, ,

Cycles of Poverty in the Philippines

Poverty in the PhilippinesIncome inequality is a huge contributor to the persisting cycles of poverty within the Philippines. In 2022, the country’s top 1% of earners reported 17% of all national income, while only 14% was shared between the bottom 50%. Outreach International argues that income inequality continues to exacerbate issues of poverty because many of the national efforts to reduce poverty have been focused in the most densely populated areas of the country, where the most opportunities already exist. Hence, Outreach International focuses its support initiatives on providing those in rural areas with long-term and sustainable solutions that help break the cycle of poverty.

The Cycle of Family Poverty in the Philippines

Income inequality in the Philippines stems from several different structural factors. These include the fact that access to higher education and job skills remains an impossible task for many, the societal norms that leave women and other minorities at a disadvantage socially and addition, the complex geography of the nation, which means that opportunities and natural resources are disproportionately located.

The cycle of poverty prevails when these structural disadvantages mean that households permanently lack the resources to cover their most basic needs. When individuals are forced to spend their whole lives struggling to meet these basic needs, it means that they lack the time and resources to address the core of the issues that keep them rooted in poverty. This cycle of poverty can last a lifetime. It can even be passed from one generation to the next – family poverty.

These cycles of poverty, extreme and chronic, are passed from one generation to the next when children are born into situations where they are unlikely to have the ability to pursue changes that would make life easier for them and even their potential children. Children who are born into poverty are less likely to enroll in school and maintain age-appropriate grade levels because their time is taken up by the need to help the family meet their daily and most basic needs. Limiting a child’s access to education also limits their access to opportunities in the future, their subsequent earning potential and even the prospective development of their community.

However, Outreach International recognizes that family poverty is caused and maintained by more than just a lack of access to education and other kinds of infrastructure. It acknowledges the role of the above structural and societal inequalities and predatory loan practices.

Community-Led Development

Community-led development (CLD) aims to help communities get to the root of social issues affecting them and hindering their economic growth and development. CLD projects result in the final product and help the involved communities develop skills, knowledge and confidence in many aspects of life and business.

When the involved group learns how to “identify, prioritize and mobilize to reach a goal, they don’t just reach that one goal,” they develop skills to reach every goal after that. Their development becomes continuous and sustainable. Unlike short-term monetary solutions, this continues to benefit the communities involved as these skills can be passed onto future generations.

Outreach International’s Rice Loans

An example of Outreach International’s focus on CLD programs is its rice loans. Local community leaders work directly with suppliers to obtain rice at a wholesale price. They negotiate a fair price and organize a delivery location that is accessible to all participating households. The rice is then portioned and delivered to families who cannot afford it at market price.

All households are members of their respective Community-Based Organizations. Over time, each recipient repays the cost of their food loan into a community-managed fund. This fund generates interest and will cover the cost of further rice acquisition. This means vulnerable households can avoid using loan sharks that will take advantage of them. It also means the community can develop the funds and skills to tackle rice shortages on a long-term scale.

By providing communities with the skills and confidence to overcome structural issues over time, Outreach International’s focus on CLD schemes results in long-term economic and social development that helps lift the most vulnerable in the Philippines out of the cycle of poverty.

– Kristina Grant

Kristina is based in Scotland and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, ,

Guatemala’s Economic Growth and Equality

Guatemala’s Economic GrowthIn the past three decades, Guatemala has experienced a steady economic growth trajectory, yet this progress has not translated into significant reductions in poverty or inequality. Since the signing of the 1996 peace accords, which ended a 36-year civil war, the Guatemalan economy has grown at an average annual rate of 3.5%. This period of economic expansion saw the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates of 4.1% in 2022 and 3.6% in 2023​.

However, these figures mask a deeper issue: the benefits of this growth have not been evenly distributed across the population. Urban areas, particularly Guatemala City, have seen substantial investment and development, while rural and indigenous communities continue to lag. This disparity highlights the challenge of achieving inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society.

Key Drivers of Economic Growth

Guatemala’s economy is largely driven by the private sector, which contributes approximately 85% of the country’s GDP. The services sector is the largest, accounting for 68% of GDP. This includes a wide range of activities such as banking, tourism, retail and telecommunications. The manufacturing sector, contributing 14%, is also a vital component, with industries such as food processing, textiles and pharmaceuticals playing significant roles​​.

Agriculture, though comprising only 10% of GDP, remains a critical sector, employing a substantial portion of the population and producing key exports like coffee, sugar and bananas. Additionally, remittances from Guatemalans living abroad, particularly in the United States (U.S.), are a crucial economic lifeline, contributing significantly to household incomes and foreign exchange reserves​.

Persistent Poverty and Inequality

Despite Guatemala’s economic growth and stability, poverty and inequality remain pervasive issues. As of 2023, approximately 55.1% of Guatemala’s population lives in poverty, with indigenous and rural communities bearing the brunt of this economic hardship​​. These communities often have limited access to education, health care and employment opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

The informal sector is a substantial part of the economy, accounting for 49% of GDP and employing 71.1% of the workforce​. This sector is characterized by low wages, job insecurity and lack of social protections, which further exacerbate economic disparities. The country faces significant human capital challenges, with high rates of child malnutrition and limited access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation and electricity​.

Efforts and Challenges

Various initiatives have been undertaken to address these socioeconomic challenges. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been active in Guatemala, implementing programs aimed at improving financial management, fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship. These programs are designed to create a more conducive environment for business growth and to empower local entrepreneurs.

However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is often undermined by systemic issues such as corruption and governance weaknesses. Corruption remains a significant problem, affecting public trust and the efficient allocation of resources.

Potential for Future Growth

Guatemala has considerable potential for future growth, thanks to its rich natural resources, cultural heritage and strategic geographical location. The country is rich in minerals such as gold, silver and nickel, which present opportunities for the mining sector. Its cultural heritage and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for tourism, which can be a significant source for Guatemala’s economic growth. 

– Sofia Reynoso

Sofia is based in Tampa, FL, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project

Photo: Pexels

, , ,

Balancing Prosperity and Income Inequality in Luxembourg

Income Inequality in LuxembourgEconomically, Luxembourg is rated one of the most affluent and prosperous countries in Europe. Acclaimed for high standards of living, a strong economy and a strategic geographical position to become a doorway for international business, the Grand Duchy has made its own identity in the international arena. Nevertheless, one of the greatest challenges of the country comes in the form of income inequality and societal differences.

Economic Prosperity

Luxembourg has a very high economic potential, with a strong financial services industry, high-quality steel and a strategic position in geography. Its financial sector acts as the backbone of its economy. It attracts world corporations, investment funds and financial institutions who are looking for stability and fine regulatory frameworks.

Financial services are one industry that heavily contributes to Luxembourg’s gross domestic product (GDP). Luxembourg for Finance reports that “the financial sector accounts for approximately 26% of the GDP of the country, making it one of the greatest contributors to the economy.”

Although not quite as prosperous as in its heyday, Luxembourg’s steel industry remains another important sector of the country’s economy. Its location in the center of Europe makes it easy to trade and carry out commerce, making it a good place for international businesses to have their headquarters or regional offices.

Income Inequality in Luxembourg

Despite its prospering economy, Luxembourg is faced with sharp income inequality, a challenge pervading many aspects of society. According to a report by Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Watch Europe, the top 20% of earners in Luxembourg take home about five times what the bottom 20% earn.

Differences between the well-off and the underprivileged are reflected in the accessibility of basic services: education, health and housing. While the country is generally characterized by a high living standard, spots of poverty and social exclusion do remain, particularly among certain groups.

Government Response

The government of Luxembourg has implemented social welfare policies that try to alleviate poverty and enhance social mobility. At the very core of these lies a comprehensive social safety net. They include salient welfare programs in the form of unemployment allowances, housing subsidies and even health support schemes. These range from better education and training opportunities to job prospects that economically empower marginalized communities.

Conclusion

Of course, Luxembourg’s impressive economic success is praiseworthy. The government continues with new social welfare policies and programs intended to level the playing field in society.  They aim to foster mobility and bring the nation closer to achieving its vision of an equitable society.

– Honorine Lanka Perera

Honorine is based in Highland, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, , ,

Career Building Initiatives for Working Women in Kazakhstan

Working Women in KazakhstanKazakhstan has taken several steps to encourage and protect employed women, including implementing legal safeguards and diversifying political representation. Despite these efforts, there are still disparities between women and men in the workforce. On average, women are 10% less likely to participate in the paid workforce. Similarly, according to the World Bank, women are less likely to be business owners, with 71% of businesses run by men as opposed to 29% run by women. In addition, almost a quarter of working women in Kazakhstan are vulnerably employed, meaning that there are little to no protections in place to guard against economic shocks.

The most notable disparity for working women in Kazakhstan is their participation in domestic labor. A study by the World Bank notes that “women in Kazakhstan spent 19% of their day and men spent 6.3% of their day on unpaid work.” This means that working women in Kazakhstan spend approximately three times more energy and time on domestic tasks in addition to their paid jobs than their male counterparts.

Combating Gender Stereotypes in Kazakhstan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) notes that gender stereotyping persists among Kazakh citizens. For instance, men are more likely to seek higher education, especially technical and vocational education, as women remain associated with the domestic sphere. Cultural norms in Kazakhstan are generally positive toward gender equality, however, women are less likely to be seen as political and business leaders. Instead, there is a widespread expectation of women to assume roles associated with family. 

The Kazakhstan Country Gender Assessment urges Kazakhstan to implement strategies to diversify the workforce and make jobs more accessible to women. It highlights gender equality in diverse sectors as an important theme to be mainstreamed into initiatives to build regional knowledge platforms. Furthermore, it encourages the country to implement initiatives such as raising awareness on gender equality, career or leadership advising services for female students and empowering female perspectives, especially on a government level. 

Operation Mercy’s Comprehensive Approach

Several initiatives aim to create opportunities for working women in Kazakhstan. A notable program that promotes female empowerment is Operation Mercy, founded in 1991. It advocates the Self Help Approach, which encourages women to cultivate self-worth on an individual and community level. In addition, it specifically focuses on impoverished communities and relationship building on an interpersonal, community and faith-based level, providing education services through academic establishments. The operation’s ongoing programs cover taboo topics, such as STDs, unwanted pregnancy and trafficking, all of which disproportionately affect young women. By providing this information, Operation Mercy motivates young Kazakh women to prioritize their well-being, enabling them to focus on their careers and futures. Each year, the organization serves more than 2,000 students.

Skill-Building for Women in STEM

In Astana, a skill-building marathon organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) specifically targeted women in STEM, hosting 37 women with science education backgrounds. The Skillathon aimed at demonstrating to participants how to develop soft skills for career advancement and promote research. The seminars began by raising awareness around the importance of dismantling prejudice and stereotypes in the STEM field and empowering women to showcase their knowledge and skills, leading by example for future generations. In addition, the initiative led sessions to sharpen technical skills, like communication, commercialization of scientific projects and systems thinking.

Gender Equity in Renewable Energy

Efforts by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote gender equity in Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector addresses the low participation rate of women, which stands at a mere quarter of the workforce. Recognizing the historical gender imbalance, USAID has initiated training events, site visits and networking opportunities aimed at breaking down barriers for women in this field. Furthermore, USAID’s introduction of internship opportunities in 2019 is a strategic move to create more inclusive employment prospects within the energy sector.

Looking Forward

As Kazakhstan continues to address gender disparities in the workforce, initiatives like Operation Mercy, the UNDP Skillathon, and USAID’s focus on renewable energy offer promising pathways toward greater equality and empowerment for women. These efforts, aimed at breaking down barriers and promoting female participation across diverse sectors, lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable future.

– Anna Williams

Anna is based in Burlington, VT, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Updates on SDG 1 in Chile

Updates on SDG 1 in Chile
The U.N.’s first and most important Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for all nations is to “End poverty in all its forms everywhere.” Chile has experienced an economic miracle since the fall of Pinochet, and here is an explanation of how this economic transformation has translated into modern development.

Poverty

The U.N.’s SDG 1 measures poverty rates across the globe, the number of people who live on less than $1.90 a day and the amount those who live on less than $3.20 a day. Chile’s transition from the Pinochet kleptocracy to a market-based economy in 1990 helped develop the Chilean economy through foreign investment and internal economic development, which increased the quality of life and living standards across Chile.

Although the World Bank estimates that in 1990 38.6% of Chile’s population lived below the poverty line, as of 2022, the U.N. estimates that 0.03% of Chileans live on less than $1.90 a day and just 0.18% live on less than $3.20 a day. These scores show that the updates on SDG 1 in Chile are that significant progress has occurred. Market orientation to has effectively eradicated poverty in Chile, but that does not tell the whole story about the updates on SDG 1 in Chile.

The second aspect of the U.N.’s SDG 1 in Chile is measuring relative poverty, the share of a population whose income is less than half of the median disposable income in that country. Chile scored particularly badly in this metric at 16.5% in 2017. The U.N.’s long-term goal is for all countries to score around 6%, and Chile is wide of this margin.

Inequality

Chile has had long-run problems with inequality stretching back to the Pinochet era and the beginnings of marketization. The focus on Chile’s growth was firmly based on poverty eradication and little investment went towards structures that allow a thriving middle class to develop. The Chilean governments of the 2000s and 2010s did not sufficiently invest in educational infrastructure and a true welfare state, resulting in what has become known as “Santiago style-inequality,” where a lower class lives above the poverty line with little prospect of any further development.

Education in Chile is almost fully privatized, resulting in a system designed only to help high achievers and leave behind those who often need good education the most to improve their economic situation. This includes high school education, a sector traditionally run by the state in developing nations to ensure a decent outcome for all students. According to The Guardian, the cost of education in Chile is astronomical, with the average university degree costing 41% of an average yearly income which further prevents social mobility, keeps those above the poverty line in that class and creates “Santiago style-inequality.”

Major Reforms

Chile’s president from 2014-2018, Michelle Bachelet, made major reforms to education, improving the quality of and access to primary and secondary education. Still, Bachelet’s main reform was to make higher education free for those with the lowest incomes. The bill protected a certain amount of the budget to pay for the higher education of some of the poorest Chileans, which at the time made higher education free for 60% of the country. The bill also set up a national body to set tuition fees for all students apart from the 10% richest Chileans. Private universities can only charge whatever fees they choose for the richest 10% of students rather than all students.

People are seeing the benefits of Bachelet’s reform in the updates on SDG 1 in Chile today. Social mobility has increased by breaking down these educational barriers and making education available to all Chileans, reducing poverty and inequality. Poorer Chileans are going to university in larger numbers than ever. However, there is still much of done on future educational reform to help reduce inequality in the long term.

Overall, the updates on SDG 1 in Chile are that Chile is on track to achieve the poverty eradication aspect but is failing in inequality reduction. Still, hope exists for the future if Chile can put the right educational reforms in place.

– John Cordner
Photo: Flickr

, , , , ,

Gender Inequality: A Pop-Up Restaurant in Afghanistan

Gender Inequality: A Pop-Up Restaurant in AfghanistanBanowan-e-Afghan is a pop-up restaurant in Afghanistan that opened in 2023.  A couple of women comfortably lounge across the wooden tables; some reading books, listening to music, or, conversing with others. Suddenly, a tantalizing aroma disseminates across the atmosphere. A cordial woman wearing a hijab and white apron walks over and places a symphony of flavors in front of the seated women. These women enjoy the delight while finally finding a special community of safety, security and opportunity.

Amidst a bustling street in Northwestern Kabul, a small intimate sanctuary is present. From mantoos (lamb-filled dumplings) to bolani (vegetable-stuffed flatbread) this welcoming Afghani abode serves a wide range of traditional and Western foods. However, this restaurant is not your ordinary dine-in. Instead, it is the result of the first step taken by a courageous woman toward a greater national vision.

Gender Inequality in Afghanistan

Gender inequality has been a persistent and perennial issue in Afghanistan. In 2021, despite prior positive efforts against this concern, all progress was nullified due to the Taliban’s inception. The Taliban has issued 80 edicts, including 54 contradicting women’s rights and freedom. Additionally, women were banned from visiting parks, gyms, public bathing houses and constrained girls’ education beyond the sixth grade.

To prevent further Taliban abuse, these Afghani women were forced into surveillance, assault, arbitrary detention, torture and exile. As a result of these restrictions and more, it has been a norm for women to not leave their homes. Women harassment is ubiquitous and even a simple errand or stroll down the street can put a woman in danger. On top of that, in rural Afghanistan, society forbids women from stepping out of the house without a mahram (a male relative by blood).

Societal restrictions also limit women’s job opportunities, prohibiting them from working in NGOs or government jobs. The women’s only chance of employment is in the private sector, but many women are hesitant to do this because of the risk it puts them in. Nonetheless, Samira Muhammadi believes in utilizing this opportunity to provide hope for a more women-friendly future.

By Women, For Women

Muhammadi, the owner of this unique pop-up restaurant in Afghanistan, launched it with a mission to provide women with a safer, more trustworthy and serene haven. In a typical Afghani restaurant, there is a separate family section for only women accompanied by male relatives. Despite this, male threats still endanger women.

Therefore, this rare pop-up restaurant addresses this widespread caveat. For starters, the restaurant is exclusively by women, for women. In other words, all the employees and customers are only women. This allows both the employees and the customers to feel more secure and surrounded by people going through similar circumstances. Instead, these women reclaim their true authentic selves, freely choose their attire and recultivate their public life which has been unethically stripped from them. With this substantial solution, powerful relationships are developed over mouth-watering meals in an elevated state of joy and laughter.

Empowerment Through Employment

In addition, this pop-up restaurant directly supports women facing poverty in Afghanistan. It provides unprivileged women with job and work opportunities in a field that adheres to their talents. The workforce of this restaurant consists solely of women taking refuge at a local women’s shelter, the Afghan Women Skills Development Center (AWSDC). Furthermore, many women living on the streets and in substandard living conditions have approached Muhammadi to work at her restaurant. Most of these women tend to be widows or the sole breadwinner in their families, making them desperate for money as they are the primary source of income. Ultimately, this restaurant provides impoverished women a ticket out of financial deprivation and can provide food and shelter for their families.

Today, the restaurant has hired more than 17 employees including 10 chefs and 7 waitresses. Most of the employees are around the age of 20, the youngest being 13 and the oldest being 40 years. However, all of these employees have gone through rough hardships and dreadful turmoil such as family violence, domestic abuse, parental drug addiction and more. Working at this restaurant allows them a second chance to positively invigorate their lives.

Future Plans

As this pop-up restaurant flourishes and evolves, Muhammadi plans to provide more job opportunities to unfortunate women, as well as more adequate salaries. She also wants to expand the size of the restaurant, to host mini-exhibitions for women to display handicrafts like clothes or jewelry for customers to purchase.

Inspired by her own experience and odyssey, Muhumadi wants to continue to enhance women’s lives in Afghanistan. “I thought these vulnerable women should have a source of income,“ Muhammadi says.

– Sai Sidharth Kanyaboena
Photo: Unsplash

, , ,

Reducing Poverty Through Technological Development

Technological DevelopmentIn a world increasingly reliant on science and technology, lack of access is a significant concern for those living in poverty. To help develop those regions suffering from lack of development, there needs to be a greater push for education in these fields, as well as greater access to technology itself.

This is where the UN Technology Bank comes in, a global organization that is “dedicated to enhancing the contribution of science, technology and innovation for sustainable development in the world’s least developed countries.” In essence, this branch of the UN works to eradicate global poverty and inequality through technological development.

Between 1820 and 2002, the level of global inequality rose to 85%, mainly due to technological growth in certain countries. Despite the necessity of modern technology for modern economies to thrive, many developing countries need to catch up in its adoption, with a 2016 Pew survey finding only 54% of the population in 29 emerging countries could access the internet while only 37% owned a smartphone. However, now is the perfect time for developing countries to not only catch up on technological development but also get ahead on emerging sectors such as green technology, a potentially $9.5 trillion industry. Thankfully, the UN Technology Bank is here to help them achieve their goals.

The First Few Years

Headquartered in Gebze, Turkey, the organization was officially launched in 2018. However, its roots go back several years earlier. In 2011, the UN adopted the Istanbul Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries, which explicitly called for an organization to facilitate technological development in impoverished nations.

The UN laid the foundations for the organization after its leaders recognized that science and technology play a paramount role in lifting least developed countries out of poverty. In doing research for the Istanbul Programme, it found that LDCs needed “forward-looking science, technology and innovation policy frameworks to upgrade and align the skills base with market requirements,” which are vital in spurring economic development in these nations where around 30% of working people on average live below the poverty line.

The Tech Bank also aims to further the UN Sustainable Development Agenda for 2030. This set of 17 goals, adopted in 2015, serves as a blueprint for global development. Among its major aims is eliminating poverty and hunger.

During its first three years, the Tech Bank focused on building partnerships at the national and international level. In addition, it also examined the current state of science and technology in least-developed countries to determine how to establish innovation networks and begin technology transfer.

In a 2018 interview, Technology Bank Council Member Bitrina Diyamett explained why the UN is trying to help LDCs. “The bank starts from the premise that these countries are poor – to a large extent – because they lack capabilities in science, technology and innovation. Therefore, based on the UN principle of “leaving no one behind” in sustainable development, there is no other alternative to achieving the Agenda but by building such capabilities.”

The Work

Since its founding, the Technology Bank has worked on several projects and activities in least-developed countries around the globe.

With this work, it hopes to help these countries achieve several important sustainable development goals. Chief among these goals is economic self-reliance. As least-developed nations acquire new technology and the skills necessary to support it, they will then have the ability to grow their market considerably and lift people out of poverty. Other important goals include sustainable access to health technologies, sustainable industrialization, education and academic cooperation.

Once the Technology Bank decides which country to work with, it takes a four-step approach to help them achieve their goals. The first and arguably most crucial step is beginning the Technology Needs Assessment. Here, Tech Bank researchers identify essential technological development needs, understand the key challenges to that development and create an action plan to achieve greater technical capacity.

At the same time, it begins working on technology transfers. As the name implies, workers and researchers try to facilitate the transfer of essential technology to the countries in which they operate. An example of this may be the building of eco-friendly and affordable shelters or the creation of technology labs to educate young people with the skills necessary to build, operate and maintain using modern science and technology.

Finally, the Tech Bank works on the country’s policy and capacity development and forming strategic partnerships and advocacy. In this final step, the focus is on creating and advocating for national policies that support the capacity for science and technology while forming strategic partnerships with other nations and organizations.

Current Results and Future Outlook

The UN Tech Bank has assisted development in 11 different countries with ongoing projects in four more, including Bangladesh and Benin. Its ultimate goal is to utilize science and technology to help develop the 46 least developed nations.

In March 2022, Tech Bank leader Taffere Tesfachew called on all countries to help those living in the least developed ones. While thanking Turkey for its continued support for the Tech Bank, he stated he was “Hoping other countries would join, like China, also advanced countries like Germany.” And though only the future can tell how successful the Tech Bank will be, thus far, its efforts have proved fruitful, and if other countries answer the call, it is sure to achieve its mission of lifting the most vulnerable out of poverty.

– Jonathon Crecelius
Photo: Flickr

,

Marginalization and Health Care Inequity: A Pressing Issue

MarginalizationMarginalization is exclusion. It results in vulnerable people facing disadvantages when it comes to education, health care and other basic rights. As ReliefWeb details, marginalization is one of the top causes of global poverty. 

The Problem Marginalization Poses

It is evident that marginalization excludes populations from more than just society — but it is not clear how it relates to health care. In reality, there is a domino effect of causes that marginalization can have that lead to an enormous disparity of health care between rich and poor populations. To understand this, it is important to acknowledge the history behind inequity in socioeconomic statuses.

The Past

Impoverished populations have long been treated unfairly for centuries across the world. Caste systems in place in multiple countries have forced people into poverty based on their lineage. War, colonization and natural disasters have also been prominent causes of poverty — but societally, discrimination reigns as one of the largest injustices that impoverished populations face. 

Poorer groups are generally forced into cheaper, more rural neighborhoods. This results in a very obvious marginalization because adequate resources are not provided to them because they cannot pay for the upkeep of necessities. Furthermore, advanced hospitals and vital health care sources usually exist where there are more people, typically in urban areas. 

According to the Center for Global Development, some developing countries can pay up to 30 times more than others for basic everyday medicines. Broken medication markets limit the effective distribution of drugs for the enormous populations in need in several countries across the globe.  

Lack of Health Care Professionals

Because of the lack of education in marginalized poverty-stricken populations, it is extremely difficult to find native health care professionals, especially in the poorest countries. Additionally, with the lack of income equity to adequately pay these health care professionals, those with education often treat people elsewhere. 

With so many grave factors fighting against poor populations, poor health and poverty can become a vicious cycle. When workers have poor health, it is nearly impossible to work properly — especially in the case of workers in agriculture. This results in high rates of unemployment that constantly plague marginalized populations. 

Dealing with Health Care Inequity

Several organizations across the world advocate and fundraise to eradicate health care inequities in developing countries. 

A significant organization tirelessly working for marginalized populations is The World Economic Forum, or WEF. Acknowledging the enormous losses of life and well-being due to a lack of health care, the Global Health Equity Network of the WEF aims to increase advocacy and awareness of health inequities across the globe. Through the network’s longstanding efforts, over 40 organizations in several countries have pledged to bridge the inequity gap by offering affordable health care and have inspired thousands of people to speak up. 

Looking Ahead

With many people uniting as one for the cause, it is more than possible to speak up for marginalized populations that lack access to what they need, as well as to resources that will amplify their own voices. Marginalization cannot disappear in one day — it will involve a team effort of people who wish to spread awareness of the situation. With organizations such as the World Economic Forum working tirelessly to diffuse this crucial perspective, marginalization will gradually release its grip on innocent populations, and a brighter future will be in store for them.

– Divya Shankar
Photo: Pixabay

,

CARE Brazil Fights Poverty and Inequality in Brazil

CARE BrazilBrazil’s history is rife with historical events that define its identity. Such events include colonization, wars and issues of rapid urbanization. CARE Brazil aims to fight persistent poverty and inequality in Brazil.

Brazil’s History

The colonization of Brazil began as early as the 1500s. Before European contact, Brazil had around two million to six million indigenous inhabitants living there. Portugal’s efforts to spread its colonies to the Asian and African continents led Portugal to discover South America during its journey to a water route reaching the Indies and an archipelago in Indonesia. The indigenous inhabitants of Brazil faced harsh rule from the Portuguese, and they subjected them to European diseases, ultimately killing a majority of the native population. 

Brazil’s economy originates in mining and agriculture, with its primary products of gold and sugar. From the 16th to 18th century in Brazil, the sugar industry contributed to most of the country’s wealth, while landholders with small amounts of land produced wealth through coffee and cotton. In the 18th century, coffee and cotton would become the country’s major exports. 

As a product of the Napoleonic Wars, Brazil gained independence in 1822 after centuries of Portuguese rule. In an attempt to seek refuge from the war, the Portuguese king fled Napoleonic rule in Europe to arrive in Brazil. This marked the moment Brazil started on its journey to gain independence from Portuguese rule. King Pedro I was responsible for the subsequent independence of Brazil from European forces. 

Poverty in Brazil 

In recent years, Brazil has experienced extreme poverty, with more and more of the country’s poor experiencing food insecurity and inequality. In 2021 alone, almost 30% of Brazil’s population lived in poverty. Some factors contributing to Brazil’s poor living below the poverty line can be attributed to preexisting economic and social challenges due to the country’s systemic issues. Brazil has high levels of inequality, high public debt, low education rates, low total factor productivity and deforestation, all contributing to the country’s challenges and hurdles. Although these issues are significant and burden Brazil.The country is an important player in the global economy with its goods and policies. 

Due to COVID-19, Brazil experienced an exacerbation of existing issues. The country faced a deep economic recession, further amplifying Brazil’s unemployment and economic issues. The repercussions of the pandemic are still visible today, with Brazil’s unemployment rate reaching 8.4% in January 2023. In addition, the country faces many ongoing challenges, with inflation and deforestation ranking among the top. 

Therefore, while Brazil has seen many conflicts and challenges, organizations such as CARE are committed to providing the resources and strategies necessary to garner long-lasting, meaningful change. 

CARE International

CARE is an international organization striving to fight global poverty and inequality. CARE focuses on women and young girls, aiming their fight against poverty and global, rampant inequality.

CARE tackles issues of economic justice, gender equality, inequality, crisis response, nutrition and health. By focusing on these issues, the organization strives to promote gender equality and eliminate poverty. According to CARE’s guiding philosophy, “At its root, poverty is caused by unequal power relations that result in inequitable distribution of resources and opportunities between women and men, between power-holders and marginalized communities and between countries. Poverty cannot be overcome without addressing these underlying power imbalances.” 

To achieve CARE’s vision on a global scale, the organization spreads its impact through humanitarian and development aid initiatives in over 100 countries. CARE utilizes its advocacy skills and innovations with programs that hone in on eradicating global poverty, specifically by targeting gender equality, the guiding beacon of CARE International. 

CARE Brazil

CARE’s help reached Brazil from 2001 through 2016. By partnering with Brazil’s government and local Brazilian organizations, CARE developed an approach to address structural challenges while prompting the country to respond to the needs of the impoverished. The organization develops programs implemented across multiple states within Brazil, working within various sectors to implement vocational training and offering help to those living in extreme poverty in Brazil by promoting local communities to form sustainable businesses and access to microfinancing. 

According to CARE, due to the large amount of forests in Brazil, the millions of inhabitants who live below the poverty line are more prone to the adverse effects of deforestation. Therefore, it is significant that the organization collaborates with Brazil’s state governments to tackle the issue of reducing the country’s overall poverty rate. CARE has helped Brazilian communities develop sustainable and responsible forest management and reforestation systems. The organization has also aided in policy reform by promoting state governments to form a metric identifying the effects and qualities of programs dedicated to decreasing deforestation in Brazil.

Although CARE’s reach extended to Brazil in 2001, in 2021 alone, the organization helped around 2,200 participants, 98% female. The magnitude of CARE Brazil is evident, underscoring their genuine efforts to bring about gender equality in the country. 

In 1953, Latin American countries, including Brazil, participated in war recovery efforts following World War II by sending CARE Packages to Europe. CARE packages, formed by the CARE International organization, help those living in poverty through emergencies and disasters. Since the 1940s, CARE has developed strategies to provide programs and solutions to needy people. The first CARE Package was delivered at the end of World War II and included meals and kits to be sent to people living in hunger in the aftermath of the war. Around 100 million Care Packages were sent to families across the globe. Today, CARE Packages include financial assistance and messages of hope to those working in health care, specifically addressing COVID-19. 

Today, CARE International works to develop solutions to the issue of poverty in Brazil by working closely with national partners to bring their vision to fruition. 

– Bianca Roh
Photo: Flickr

,

Everything About Inequality And Poverty In South Africa

inequality and poverty in South AfricaSouth Africa is a popular tourist destination for adventure seekers and safari lovers of the world. Its expansive national parks and gorgeous coastal settlements like Cape Town offer travelers countless activities and scenic views. But despite its stunning exterior, extreme, seemingly inescapable inequality and poverty ransack the country, with 18.9% of the population living below the international poverty line.

In 2020, the United Nations (U.N.) and the World Bank ranked South Africa as the most financially unequal country in the world. The following is a look into poverty in South Africa.

Apartheid

Apartheid is the leading factor behind the inequality and poverty in South Africa. This era saw the forced physical and social separation of all racial groups. Black South Africans could not live with or marry white people. They could also not attend the same schools, live in the same neighborhoods or even walk on the same side of the street.

White South Africans experienced better schools, safer homes and superior health care compared to other South Africans. Although Apartheid is no longer an official policy, the effects have left Black South Africans severely disadvantaged socially and economically. At the end of the era of segregation, white South Africans had more than 90% of land ownership in the entire country, leaving the rest of South Africans with little wealth and a direct route to extreme, cyclical poverty.

Even though no laws directly prevent the social or economic advancement of the poor, this type of poverty is difficult to overcome.

Regional Poverty

Extreme poverty in South Africa is mainly concentrated in the eastern and northern regions of the country. Eastern Cape is the poorest municipality in South Africa with a poverty rate of 12.7% and 878,000 impoverished people. However, many other municipalities in these regions experience poverty at rates as high as 11.5% and no lower than around 5%. These same areas have poverty numbers above 600,000 people.

Female-Led Households

Households that females lead experience higher and more severe rates of poverty. In fact, female-led households experience poverty at a rate almost 17% higher than male-headed households. Female-headed households tend to be farther below the poverty line than their male-headed counterparts, meaning that these households have less access to education, clean water and sanitation.

High Rates of Unemployment

As of June 2023, unemployment in South Africa stood at 32.9%, one of the highest rates in the world. Nearly 5% of unemployed people qualify as time-related unemployed, meaning that they are available to and desire to work more hours than they currently do. In other words, many employed South Africans still feel, to a certain degree, unemployed. While one in three South Africans is unemployed and living off of federal grants, some employed individuals still require a higher income to truly survive.

This feeling of hopelessness and desire for more leads to a sense of poverty whether or not one technically qualifies as “impoverished.”

Below Average Health and Safety

South Africa is below average in terms of health and safety. More than one-quarter of people are unsatisfied with the quality of water. South Africa has massive amounts of air pollution and a life expectancy of 64 years old.

Unsafe communities exacerbate these factors. The country has a homicide rate of nearly 14% and more than 50% of people do not feel comfortable walking alone at night.

Overall, living conditions in South Africa range greatly from high-quality housing in wealthy neighborhoods to unsafe and impoverished communities that provide residents with little chance to escape cyclical poverty.

Future Outlook

Although some of these statistics seem daunting, there is good news. The South African government is proving its dedication to reducing poverty through huge amounts of spending on social grants. About 60% of federal spending goes toward social welfare programs that reach 16.6 million people every year. This welfare program includes old age grants for persons 60 years or older, who have a disability, veterans and different forms of child support, including foster child grants and care-dependency grants.

The social welfare program took off in the 1990s during the country’s early years of democracy as a temporary way to ease the inequality and pain caused by Apartheid. However, the program has become permanent and crucial to South African life. An estimated one-quarter of South Africans receive federal aid through this program, making it essential to maintaining a functioning economy and fighting poverty within South Africa.

Poverty in South Africa is more than a lack of sanitation, potable water and healthy food. Apartheid has created a rift in South Africa’s society. The nation is now characterized by unemployment, gender inequality and racism. However, continued government action, foreign aid and time may be enough to significantly reduce inequality and poverty in South Africa.

– Suzanne Ackley
Photo: Flickr