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Ending Poverty in Nigeria by 2050

Ending Poverty in NigeriDespite Nigeria’s rich natural and human resources, including crude oil, coal, marble and gold, poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges. According to a National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, 40.1% of the population lives in poverty. This statistic indicates that, on average, four out of 10 individuals in Nigeria have real per capita expenditures that fall below $87.47 annually. Consequently, this translates to more than 82.9 million Nigerians considered poor by national standards.

However, with a strategic vision and well-defined government policies, ending poverty in Nigeria by 2050 is achievable. Collaborative efforts from the Nigerian populace will also play a crucial role. This goal is essential for achieving sustainable development.

Root Causes of Poverty in Nigeria

The root causes of poverty in Nigeria include:

  • Economic Underdevelopment and Lack of Diversification. Nigeria’s economy is predominantly dependent on oil, which has resulted in a significant lack of diversification and heightened vulnerability to global price fluctuations. This over-reliance on a single commodity stifles job creation and economic growth, ultimately affecting the overall standard of living for the population.
  • Corruption. Corruption remains a major obstacle to development in Nigeria, costing the country $550 billion since independence. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranked 145th out of 180 countries, reflecting persistent governance challenges. Corruption undermines public service delivery, diverts infrastructure, health and education funds and worsens poverty by restricting access to basic services.
  • Income Inequality. Income inequality in Nigeria remains a pressing issue, with the top 10% earning 14 times more than the bottom 50%. Nigeria’s Gini coefficient of 35.1 reflects a significant disparity in wealth distribution. This inequality limits social mobility and access to opportunities, reinforcing poverty, especially in rural areas.

Policy Initiatives to End Poverty in Nigeria

The Nigerian government has developed a strategic vision and key policy initiatives to end poverty in Nigeria. This includes a minimum wage increase from $19.23 to $44.86 in 2024 for those in the formal sector. This policy is designed to enable workers to afford essential needs, particularly in light of rising prices.

Similarly, collaborative initiatives, such as the Three Million Tech Talents (3MTT) initiative, represent a proactive approach by the Nigerian government to cultivate a generation of tech-savvy youth. This program empowers young individuals, particularly in the technology and creative industries. It fosters strategic partnerships with international organizations and the private sector. These efforts are aimed at ending poverty in Nigeria by the year 2050.

Final Remarks

Current economic conditions, characterized by inflation, a high cost of living, increased electricity tariffs and rising prices, have significantly weakened the impact of the wage increase. Additionally, minimum wage laws mainly apply to formal sector workers. This leaves much of the informal workforce uncovered, limiting the overall effectiveness of the policy. Therefore, ending poverty in Nigeria requires effectively enforcing the proposed minimum wage increase across both formal and informal sectors.

– Damilola Bukola Omokanye

Damilola is based in Abuja, Nigeria and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Namibian Politics: First Female President Tackles Inequality

Namibian Politics: First Female President Tackles Inequality Namibia has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past three decades, cutting its poverty rate by more than half between 1993 and 2016. However, major challenges remain. The 2021 Namibian Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reveals that more than 43.3% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty, which considers factors beyond income, such as education and access to basic infrastructure. While 17.4% of Namibians live on less than $2.15 a day, the MPI highlights a broader reality: nearly half the population experiences poverty when measured by multiple indicators of well-being.

Inequality in Namibia

Namibia experiences some of the highest levels of inequality in the world, with a Gini Index of 59.1 in 2015, a measure of wealth distribution across the population. By 2024, Namibia ranked second globally for income inequality, behind only South Africa. This disparity disproportionately affects rural communities, women and children. Addressing these ongoing challenges requires strong and effective political action to drive meaningful change.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

At the time of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s birth in 1952, Namibia was known as South West Africa and was under South African occupation. According to the BBC, during her teenage years, she joined Swapo, a group resisting South Africa’s white-minority rule. While in high school, a crackdown on Swapo activities led to her arrest and prosecution. Following her release, Nandi-Ndaitwah decided to leave South West Africa and joined other Swapo activists in exile. She continued her activism in Zambia and Tanzania before moving to the United Kingdom (U.K.) to study International Relations. After Namibia gained independence in 1988, Nandi-Ndaitwah returned home and joined the then-Swapo-led government. Throughout her political career in Namibian politics, she has been a figurehead for women’s rights in Namibia.

A Vision for Reducing Inequality

Through her efforts, the Combating of Domestic Violence Act passed the National Assembly in 2002. She has steadily advanced in Namibia’s male-dominated political arena and, in February 2024, became the country’s vice president. By December 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president, securing more than 57% of the vote. Although she has yet to outline specific plans, the president-elect has promised significant change, stating, “We must have radical shifts in addressing the plight of our people.” In her victory speech, according to Reuters, she highlighted the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and land reforms to address disparities between Namibia’s social groups.

Looking Forward

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president marks a historic milestone for Namibian politics and its marginalized communities. Her leadership represents a long-awaited opportunity to tackle systemic poverty and inequality that have persisted since the era of white-minority rule.

As she prepares to take office, expectations are high for land reforms, equitable wealth distribution and improved access to education and health services. Her decades-long advocacy for women and vulnerable populations provides hope for actionable change.

While Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election is cause for celebration, her success will ultimately be measured by her ability to transform promises into policies that address Namibia’s deepest inequalities and ensure that underrepresented groups have the opportunity to thrive.

– William Pickering

William is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Palestine

Poverty in PalestineThe World Bank estimates that half a million jobs have been lost in Gaza since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023. In mid-2023, the overall poverty rate in Palestine stood at 32.8%, a 3.7% increase from 2017. Today, the World Bank states that nearly every Gazan lives in poverty. Although Israeli occupation and sanctions had already stifled the Palestinian economy, the war on Hamas has plunged Gaza into “utter ruin,” according to a U.N. report. The damage to infrastructure and natural resources, the interruption of education and the loss of life in Gaza mean that it could take 350 years for the strip’s economy to return to its pre-conflict levels.

Despite the fact that 40% of the Gazan population relied on humanitarian aid in 2023, Israel impedes organizations like the WHO and UNRWA from delivering essential assistance. Ilze Brands Kehris, the U.N.’s Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, stated that “the humanitarian and human rights situation for Palestinian civilians across Gaza is catastrophic” and referenced the “strong likelihood of famine.” Poverty in Palestine is, therefore, extreme and acute.

Blockade and Sanctions

Years of occupation and sanctions had already turned off the Gazan economy. Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza appropriate Palestinian land and natural resources. Whereas Israeli settlements have access to high-quality water, only 10% of Gazans enjoy this human right. Additionally, Israel implemented a 300-meter buffer zone around the border of Gaza, which citizens are not allowed to access or cultivate. This means that Israel, in fact, controls 24% of the territory designated as Gaza.

Israel has exercised complete control over Gaza’s land, sea and air border since the beginning of the “blockade” in 2007. Under these sanctions, Israel has control over how much fuel, electricity, water and aid enters Gaza, as well as who is allowed to enter and exit. There are also reports that Israel engages in systematically spraying herbicide along the “buffer zone,” which is inside the territory of Gaza.

The practice started in 2014, resulting in further damage to the small amount of arable land left to Palestinians living in Gaza. Crosswinds carry the herbicides into Gaza, causing crop destruction miles away from the border buffer zone. Palestinian officials claim that the spraying of herbicides has damaged more than 420 acres of land in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Force’s (IDF) justification for the spraying is to “enable optimal and continuous security operations.”

Trade Restrictions

Restrictions placed on Palestinian trade by Israel mean that Palestinian goods and services are far less competitive on the market than their Israeli counterparts. The U.N. notes that the average trade cost per transaction for a Palestinian firm is nearly three times higher than for an Israeli firm. Barriers to trade with other countries mean that Palestine is overly reliant on Israel as its sole trading partner.

In 2022, 72% of Palestinian trade was with Israel. These measures imposed by Israel to contain and restrict Palestinian life contribute to the overall impoverishment of Palestinians. The U.N. found that, on average, for every eight cents a Palestinian earns, an Israeli earns $1. Even so, the currency union (the Israeli shekel is widely used in Palestine), customs union and geographical proximity tie living costs in Gaza with those of Israel, a much more advanced economy.

Impact on Education and Employment

Citizens of Gaza are well educated, with a literacy rate of 97.1%, yet the poverty of Palestine due to the occupation by Israel means that qualified professionals are unable to find jobs in Gaza or travel to look for work elsewhere. For instance, Said Lolo is a Palestinian man who holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Unable to find a job in Gaza, he is forced to work 14 hours a day selling coffee to support his family of nine. He sleeps at his cafe and only goes home once a week.

Conclusion on Poverty in Palestine

Despite the hostility between the Israeli government and Hamas, there are a number of Israel-based human rights groups. The groups are doing essential work in documenting Israel’s violations and advocating for Palestinian rights. B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, has been working to monitor Israel’s activities for more than 30 years. It takes its name from an allusion to a passage in Genesis, meaning, “And God created humankind in His image. In the image of God did He create them.” The organization takes this reference to symbolize its commitment to “the universal and Jewish moral edict to respect and uphold the human rights of all people,” exemplifying the belief that there is no contradiction between being Israeli and advocating for Palestinian rights.

Adalah, an Arab human rights group based in Israel, focuses on promoting the rights of Arab citizens within Israel. The charity’s legal advocacy has enabled it to defend Bedouin rights to land in Israel and represent Palestinian victims of Israeli violence in court, among many other important victories. Without the advocacy of rights groups like these, Palestinians in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza would receive little visibility. It’s thanks to their work in advocating and documenting Israeli violations that the international community is apprised of the situation. These groups are essential in laying the groundwork for Palestinian representation that could lead one day to full Palestinian sovereignty.

– Io Oswald

Io is based in Paris, France and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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SDG 10 in Costa Rica

SDG 10 in Costa RicaIn many respects, Costa Rica has been able to boast about serious accomplishments: curbing deforestation, democratic balance, foreign investment and trade freedom. However, while there has been success, there has also been increasing economic inequality and steady poverty rates. SDG 10 in Costa Rica is experiencing some setbacks. The U.N. created the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to bring attention and action to economic woes, along with environmental and social safeguards. Each SDG tackles a different issue; SDG 10 deals with inequality.

Inequality and Social Investment

Since the mid 20th century, Costa Rica has invested heavily in social programs. A 2016 World Bank report shows how Costa Rica’s abolition of the army freed up capital for “education, health and social security.” In the 2000s, investment in social and public services became more than 20% of the GDP.

Experts say these factors helped Costa Rica gradually improve the quality of life for many people. For example, according to a former Costa Rican president, Luis Guillermo Solís, “… the consolidation of social reforms allowed the construction of a society with a strong predominance of the middle class,” ReVista reports.

Despite these successes, poverty is not reducing at an ideal rate, and inequality is increasing. Although the poverty rate in Costa Rica is one of the lowest in Latin America, it has been steady “at around 20% for almost two decades.” Some attribute these problems to Costa Rica’s changing policies on social programs.  The former president of the Inter-American Court of Justice, Elizabeth Odio, says, “The country has had improvements in the fiscal balance, but this has been done at the expense of social issues. We are deteriorating two fundamental pillars: health and education,” ReVista reports.

Workers

There have been less opportunities for less-educated workers in recent years, and an aging population puts pressure on households. Also, groups such as migrants, indigenous people, and single mothers are continuing to struggle. Meanwhile, educated workers are in an improving situation, and prices continue to rise. It seems that this dynamic is widening the disparity and worsening SDG 10 in Costa Rica.

One group that is being negatively affected by inequality is Nicaraguan refugees and migrants. This group makes 7% of the Costa Rican population. Sadly, “Nicaraguans in Costa Rica are overall poorer, tend to be less educated and earn less,” according to UNHCR. Also, they tend to work “informally,” resulting in them getting fewer social transfers than locals.

According to UNHCR, studies suggest that “improving employment conditions, social inclusion, and access to services” would help Costa Rica and Nicaraguan migrants. Many migrants could contribute more to Costa Rica if they were more included in the social system.

Crime

Costa Rica has also experienced an uptick in crime. This can be attributed to drug trafficking becoming a worse problem in recent years. Because of Costa Rica’s coastlines, it is an advantageous port for drug traffickers, and it has become the largest shipment point for cocaine going to the U.S. and Europe.

Murders have risen while the price of cocaine has dropped, causing an increase in addiction. These factors compounded with high inflation have perpetuated poverty and inequality. To make matters worse, drug trafficking has created violent gangs that strain the system even further, GlobalPost reports.

As a result of the pandemic and a lack of opportunities, many young people have dropped out of school and are joining gangs.  Also, the rise in crime is deterring tourists from visiting, which is hurting the tourist industry; tourism is “7.1% of the country’s labor force.”  This strains poor communities even further, contributes to inequality and weakens SDG 10 in Costa Rica.

In response to crime, the Costa Rican government hired 1,500 more police officers, and they have installed cargo drug scanners on the coasts.  Also, “the Ministry of Public Security grew by $40 million,” according to The Costa Rican Times. The U.S. has contributed scanners and $40.5 million to fight crime and drug trafficking.

Solutions

Organizations like CEPIA are working to address issues like lack of education and lack of skills in the job market. CEPIA provides after-school programs, care for families living in vulnerable circumstances, professional training and employment, legal orientation and more.

CEPIA supports “over 1,000 children, teenagers and their families from poor backgrounds.” If a contributor to inequality is lack of education and opportunities for less skilled workers, CEPIA has many services to fill that gap. Hundreds of poor children receive school supplies. Those students can also participate in sports along with psychological counseling. In addition, 600 adults participate in the programs as well.

Along with CEPIA, SOS Children’s Villages is working to help children in need. They report that one in three children live in poverty in Costa Rica. As a result, this organization “has worked with other non-governmental organizations and companies to improve youth employability.” It also “created a digital platform called YouthLinks which connects young people with mentors in the country and region.”

SOS Children’s Village supports disadvantaged people around the world, and they have worked in Costa Rica Since 1972. It has schools, which strive to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. There are 190 children learning at their kindergartens, 300 children grow up in their care and 70 young people are given assistance as they work to become independent.

Although Costa Rica is a country moving on an upward trajectory, SDG 10 in Costa Rica has been struggling. Still, the country continues to fight for a better future.

– Michael Messina

Michael is based in Newburyport, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gender and Ethnic Wage Gaps in Ecuador

Gender and Ethnic Wage GapsGender inequality in the labor market manifests itself in many ways, not only regarding salary differences but also often involves women working longer hours in more informal sectors and engaging in higher levels of unpaid work. Despite not being one of the most underperforming Latin American states addressing the gender pay gap, Ecuador was ranked 89th out of 186 countries for gender inequality by the Human Development Index in 2012. This highlights that there is still work to be done to improve opportunities and benefits afforded to women in the workplace.

The Gender Wage Gap

In Ecuador, female workers earn between 13-26% less than men, with women in rural parts of the country estimated to work around 23 hours longer a week than their male counterparts. Women are also more commonly involved in “vulnerable” employment, working without formal arrangements or protections. They are, therefore, reliant on the economy doing well to stay in their job and are more likely to end up in poverty. Since the ’90s, the proportion of women employed in such employment in Ecuador has increased to 61.1%, compared to 43.5% of men, higher than the Latin American average.

Additionally, there is an invisible side to this gender wage disparity. According to data from the Household Satellite Account, “in 2014, unpaid work performed by women in Ecuador represented 15% of GDP.” Thus, the gender wage gap in Ecuador is much more than just differences in earnings; it is the quality of the work and conditions available to women. These gendered differences within the labor market intersect with racial and ethnic discrimination, making life especially difficult for minority women.

Ethnic Wage Gap

Ecuador’s population is diverse, with 1.1 million indigenous citizens from 14 nationalities. Throughout its history, similar to other countries with large Indigenous populations, these groups have suffered marginalization and discrimination. This has significantly impacted the relative prosperity and quality of life of indigenous people. In Ecuador, ethnic wage gaps are considerably higher than gender ones, with Indigenous citizens receiving only 33% of nonindigenous workers’ salaries.

Regarding opportunities, Indigenous people are two to three times less likely to be in stable, specialized careers in countries like Ecuador, where large Indigenous communities live in urban areas. When the gender pay gap intersects with these profound ethnic ones, this inequality becomes even more pronounced, especially for Indigenous women. These groups not only suffer from gender wage gaps but are put at an even more significant disadvantage in comparison to their nonindigenous female counterparts due to racial inequalities. Also, many Indigenous women live in rural areas of Ecuador, meaning they are also affected by the differences in rural and urban working opportunities and conditions.

Addressing Gender and Ethnic Wage Gaps in Ecuador

The Ecuadorian Constitution has attempted to address gender equality, committing itself to eliminating discrimination against women and creating a National Council of Women (CONAMU) focusing on policy directly related to women’s issues. Legislation such as the Law for Equal Pay between Women and Men has obliged employees to pay equal wages to male and female workers in the same jobs. Similarly, the Law to Promote the Violet Economy has expanded on this to promote female participation in sectors where they are often underrepresented.

The government passed an additional gender parity law in 2020, setting quotas to encourage increased female participation in election candidate lists and address the gender imbalance within the government. In 2021, this quota was set at 15% and increased to 30% in 2023. The government hopes that gender parity for electoral candidates will be reached by 2025. These diversity requirements have shown promising progress thus far, with women making up 46.9% of the candidates in the February 2024 subnational elections.

The United Nations (U.N.) has also made significant progress in expanding education provision for women and girls and encouraging female participation in elections. U.N. Women have worked alongside the United Nations Office For Project Services (UNOPS) to develop initiatives to help “national and local administrations incorporate a gender perspective” in the public sector.

This will ensure that the specific needs of women and girls are being addressed across different government sectors to bring Ecuador closer to meeting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The organization has also promoted monetizing unpaid care responsibilities to recognize the additional labor women carry. If this proposal were to come to fruition, it would have significant benefits for Ecuadorian women, who in 2012 carried out around 40 hours of unpaid domestic work a week on top of other work commitments.

Final Remark on Wage Gaps in Ecuador

Despite Ecuador making great strides in improving the gender wage gap, not much is being done to tackle the profound ethnic wage gap that is disadvantageous and limiting ethnic minorities (especially Indigenous people). To ensure that all women earn a fair wage for their work and are valued as much as their male counterparts, addressing this ethnic pay gap alongside gender is crucial. Otherwise, indigenous women and those from other ethnic minorities will be left behind.

– Ciara Howard

Ciara is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Poverty Reduction in Seychelles 

Poverty Reduction in SeychellesThose experiencing poverty in Seychelles live on less than $6.85 a day, which was estimated to be nearly 5.6% of the population in 2023. The majority of poverty is concentrated in certain districts of Mahé, the largest island. Issues like substance abuse and teenage pregnancy affect people in poverty – these can hinder efforts in poverty reduction, though they are taking steps.

Foreign Investment and Tax Reform

The government is utilizing its newest Fitch Rating to create more employment opportunities. A Fitch Rating evaluates an entity’s ability to pay back loans, keep promises and generally be a sound investment for a financial institution. This will lead to more FDI, allowing the government to further invest this money in creating employment. Recent increases in employment have been shown to reduce poverty in Seychelles from 5.9% to 5.6% from 2022 to 2023—this is vital for poverty reduction.

By reducing the tax from 30% to 25% for profits of more than 1 million SCR, the 2022 reform reduces strain on businesses in Seychelles and equally facilitates more Seychellois businesses.  Businesses below the 1 million threshold now also benefit from a 15% tax on profits, down from 25% before 2022. This is promising for smaller business owners who may experience levels of poverty.

Regional Disparities

One challenge to poverty reduction in Seychelles is a high level of income inequality. However, the government is helping to address this intra-regional inequality by investing in the education system. Currently, Seychelles spends 10% of its GDP on education. It has also invested in health care and created social safety nets; an example of this is how it increased pensions and the minimum wage.

The World Bank

In 2021, the World Bank gave Seychelles a loan of $30 million for reforms on its social protection system, which is important for poor Seychellois as it covers pensions, welfare and help for those with disabilities. The World Bank estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic halted efforts in poverty reduction. This resulted in the percentage increasing from 25% to 37%, which was essential for further poverty reduction.

Multidimensional Poverty Index Report

Seychelles released its 2019 MPI report, a useful resource to help understand poverty within the country. The Seychelles’ Poverty Alleviation Department created this report as a way to produce a guideline for future policies for poverty reduction in Seychelles. This makes it easier to understand the situation of the poorest Seychellois and understand the challenges they face.

Despite these challenges, the future is bright for Seychelles. It has demonstrated economic growth and investment in its workforce even after 2020. By securing foreign investment, a future is secured for the poorest and most vulnerable of the Seychellois.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Costa Rica

Higher Education in Costa RicaCosta Rica stands out as a leader in higher education in Central America, thanks to a rich cultural emphasis on learning and a series of forward-thinking policies established in the decades leading up to the 21st century. Costa Rica sends many of its students abroad to study and the country has an exceptionally high literacy rate. Higher education in Costa Rica is far above many other countries in Central America and is a benchmark for its neighbors.

Free Education

Compared to other South and Central American countries, Costa Rica has a relatively stable history. Costa Rica’s success with education dates back to the 19th century, when the newly formed government allowed children to go to school for free, regardless of sex, according to ReVista. This has led to more peaceful times in the country, giving the young generations more opportunities to pursue higher education and make positive contributions to society. 

Costa Rica has been setting the standard for higher education in Central America. The government of Costa Rica has the largest budget for education in the region, with 8% of its GDP being invested in education. The result is many students who are well versed in a wide variety of subjects, and a population with a 98% literacy rate. Many students from top private schools and places of higher education in Costa Rica end up studying abroad, giving young people many education opportunities, no matter their socio-economic background. Higher education in Costa Rica is a priority, as there are currently five public universities in the country.

This was virtually unheard of back then and had a positive effect on the population that has rippled into the 21st century. Later on, in 1949, Costa Rica became the first country to abolish its military. After this, the government directed funds from the military budget to health care and education, ReVista reports.

Higher Education Improvement Project

In the 2010s, Costa Rica wanted to further strengthen its higher education department by launching the Costa Rica Higher Education Improvement Project. The government distributed money equally to the four established public universities. The aim was to create more facilities, bring in better teachers, enhance the technology the students worked with and create an overall better life for the students. As a result, between 2014 and 2019, the total enrollment of undergraduate and postgraduate students increased by 22%. As well as this, exam scores went up and the universities built more facilities for their students to study in. 

Inequality

Despite this, Costa Rica still has issues with its education system. In rural areas, many classrooms have only one teacher for large classes, and many schools have to combine kids of different age groups, leading to bad results, according to ReVista. In rural areas, kids have fewer opportunities and cannot access the same amount of resources that urban students enjoy. As of 2023, 42% of adolescents did not have access to a laptop, and 13% did not have access to the internet.

The inequality in Costa Rica has worsened because of the pandemic. Poorer students could not attend school and this cost them years of education which, unfortunately, they will not be able to make up. The worsening economy caused many schools to either shut down or lose resources such as laptops, books or even running water, UNICEF Reports. In Costa Rica, a stagnant economy has caused schools to lower their standards.

Furthermore, the pandemic has seen a negative effect on students who graduate from high school and even primary school, and many of the students who fall out fail to come back to school. Another issue Costa Rica has seen from the pandemic is a decrease in funding for educational institutions. In 2017, the funding was at 8%, however, in February 2024, the funding was at just 5.2%, ReVista reports. The pandemic also resulted in the reduction of health care, social security and welfare programs. As a result, inequality and unemployment have risen in Costa Rica in the past four years since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Future

In 2023, UNESCO, UNICEF and UNFPA aimed to launch the SDG fund programme aimed at increasing public spending in the education sector, according to UNICEF Country Office Annual Report 2023. The SDG fund helped to design an integrated national financing framework. So far, the SDG program helped build 4,500 education centers for children under 12 years old, while also providing free transportation to 172,792 students. Currently, there are 209 educational centers which implement STEM learning for children under 18.

UNICEF also launched programs to help train teachers in multimedia programs to enhance learning in the classrooms. These programs have continued in 2024, and UNICEF has been working closely with the Ministry of Education in Costa Rica, according to Country Office Annual Report 2023.

In Costa Rica, the effects of the pandemic and the wounded economy still affect young children and their educational development. However, programs launched by the United Nations are slowly helping Costa Rica improve its educational centers for the youth. The government of Costa Rica must continue working with the UN and other NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to fulfill the needs of its children.

– Colin Claffey

Colin is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Inequality and Mental Health Fuel Global Poverty

Inequality and Mental HealthInequality is not just an economic challenge; it’s deeply psychological, influencing how individuals perceive themselves, others and society. Disparities in living conditions and opportunities profoundly affect mental well-being, leading to cycles of marginalization that erode trust, weaken social cohesion and harm mental health. This acceptance of inequality can become entrenched in societal norms, making it harder to challenge. However, understanding these psychological dimensions also reveals avenues for political and social change, as shifting perceptions can fuel efforts to reduce these disparities.

Understanding Global Inequality

Global inequality is marked by the uneven distribution of resources, opportunities and power, leading to significant differences in living standards. This issue is not only global but also deeply rooted within nations where social stratification creates rigid hierarchies based on power, status and wealth. For instance, the bottom 50% of the global population controls just 2% of the world’s wealth, while the top 10% commands 76%. Although global inequality between countries has slightly decreased, internal disparities within nations have widened, revealing an alarming trend of growing inequality even as some global measures improve.

Psychological Dimensions of Inequality

  1. Perceptions and Their Impact: How people perceive inequality is crucial in understanding behavior and societal cohesion. Perceptions, shaped by relative or absolute measures, influence how individuals view their place in society and their potential for upward mobility. Misjudgments in these perceptions can obscure or exaggerate the true extent of inequality, affecting personal choices and reinforcing societal dynamics that perpetuate the status quo.
  2. Mental Health Consequences: tyle=”font-weight: 400;”>>The psychological toll of inequality is profound, particularly when it comes to mental health. Dr. Greig Inglis from the University of the West of Scotland, who has extensively researched poverty stigma and its mental health effects, explains, “The most commonly discussed form of poverty stigma is discrimination, where people living in poverty are treated unfairly because of their financial situation. However, there are other forms of stigma, such as the anxiety about how others might treat them in the future due to their financial difficulties.” Inglis further notes that “the evidence is clear that poverty stigma is detrimental to mental health, often leading to low self-esteem, depression and other signs of mental ill-health.”

This stigma often traps individuals in a cycle where mental illness and poverty exacerbate each other, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mental health struggles can lead to exclusion from economic opportunities, further deepening poverty. Moreover, poor mental health is closely linked to other health problems, reducing productivity and economic stability. Addressing mental health in these populations is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Mechanisms Perpetuating Poverty

  1. The Role of Perception and Self-Interest: People’s perceptions of inequality are shaped by their environment and personal interests, with social and media cues playing a significant role. These perceptions can lead to biased views that reinforce existing inequalities, as individuals support policies that align with their interests, often benefiting the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
  2. Income Disparities and Social Stratification: Income inequality is a major driver of poverty, creating entrenched cycles that are difficult to break. Social stratification further solidifies these disparities, limiting social mobility and trapping those born into poverty. Overcoming these barriers requires systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequality rather than just its symptoms.

Global Efforts to Tackle Inequality

The Business Commission to Tackle Inequality (BCTI) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have launched significant initiatives to address global inequality. BCTI’s 10-point action agenda focuses on embedding social performance and accountability into business practices. At the same time, the IMF has expanded its efforts to include fiscal redistribution, social spending and inclusive growth.

In response to COVID-19, the IMF doubled access to emergency financing, approving $116 billion for 85 countries, provided debt relief grants through the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) and collaborated on the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) for low-income countries. Additionally, the IMF allocated $650 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to bolster global economic stability during the crisis. These initiatives highlight the importance of addressing both the economic and psychological dimensions of inequality as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce global poverty.

Conclusion

Addressing mental health and emotional barriers that sustain inequality can create more just and equitable societies. While economic growth is necessary, it alone may be insufficient; changing perceptions and breaking down psychological barriers are vital for fostering sustainable development and global social equity.

– Sandeep Kaur

Sandeep is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Organizations Fighting Inequality in the Philippines

fighting inequality in the Philippines Inequality is a key barrier to success for many residents of the Philippines. The International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD) cites a rural poverty rate of 36%. Furthermore, the World Bank cited the Philippines as sporting an income Gini coefficient of 42.3% in 2018, indicating some of the highest levels of inequality in East Asia. This article will address the efforts of NGOs like the Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples, and Fundlife International, exploring the ways these organizations are fighting inequality in the Philippines.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in addition to surveying the Philippines and identifying developmental hurdles for the nation, has also accomplished a great deal of work of its own in the nation. UNIDO’s new Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) which has been in effect since 2022 is an example of its continued efforts in the nation.

Since 2022 alone, UNIDO spent $428,785 to encourage systematic trade development and strengthen quality infrastructure in the Philippines and countries like Costa Rica and Moldova, with a further $2,366,419 budget for the program, which will last until 2027. Aside from UNIDO’s efforts, however, there are many NGOs with operations based within the Philippines itself, with programs of their own that are fighting inequality in the Philippines by providing for the nation’s Indigenous community

Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples

The Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples (PTFIP) is an NGO primarily basing its operations in the Philippines, with support from Germany’s Protestant Development Service. Formed to advocate for the needs of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples, while spreading awareness and educating others on the knowledge and practices of these peoples, the PTFIP uses many methods to accomplish this goal.

The PTFIP’s work towards preserving the history of indigenous peoples has been recognized, with the organization earning the Heritage Education and Interpretation award of the Philippine Heritage Awards. Covering the stories of indigenous peoples is critical for combating inequality, spreading awareness of the struggles and advocating for the needs of the Philippines’ indigenous population allows not only the general population to know how they can pitch in and help but also political figures and company leaders so that they are aware of the goings on in these communities.

FundLife International

FundLife International is another NGO fighting inequality in the Philippines, founded on a simple mission statement – “no child should be denied ​quality education and equitable opportunities to reach their fullest potential.” Through many different approaches towards tackling this goal, it has shown utmost dedication towards fulfilling its mission statement, taking on the challenge of combating inequality in different sectors, including efforts focused on Education, Infrastructure, and Gender Equality.  In addition to these efforts, it also provides relief aid during natural disasters and organizes charity events within The Philippines to raise awareness and funding towards these causes.

Another key way it accomplishes its goal is through its empowerment initiative. In The Philippines, four in 10 of the nation’s youth work in the informal sector. Informal employment often entails unregulated work, and that pays below minimum wage. This type of work can be entrapping for those living in poverty, often lacking opportunities for career progression.  Since 2014, Fundlife has directly helped over 80,000 people in the Philippines, providing them with opportunities to escape inequality and empowering them to find long-term careers.

Closing Thoughts

Although many organizations are working to combat inequality in The Philippines domestically, tackling the nation’s inequality is no small task. The efforts of the NGOs mentioned in this article cannot be understated, but progressing towards eradicating inequality in the Philippines is no small task. Though the work of FundLife, UNIDO, and PTFIP has already impacted the lives of thousands across the Philippines, there are still many within the nation that still require support. Though progress will be gradual, the impact of the efforts of these and many more NGOs is invaluable.

– Malik Vega

Malik is based in Miami, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty in France’s Banlieues: Organizations Bridging the Divide

Poverty in France's Banlieues: Organizations Bridging the DivideThe word ‘banlieue’ is unique to French society in meaning. Stripped of culturally-formed connotations, it translates into ‘suburb’ in English. However, it has also come to refer to specific urban communities associated with pervasive poverty, soaring crime rates and smoldering social tensions. These neighborhoods lie on the fringes of large cities and, subject to extreme stigma, are peripheral in every way possible. 

An Issue Decades in the Making

A complex lattice of past events lies behind the present reality of France’s banlieues. In the 1950s, the French government funded the construction of Habitations à Loyer Modéré (HLM) or low-cost housing, on the outskirts of cities. These apartment complexes housed mostly working-class families and were considered a rung on the ladder to home ownership. Over the following decades, numerous waves of immigrants, primarily from ex-colonies like Algeria and Tunisia, settled on French shores. Discrimination forced many into ‘bidonvilles’ (meaning shantytowns). However, in the 1970s, the government took action to dissolve these informal settlements. By then, the initial occupants were moving out of HLM and it is there that many immigrants were re-housed. 

Over time, these neighborhoods ceased to be ports in the passage to progress and became vacuums for France’s most impoverished populations. The banlieues were born. 

A Social Chasm

Currently, poverty in France’s banlieues is rampant. These communities suffer from a significant lack of public investment and stark shortfalls in services, leading to unemployment rates three times higher than the national average. Furthermore, the intense stigma associated with living in a banlieue often hinders residents’ ability to participate in mainstream society, particularly in securing employment.

Banlieues also host a large minority and immigrant population (their inhabitants are twice more likely to be immigrants than the average) and have become incredibly politicized, situated at the focal point of French political discourses surrounding immigration and integration.

Over the years, feelings of state neglect and discrimination amongst the banlieues’ youth have repeatedly exploded into riots, catalyzed by police violence. In 2005, when riots raged across the country for several weeks, France declared a state of emergency. More recently, in 2023, the deadly shooting of 17-year-old Nahal M. by a police officer in Nanterre sparked renewed unrest and led the United Nations Human Rights Office to urge that France “seriously address the deep issues of racism and discrimination in law enforcement.”

Espérance Banlieues: Looking to the Future

Espérance Banlieues is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) addressing the inequalities in France’s education system that mark the beginning of long-term social tensions and lead to high rates of unemployment among underprivileged young people. Since 2012, the charity has opened 17 schools delivering high-quality teaching to children from underserved neighborhoods across France.

The organization views school as a place where children develop their first societal ties and treats education as a way of easing the crisis in the banlieues. It fosters integration by entrusting students with responsibilities in the school’s daily running, building within every child a sense of being a valuable part of their community’s fabric. It also strives to ensure no sense of exclusion from the French identity by providing access to cultural experiences that build the student’s relationship with the country’s culture and reinforce their status as its inheritors. Recent activities include a music discovery event at the Hôtel des Invalides museum in Paris and participation in a rugby tournament at the renowned Stade Français club. 

With the guiding conviction that “chaque enfant est une promesse” (“every child is a promise”), Espérance Banlieues employs an approach that prizes individuality and autonomy, which has led to impressive results. In 2020, 94% of students finishing the first grade demonstrated a satisfactory reading level, compared to a 66.7% average for schools in the Réseau d’Education Prioritaire, which the government considers to serve an underprivileged student body.

Banlieues Santé: Healing a Wounded Society

Banlieues Santé is an NGO increasing access to health care and improving living conditions in the most underserved neighborhoods of Paris and Marseille. Since its inauguration in 2018, it has gathered 1,200 volunteers and serves 60,000 people annually. It partners with both on-the-ground organizations and large private corporations to operate its programs.

Through its ‘Bien-Aînés’ program, elderly residents can access support in navigating medical services and become more proactive and informed regarding their health. The program also involves events designed to engage elderly people and focuses especially on retired immigrant workers. Furthermore, the organization distributes hygiene kits throughout impoverished communities. In 2022, an incredible 80,000 people benefited from the initiative, and 1,500 volunteers and 185 organizations were mobilized. 

The empowerment of women from these communities is another of Banlieues Santé’s major focuses. The ‘Papillon’ program develops women’s soft skills and coaches them throughout the professional insertion process. Participants can also access training in specific sectors through the organization’s partner companies. Additionally, Banlieues Santé invests in women as agents of development by training them as ‘health ambassadors’. The participants work toward becoming community educators, learning about various contributors to health. In 2022, 26 women graduated from the program.

Closing the Gap

In nurturing its students’ self-confidence and sense of identity, Espérance Banlieues aims to promote a spirit of inclusion. Banlieues Santé’s commitment to the dignity of those experiencing poverty in France’s banlieues and efforts to equalize opportunity demonstrate the same dedication to human potential. The present situation of poverty in France’s banlieues is the manifestation of a complex historical context. What is certain, however, is that there are people working determinedly to erode the cycle of poverty and violence that has long kept these neighborhoods stagnated and to usher in a more prosperous and peaceful future. 

– Leila Powles

Leila is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr