future, a program that the U.S. government funds and manages. In its 20 countries of operation, Feed the Future employs a three-part strategy including developing agriculture, building community resilience and working towards whole-population nourishment. Notably, this initiative builds systems for long-term food security, rather than short-term relief. 

From 2011-2021, Feed the Future secured $4.8 billion in funding for global food security and generated nearly four times that amount in global agricultural sales. The program estimates that 23.4 million more people are above the poverty line due to its work around the world.

The connection between food insecurity and mental health provides just another reason why combating global hunger is of the utmost importance. With compassionate, awareness-driven food aid, it is possible to alleviate hunger and benefit the physical and mental health of millions around the world.

– Faye Crawford
Photo: Flickr

Renewable Energy in Jordan Provides Jobs and Opportunity

Renewable Energy in JordanThe Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located in the Middle East in the north of the Arabian peninsula. Founded in 1946 following 28 years under British administration, Jordan is bordered by Syria and Iraq from the north, Saudi Arabia from the south and the West Bank to the west. Recently, having developed a reputation for relative stability, Jordan has become a safe haven for refugees, especially for those fleeing civil war in Syria. Despite a stable middle-income economy, growth remains slow, with youth unemployment estimated as exceeding 30% and traditional work, such as agriculture, stifled by arid conditions. As a result, continued development remains dependent on international aid and investment. The United States and Germany are the biggest national donors.

Poverty is also accentuated by the kingdom’s substantial dependence upon other nations for natural resources, such as food and energy, which add to the cost of living. Female-headed households and refugee households tend to be the most vulnerable.

Potential for Accessible Domestic Energy 

In 2012, various reforms were enacted in order to provide investment opportunities by establishing standards to incentivize the use of renewable energy in Jordan. As part of a so-called Master Strategy to decrease energy costs and enhance security and accessibility, the Jordanian government sought investments in alternative energy sources, such as solar power, and diversification away from the three main fossil fuels conventionally used, oil, natural gas and fuel oil. These programs have successfully grown Jordan’s renewable energy sector over the course of the past decade, with the quantity of electricity produced from renewable sources growing over 17-fold. 

This growth has also given vulnerable demographics, such as those living in refugee camps and those in rural areas not previously serviced, the opportunity to gain access to electricity. At the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps, dominated by Syrian refugees, electricity is being provided for the first time at no cost to occupants via new solar panel fields. By 2018, the price of renewable energy in Jordan, in particular solar-derived electricity, cost less than half that of electricity produced from oil-derived production.

Challenges

While Jordan currently has the resources required to continue pursuing marked expansion in renewable energy, the rapid rate of growth has illustrated economic challenges in maintaining the government’s projected pace. Renewable energy remains a growing interest amongst nations with smaller developing economies, including the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the majority of businesses and those trained in the installation and design of equipment required for renewable energy use are concentrated in developed economies and larger nations, such as those found in the European Union, as well as the United States, China and Brazil. 

In order to address this deficit, investments are needed to train those in the renewable energy sector for the assembly and operation of new energy infrastructure and to provide financial resources to allow electricity operators to invest in new energy resources. Ongoing efforts include the training of young professionals in handling infrastructure for electric cars, new power grids for energy distribution and farms for wind and solar power can help to address long-standing worker shortages. 

NEPCO, Jordan’s largest electricity utility services, has received long-term assistance from both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in addressing substantial debts owed by the government-owned power generation company and improving efficiency to allow more resources to be directed towards expanding renewable, domestic energy.  

Looking Forward

In sum, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has sought to address both structural issues related to poverty, economic opportunity and a transition towards more affordable domestic energy supplies. The ability of renewable energy in Jordan to provide disadvantaged populations, such as those in poverty and refugees, resources like inexpensive electricity and to strengthen economic potential has produced results over the prior decade, with exponential growth evidence of progress towards the government goal of 31% of all electricity. 

However, long-term goals of being capable of continued growth without international aid, both from multinational organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and or aid provided by nations such as Germany and the United States, have not yet been achieved, with continued international investment in opportunity to lower youth unemployment, public debt and other challenges still projected as essential for continued progress in reducing poverty. 

– Cormac Sullivan
Photo: Wikimedia

How Mud Silos Help End Hunger in Ghana

mud silos in GhanaIn the Republic of Ghana, poverty prevails in both northern communities and rural areas. 

Though the country has a 45% agricultural-based economy, 1.6 million of its citizens are undernourished due to poor food systems and a lack of infrastructure. To combat this, grain silos made out of mud are being constructed using traditional methods to help farmers retain harvested goods and end hunger in Ghana. 

Disproportionately, northern Ghanaian citizens suffer the greatest from hunger, having the highest level of food insecurity in Ghana at 23-49%, contrasting with 4-10% in southern areas. The greatest cause of hunger in Ghana is insufficient storage facilities that allow crops to go to waste. Post-harvest food losses in Ghana are estimated to be anywhere between 20-50%, resulting in the waste of 3.2 million tons of food. With grain such as rice and maize as staples of Ghanaian cuisine, farmers produce them in significant quantities, and storage is imperative. 

Historical Background 

Mud silos have helped end hunger and store harvested grain in Ghana for centuries. In northern Ghana, ethnic groups such as the Konkombas have been using mud to build grain silos for storage for hundreds of years. By blocking out oxygen, the mud silo allows the grain to ferment, which preserves the grain crop until it comes into contact with oxygen. The silos preserve crops by keeping them in a dry climate that does not allow them to rot. As a proven method, silos can save crops for up to 50 years, and grain for anywhere from 30 to 35 days a year. Due to this, the mud silos help to end hunger in Ghana.

How Do Mud Silos Help End Hunger?

By protecting crops and grains, mud silos can reduce food wastage to less than 5%. The Opportunities Industrialization Centers International has helped build silos in Ghana for less than $25 a day. 

Compared to other structures, mud silos last between 10-15 years, and can be made from materials easily accessible to farmers like clay, straw and water. The OICI has helped build 2600 mud silos in regions across Ghana, helping farmers to preserve and utilize their crops and grain to the maximum capacity. 

Mud silos and education about them continue to help farmers across Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa store their crops and reduce hunger sustainably. The greater the yield of a crop a farmer is able to save, the more people the yield can feed. By reducing food losses so greatly, communities across Ghana are helping to be fed.

– Nadia Soifer
Photo: Flickr

Empowering Singapore’s Small-Scale Farmers

Empowering Singapore's Small-Scale FarmersIn the core of urban Singapore, small-scale farmers encounter unique challenges in their active pursuit of agricultural endeavors. However, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is surfacing to provide Singapore’s small-scale farmers with sustainable support, enabling their growth and contributing to the city-state’s food security.

Government Initiatives Pave the Way

Singapore’s government acknowledges the importance of local food production in reducing its dependence on imports. To uplift small-scale farming, the government has applied a range of initiatives. According to data from the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, over the past three years, $50 million has been allocated to grants and subsidies for small-scale farmers. These specific funds aid in the development of essential infrastructure, including greenhouses and vertical farming systems, which maximize land use efficiency and crop yield.

Community-Supported Agriculture Creates Synergy

One innovative solution that’s picking up steam is the concept of community-supported agriculture (CSA). This model links residents directly with local farmers, permitting them to subscribe to regular deliveries of fresh produce. This arrangement benefits both parties: consumers obtain access to locally grown, organic produce, while farmers get a firm grasp on a stable market and income. Recently, local CSA programs launched a “30 by 30” initiative where the goal would be to locally produce thirty percent of its nutritional desires by the year 2030, indicating an increasing interest among Singaporeans to support small-scale farming.

Technological Advancements Revolutionize Farming

Welcoming and embracing technology has become a key base for empowering small-scale farmers. Vertical farming, which is a practice that requires cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers, has gained popularity for its ability to maximize space utilization. The vertical farming market in Singapore is predicted to grow rapidly in the next three years, as reported by the Singapore Vertical Farming Association. Furthermore, hydroponic and aquaponic systems are increasingly unified into urban farms, decreasing water usage by up to 90% compared to conventional methods.

Education and Training Foster Innovation

A crucial part of empowering Singapore’s small-scale farmers lies in the benefits they’ve received from a heightened emphasis on education and skill development. Specialized courses, workshops and seminars are equipping farmers with the most recent sustainable practices and business strategies. According to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore, students who are enrolled and have graduated from these programs are taking great strides towards adding talents for farms of the future. Just recently, “20 students from the aquaculture discipline in Temasek Polytechnic and Republic Polytechnic have been placed in internships at 10 local fish farms.” Although this is just the beginning, the knowledge transfer empowers Singapore’s small-scale farmers to optimize their operations and adapt to the evolving landscape of modern agriculture.

Creating a Robust Market Ecosystem

Supporting small-scale farmers demands generating a thriving market ecosystem. Local restaurants, markets and supermarkets are realizing the value of sourcing from nearby producers. Not only does this ensure a steady demand for farmers’ products but also reduces carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation.

A Holistic Approach for a Sustainable Future

With all that being said, the multifaceted approach to empowering Singapore’s small-scale farmers combines government support, community engagement, technological innovation, education and a robust market ecosystem. By cultivating these elements, Singapore is taking massive steps towards achieving stronger and healthier food security and sustainability. As the city-state continues to prioritize these initiatives, it enters the path to creating a resilient agricultural sector that not only supports local farmers but at the same time, contributes to the well-being of its citizens and the environment.

– Nathaniel Scandore
Photo: Flickr

5 Facts About HIV/AIDS in South Korea

HIV/AIDS in South Korea
South Korea, renowned for its music, delicious foods, intriguing dramas and colorful culture, has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability. It has emerged as a global powerhouse, showcasing remarkable economic growth, technological advancements and captivating entertainment that has captured the hearts of people worldwide through K-waves. 

However, like any other nation, South Korea faces its own set of challenges, and one pressing issue that often remains insufficiently discussed is HIV/AIDS. While the Republic of Korea is often romanticized, it is crucial to shed light on this important public health concern and work towards fostering greater awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS in South Korea. Here are the five facts about HIV/AIDS in South Korea.

1. HIV/AIDS Prevalence

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern in every nation. However, accurate statistics regarding the prevalence of the virus, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are often unavailable in South Korea. The country lacks a standardized method for estimating the number of HIV-infected individuals, making it challenging to obtain precise data. Unlike cumulative figures, the South Korean government only discloses the number of new HIV infections, further complicating efforts to calculate the number of undiagnosed citizens. This lack of comprehensive data hinders effective public education and awareness campaigns about this crucial health issue.

2. Culture and High-Risk Groups

As the number of new HIV cases in South Korea persistently increases every year, new high-risk groups are emerging. While the traditional high-risk groups, such as men who have intercourse with men and injection drug users, account for the majority of HIV/AIDS cases, heterosexual transmission of HIV has now become a significant and dominant cause of new infections among women. This unique trend in South Korea highlights the potential for widespread contagion within the general population. As a result, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and targeted public health interventions to curb the spread of HIV and enhance awareness and prevention efforts.

3. Stigma and Discrimination

In South Korea, the intense stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS proves to be a major barrier for people to receive early diagnosis and treatment, leading to a higher probability that their HIV will progress to become AIDS. Additionally, many health care providers in South Korea have limited knowledge of HIV treatment and prevention techniques. Some health care facilities even refuse to care for patients with HIV/AIDS or subject them to unnecessary precautions, such as isolation. These challenges not only impede access to quality health care for affected individuals but also contribute to the perpetuation of misinformation and discrimination. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure that all individuals living with HIV/AIDS receive the compassionate and appropriate care they deserve.

4. Government Initiatives

The South Korean government has made efforts to define risk groups and provide HIV testing within those groups, aiming to decrease the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country. However, a significant shift in government policy occurred after the National Human Rights Commission of South Korea reported an alarming increase in the suicide rate among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In response, anonymous testing centers were established specifically for homosexual individuals and migrant workers, addressing the reluctance to get tested stemming from social stigma. While this policy change has shown some positive impact, the HIV/AIDS issue in South Korea remains unstable due to the lack of a solid and agreed-upon method for tackling the epidemic effectively.

5. KNP+

The Korean Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (KNP+) is a Seoul-based organization established in 2011, with approximately 2,000 members. Its primary objective is to unite existing organizations and provide a collective voice for the HIV-positive community in South Korea. The organization was founded by a man known as Munsu, who had been living with HIV for 20 years. After years of fear and hiding due to the social stigma surrounding HIV, Munsu decided to share his personal story, inspiring the creation of KNP+. The organization’s mission is twofold: to influence policies that improve psychosocial support programs for people living with HIV/AIDS in South Korea and to combat stigma, encouraging individuals to seek the help they need without fear of discrimination. Through their advocacy and support, KNP+ aims to empower HIV-positive individuals, raise awareness and foster a more inclusive and understanding society.

Conclusion

The romanticized vision of South Korea held by many around the world overlooks the very real, pressing issue of HIV/AIDS in the country. Insufficient data and stigma surrounding the disease present significant barriers to tackling the epidemic effectively. The emergence of new high-risk groups and the impact of discrimination further complicate the situation. Nevertheless, the efforts of organizations like KNP+ and government initiatives aimed at testing and supporting vulnerable populations offer hope for progress. By fostering greater awareness, understanding and compassion, South Korea can strive towards a more inclusive and healthier society for all its citizens.

– Sandy Kang
Photo: Flickr

The Elimination of the Gender Wage Gap in Luxembourg

Gender Wage Gap in Luxembourg
Luxembourg has become the first and only country to date to eliminate the gender wage gap. As of 2021, the gender wage gap in Luxembourg between women and men stands at about -0.2%, meaning, on average, women earned 0.2% more than men hourly in 2021. Luxembourg is the only country already taking this big step in the direction of total workplace gender equality, with the country with the second smallest wage gap, Romania, still exhibiting a gap of about 3.6% in 2021. 

The possibility of the elimination of the wage gap is also due to the higher education that many women receive. Many women in Luxembourg have higher levels of education than men, allowing women as a whole to work higher-paying jobs and earn more than men overall, greatly contributing to Luxembourg’s elimination of the wage gap. While women still receive less pay in certain sectors of employment like real estate and tech, where employers favor men by more than 20%, other areas like arts and entertainment favor women by more than 15%, making women on average earn about 7% higher than men as a whole. 

How Did Luxembourg Eliminate the Wage Gap? 

The elimination of the gender wage gap in Luxembourg was a long journey that began to pick up speed in 2016 when the country passed a law based on economic equality between genders. The law was a part of the country’s Labor Code and stated that any inequality between genders in the workplace would result in serious fines to the employer. This resulted in any difference in pay without genuine justification could cause an employer to have to pay between 251 and 25,000 euros, depending on the severity of the difference. This, obviously, discouraged many employers in their attempt to enforce gender-based pay cuts in their workplaces. 

The “Actions Positive” Program

The country also has a program called “Actions Positive” which the Ministry of Equality between Women and Men enforces, the section of the Luxembourg government focused on gender-based issues and equality. This program defends both men and women in cases dealing with gender-based discrimination in the workplace. As of 2019, the program held 120 public representatives who defended anyone in need of legal assistance in cases concerning gender discrimination. The program also consistently organized a multitude of different campaigns that focused on different gender-based issues, like gender stereotypes and roles. 

The Gender Wage Gap in Part-time Employment

Unfortunately, the elimination of the wage gap in Luxembourg has only occurred in the case of full-time employment. When one takes part-time jobs into consideration, women earn an estimated 13% less than men in part-time jobs. This is because women are still much less likely to get consistent hours than men. One can attribute this to the stigma that women will often have to tend to obligations outside of work, like parenthood and home life. With almost a third of all employed women being part-time employees, this ideology places a huge dampener on the progress that Luxembourg has made thus far. 

Looking Ahead

With its great strides in gender equality advancement, the country’s policies concerning workplace gender bias are a paragon for other countries. Other countries that are struggling with extreme gender discrimination should study Luxembourg’s high focus on education for women and its methods surrounding closing the wage gap, considering it is one of the first countries to implement secure laws prohibiting gender wage differences and the first country to officially close the wage gap. 

– Allison Groves
Photo: Flickr

How Guyana’s Economic Growth Alleviates Poverty

Guyana’s Economic Growth
Guyana is a country located in South America, sharing borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname and the Atlantic Ocean. In 2015, ExxonMobil, a natural gas company, discovered offshore oil fields and transformed Guyana’s struggling economy into “one of the biggest success stories of the decade.” Guyana’s economic growth as a petrostate alleviates poverty and is key to improving public services, economic development and living standards through the sudden influx of wealth an oil-based economy can provide. Guyana’s rapid economic growth has made it “one of the most improved countries on the Fragile States Index in 2023.” 

ExxonMobil has reached an “output of 340,000 barrels per day this year” in 2022 with oil production expected to exceed “1mn b/d in three years.” The oil being dug up should greatly help the economy by increasing government revenue from $4 billion in 2022 to “$10 billion a year from 2025.” The country experienced 57.8% growth in 2022 largely due to the oil boom. The effect of the oil boom has trickled down to all aspects of the economy and society and caused a sharp decline in poverty between 2006 and 2019 from 60.9% to 48.4%.

While Guyana’s economic growth as a petrostate alleviates poverty, it is also important to realize the dangers of rapid economic growth especially in a country with political instability divided by deep ethnic rivalries.

How Does Oil Wealth Alleviate Poverty?

With the country’s $2.4 billion generated in oil revenue, Guyana has constructed two highways and a deep-water port. This money comes from the deal Guyana signed in 2016 with the ExxonMobil consortium which dictated that Guyana would receive “50% of the profits.” Since 85% of Guyana is forest, there is a huge issue of mobility. Investment in roads will help Guyana connect with surrounding countries and help improve transport efficiency and regional trade with countries like Brazil. Furthermore, the deep-water port will help trade with Suriname “promising the potential of a new regional trade hub.” Along with this investment, a 1.9 billion gas-to-energy project has been set up to “double Guyana’s energy output and slash high power bills by half” according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Furthermore, “12 hospitals, seven hotels and scores of schools” are being built to improve health care, education and the tourism economy in Guyana. Along with the financing from oil, a $97 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank aimed to “strengthen Guyana’s health care network.” This includes “improvements in logistics, management and processes,” which should “benefit 406,000 people, over half the country’s population.”

As of 2018, the ExxonMobil Foundation had invested $10 million for sustainable employment and conservation. This is to help Guyana diversify its economy and achieve its economic growth in a sustainable manner while conserving the country’s ecosystem, which many people still rely on for their livelihoods and sustenance. This has occurred through the support and improvement of community-based fishing along the coastline. This has been a sector highlighted by both the government and ExxonMobil as “critically important to the wellbeing of the Guyanese people.” Furthermore, ExxonMobil has spent around “$39 million with local suppliers” creating business and employment opportunities with “approximately 68% of ExxonMobil’s current in-country employees” being Guyanese as of 2018. 

Dangers of Rapid Economic Growth

Due to nominal Gross National Income (GNI) jumping 86.2%, Guyana was classified as a high-income country by the World Bank, previously being a middle-income economy as a result of its thriving oil sector. As a result of this, the nonprofit organization Food for the Poor (FFTP) sees great challenges with access to aid within the country. According to the FFTP, the fact that Guyana is now being seen as a high-income country might affect donations as potential donors may choose to divert their funds to other countries in need. This is a problem affecting the poor, as, despite the oil boom and increase in the country’s GDP, salaries have flatlined with the cost of living rising, with goods such as “sugar, oranges, cooking oil, peppers and plantains more than doubling in price.”

The FFTP is hopeful in the next five years’ time that living conditions will improve however the CEO Kent Vincent stated: “I can’t confirm whether there is any major change.” Vincent stated that “Guyana will now, more than ever, need the support of its corporate society to assist those in need,” until Guyana’s living standards catch up with economic growth from its oil boom.

Looking Ahead

Developing nations have often fallen into a resource curse, growing too quickly and fostering reliance on a single industry. Guyana is aware of the pitfalls, showing keen interest in implementing reform and investing across all sectors to ensure sustainable growth. With good leadership and the right policies, the country will be able to benefit from its oil boom and reduce poverty benefiting the entire population. While Guyana’s economic growth as a petrostate alleviates poverty it is just the beginning, and even though they are moving in the right direction they still have a long way to go.  

– Kishan Patel
Photo: Flickr

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4 Ways Bangladesh is Combating Poverty

Bangladesh is Combating Poverty
Bangladesh is a lush South Asian country that some presume to be developing slowly along with other areas of South and Southeast Asia. In fact, the opposite is true: Bangladesh is a beautiful blueprint for how to build a country and lift citizens out of poverty. Its GDP has grown the most out of any country in the last 10 years, and it has cut the number of people living below the national poverty line in half from 2000 to 2016. While it is an amazing success story, 35 million people are still living below the poverty line and the country must continue to use an arsenal of poverty-fighting initiatives to eliminate poverty in Bangladesh. Here are four ways Bangladesh is combating poverty.

Fighting for Breath 

In the 1970s, with help from The Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), Bangladesh slashed child mortality. By identifying diarrhea as the leading cause of child deaths and then widely administering Oral Rehydration therapy, it helped reduce the death rate from 180 in 1,000 to 53 in 1,000 by 2011. 

However, child mortality has continued in Bangladesh, and Pneumonia is a major killer, involved in one in five child deaths. Fighting for Breath is a global initiative that UNICEF spearheaded to eliminate pneumonia deaths in Bangladesh. By working to get Bangladesh up to global health standards (in terms of government spending and quality of care) as well as targeting underlying causes such as poor drinking water and sanitation, Fighting for Breath saves lives and stops child mortality and poverty. 

BRAC

As mentioned above, the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee is a global NGO now operating as simply BRAC. Since its masterful health initiative in the 70s, it pioneered the Graduation Program in Bangladesh, which has four goals: meeting basic needs, income generation, social empowerment and financial support and savings. As of 2022, it has used this model to help 2.1 million households out of extreme poverty in Bangladesh alone. 

BRAC operates under the philosophy that “people should be the subject, not the object of development programs.” Those ideals have helped them combat poverty in Bangladesh and across the globe. 

Fostering Education

A key pillar in reducing global poverty is widespread education, and Bangladesh is no stranger to this facet. Within a decade, Bangladesh has made incredible strides in education. An astounding 98% of elementary-aged children are receiving formal education. Also, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), “The country has achieved…gender parity in equal access to education.” 

Although Bangladesh still struggles with equitable education for minority populations, there are USAID programs in place to tackle this issue. A chief aim is to promote awareness for minorities and people with disabilities. USAID further fought poverty with education by creating 100 classroom-based libraries in 2022. 

How Bangladesh is Combating Poverty With a Booming Economy

A major facet that has Bangladesh on pace to exit the U.N.’s Least Developed Countries List by 2026 is its expanding economy. A strong garment and textile industry and a growing energy sector have uplifted people from poverty. Textiles comprise 80% of the country’s exports and employ 4 million people. Additionally, 100% of Bangladesh’s population has access to electricity. Agriculture has also been a backbone to alleviating poverty, reducing the poverty rate by almost 70% within five years. Support from the World Bank to modernize 1.8 million agricultural houses also displays how a growing Bangladesh has mitigated poverty. The economy did take substantial hits from the COVID-19 pandemic, but its strong economy and fast-growing sectors have been pillars of making a difference. 

Looking forward, there are still many steps to eliminate poverty besides the other efforts Bangladesh is combating poverty with, but the country paints a resilient success story in how to present a continued effort to reduce poverty.

– Aditya Arora
Photo: Flickr