Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

5 NGOs Fighting Period Poverty

NGOs Fighting Period PovertyPeriod poverty, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and resources, is a global issue affecting millions of women and girls. It hampers their education, health and dignity. However, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are leading the charge in addressing period poverty, working tirelessly to provide menstrual hygiene products, education and support to those in need. This article will highlight the remarkable efforts of NGOs fighting period poverty, showcasing their innovative approaches and inspiring impact.

5 NGOs Fighting Period Poverty

  1. The Pad Project – The Pad Project is a global nonprofit organization focused on breaking the barriers of period poverty. It tackles the issue by establishing sustainable pad-making businesses in communities where access to affordable menstrual products is limited. To date, it has employed 87 women in five countries, Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Through its documentary “Period. End of Sentence.” and grassroots initiatives, it raises awareness, advocates for policy changes and empowers women with economic opportunities. It has also reached more than 106,500 women and girls through menstrual health education workshops.
  2. Days for Girls International – Days for Girls International is another organization fighting period poverty. It focuses on ensuring that women and girls have access to sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. It produces and distributes washable, reusable menstrual kits that include cloth pads and soap, promoting environmentally friendly options. The organization also conducts menstrual health education programs to debunk myths, provide accurate information and empower girls to manage their periods with confidence. It began in Kenya but has reached several more countries in Africa and now operates globally. In its 2021 report, Days for Girls reported that it has reached 2.5 million women and girls in 145 countries with its menstrual kits and education.
  3. Femme International – Femme International focuses on menstrual health and hygiene education in Tanzania and Kenya. Through the Twaweza Program, which means ‘we can’ in Swahili, the organization deliver workshops and training sessions to address the lack of knowledge and break the stigma surrounding menstruation. Femme International also distributes reusable menstrual pads and offers support networks to girls and women, enabling them to maintain their health, dignity and uninterrupted access to education. Thanks to its efforts, 71.8% of schoolgirls in the program reported that they did not miss out on any parts of their lives as a result of menstruation.
  4. ZanaAfrica Foundation – ZanaAfrica Foundation focuses on menstrual health management and the empowerment of girls in Kenya. It provides adolescent girls with access to sanitary pads, along with comprehensive reproductive health education. Since 2013, ZanaAfrica has supported more than 50,000 girls by providing necessary menstrual health and hygiene products.
  5. Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE) – Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE) is another organization fighting period poverty. In Rwanda, 18% of women and girls report missing school or work because they cannot afford to buy period products. SHE operates by empowering women to produce and distribute affordable, eco-friendly menstrual pads made from locally sourced materials. SHE focuses on creating economic opportunities for women while addressing the lack of access to menstrual products and health education. Over 60,000 girls and women now have access to SHE’s period products.

Breaking the Silence

Across the globe, NGOs are fighting period poverty. Through their initiatives, these organizations are breaking the silence, addressing the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and empowering women and girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. By combining advocacy, education and sustainable solutions, these NGOs are making a significant impact and paving the way for a world where period poverty is a thing of the past.

– Eva O’Donovan
Photo: Flickr

Poverty reduction in Montserrat

Poverty reduction in MontserratMontserrat, a British overseas territory in the Eastern Caribbean with a population of only 4,500 has faced significant challenges with regard to poverty reduction. Once a self-sufficient agricultural island, volcanic activity crippled Montserrat’s economy in the late 1990s. Consequently, poverty in the country skyrocketed. And this has necessitated effective poverty reduction in Montserrat to address low rates of employment and limited opportunities for young people.

Rates and Causes of Poverty

Montserrat has the highest rate of poverty in the Eastern Caribbean region, with more than 36% of the population living in poverty. While remote small island nations are inherently more vulnerable to global economic variability and struggle to develop due to insularity, size and remoteness, Montserrat’s unique circumstances further amplify these general challenges.
The infamous eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano between 1995 and 1997 have had profound and enduring impacts on livelihoods and food security across Montserrat. These eruptions resulted in the destruction of 60% of habitable land and 70% of agricultural land and prompted the emigration of half of the population. As a result, the island’s remaining population faces a loss of income from agriculture, a drastically reduced working population and long-term food insecurity.
Montserrat is a multi-hazard hotspot, as the island is prone to a variety of natural disasters. The tectonically active island experiences fairly regular low-impact tectonic hazards such as earthquakes. It also suffers from ash fall, acid rain and frequent tropical storms. This combination of hazards has hindered the development and recovery of Montserrat and has reduced the resilience of essential services and infrastructure. Unfortunately, projections suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to an increase in extreme poverty on the island from pre-pandemic levels of 3% to around 17%.

Child Poverty

Of Montserrat’s impoverished population, a staggering 47% fall between the ages of 0 and 17. Ending child poverty is crucial, as hardship in these formative years increases the risk of unemployment, criminal activity and substance abuse, all of which perpetuate cycles of intergenerational poverty.
Several factors contribute to the high rate of child poverty in Montserrat. For instance, unpredictable regular closures of schools caused by low-impact volcanic hazards disrupt and undermine the consistency of education for children. Most importantly, however, Montserrat’s economy has never recovered adequately from the tectonic disasters of the 1990s and the country remains heavily dependent on foreign aid. As a result, the severe lack of opportunities hinders young people’s ability to break free from cycles of poverty unless they choose to emigrate.
Montserrat’s young population is likely to suffer disproportionately from the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. Estimates suggest that the pandemic could cause severe child poverty in the Eastern Caribbean region to rise from 4% to 26%. With children in Montserrat already facing a higher level of poverty and lack of opportunity than their regional counterparts, the impacts of the pandemic could impede the island nation’s development for decades to come.

Poverty Reduction in Montserrat

A 2021 UNICEF report on the well-being of Montserrat’s youth presented a series of recommendations that may encourage youth poverty reduction in Montserrat. One of these recommendations involved expanding technical and vocational education and training, aligning this with the nation’s market and available opportunities. Alongside market-driven training, the report revealed that it is crucial to expand opportunities for young people, discouraging migration and encouraging development and growth. This is to facilitate long-term poverty reduction in Montserrat.
The Government of Montserrat has been actively working to address these areas. In April 2022, the leader of the government spoke on Radio Montserrat about the attractions of working remotely in the country. Premier Joseph Farrell highlighted that as people around the world sought changes in scenery following the pandemic, an island nation such as Montserrat may provide the perfect location for working remotely. Farrell drew attention to the fact that major names in the music world, such as Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney and Elton John, had worked and produced music in Montserrat.
Tourism is another important source of revenue for Montserrat that could provide increased income and opportunity. Following a sharp decline after authorities declared the island unsafe for tourists in the late 1990s, there was a fairly consistent growth of tourism in Montserrat between 2010 and 2019, peaking at 21,000 arrivals in 2019. However, the sector is yet to recover fully from the pandemic, with only 5000 tourists visiting the island in 2022. The government of Montserrat has sought to increase income from tourism through the establishment of new seaside tourism zones and new hiking trails to see the volcano. Additionally, it has invested in improved marketing to draw the global audience’s attention to the unique experiences Montserrat offers.

The Future

Montserrat has not been able to recover significantly since the eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano in the 1990s, but its government continues working to resolve existing challenges. Ongoing efforts suggest a need to focus on creating work opportunities and increasing disposable income amongst the working population. The implementation of these approaches could hold great promise for the youth of Montserrat. By diminishing the incentives to leave in search of work and establishing a sense of empowerment and opportunity, young people could break free from intergenerational cycles of poverty.

– Polly Walton

That’s Nuts! The Positive Impact of Macadamia Shell Briquettes 

Macadamia Shell BriquettesMacadamia nuts, a popular food that people enjoy all over the world, contain shells that often end up as waste. However, there are initiatives aiming to transform these shells into eco-friendly briquettes that drive sustainability and also advance efforts to alleviate poverty in many developing countries.

What Are Macadamia Shell Briquettes

As biomass waste products, macadamia nut shells can serve as a renewable energy source. By drying and pressing the shells into variously sized compact fuel blocks, the resulting briquettes can fuel cooking and heating systems or power boilers.

The Benefits of Macadamia Shell Briquettes

  1. Environmentally sustainable: As macadamia shells serve no other purpose, their reuse in the form of briquettes reduces the amount of waste in the environment. Also, this prevents deforestation and lowers carbon emissions by providing an alternative to traditional wood-and charcoal-burning methods. The burgeoning industry has seen success in South Africa, the world’s largest macadamia nut producer, with many shells to spare. Shisa Eco-briquettes is just one of the companies working to counteract the more than 2 billion tons of annual carbon dioxide emissions from forest degradation. Additionally, the organization is working to preserve natural resources for future generations with its macadamia shell briquette business.
  2. Income generation: With new industries, come new opportunities for employment and income for families living in poverty. Michael Duncan of Shisa Eco-briquettes works alongside four fully trained employees and documents the strong relationship between his company and their local community. “We try to uplift them in every way we can,” he said. Eyoh Alder Ventures, a company run by Muthoni Ndung’u in Kenya, also sells macadamia shell briquettes. Its aim is to “reduce hunger and poverty among rural farmers who are mainly women.” Ndung’u is just one of over 200 women empowered by The Charcoal Project, a nonprofit organization that supports “clean burning technologies.”
  3. Cost-effective and energy-efficient: Macadamia shell briquettes also save money for consumers. The shells are more affordable for people living in poverty. It allows people to save more and allocate their income to other needs. Ziwa Hillington of Ugandan company, Green Bio Energy noted that eco-friendly briquettes can be between 20% and 40% cheaper than other cooking fuels like charcoal. Macadamia shell briquettes also burn just as well as charcoal, in terms of both duration and temperature. This dispels any concerns about cost and energy efficiency.
  4. Health benefits: In 2022, the World Health Organization reported that almost 2.5 billion people worldwide lacked access to clean cooking material. Women and children in low-income and middle-income countries often succumb to diseases such as cancer, stroke and chronic lung disease. Charcoal and kerosene cooking materials were significant contributors to this crisis. Eco-waste briquettes are healthier alternatives, as the shells do not produce smoke or soot. Healthier families are more likely to be able to stay in education or employment and save what money would otherwise be spent on health care or treatment, and this strengthens both familial and local economies.

Positive Change

The growing success of macadamia shell briquettes shows how new innovations can help communities in a variety of interconnected ways. From health care to employment and sustainable local poverty reduction to environmental preservation, with far-reaching global benefits, the use of briquettes holds the potential for positive change and can potentially help nations fight poverty.
– Helene Schlichter
Photo: Pixabay

5 Facts About the Female-Led Oyster Sector in The Gambia

Although The Gambia has a small coastline of 80km, its fishing sector is responsible for roughly 12% of the country’s total GDP. In March 2022, the Minister of Fisheries announced that the fishing sector created at least 300,000 jobs in the country, emphasizing the sector’s potential to aid in poverty reduction and economic growth. The country’s waters are populated with diverse species of fish that are sourced throughout the year. However, oysters have become especially important for The Gambia’s social and economic development.

5 Facts About the Female-Led Oyster Sector in The Gambia

  1. Women run The Gambia’s oyster trade: Oyster fishing in The Gambia is a day-long process that involves collecting oysters from mangrove roots, preparing them on land and then transporting and selling them in the Gambian capital of Banjul. The TRY Oyster Women’s Association (TRY OWA) completely oversees oyster harvesting in the country’s Tanbi region. Approximately 500 Tanbi-area women belong to the TRY OWA, which was founded in 2007 by Fatou Janha Mboob, a Gambian social worker. A nonprofit collective, the organization works to improve the lives of The Gambia’s female oyster pickers by spearheading “environmental and social initiatives” and providing “training in financial management, food hygiene and water safety.”
  2. Increased flooding and The Gambia’s oyster trade: Climate change has contributed to increased flooding in The Gambia. Frequent flooding can lead to sewage entering the mangroves where the oysters are harvested. In turn, this can destroy the wetland ecosystem, damage the roots of mangrove plants and result in spoiled, unsaleable oysters. In an initiative to protect the wetland forests, the TRY OWA has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to plant over 50,000 mangrove seedlings to counteract the effects of deforestation and extreme climate change. In 2012, the UNDP awarded Mboob the Equator Prize for her leadership in such initiatives.
  3. Marie Sambou’s award: In 2019, the Global Youth Innovation Network Gambia acknowledged the work of Marie Sambou, a Gambian oyster harvester, by granting her the Young Business Innovation of the Year award. The award included a gift of 35,000 dalasis, equivalent to about $580, which she pledged to spend on a new fiber boat for oyster fishing.
  4. Food insecurity: An estimated 80% or more of the world’s fish supplies have deteriorated due to overfishing and extreme population growth. As of 2021, The Gambia had experienced a 5%-8% increase in food insecurity. Severe droughts, flooding and misuse of natural resources have impacted fishing in The Gambia and contributed to the rise in food insecurity. Additionally, illegal fishing activities by bigger nations on Gambian waters are depleting the fish supplies that many Gambians rely on for sustenance and survival, thereby heightening the threat of poverty. For instance, TRY OWA oyster harvesters may make up to £30 on successful days. However, when tides are too high, they may not be able to harvest any oysters at all. A short 4-month harvesting season further limits economic opportunity, making income a “primary concern” and forcing many to “supplement their earnings with subsistence farming.”
  5. Support from FISH4ACP: An initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), FISH4ACP works to improve the global fish value chain while promoting sustainable aquaculture. FISH4ACP and the Gambian government have partnered to expand the country’s mangrove oyster harvesting sector. The agreement aims to improve the lives of the sector’s women workers, increase local access to nutritious, low-cost food, implement improved production methods and advance sustainable development over the next decade. Furthermore, it incorporates pilot schemes for the development and sale of new products, like jewelry and animal feed, that will make practical use of oyster shell byproducts.

Looking Ahead

The oyster sector in The Gambia, led by a dedicated group of women, has emerged as a powerful force for social and economic development in the country. Through the efforts of organizations like the TRY OWA and partnerships with entities such as the United Nations Development Programme and FISH4ACP, there are signs of progress with regard to protecting the wetland ecosystem and enhancing the livelihoods of female oyster harvesters. By supporting the oyster sector, The Gambia is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for its coastal communities.

– Jennifer Preece
Photo: Flickr

,

5 Organizations Ending Child Marriage in Pakistan

Child Marriage in PakistanIn most areas of Pakistan, the legal age for marriage is 16 years old. Yet, millions of children are a part of marriage contracts prior to reaching this age. Child marriage disproportionately affects Pakistani girls, with UNICEF estimating that in 2022, 4.6 million girls became brides before they reached 15.

Several factors cause child marriage in Pakistan, including patriarchal social norms and economic reasons. Poverty in the nation leads poorer families to marry off their daughters so that they no longer have to economically provide for them.

Child marriage has many negative repercussions for young girls, including an increased risk of being in an abusive marriage, falling pregnant before being physically prepared for childbirth and not being able to complete their studies. Fortunately, there are numerous charities operating to end child marriage in Pakistan.

5 Organizations Ending Child Marriage in Pakistan

  1. Blue Veins: Blue Veins is a charity based in Pakistan which is operating since 1999. Since its creation, its mission has been to better the lives of women, children and transgender people through social change. Ending child marriage in Pakistan is among the charity’s highest priorities. Through its Power to Girls campaign, it has worked to make this goal a reality. The campaign involves creating public awareness of the dangers and realities of child marriage and encouraging policymakers to develop legislation that will protect children from being coerced into marriage contracts before reaching the legal age.
  2. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): The UNFPA is an agency responsible for improving women’s reproductive health worldwide. Its work in Pakistan involves empowering women through developing health care and ending child marriage. The UNFPA collaborates with multiple organizations to safeguard children’s rights and support them against being pressured into underage marriage. It researches and advocates for protective legislation and it provides reproductive health guidance and services to girls across the nation. The agency also supports child brides in Pakistan who cannot exit their marriages by providing them with health care and reproductive education. Additionally, it offers counseling services to survivors of underage marriages to aid their mental well-being.
  3. Girls Not Brides: Girls Not Brides is an international NGO made up of more than 1,600 organizations that share the mutual goal of ending child marriage globally. Its work focuses on developing local change. For example, it holds interventions with local and religious leaders in rural communities in Pakistan to educate them on the negative impacts of child marriage on girls and to inspire them to put a stop to the practice within their communities. It also commits to equipping girls with the confidence to refuse marriage at a young age. Girls Not Brides has created safe space programs which provide girls with life skills and the chance to access economic independence through cash transfers.
  4. Save the Children: Founded in 1919, Save the Children is an international charity that aims to alleviate the struggles that children living in poverty face. This involves working to end child marriage in nations where the practice is commonplace, including Pakistan. Save the Children believes that the most effective way to end child marriage as a practice is to champion education for girls and equip them with life skills that will enable them to reject marriage offers at a young age.
  5. Bedari: Bedari is a Pakistan-based NGO that focuses on protecting women’s and children’s rights. Female Pakistani professionals who believed that women and girls living in abusive households lacked the support they needed to be able to escape founded the organization in 1991. The founders of Bedari aimed to create an organization dedicated to helping women in violent domestic situations. Since the organization’s inception, it has extended its work to preventing child marriage in Pakistan. Bedari partners with donors to carry out programs designed to put a stop to child marriage. For example, Bedari worked with the Commonwealth of Learning, Canada, to create the GIRLS Inspire project. This project operated in the Punjab region of Pakistan and aimed to raise awareness among communities about the negative impact of child marriage. The organization achieved this through theatre performances and education sessions for parents and local leaders to encourage them to eradicate the practice. It also offered self-growth sessions for girls to inspire them to stand up for their rights.

The Future

Child marriage in Pakistan remains an issue affecting millions of young girls. The consequences of underage marriage for girls include a deterioration of physical and mental health and a lack of economic and personal freedom. On the bright side, there are charities that publically highlight the dark reality of child marriage in Pakistan. And these organizations continue making efforts to put an end to the practice.

– Mohsina Alam
Photo: Flickr

Child Vaccination in South Sudan

Child Vaccination in South SudanIn sub-Saharan Africa, around 30 million children suffer from certain diseases annually. Half a million die because of measles, polio and tetanus. These diseases are immunization preventable, meaning that an adequate routine vaccination can prevent them. Child immunization coverage is a critical indicator of the overall health and well-being of the population. It helps prevent life-threatening diseases, reduces the burden on the health care system and improves economic outcomes by reducing absenteeism and health care costs.

However, in South Sudan, poverty hinders the nation’s efforts to improve child immunization rates. The country has one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates; its fragile health system has suffered further from years of conflict and displacement. In addition, the country faces an acute shortage of health care workers, with only one doctor for every 65,000 people, making it difficult to provide essential health services, including immunization, to all children in need.

Child Vaccination in South Sudan

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) immunization dashboard for South Sudan, in 2021, the estimated coverage rates for DTP3 (three doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine) and MCV1 (one dose of measles-containing vaccine) were both 49%. These rates indicate an improvement from previous years but still fall below the global average of 81% in the same year.

Efforts for Higher Immunization Coverage

UNICEF and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, have been working to improve child immunization rates in South Sudan. UNICEF is providing technical and financial assistance to the Ministry of Health to improve the delivery and monitoring of vaccines. At the same time, GAVI has been funding vaccines and cold chain equipment since 2021.

In November 2020, UNICEF launched a major vaccination campaign that vaccinated more than 2.4 million children in South Sudan against polio. The campaign aims to reach children under the age of 5 in high-risk areas, including hard-to-reach and conflict-affected zones.

The collaboration between the government and its partners and the dedication of health workers who confronted security challenges and harsh terrain have reached children in remote areas. Despite the challenges, the campaign reached more than 90% of the targeted children, ensuring protection against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

To improve child immunization rates in South Sudan, UNICEF, WHO and the Ministry of Health launched a nationwide campaign in February 2020. The campaign aimed to reach 2.5 million children and included an integrated approach to combat measles, vitamin A deficiency and worm infections. In addition to the vaccines, vitamin A supplements and deworming tablets, UNICEF engaged communities across South Sudan to provide information about the importance of these interventions; it also urges caregivers to ensure that their children are properly protected. GAVI and SIDA, two organizations dedicated to promoting immunization programs worldwide, support the campaign.

Looking Ahead: Child Vaccination in South Sudan

Efforts to improve child immunization rates in South Sudan are making progress despite the challenges posed by poverty and a fragile health system. Collaborative initiatives led by UNICEF, GAVI and the Ministry of Health are working to enhance the delivery and monitoring of vaccines, reaching children in even the most remote and conflict-affected areas. Major vaccination campaigns have successfully protected millions of children against diseases like polio, demonstrating the dedication of health workers and the resilience of communities. With continued support and integrated approaches, child immunization rates in South Sudan can further improve, ensuring a healthier future for its young population.

– Amber Kim
Photo: Flickr

The State of Renewable Energy in Jamaica

Renewable Energy in JamaicaJamaica, known for its vibrant culture and picturesque beaches, faces a pressing energy challenge that affects both its economy and its people. The island nation heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly oil, for its energy needs, leaving it vulnerable to soaring prices and environmental repercussions. With energy insecurity and exorbitant waste costs, Jamaicans struggle to afford the high expenses of powering their homes and businesses. However, amidst these challenges, signs of progress are emerging as renewable energy initiatives gain momentum. And the state of renewable energy in Jamaica appears to be having an impact on poverty in the country.

The State of Energy Reliance in Jamaica

Jamaica primarily relies on fossil fuels, particularly oil, for energy production. Around 89% of all energy comes from such sources, with renewables making up 11% combined — solar accounts for only 1%. Since Jamaica imports a majority of its oil from other countries, it is subject to high prices. The cost of imported oil surpassed the profit from exported goods by almost 118% in 2010. As such, the continued use of fossil fuels is not sustainable for the country’s economy or environment.

Its energy insecurity is exacerbated by incredibly and consistently high amounts of wasted energy. For example, Jamaica Public Service Co., the country’s primary distributor, lost nearly 27% of the power it generated in 2017. This loss amounted to more than $301 million. Still, it primarily relies on fossil fuels despite the problems of inefficient infrastructure and high import costs.

How Energy Affects Poverty in Jamaica

Many Jamaicans pay high amounts of money to power their homes and businesses to compensate for import and waste costs. Oil can fluctuate in price, so relying on it puts people in a poor position financially. Out of 82 low-to-middle-income countries experiencing high rates of energy poverty, Jamaica has the highest energy poverty status because it lacks proper energy infrastructure.

Is Jamaica Making Progress?

Even though most of Jamaica’s energy comes from fossil fuels, current trends suggest that this may not continue to be the case. Multiple organizations have already taken steps to implement more renewable power sources. For example, the Jamaica Energy Security and Efficiency Enhancement Project decreased oil dependency by 24% in only seven years. It also developed sources of replenishable energy that Jamaicans can rely on.

The country is also receiving international assistance. The Global Environment Facility gave it a $1.25 million grant to switch hospitals to renewable energy mixes. Based on projections, this can result in saving $3.5 million while reducing energy consumption by 22% yearly. This change directly impacts poverty because it lessens the cost of power in critical sectors, translating to savings for Jamaican citizens.

The Impact of Renewable Energy on Jamaica

Many organizations are working to increase renewable energy to lessen poverty. For example, the founders of Radiant Energy Ltd. believe more clean power could strengthen Jamaica’s economy. Since high costs prevent growth and contribute to poverty, the organization provides clean electricity at a lower price than fossil fuels.

As a result of combined efforts, oil usage took only one year to drop from 104,408 terajoules to 58,276 terajoules in 2020. The reliance on fossil fuels still impacts poverty, but Jamaicans are steadily improving their renewable energy use.

Looking Ahead

Jamaica is working to make energy more accessible and affordable. For example, it exempts solar panels and wind turbines from certain taxes. The country continues to make notable progress in its transition towards renewable energy sources, signaling a promising future for the country’s economy and environment. Initiatives such as implementing domestic ethanol blends and exploring innovative solutions like floating solar panels demonstrate Jamaica’s commitment to sustainable energy alternatives. And as renewable energy becomes more accessible, there is hope that Jamaica can alleviate poverty by reducing power costs, fostering economic growth and creating a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.

– Jane Marsh
Photo: Flickr

,

The Rise of Women’s Rights in Rwanda

Women's Rights in Rwanda
After the devastating impacts of the 1994 Genocide, which destroyed the social fabric of the country and left millions dead, Rwanda has become a nation with a stable and competent government. After this tragedy ended, 70% of Rwanda’s population was female and they implemented various interventions to rebuild the nation, beginning with the relief and transitional period toward a stable, economically and socially altered country. Rwanda has progressed in terms of gender equality rights, becoming one of the world’s female leading countries.

Women in Government

Over the past 20 years, women’s political participation has been significant and a major focus for inclusive development. Rwanda stands out globally for its efforts to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, especially in political participation. In fact, it was the first country to have a majority of women in its legislative body. Women hold 52% of the cabinet positions and nearly two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.

Gender Equality in Rwanda

Rwanda formed legal mechanisms and institutions to promote women’s rights and the abolition of discrimination against women and girls. Also, it mainstreamed gender commitments into several policies and strategic plans. The Global Gender Gap Report 2020 ranked Rwanda among the top 10 countries to have eliminated the gender gap.

One of Rwanda’s accomplishments is the decline of maternal mortality rates due to women having better access to affordable and high-quality health care. Rwanda is leading the HeForShe campaign globally with more than 200,000 signatories. The campaign aims to bridge the gender digital divide, tripling girls’ enrolment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and ending gender-based violence. As the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalization of all services, the country took a courageous move to lead the Generation Equality Action Coalition Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality and committed to eradicating the digital gender gap by 2026.

In 2016, Rwanda ranked fifth on the Global Gender Gap Index. This index focuses on equality in health, education and economics, while the World Economic Forum measures the gender gap index based on how far each nation has come in eradicating the gender gap.

Labor Rights

Women hold 86% of the labor force participation, resulting in a narrower wage gap. In Rwanda, women earn 88 cents for every dollar men earn. For comparison, women in the United States (U.S.) earn 83 cents for every dollar men earn. Finally, women in Rwanda can now benefit from three months of paid maternity leave under the law, making it easier for them to return to work while nurturing a family.

A supportive legal and policy framework has contributed to promoting women’s rights in Rwanda, making it much easier for them to advance their interests across many sectors. Rwanda revised its 2003 Constitution in 2015, stating that it enshrines the values of gender equality and women’s rights. It also provides for at least a 30% quota for women in all decision-making bodies.

Looking Ahead

Rwanda’s remarkable progress in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment is evident through its strong representation of women in government, the decline in maternal mortality rates, the narrowing wage gap and supportive legal framework. Through comprehensive policies and initiatives, the country has successfully positioned itself as a frontrunner in promoting women’s rights and inclusivity. Ultimately, Rwanda’s supportive framework and dedication to women’s rights have paved the way for a more equitable and prosperous society.

– Lilit Natalia Manoukian
Photo: Flickr

Can Technology Bridge Ethiopia’s Education Divide?

Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has one of the largest populations on the continent with an estimated 116,462,712 people living in the country as of 2023. It also suffers from endemic poverty and widespread illiteracy: according to the CIA World Factbook, almost a quarter of the population lives in poverty and nearly 50% of the population can not read or write. The problems of illiteracy and poverty are much worse in rural Ethiopia, where few have access to the education, resources and opportunities that exist in urban areas. However, those working to improve education in Ethiopia could look to one successful experiment and its use of technology to bridge Ethiopia’s education divide.

The Rural/Urban Divide

Underscoring poverty’s inordinate effect on rural Ethiopians, as of 2016, the country’s rural poverty rate was 26%, compared to an urban poverty rate of 15%. With only about 23% of Ethiopia’s population currently living in urban areas, this divide is alarming. In fact, more than three-quarters of Ethiopians, and most of the country’s poor, live in rural areas and rely upon agriculture for food and income.

To help Ethiopia’s rural poor, the World Bank has emphasized the need to develop better infrastructure, adopt more modern agricultural techniques, increase levels of connectivity and create opportunities for non-agricultural employment. While the country has already made some progress in these areas, more work is necessary to bring the level of rural development up to that of urban areas.

In 2011, “36% of rural children were out of school compared to 13% of urban children,” and, as recently as 2020, “less than 20% of children from very poor households finished primary school.”

One Laptop per Child

Back in 2005, at the MIT campus, One Laptop Per Child came up with a plan to eradicate the education gap between countries by equipping children in underdeveloped nations with modern technology. Since its founding, the nonprofit organization has provided more than 3 million laptops to children in more than 64 countries, including Rwanda, Ghana and Kenya.

In February 2011, the One Laptop Per Child team decided to expand its efforts to rural Ethiopia. The team distributed educational tablets to around 20 schoolchildren in two remote villages, each around 50 miles outside the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. The children had little to no education and were illiterate.

The results were a success. Although the children received no instruction on how to operate the devices, within weeks they had learned how to use them, experimenting with pre-installed apps to teach themselves the ABCs and English words. After five months, some children had even learned how to customize the tablets’ settings, all without teachers or a classroom setting.

A Blueprint for Success?

The success of One Laptop Per Child’s initiative to help educate rural Ethiopian children is inspiring. Exemplifying technology’s potential to help bridge Ethiopia’s education divide, such initiatives can complement the work of other nonprofits like Together We Learn. Currently working to improve children’s education in Ethiopia, Together We Learn has built new and improved schools with updated infrastructure, sponsored education for children from impoverished families and provided teacher training, among other efforts. It has thus far sponsored the education of 870 Ethiopian children and improved the lives of 11,500 students through its literacy training.

What’s Next?

The successful implementation of One Laptop Per Child’s educational tablets in rural Ethiopia showcases the potential of technology in bridging the education divide. This initiative, along with the work of organizations like Together We Learn, offers hope for improving access to education and reducing illiteracy rates in the country. By combining technology-driven solutions with infrastructure development and comprehensive support, Ethiopia can continue to make progress in addressing poverty and improving the lives of its population, both in rural and urban areas.

– Jonathon Crecelius

Photo: Flickr

,

Substance Abuse Among Refugees

Substance Abuse Among RefugeesRecent studies show that poverty and substance abuse have a strong correlation. Research from 2021 has found that people who experienced poverty during childhood are more likely to develop drug use disorders later in life. The mental health disorders, low self-esteem, stress, hopelessness and lack of access to healthcare that come with poverty also increase the risk of substance abuse.

Refugees and other immigrants are at higher risk for substance abuse due to the poverty they experience, regardless of the region they come from. More than 100 million people worldwide are displaced and 85% live in developing host countries that already struggle with high poverty rates. This reality puts refugees, especially the young, at a greater risk of developing substance use disorders.

Poverty as a Risk Factor

Poverty is one of the greatest risk factors for substance use and addiction. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), poverty and belonging to a disadvantaged community make young people more vulnerable to substance abuse and mental health issues. 

Researcher and UNODC adviser Maria Melchior confirms that people’s development of substance use issues and mental health disorders usually begins during childhood, and those from less advantaged backgrounds are at a higher risk. These individuals often struggle with substance use issues throughout parenthood, negatively affecting their children and causing them to develop similar habits.

Substance Use Prevalence

Studies have revealed elevated levels of substance abuse rates among refugees, given the high rates of poverty in refugee groups. A 2021 study on refugee youths in Serbia found that among the respondents, over a quarter regularly smoked tobacco, 13% consumed alcohol and many others tried marijuana, LSD, various forms of cocaine and other substances. The study also found that nearly half of the respondents demonstrated significant difficulties in peer relations and about 30% demonstrated emotional distress and issues of conduct. 

High rates of substance use and addiction can be found among refugees in developed countries as well. Due in large part to abuse, trauma and mental health challenges, many refugees cope by turning to alcohol and/or illicit drugs. For example, in the United States, more than one-third of Burmese refugees were found to have consumed alcohol in hazardous amounts, with similarly high rates among Ugandan and Nepalese male refugees as well.

Similar issues persist in Germany, a country that leads all developed countries in the number of refugees hosted. A study on refugees in Germany found that living conditions for refugees generally were dominant in refugees’ substance use habits and the availability of certain drugs. The data conveys the impression that most refugees who misuse substances live in refugee shelters. Along with living conditions, social relations with peers and families were also identified as important factors.

Prevention and Treatment

Experts have hope for potential solutions to substance abuse among refugee communities. A 2018 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) suggests that community-based, peer-led programs and training healthcare workers in substance use treatment may be effective in low-resource and refugee settings. While more research is needed, similar approaches have proven to be successful in fighting diseases like HIV.

One successful program is Strong Families, which was launched in 2010 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The program aims to support caregivers in becoming better parents and strengthen positive family interactions. It helps families develop communication strategies around the issue of substance abuse to prevent coercive parenting. This approach was initially implemented in four Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and is now being used in 22 countries.

Some of the results from this program have been very promising. For example, a 2020 study found that a Strong Families pilot program implemented in Afghanistan had a 93.1% retention rate and resulted in a 5% increase in the behavioral, emotional and social issues among enrolled children after several weeks. Parents in the program also demonstrated notable improvements in parenting skills.

Looking Ahead

While poverty and substance abuse demonstrate a strong correlation, there is hope for addressing these challenges, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees. Research and programs highlight the importance of early intervention and community-based approaches. Initiatives like the Strong Families program provide support to caregivers, empowering them to become better parents and fostering positive family dynamics. These efforts have shown promising results in improving parenting skills and the well-being of enrolled children. By focusing on prevention and treatment, there is potential to break the cycle of poverty and substance abuse, providing a brighter future for individuals and communities worldwide.

– Adam Cvik
Photo: Flickr