Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Addressing Leprosy in Nepal

Leprosy in NepalLeprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium Leprae which is related to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. The disease is mildly infectious and is most prevalent in places with higher levels of poverty. Due to issues like overcrowding and malnutrition that many people living in poverty face, people’s immune systems can be compromised, making them less able to fight the bacteria.

Leprosy is curable and, if treated early, it will not cause any long-term health issues. According to The Leprosy Mission, around 200,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with leprosy each year.

Although the overall prevalence of leprosy in Nepal fell below one case in 10,000 of its entire population in 2009, there are still areas in Southern Nepal where its prevalence is much higher due to its proximity to Northern India. Nepal was still among the top ten countries affected by leprosy in 2021.

How Leprosy Affects People

If left untreated, leprosy can cause nerve damage, leading to a loss of sensation in the hands, feet and face. Due to this loss of sensation, people with untreated leprosy are less likely to notice pain from injuries such as burns and cuts, which can then lead to infections. Nerve damage to the face can also cause difficulty with blinking and can lead to eye damage and even blindness.

Due to myths and superstitions, there is a great amount of fear and stigma surrounding leprosy in many cultures. Those suffering from the disease are often isolated from their families and communities, and many lose their jobs and even their homes because of this.

Heal Nepal

Although leprosy is curable, especially when treated early, it can be very difficult to diagnose. The Leprosy Mission works with medical researchers to discover new treatments for leprosy and develops campaigns in countries affected by leprosy to help educate people about the disease. They also work with governments worldwide to ensure medical staff are educated, reducing misdiagnosis and preventing leprosy from developing.

The Leprosy Mission aims for zero transmission of leprosy worldwide and is working to improve education on how to end the transmission of leprosy in Nepal through its Heal Nepal program. Heal Nepal works with local communities and health services in 11 different districts of Nepal to educate local communities about leprosy, raising awareness of its symptoms and treatment. They also train health workers on leprosy diagnostics and encourage the early treatment of leprosy, and emphasize that it is not infectious when treated.

These efforts have significantly reduced waiting times for referrals and have allowed for a more efficient provision of leprosy treatment to patients, which has decreased the number of serious health complications in people with leprosy in Nepal. The program also provides patients suffering from more advanced cases with reconstructive surgery when necessary.

How Heal Nepal Is Supporting People with Leprosy in Nepal

Heal Nepal has recruited numerous female volunteers and trained them to identify leprosy, and due to their efforts, more than 170 new leprosy patients have been identified and given treatment. This has lowered the levels of the disease and prevented many people from developing lifelong disabilities that can occur as a result of untreated leprosy.

Along with readily available and highly effective treatments such as multi-drug therapy (the World Health Organization’s recommended treatment for leprosy), there have been many medical breakthroughs within the past decade that are helping people with disabilities caused by leprosy. “Clawed hands” or foot-drops caused by leprosy-related nerve damage can now be restored with surgery and physiotherapy, and reconstructive surgery can also restore eyelid muscles, allowing people to blink again. People with nerve-damaged hands and feet are also encouraged to check daily for any cuts or burns and to soak their hands and feet regularly to make them softer, which helps prevent further injuries which could cause disability. Protective shoes and mobility aids have also been made available to those who need them, improving their quality of life and allowing them to be more independent.

Not only do Heal Nepal and The Leprosy Mission help those with leprosy on a physical level, but these programs also help with the social aspects of having leprosy and work to end the stigma and fear surrounding leprosy by educating people in communities where leprosy is common. They also offer counseling and support groups to help people with leprosy feel less alone and help them cope with the negative social aspects of having the disease.

Overall, The Leprosy Mission’s Heal Nepal campaign has helped reduce transmission of leprosy by identifying and diagnosing the disease early on. This has allowed people with the disease to be treated and cured and allowed many people to return to a normal standard of life. For those with more advanced cases, their quality of life has also been improved with more advanced medical and social care.

– Molly Wallace
Photo: Flickr

Change Please is Combating Homelessness Through Coffee

Combating Homelessness Through Coffee
Homelessness is prevalent in London. According to the homeless organization Streets of London, more than 8,000 people live on the streets. The homeless organization’s website discusses reasons for the loss of housing including abuse, addiction, mental health struggles and relationship issues. People without homes are vulnerable to violence, theft, harassment and even death. Crisis U.K., an organization dedicated to helping homeless individuals, states on its website, “People sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence.” In response to this issue, Change Please, a foundation that fights homelessness through coffee, offers disadvantaged people an opportunity to escape poverty.

Data from the Department for Work and Pensions reveal that 25% of London’s population lives below the poverty line. The pandemic has worsened poverty levels, leaving many families unable to meet their basic needs. Change Please helps struggling individuals in London fulfill their basic needs, including access to shelter.

About Change Please

Change Please is a foundation committed to providing housing, job training and additional resources for homeless populations. It originated in London and has expanded to various locations throughout the city. Its website states 100% of its profits go toward combating homelessness. Change Please’s founder, Cemal Ezel, expressed in the foundation’s annual report that every cup the organization brews and every bean it sells helps change the lives of homeless individuals for the better.

Ezel began the foundation in 2015 after seeing the value of providing job opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Full-time jobs provide income, a purpose and a chance to start fresh.

Change Please is combating homelessness through coffee in several countries like the United States (U.S.), Australia and France. The foundation’s website states all of its profits go toward helping more than 85% of its trainees secure employment. Through its training programs, 500 individuals are employed as baristas. Change Please gives individuals a fresh start in the coffee business or elsewhere.

The Impact of the Change Please Foundation

Change Please’s training center equips individuals with coffee business knowledge, including customer service, coffee-making techniques and latte art. Retail training offers work experience at the foundation’s coffee franchise locations. Upon graduation, Change Please assists trainees in transitioning to future employment.

Additional Support

The foundation’s Driving for Change program provides additional support, including therapy assessments, employment support, financial literacy training and access to essential services like haircuts, dental care, showers and medical consultations. This initiative, sponsored by Colgate, Mastercard and HSBC U.K., began in 2021 and has already served 650 individuals traveling on buses across London boroughs.

Success Stories

Change Please has empowered individuals to change their lives. One woman who previously lived in a women’s refuge now works in hospitality through the foundation’s support. She expressed her gratitude in the annual report, stating that Change Please has been there for her throughout her journey, providing crucial support during difficult times.

Change Please is making a difference in the fight against homelessness through coffee, one cup at a time, by offering hope and opportunities to individuals striving to rebuild their lives.

– Ellie Bruce
Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in Libya: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Child Poverty in LibyaAs of 2023, approximately one-third of the Libyan population is living below the poverty line, indicating a significant issue of child poverty within the country. Consequently, Libya has an assigned score of 6.97/10 on the Realization of Children’s Rights Index (RCRI). This rating categorizes the situation of children’s rights in Libya as “difficult.”

Causes

The issue of conflict has played a significant role in exacerbating child poverty in Libya. For instance, the Libyan Revolt of 2011 had a detrimental impact on health care standards, depriving parents and children of essential medical care. As a result, they experienced a reduced ability to work, and this pushed families further into poverty. The uprising also resulted in the loss or injury of many parents, further hindering their capacity to fulfill their work responsibilities effectively. The revolt caused the deaths of at least 1,142 civilians and injured over 1,000, leaving behind orphaned children and intensifying child poverty in Libya.

Another contributing factor to child poverty was the disruption of education during the war. Despite the availability of free schooling, more than 61,000 students were unable to complete their academic term in 2011. Moreover, the destruction of 15 school buildings by bombings exacerbated the educational deficit.

Effects

The most damaging effect of child poverty is on the health and well-being of affected children. According to a U.N. report, only 14% of children aged between 6 and 23 months receive the minimum diet as of 2019. The same report reveals that 321,200 children are in need of primary and secondary health services in Libya.

The widespread malnutrition of Libyan children is incredibly damaging to the child’s growth, well-being and development. According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the negative effects of malnutrition in the first 1000 days of a child’s life include reduced brain development, a weakened immune system and visual impairment.

Another impact of living in a post-conflict and impoverished society comes from the desire to obtain funds regardless of the method. In Libya, many children living in poverty collect and sell weapons and ammunition left over from wartime to earn money for their families. Other kids pick up weapons or shrapnel out of sheer curiosity, relishing in new, shiny, foreign objects. Naturally, this is very dangerous. Unfortunately, some children have injured themselves or unfortunately lost their lives as a result.

Solutions

Concrete measures exist to alleviate child poverty rates in Libya. Since 2018, the World Food Programme (WFP) has been actively addressing malnutrition in Libya. Through monthly provisions of food and support, the WFP assists around 90,000 vulnerable individuals. Additionally, it offers financial contributions to bolster the country’s social programs. Collaborating with the U.N. and the Government of Libya, the WFP strives to implement effective solutions to reduce child poverty rates in the post-conflict era.

There has been notable progress in reducing infant mortality rates, but further advancements require attention to youth development.

Education stands as the key to breaking the cycle of child poverty in Libya. Education not only alleviates poverty at an individual level but also at a societal level. According to the World Bank, education enhances employment opportunities, fostering economic growth and innovation.

By ensuring improved access to education, this long-term solution aims to break the cycle of child poverty in Libya. In enhancing job prospects for children facing poverty, education plays a crucial role in their empowerment.

The Multi-Year Resilience Programme

There is ongoing progress with respect to addressing the challenging goal of tackling child poverty in Libya. One notable organization working towards this is ‘Education Cannot Wait‘, founded in 2016 by international humanitarian aid and development actors. Its mission is to create a safe learning environment for children affected by crisis. Education Cannot Wait has launched initiatives in crisis-affected countries, including Afghanistan, Brazil, Iraq and Libya.

The Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP), initiated in 2022 with an investment of $11.1 million, is part of these efforts. The MYRP focuses on improving education access by implementing various strategies. The poorest children receive cash transfers, and this helps to alleviate financial constraints on education. Investments go into training teachers to ensure the delivery of high-quality and inclusive education.

As of June 2023, the MYRP has yielded positive results in Libya. There are currently 723 teachers, and 28,000 children have benefited from additional support in schools, including improved sanitation and access to clean water. Furthermore, 2,975 children have received crucial free meals provided by the schools.

While these efforts show promise, the problem of child poverty in Libya requires further attention. There is a need for more commitment and vigilance from all involved parties working to drive change.

– Tom Eccles
Photo: Unsplash

Revolution: What Desserto Offers Sustainable Fashion  

Desserto Offers Sustainable Fashion
In a world, increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, Mexican entrepreneurs introduced a groundbreaking solution that combines sustainability, innovation and style. Meet Desserto, a remarkable material made from organic cactus plants, specifically the nopal cactus. With its exceptional properties and minimal ecological footprint, Desserto offers sustainable fashion products to customers, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

The Eco-Friendly Alternative

Desserto’s production process is a game-changing innovation in the fashion world. Unlike traditional leather, which comes from animal hides and has a significant environmental impact, Desserto provides a cruelty-free and sustainable alternative. By using the nopal cactus, a plant known for its resilience in arid conditions, this innovative material requires minimal water and land to grow. This aspect alone distinguishes it as an eco-friendly choice, substantially reducing water consumption and land usage compared to traditional leather production.

Sustainability and Biodegradability

One of the key advantages Desserto offers sustainable fashion is its biodegradability. Unlike synthetic materials that contribute to the accumulation of waste in landfills, cactus leather naturally decomposes without releasing harmful toxins into the environment. Desserto is an excellent choice for those seeking to minimize their ecological footprint. By embracing Desserto, fashion brands and consumers can actively participate in the shift toward a circular economy, where these fashion products are designed with their end-of-life impact in mind.

A Toxic-Free Future

In addition to being biodegradable, Desserto is entirely free from toxic chemicals commonly used in the tanning process of traditional leather production. The manufacturing of Desserto avoids the use of toxic substances like chromium and formaldehyde, ensuring a safer and healthier alternative for both the environment and the people involved in the production process. By opting for cactus leather, fashion brands play a vital role in reducing hazardous waste and safeguarding human health.

Positive Impacts on the Environment and Communities

The benefits of Desserto go beyond its sustainable production. The nopal cactus helps mitigate changing weather patterns through its exceptional carbon absorption capacity. By choosing Desserto, fashion brands reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources.

Moreover, Desserto promotes fair trade practices, has the potential of providing thousands of employment opportunities for local communities and preserves traditional knowledge. This sustainable initiative empowers local farmers and supports economic diversification, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the Mexican economy.

A Shift Toward a Greener Fashion Industry

The emergence of Desserto represents a significant milestone toward a greener and more sustainable fashion industry. Fashion brands embracing Desserto as a viable alternative to traditional leather are making a conscious decision to prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices. This transition is crucial in reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact and fostering a more responsible approach to fashion production.

Conclusion

Desserto, a creation of Mexican entrepreneurs, is a true game-changer in the fashion industry. Its organic composition, minimal water and land requirements, biodegradability and absence of toxic chemicals make it a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to traditional leather. By choosing Desserto, fashion brands reduce water consumption and carbon emissions and promote fair-trade practices. Moreover, Desserto empowers local communities, preserves Mexican farmland and fosters economic diversification. It symbolizes a shift toward a greener fashion industry, where ethical and eco-friendly practices become the standard. With what Desserto offers sustainable fashion, the future of the fashion industry looks exceptionally promising.

– Eva Cairns O’Donovan
Photo: Flickr

Mars-Sourced Rice? Outer Space Farming Is More Likely Than Expected

The idea of living in outer space has always fascinated people. However, settling on planets other than Earth, meeting physical needs and living futuristic lives only exists in fiction. Plenty of obstacles currently make this vision more of a fantasy than one of the near future.

Challenges for Living on the Red Planet

Outer space soil is unfit for growing crops to nourish the human body. Perchlorate salts in the soil on Mars have high levels of toxicity for plants. Luckily, the University of Arkansas may have found a solution to this problem through continuous experiments that recently yielded remarkable results. On April 26, the University of Arkansas published an official statement announcing a new finding—that rice could survive on the Red Planet.

Experiments Reinforce Possibility of Outer Space Farming

The research team’s experiments consisted of growing both standard and gene-edited types of rice into basaltic-rich soil to simulate Martian soil’s conditions. The gene-edited rice turned out to fare better in situations of drought, salinity and sugar starvation. However, all the rice types grew more, in combinations of both simulations of Martian soil and regular potting soil. This research was executed by Peter James Gann, a doctoral student in cell and molecular biology, Abhilash Ramachandran, a post-doctoral fellow at the Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, Yheni Dwiningsih, a post-doctoral associate in plant sciences and Dominic Dharwadker, an undergraduate student in the Honors College. These findings are yet another step toward making outer space farming a reality.

A recent study conducted by Iowa State University highlighted the potential of alfalfa as a viable plant for growth on Mars. Using Martian soil simulants similar to those employed by the University of Arkansas, the research focused on cultivating alfalfa without the use of genetically modified organisms or perchlorate. While the study suggested the feasibility of direct alfalfa cultivation on Mars, concerns were raised due to the omission of perchlorate salts, naturally present in Martian soil and known to hinder plant growth. In contrast, the University of Arkansas’s findings incorporated perchlorate salts in its Martian soil simulants, demonstrating the greater resilience of genetically modified rice compared to non-genetically modified rice through root development comparisons.

Looking Forward

Newly revealed insights into outer space farming hold promise for the future of agriculture. According to NASA, this innovative farming method has the potential to enhance crop yields, increase nutritional value, and reduce water and pesticide usage. Furthermore, the experiments conducted in challenging environments resembling salty or desert-like grounds can have practical applications in improving agriculture in arid regions on Earth. By enhancing crop resilience and ensuring food security, outer space farming can play a crucial role in mitigating instances of food shortage.

The recent findings from the University of Arkansas represent a significant step forward in the ongoing scientific exploration of outer space farming. As further studies and scientific breakthroughs unfold, both Earth’s agriculture and the potential for farming on other planets can reap the anticipated benefits.

– Luciana Mena

Photo: Flickr

Disability and Poverty in Colombia

Disability and Poverty in Colombia
Disability and poverty are often inextricably intertwined. While poverty can be the source of disabilities (for instance, malnutrition during childbirth causing deformities), disabilities can also force someone into poverty through various means. Physical and mental impairments can limit access to transportation, job opportunities and much more. Thus, one cannot fully address one issue without the other. In Colombia, the government has been moving in accordance with this knowledge to address the links between disability and poverty in Colombia.

The Situation

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, as of 2020, about 1.3 million people in Colombia lived with disabilities, typically resulting from general sickness or accidents. About 15% of these disabilities have resulted from the armed conflict that has plagued parts of the country. A 2022 study by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), found that only one in five persons with disabilities in Colombia are employed. The government and organizations are taking action to improve the lives of people with disabilities and safeguard their rights.

Disability Law in Colombia

The Colombian government passed comprehensive legislation protecting the rights of the disabled in 1997. Businesses may not discriminate against job applicants on the basis of how able-bodied they may be. Products and services must also accommodate the needs of the disabled when possible. These pieces of legislation are a crucial first step for any country in allowing the disabled to have access to resources and opportunities.

The Colombian government has also signed onto the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011, which affirms its commitment to “[protecting] the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities,” on an international scale.

Current Challenges

Colombia has long struggled with internal conflict in the form of guerilla war. While recent peace accords have begun a process of reintegrating ex-combatants into society, this process has often overlooked the needs of those with disabilities. As a result, many former fighters are now facing disability and poverty in Colombia. This is particularly relevant in rural areas, where new infrastructure, medical assistance and economic opportunities have failed to reach those most in need.

Successes in Advocacy

Within Colombia and throughout Latin America, people with disabilities have been utilizing incluyeme.com, a website launched in 2013 that seeks to empower people with disabilities from both ends of the labor market: the employee and the employer. More than 20,000 Latin Americans with disabilities have found employment through the website. More than 600 companies that have endorsed the organization provide many of these jobs. Overall, the organization takes pride in its ability to connect people facing disability and poverty in Colombia with opportunities regardless of the withstanding handicaps.

On a more local scale, organizations such as Corfrodis (Corporation Frontineño for people with disabilities) have worked to provide economic resources to the disabled. According to ReliefWeb, in one instance, a woman by the name of Patricia Valderiama received 10 chickens to help kick-start a business, seeing as her disability prevented her from working. After making quite a profit, the money she made was donated back to the organization to fund the next batch of chickens for another person with disabilities. In general, Corfordis has helped the disabled in Frontino to manage money and become entrepreneurs.

Looking Ahead

These projects serve as great reminders of how simple and achievable it can be to improve the circumstances of those in need. Downsizing poverty can begin with just providing people with the right website (as is the case with incluyeme.com) or even a few chickens. While it appears that there is still room for much more progress in order to fully uphold the rights of people facing disability and poverty in Colombia, the path ahead seems promising.

– Sophia Cordoba
Photo: Flickr

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Barbados

Impact of COVID-19 on Barbados
Amid the global pandemic, nations faced numerous challenges in various areas such as the economy and public health. The impact of COVID-19 on Barbados was profound, affecting the lives of its citizens and causing significant economic setbacks. In June 2021, the World Bank approved a $100 million relief effort to address the economic downturn that the pandemic in Barbados caused.

Impact on the Economy

Due to Barbados having been a popular travel destination, it comes as no shock how the halt in tourism was one of the leading factors to the increase in poverty. Its heavy dependence on the tourism industry resulted in around 40% of the workforce becoming disadvantaged; mostly women dominated in this industry.

In 2020, there was an estimated 18% decrease in the economy, accompanied by a 4% inflation rate. This inflation impacted the prices of essentials like vegetables and fish, which increased by 4.5%. Prior to the pandemic, Barbados was already grappling with GDP issues. However, the impact of COVID-19 led Barbados to act quickly. The plan to contract the real GDP to 3% is what eventually helped Barbados bounce back from what could have been devastating to the economy. In June 2021, the World Bank gave a $100 million stimulus package to Barbados in response to the pandemic’s health-related, economic and social impacts. This package also included a vaccination strategy and a program to support employment in the tourism sector.

Equity in Education

Like many other countries, the rapid impact of COVID-19 led to school closures with some schools never opening up even after the end of the pandemic. Unfortunately, for developing countries such as Barbados, the lack of infrastructural resources did not even give students the chance to continue their education remotely. This is where the challenge of equity in education presents itself.

Estimates determined that in the Caribbean alone, school closures affected at least 1.7 billion children across 21 countries. Thankfully, through the help of private-public partnerships, it did help to support access to the internet to help continue the education for most students. Though not everyone in Barbados was easily able to access this resource, it ensured 100 schools got access.

Prices and Employment

In December 2019, the unemployment rate in Barbados stood at 10.1%. However, the pandemic caused a significant increase in unemployment, particularly in the tourism sector, which accounted for 26% of the labor force. The exact number of job losses in this sector has not been fully accounted for, indicating that the actual unemployment rate is higher than reported.

Prior to the impact of COVID-19 on Barbados, unemployment was averaging around a 10% rate but following the lockdowns this number skyrocketed to 24-26% from 2020 to 2021. Barbados took account of this percentage during the 23rd week of lockdown and tourism did not restart until 2022.

The impact of closing the tourism sector was significant, even if the economy opened back up; this is based on models predicting how the GDP would look after reopening. Experts predicted that the GDP would only move to 6% in 2021 from its previous decline of 7% in 2020 during the lockdown, showing that unemployment would remain high. They also predicted that unemployment would average 12% in 2020 and decrease to only 10% in 2021.

Positive Future

Despite the challenges, Barbados has shown resilience and received support from other nations. While it will take time for the country to fully recover from the impact of COVID-19, the government is dedicated to assisting its citizens during this difficult period. The tourism sector, which the pandemic halted, is a vital source of income for Barbados. To combat the pandemic’s impact on poverty, the DCI program collaborated with Barbados to introduce the “12-month Barbados Welcome Stamp” visa. Leveraging the remote work trend, this program became the world’s first remote work visa initiative, promoted through an aggressive earned media campaign.

The Barbados government announced this program in June 2020, resulting in more than 4.8 billion impressions and 2,000 applications. The official Visit Barbados website provides information on how to apply and highlights the benefits, including the option to reapply if individuals enjoyed their initial year. This program has been successful and the website offers resources for various categories, including families, individuals and even pets, showcasing why Barbados is an ideal destination.

Looking Ahead

The impact of COVID-19 on Barbados has been significant, affecting various aspects of the country’s economy and society. The heavy reliance on tourism led to a sharp increase in poverty, as two years prior to the pandemic it was at 15% and had a 2% increase afterward. However, with international support and the resilience of its people, Barbados is taking steps toward recovery. Initiatives such as the 12-month visa program and the country’s unique cultural offerings have helped revive the tourism industry and overall economy. While the road to full recovery may be long, Barbados remains committed to supporting its citizens and welcoming visitors from around the world. Through media campaigns and highlighting its distinctive experiences, Barbados aims to rebuild its tourism sector and regain economic strength in the post-COVID-19 era.

– Isabella Polo
Photo: Flickr

Creating a Digital Economy in Vietnam 

Digital Economy in Vietnam 
With Vietnam’s thriving economy, the country finds itself ready to take on digitalization to aid in smart rural development. Despite its transition from a low-income to a middle-income country and showcasing a shift in the global market arena, rural poverty remains a significant issue. Around 70% of the population resides in rural areas, with more than 14% belonging to ethnic minorities, facing economic vulnerabilities and unforeseen shocks. Here is how the country is creating a digital economy in Vietnam.

The Situation

Most of the rural communities are located in mountainous to highland and central coastal regions where people mainly generate income through agriculture production. Because of their geographic location, some resources such as water and health care, can be difficult to find. While Vietnam has made progress in gender equality, ethnic minority women still face disadvantages due to a lack of education and literacy.

The initiation of “The New Rural Development and Sustainable Poverty (NTPSP) Program-for-Results Project” in Vietnam aims to enhance economic opportunities and accelerate digital modernization in rural areas. The main idea for this digital transformation is to offer “service equality” to both rural and urban areas while bettering the livelihoods of rural communities. The program will officially carry out by 2025 in all rural communities.

Program Goals

The program aims to develop the rural economy by creating a digital economy in Vietnam. In other words, it will aim to create more attraction and concentration by applying technological advancements in all agricultural productions and rural infrastructure. For instance, in Bac Giang province, an e-commerce platform will support rural farmers and agricultural cooperatives, facilitating digitalization in agriculture. Around 70% of these communes will be able to access agriculture businesses online in order to provide a more efficient collaboration between the production and selling of farm products. Another important feature that will accelerate the rural economy is digitally showcasing the landscape and cultural aspects of communities to improve tourism in local areas.

By 2025, about 100% of all administrative processes and documentation at all district levels will operate electronically. This will improve communication efforts for people living in rural communities and participate in online meetings with other provincial and district actors. To acquire an accurate assessment of the program, the government will initiate citizen feedback regarding how they are adapting to this new digital platform and make improvements accordingly, for the period of 2026-2030.

Government Initiatives

The Vietnamese government has acknowledged the challenges that rural communities have in acquiring the necessary resources to acquire a better livelihood. Moreover, the prime minister recognized that digital modernization is beneficial for labor productivity and business in Vietnam. The development of “smart cities” will continue to prioritize better quality of living and offer efficient social services for rural communities.

Looking Ahead

While Vietnam progresses in creating a digital economy in Vietnam, effective management, funding and planning are crucial for achieving desired outcomes. Prioritizing and improving the rural economy is key to enhancing well-being and providing better social resources to rural communities.

– Alessandra Amati
Photo: Flickr

Women’s Rights in Kuwait

Women’s Rights in KuwaitAs of 2022, Kuwait ranked 130 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report in terms of women’s rights, making it one of the most unequal countries in the world based on gender equality. Much of the country’s standards for women’s rights and role in society are based on Sunni Islam Doctrine, including the Kuwaiti personal status law. This act dictates how many Muslim citizens should behave in regard to issues such as gender roles, divorce, marriage and child custody.

Divorce, for instance, is easier for men to file than for women. Men may divorce their wives for any reason, while women must file on specific grounds, such as a lack of financial support or mental illness. Many women also need permission for marriage from a male relative and the laws allow men to take up to four wives without needing the consent of prior spouses. While Kuwait may still have barriers to overcome to achieve gender equality, many organizations are working to advance women’s rights in Kuwait.

Women’s Place in Society

Women’s lack of autonomy in marriage likely contributes to the high prevalence of domestic violence in the country, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). There were no laws outlawing domestic violence or intramarital rape and sexual abuse prior to 2020. According to a 2020 Soroptimist survey, 62.9% of those surveyed admitted to having experienced domestic violence, with 83.5% being women. It is also likely that domestic violence is largely underreported in the country. The issue of domestic violence is expected to be dealt with within the family rather than by law enforcement.

There is also a severe lack of women’s representation in government and women in the country only received the right to vote in 2006, according to a World Economic Forum report. Furthermore, Kuwait swore in the first female judges in the country’s history in 2020.

Progress

One organization currently working to advance women’s rights in Kuwait is Abolish Article 153. The organization aims to remove Article 153 from the Penal Code in Kuwait. This article stipulates that any man who kills a female family member after finding them engaged in an “unsavory” sexual act will receive no more than three years of jail time. These acts are “honor killings” and are common in the Middle East.

About 47,000 women and girls worldwide were murdered in 2020 by their families or intimate partners. Abolish Article 153 group’s advocacy includes advocacy meetings with committees in the National Assembly as well as working with civil society organizations to spread awareness and educate the public on violence against women. The organization has had successes in the past, such as conducting the first survey on the topic of determining the public’s opinion on laws such as Article 153. The report indicated that 63% of those surveyed condemned such laws.

Looking Ahead

Although women in Kuwaiti society still experience many obstacles related to their gender, recent progress in gender equality in the country shows that the nation is undergoing improvements. Women’s rights groups such as Abolish Article 153 are helping to make strides in the right direction.

– Emma Glas
Photo: Wikimedia

Increasing Access to Renewable Energy in Malta Can Help Reduce Poverty 

Renewable Energy in MaltaMalta, one of the smallest countries in the European Union, has a unique identity. As of December 2022, the poverty rate in Malta stands at 16.7%. Reports indicate that in 2018, 7.6% of households in Malta could not afford to keep their houses warm, in line with the European Union’s average of 7.3%. Energy poverty is one of the contributing factors to this situation. Malta’s energy consumption rates are remarkably low, a consequence of the high energy prices. Approximately 16.7% of households in Malta spend less on energy compared to the European Union average, further emphasizing this point. However, Malta must achieve the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050 while ensuring affordable and accessible energy. Therefore, increasing access to renewable energy in Malta is crucial. 

Malta faces challenges in reaching its energy goals due to high prices and limited options. The biggest is that most of Malta’s energy is imported, primarily from non-renewable sources, with only a small amount, approximately 4% as of 2021, coming from solar power. Additionally, Malta relies on a single electricity distributor and lacks a natural gas and district heating and cooling network. These limitations pose challenges, particularly in terms of expanding renewable energy production in Malta, as they restrict the available options to meet the 2050 energy-saving standards. 

These issues further perpetuate poverty in the country, amplifying high energy prices due to the small market and the fact that the tiny nation is an island. Every household in the nation, especially the most vulnerable, experiences both direct and indirect effects as a result. Moreover, the cost of living increases as acquiring and performing products and services becomes more expensive. Therefore, increasing renewable energy in Malta would not only benefit the energy industry as a whole but individual households, especially those most vulnerable.

Renewable Energy Options in Malta

Resources for powering renewable energy endeavors are plentiful in and around Malta. The island receives abundant sun, enabling the establishment of large solar arrays. Furthermore, the implementation of offshore wind farming is not a new concept within the European Union and could be achieved easily off the shores of Malta. Additionally, Malta serves as a testing ground for innovative technologies that harness the power of the ocean and convert it into electricity. Harnessing wave energy alone would contribute significantly to Malta’s achievement of national energy targets, further highlighting the untapped potential of relying on renewable energy in Malta.

How it Directly Affects Poverty Rates

It is valid to inquire about the direct impact of increasing renewable energy in Malta on reducing the national poverty rate. One significant aspect to consider is that increasing renewable energy, both in Malta and elsewhere, contributes to mitigating the effects of changing weather patterns. This, in turn, reduces the severity of flooding and storm surges, which undoubtedly affect the island country. The impact of natural disasters tends to be more severe on individuals living in extreme poverty, making the most vulnerable population in Malta more susceptible.

Increasing renewable energy in Malta not only brings national benefits but also contributes to economic growth. Implementing renewable energy methods such as solar, wave and wind farming would diversify Malta’s sources and suppliers. This not only helps reduce direct and indirect energy costs for those living in poverty through economic competition but also enhances energy security by relying on multiple sources. It provides flexibility and reliability in the energy system, particularly during times of need. Moreover, increasing renewable energy in Malta does not solely bring national benefits. As Malta expands its solar fields and adopts new renewable energy technologies, it stimulates and positively impacts global trade. This further benefits individuals living in poverty in Malta by boosting national economic welfare, which historically leads to direct increases in wages.

Wave Energy Harvesting

As aforementioned, wave energy harvesting stands out as a particularly promising technology in Malta. Studies have been conducted by Researchers at the University of Malta, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research in Rome and they concluded wave energy harvesting is most suitable for the winter months. Additionally, the researchers noted that during the summer months, wind and solar power could compensate for the decrease in wave power. This further underscores the importance of diversification to guarantee an adequate energy supply for all.

The Maltese government has already taken steps to promote renewable energy. Incentives such as feed-in tariffs and grants encourage the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, resulting in rapid growth in solar PV capacity. This growth is expected to continue as the costs of solar technology become more affordable. Furthermore, Malta is actively pursuing wind energy through projects like the Montenegro Wind Farm, increasing its wind energy capacity. In addition, offshore wind energy exploration further enhances Malta’s renewable energy portfolio. Alongside these efforts, Malta is actively working on energy efficiency measures and aims to reduce primary energy consumption. This is being achieved through initiatives such as energy-efficient buildings, smart grid technologies and the promotion of energy-efficient appliances. These endeavors contribute to Malta’s overall energy transition and diversification, making energy in the country more reliable and affordable for those in need.

Ultimately, increasing renewable energy in Malta will lead to greater energy independence, positioning the country as a stronger member of the EU and the international community. If energy availability and consumption are no longer major concerns then more funding could be allocated toward poverty alleviation efforts in a nation where 16.9% of the population lives below the poverty line. Individuals in poverty will gain the energy security they deserve, paving the way for a brighter future.

– Ada Rose Wagar
Photo: Flickr