information and Stories about woman and female empowerment.

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Fighting Period Poverty: Jameela Jamil’s partnership with Always

Jamil’s partnership with AlwaysJameela Jamil is an actress, activist and advocate for gender equality. Known for her role in The Good Place, she has built a reputation for using her platform to challenge societal norms and uplift marginalized voices. Recently, Jamil partnered with Always to fight period poverty—a widespread issue that prevents millions of girls and women from accessing menstrual products. Together, they launched initiatives that deliver menstrual products to underserved communities and advocate for systemic solutions through policy and education.

Understanding Period Poverty

Every month, more than 2 billion people around the world menstruate. Menstruation – or period – is a natural and healthy process, yet millions of women and girls cannot afford menstrual products or access to safe water and sanitation to manage their menstrual health and hygiene. In many low-income countries, period poverty forces girls to miss school and prevents women from accessing work opportunities. It also sustains stigma surrounding menstruation. This lack of access leads to health complications from unhygienic alternatives and causes long-term economic setbacks for women who cannot fully participate in society.

Role in Advocacy

Jamil has consistently used her voice to spotlight overlooked issues, including menstrual health. Through social media and public appearances, she highlights the hidden struggle of period poverty and stresses the need to treat menstrual care as a basic human right. Her advocacy frames period poverty not just as a product-access issue, but as a symptom of deeper systemic gender inequality. By confronting stigmas and encouraging open dialogue, Jamil helps normalize conversations about menstruation.

Jamil’s Partnership with Always

In partnership with Always, Jamil has helped distribute more than 1 million sanitary pads to girls in underserved communities across Africa, South Asia and Latin America. This effort ensures that fewer girls miss school due to menstruation. The partnership not only delivers immediate relief but also raises global awareness about menstrual equity.

Jamil also pushes for policy reforms to tackle period poverty at the systemic level. She advocates for menstrual equity laws that guarantee free access to sanitary products in schools and public institutions. Countries like Scotland have already passed such laws and Jamil encourages others to follow their lead. Public education campaigns and government-supported programs remain critical to building sustainable change.

Stories from Girls Impacted by Period Poverty

Jamil’s work also amplifies the voices of girls who have lived through period poverty. Many of them have shared how access to menstrual products helped them stay in school, pursue their goals and rebuild their confidence. Their experiences underscore a key truth: when girls receive the resources they need, they gain the power to strengthen their communities and economies.

Looking Ahead

While Jameela Jamil’s partnership with Always has made significant strides, millions of girls and women still face barriers due to menstruation. By supporting grassroots efforts, sharing information and pushing governments to prioritize menstrual health, the global community could help end period poverty for good.

– Divya Beeram

Divya is based in San Antonio, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Saint Lucia 

Gender Wage Gap in Saint LuciaWage disparities between men and women are a significant issue globally, and the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia is no exception. Despite some progress, women on the island still earn less than men for performing the same work. Factors such as restrictive societal norms and domestic responsibilities heavily contribute to this gap. Efforts are advancing to improve these conditions, but Saint Lucia still has a long way to go before achieving wage equality.

Gender Wage Gap in Saint Lucia

The gender wage gap in Saint Lucia reflects broader inequalities within the job market. Women make up 62.9% of the labor force, significantly trailing men at 75.6%. This disparity does not result from a lack of motivation or capability, but is largely due to the weight of unpaid domestic work carried by women. These societal expectations limit women’s full participation in the workforce, reducing their economic independence and contributing to poverty.

Also, the insufficient accommodations and resources available to support mothers balancing family responsibilities play a significant role in the high poverty rates among women in Saint Lucia. Because women frequently occupy lower-paying jobs, they have less access to the social protections that often receive funding from insurance and social security contributions, which puts them at a further disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.

Power of Education

According to UN Women, women in Saint Lucia earn approximately 10% less than men. However, data from the Saint Lucia Central Statistical Office shows that higher levels of education correlate with a smaller wage gap. This demonstrates the importance of access to quality education in empowering women and enhancing their earning potential. Investments in education are key to addressing the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia and alleviating poverty.

However, Saint Lucia has made meaningful strides in empowering women and promoting educational opportunities that play a crucial role in advancing gender equity among the workplace. Ongoing commitment to these initiatives remains important for further closing the income divide and building a society that thrives on principles of equality and fairness.

Time for Change

One promising initiative tackling the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia is the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project, launched by the World Bank. This clean energy initiative prioritizes gender inclusion by awarding scholarships to women in engineering fields. Since its start in July 2022, the program has awarded 17 scholarships to women pursuing degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering, fields historically dominated by men. This program offers a path for women to access higher-paying, high-demand jobs in the STEM field, thereby helping reduce the gender wage gap in Saint Lucia.

Recently in Saint Lucia, young ladies gathered with female leaders to discuss women’s empowerment and networking. The Department of Gender Affairs organized the event in partnership with the UN Women Multi-Country Office through the Build Back Equal Programme. The stories that these leaders shared inspired the girls, showing them that individuals like themselves can thrive despite facing institutional barriers. This event marked the beginning of more opportunities for young women to gain knowledge and feel empowered in their professional journeys.

The milestones achieved through initiatives like the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project and the Build Back Equal Programme are very meaningful. By actively creating spaces for women to enter and thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields, these programs help close the gender pay gap and also lay the groundwork for stronger economic development across Saint Lucia.

Looking Ahead

Despite the country’s small population of under 180,000, Saint Lucia is making bold strides toward gender equity. Such progress deserves greater recognition. Highlighting these efforts brings much-needed attention to the power of investing in women. When women gain access to quality education, professional mentorship and high-paying careers, the benefits extend outward; strengthening families, communities and the nation as a whole. Empowering women is not only a matter of fairness; it is a bridge for a more resilient society.

– Knia Parks

Knia is based in Pepper Pike, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Government Takes Strides to Alleviate Period Poverty in Ghana

Government Takes Strides to Alleviate Period Poverty in Ghana The government of Ghana allocated GH₵292.4 million in its 2025 financial budget to provide free sanitary pads for girls in primary and secondary schools, marking a significant effort to address long-standing period poverty in the country. Plan International Ghana commended the initiative as a major investment in girls’ health, education and dignity.

Government Response to Menstrual Health

The Free Sanitary Pad Initiative (FSPI), announced by President John Dramani Mahama on April 24, seeks to combat period poverty—a chronic lack of access to menstrual products that disproportionately affects girls in rural areas. The Ghana Education Service estimates that up to 2 million girls will benefit from the program across public basic and secondary schools.

Limited access to menstrual products often leads girls to miss school during their periods. This absenteeism results in disrupted education and contributes to cycles of poverty. In more severe cases, girls are forced to use unsafe alternatives like newspapers, rags or leaves, which can lead to health complications and heighten their vulnerability to abuse. FSPI represents a significant policy move to reduce these risks. By providing menstrual products for free, the initiative aims to keep girls in school, improve academic outcomes and reduce gender-based barriers to education.

Breaking Stigma Through Education

FSPI also addresses material needs and seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation in Ghana. Misconceptions and social taboos around menstruation remain common, limiting open discussion and fostering discrimination against menstruating girls and women. These attitudes not only affect emotional well-being but also contribute to social exclusion. The government’s approach includes educational programming and public messaging to normalize conversations about menstrual health. Indeed, Ghana’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the initiative as an educational and developmental investment, not just a health intervention.

Plan International’s Role in Advocacy

The implementation of FSPI follows years of advocacy by organizations like Plan International Ghana, which urged the government in March 2024 to invest in menstrual health programs. The organization has distributed sanitary pads to more than 150,000 girls. Additionally, they have run nationwide campaigns to reduce stigma and increase awareness around menstrual hygiene.

Plan International Ghana has also promoted engagement with boys and men to support gender-inclusive conversations. Its programs have effectively reduced school absenteeism and promoted menstrual health education, especially in underserved communities. Applauding the FSPI, Constant Tchona, country director of Plan International Ghana, said the policy would address a key driver of inequality and help girls focus on education and reach their full potential.

Looking Ahead

While challenges remain, the Free Sanitary Pad Initiative marks a critical and historic step in the efforts to tackle period poverty in Ghana. Through this investment, the government is helping to ensure that menstruation no longer hinders girls’ access to education or exposes them to unnecessary risk. As implementation continues, sustained support and accountability could be essential in transforming policy into lasting change.

– Erin Hellhake

Erin is based in Old Bridge, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The SEI’s Women in Solar Power Program

Women in Solar PowerAccess to sustainable energy isn’t just about electricity—it’s about opportunity. In many developing nations, women face economic exclusion due to gender barriers in technical industries. The Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Women in Solar Power Program is changing that by providing women with the skills and training needed to enter the rapidly growing solar energy sector.

Through hands-on education, mentorship and job placement assistance, this initiative empowers women to achieve financial independence while expanding access to clean energy in underserved communities. By breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, the program proves that renewable energy can be a powerful tool for poverty reduction and gender equality.

Gender Gaps in Energy and Employment

Women hold 40% of full-time jobs in the solar workforce, while men hold the other 60%. In comparison, that is still higher than 21% of women in wind energy and 22% in oil and gas, highlighting women at a disparity in the solar energy industry.

Getting training, either before or on the job, is often harder. Access to social networks is essential in high-tech industries, yet women have historically been excluded from these networks. A lack of independence is a key reason many women remain in poverty.

In countries like India, Uruguay and Brazil, where solar industries are rapidly growing, providing women with job opportunities is the first step toward empowerment.

The Women in Solar Power Program

SEI is a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to eliminate barriers to training for people interested in working in solar energy. It offers various resources, such as hands-on training with instructors, online courses to prepare for a new job or even custom programs in solar education. The organization has trained more than 100,000 solar professionals since its founding. Additionally, 10% of the global solar workforce has worked with the foundation in a capacity.

The SEI’s Women in Solar Power Program is designed to empower women by providing technical training in solar energy. Offering women real field-specific experience, it holds specialized workshops like the “Women’s Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct).” SEI also provides scholarships like the “SOLV Energy scholarship,” helping women access solar education.

Impact on Women’s Economic Empowerment

The program has connected more than 450 women worldwide in the last two years with solar energy training and resources, giving them usable long-term career skills. Similarly, SEI has granted 132 scholarships since 2022, which have broken barriers to entry into the solar workforce and helped women keep their jobs for a long time.

Not only do participants in the program gain tangible skills, but they gain the confidence to enter the workforce as equals to men. Women gain the ability to become role models in their community, gaining long-term financial stability through one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

Broader Clean Energy Access

The Women in Solar Power Program demonstrates that investing in women’s technical training is a powerful way to fight poverty and expand access to clean energy. By equipping women with the tools to thrive in the renewable energy sector, the program empowers individuals and strengthens entire communities. As the world transitions to more sustainable solutions, ensuring women are part of the movement is essential – not just for gender equality but for building a more resilient and inclusive future.

– Divya Beeram

Divya is based in San Antonio, Texas, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Initiatives Fighting Poverty in Uzbekistan

Poverty in UzbekistanThe Uzbek government continues to report progress in tackling poverty in the country. Over the past decade, the Central Asian nation has created new initiatives to improve living standards. According to World Bank estimates, poverty in Uzbekistan has reduced from 36% in 2015 to 17% in 2022. Poverty limits access to education, health care and job security, leading to inadequate housing and starvation. Here are five initiatives tackling poverty in Uzbekistan.

1. Tailored Social Support: “Assistant to the Hokim”

The main strategy to tackle poverty in Uzbekistan is the “Assistant to the Hokim” initiative. Trained representatives are put in every neighborhood to identify and support families that are struggling. Launched in 2021, these assistants are empowered to assess needs, connect people with government services and propose customized solutions. The organization does not just hand out aid, it also finds the causes of poverty for each family and works to support them.

So far, the program has improved 35 million people’s income level. For families lacking work, assistants can arrange job interviews or training. The program also provides support to those who do not have housing by helping them secure land or subsidies. The program works locally so every community can receive help.

2. Giving Rural Families a Stake

Uzbekistan’s government has launched an initiative to distribute unused land that the state owns to low-income families for agricultural purposes. The initiative recognizes that land is one of the most valuable assets in rural economies. Since 2020, the government has allocated more than 260,000 hectares of land to 800,000 residents, providing them with opportunities to engage in farming and generate income. It is a long-term investment in rural prosperity that breaks the cycle of seasonal or subsistence living. Farmers can take out loans to improve their production or upgrade equipment.

3. Women at the Centre

There have been efforts to tackle gender inequality. Women have had limited access to education and jobs, especially in rural areas. The government has created microfinance programs and vocational training tailored specifically for women to help address these issues. As of early 2023, women managed more than 39,000 small enterprises and micro-firms. These women-led businesses have shown remarkable growth, with a net income increase of nearly 9.2 trillion soums (more than $757 million) compared to the previous year. These programs provide women with the resources to support the growth of their businesses and contribute to the goal of tackling poverty.

4. Investing in Digital Skills for the Next Generation

Youth unemployment is a significant issue when it comes to poverty in central Asia. Therefore, the Uzbekistan government implemented the “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” strategy to promote digital literacy. The strategy has resulted in the training of thousands of young people who have been part of programs that develop skills in coding, graphic design and e-commerce. The programs are set up in rural areas where there has been an increase in internet access. The strategy aims not just to educate, but also to connect a generation to the global digital economy, setting young people up in careers that are of high value to the economy and supporting families in poverty.

5. Tax Breaks for Companies Hiring the Marginalized

Uzbekistan introduced tax incentives in 2023 for companies that hire people from low-income or vulnerable backgrounds. The incentives include underrepresented groups such as those who have been unemployed for a long time and the disabled.

Under the scheme, businesses can deduct a portion of their payroll taxes for every eligible worker they employ. These are not just temporary placements; most incentives apply only after employees complete a minimum tenure, encouraging companies to retain and develop talent over time.

Looking Ahead

In 2024, household income saw significant growth, with real income per capita increasing by 10.7%, reaching an average of 2.1 million UZS per month. The initiatives that the Uzbek government has led have proven successful in tackling poverty in Uzbekistan and will continue to support families across the country.

– James Harwood

James is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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The Gender Wage Gap in Croatia: Giving Women Time To Shine

Gender Wage Gap in CroatiaOver the last few years, Croatia has experienced steady economic growth at a rate above the EU average. However, during the same period the country’s gender wage gap has widened. The employment rate for Croatian women is the fifth lowest in the EU, and Croatia remains one of the lowest-ranked EU countries for gender parity overall. Several factors have led to the gender wage gap in Croatia, where nearly 22% of Croatian women are at risk of poverty and material deprivation compared to 17.7% of men.

Status of the Gender Wage Gap in Croatia

Croatian girls consistently outperform boys in school, both in test scores and average years of schooling. However, these achievements do not translate into similar success in the labor market. Men earn significantly more over their lifetimes, with women earning just 86.8% of what men earn monthly. Additionally, while Croatian men and women begin working at similar employment levels, women’s market participation drops with age. This gender earnings gap has serious long-term consequences, not only reinforcing women’s economic vulnerability but also contributing to higher rates of poverty among women.

Key Factors Leading to the Gender Wage Gap in Croatia

One reason for this is Croatia’s notably large gender gap regarding the allocation of time spent on care and domestic tasks. While the EU average score for this time disparity is 48.6 out of 100, Croatia’s score is 68.5. Similarly, 80% of Croatian women report they do housework every day as opposed to 40% of Croatian men—a disparity well above the EU average—with women performing almost 20 hours more of unpaid domestic work per week. As of 2017, 32% of Croatian women aged 25-64 did not seek employment due to having to perform unpaid labor looking after children or incapacitated adults. This pattern of unpaid labor limits women’s access to income and financial independence, which increases their risk of poverty, especially for single mothers and women in rural communities.

The widest gender gap in employment rates in Croatia is among the age group of 25-29, at a rate that increased between 2013 and 2022 from 5 percentage points to a whopping 20 points. The World Bank theorizes that this gap stems from expectations around child-rearing, stating that “women around this age could be at a disadvantage on the labor market, as an expectation that they might soon take maternity leave makes employers hesitant to hire or promote them.” The World Bank likewise theorizes that women in this age group are more likely to “seek flexible or part-time roles” over full-time employment in anticipation of family responsibilities. Croatia’s coverage of daycares and kindergartens is low, at 51% compared to the EU average of 86%. Childcare is even scarcer in rural areas, where as few as 13% of children have access to kindergarten.

Overall, Croatian social norms contribute greatly to the gender wage gap. The expectation and anticipation that women perform the brunt of domestic tasks leads to a greater share of women performing unpaid labor and facing limited access to professional opportunities, and likely influences a social structure that provides little support for women seeking childcare. These social norms also influence occupational segregation that contributes to the gender wage gap, with female-majority sectors such as education and health care offering more part-time roles and lower wages.

The Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic deepened gender inequality in Croatia. Women held a disproportionate number of jobs in sectors that lockdowns hit the hardest, such as tourism and personal services, and many, particularly those with lower education levels, lacked the option to work remotely. Women thus lost jobs or income more than men and at the same time had less protection from formal social safety nets. Unpaid care responsibilities surged during school closures, limiting women’s ability to seek or retain employment. Many women lacked access to health insurance or unemployment benefits, excluding them from government support. The pandemic also worsened mental health and coincided with a 31% rise in reported domestic violence, a crime in which women make up the vast majority of victims. 

Addressing the Gender Wage Gap in Croatia

Addressing the gender wage gap in Croatia and creating a more equitable labor market requires systemic cultural and policy-driven changes. Expanding access to affordable childcare and eldercare services is essential to ease the caregiving burden that disproportionately falls on women, allowing them increased time and energy for paid work. Promoting flexible work arrangements such as part-time roles with benefits, remote work options and adjustable hours could help women remain in the workforce, particularly during childbearing and childrearing years. Enhancing parental leave policies to encourage shared caregiving responsibilities between men and women could also reduce career interruptions for women. In addition, public awareness campaigns and educational efforts that challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes could shift societal expectations and foster more inclusive work environments.

Change Is Happening

Croatia has introduced several concrete measures to help close the gender wage gap. In 2022, Croatia enacted legislative changes to the Employment Relations act, including defining “equal work” and mandating more salary transparency. However, the impact of such changes on the gender wage gap in Croatia is not yet clear. Starting in 2023, lawmakers introduced amendments to the Gender Equality Act and the Labor Act mandate that employers implement internal procedures for addressing harassment, establish equal treatment plans and are subject to stricter penalties for non-compliance with anti-discrimination rules. While comprehensive national statistics are not yet available, recent EU-wide surveys indicate a slight increase in women’s reported satisfaction with workplace equity and growing awareness of legal protections.

The Croatian government is also enacting policies aimed at improving access to childcare and eldercare services. Under the EU-funded National Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021–2026), Croatia committed €190 million toward building and upgrading kindergartens, with a goal of enrolling 90% of children aged 3–6 by 2030. The plan also includes investments in eldercare such as day centers and in-home services for the aging population. These efforts help reduce the unpaid care burden on women and improve their ability to participate in the labor market. Again, exact statistics on the immediate effect of this plan are not yet available. However, by increasing access to paid employment, particularly for women in low-income or rural households, these changes contribute directly to poverty reduction.

Moving Forward

While Croatia continues to grow economically, the gender wage gap still limits opportunities for women and deepens poverty among those who shoulder the burden of unpaid care work. However, policymakers have introduced new laws, increased wage transparency, and expanded access to care to begin addressing these inequalities. 

– Kelsey Eisen

Kelsey is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Link Between Poverty and FGM/C: Breaking the Cycle

The Link Between Poverty and FGM/C: Breaking the CycleEvery 12 minutes, a girl dies as a result of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) – a practice with no medical purpose and devastating consequences. Now the fourth leading cause of death among girls and young women in Africa, FGM/C affects more than 230 million people worldwide. Despite the tireless efforts of dedicated organizations working to end this violence, the global response remains alarmingly muted.

The Link between Poverty and FGM/C

Although many recognize FGM/C as a serious violation of human rights, it continues to persist in certain communities where cultural and social traditions deeply weave it into community life. In these societies, the practice is often upheld under the guise of religious or traditional values, with generations passing it down to preserve cultural identity.

Beyond cultural continuity, FGM/C is often justified by rigid gender norms and beliefs. In some contexts, a prevailing notion suggests that controlling a girl’s sexuality from an early age is necessary. By curbing her desires, families believe they safeguard her virginity, prevent perceived moral transgressions, and ensure marital fidelity. Some proponents also argue that FGM/C promotes hygiene and aesthetic appeal. They hold the belief that female genitalia are inherently impure and that girls who have not undergone the procedure are considered unclean or undesirable for marriage.

Poverty’s Role in the Persistence of FGM/C

Poverty and FGM/C are increasingly recognized as deeply connected, with poverty serving as a significant driver in the persistence of FGM/C. Research published in the journal Reproductive Health underscores the strong influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on the prevalence of FGM/C across sub-Saharan Africa. Findings indicate that the practice is more common among women and their daughters in the lowest wealth quintiles, while its prevalence declines with higher levels of education.

These patterns suggest that poverty not only increases the likelihood of undergoing FGM/C but also contributes to a broader cycle in which communities subject girls to the practice, marry them off at a young age and deny them educational opportunities – thereby perpetuating intergenerational poverty. In many impoverished communities, women and girls often remain unaware of their rights or the protections available to them regarding FGM/C. Many in the community view the practice as a cultural duty and those who refuse to undergo it may face severe criticism, stigma and social exclusion. 

Safe Hands for Girls

Jaha Dukureh founded Safe Hands for Girls in 2013. She created a survivor-led women’s rights organization dedicated to ending FGM/C and gender-based violence. Since its inception, the organization has implemented initiatives such as the SAFE Training Program. This program equips law enforcement and health care professionals in the United States (U.S.) with the knowledge to identify signs of FGM/C and enforce the Stop FGM Act of 2020. This training is critical, as an estimated 513,000 women and girls in the U.S. have undergone or are at risk of FGM/C.

In 2025, the organization launched Regenerative Hubs, an international program training women farmers in regenerative agriculture across rural communities in the Gambia and Ghana. This initiative links economic empowerment to the eradication of FGM/C, child marriage and domestic violence.

Men End FGM

Tony Mwebia launched the #MenEndFGM campaign online in 2013. The initiative is based on the understanding that, in many patriarchal African societies, men hold significant power as fathers, breadwinners, religious and political leaders and custodians of tradition. Engaging men and boys is therefore essential to advancing the elimination of FGM/C. By 2015, young Kenyan activists had joined the movement. In 2019, it was formally registered as the Men End FGM Foundation.

Brothers for Balance, one of its key initiatives, promotes male advocacy for gender equality by working with cultural and religious leaders who can influence their communities. It also trains a network of Men End FGM advocates across 22 hotspot counties to challenge and change harmful social norms. Additionally, the Boy Guard Movement empowers boys and young men to become agents of change from an early age. The Positive Parenting Forum brings together fathers, mothers and their children to foster open dialogue on FGM/C, menstrual health and child marriage.

Sahiyo

While most international funding to prevent FGM/C is directed toward Africa, regions such as Asia, Latin America and the Middle East remain significantly under-resourced. Sahiyo, founded in 2015 by a group of women united against FGM/C, works to empower Asian communities to end the practice. Among its key initiatives is Voices to End FGM/C, a global storytelling project that organizers launched in 2018. It mobilizes survivors to share their experiences and normalize conversations around the FGM/C.

Since its inception, Sahiyo has conducted nine workshops under this initiative. This has resulted in 88 videos and more than 120,000 views across social media platforms. Another impactful program is Thaal Pe Charcha (TPC), Sahiyo’s flagship initiative in India since 2017. TPC draws from the Dawoodi Bohra tradition of communal meals. It creates safe, private spaces where men and women can share stories, ask questions and engage in dialogue around FGM/C.

Moving Forward

Poverty and FGM/C remain interconnected challenges that disproportionately affect girls and women in vulnerable communities. Indeed, socioeconomic disadvantage limits access to education, health care and legal protections, creating conditions where harmful practices continue. Progress toward eliminating FGM/C by 2030 potentially requires greater investment in education, economic empowerment and local advocacy efforts. Sustained action from governments, communities and international organizations could be necessary to ensure that future generations grow up free from the threat of FGM/C.

– Charlotte Codd

Charlotte is based in Waterford, Ireland and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Protecting Futures: Addressing Child Marriage in Rwanda

Child Marriage in RwandaChild marriage in Rwanda is being tackled through education and advocacy, helping communities to unite and confront the harmful practice, creating a safer future for young women and girls.

Today, approximately 38,800 girls in Rwanda are married before the age of 15 and 424,900 married before 18. This practice has direct links to poverty as struggling families see early marriage as a means for financial relief. However, Rwanda is implementing strategies to tackle child marriage by addressing the root causes.

Legal Protections

The Rwandan government has raised the legal marriage age to 21. This law aims to protect girls from early marriage, allowing them to complete their education.

Mandatory documentation checks help to enforce the law, closing loopholes that previously allowed child marriage in Rwanda to fly under the radar. Additionally, there are awareness campaigns about the consequences for breaking the law which community leaders support. These consequences can act as deterrents, helping people to understand the seriousness of the law.

Education Programs

Access to education is central to preventing child marriage in Rwanda. The “Girl’s Education Policy,” launched in 2008, has increased girls’ enrolment in primary and secondary schools by 15%. This policy promotes gender equality through mentorship programs and savings groups for girls.

UNICEF has also supported girls’ education in Rwanda through initiatives like the GIRL program (Girls In Rwanda Learn), which provides learning support for girls at risk of dropping out of school. The scheme helps to address challenges such as academic struggles and limited resources, aiming to empower girls to stay in school and advance their education in spite of familial and economic pressures that may lead to early marriage. 

Community Involvement

Community-based efforts are deconstructing cultural norms that accept child marriage as commonplace. For example, the 12+ Adolescent Girls Empowerment Program hosted workshops and seminars to empower girls, build new skills and educate on the risks of early marriage. With almost 100,000 girls reached, the initiative strengthened young girl’s self-confidence and reduced the risk that they and their families might see child marriage as the only option for economic security.

Economic Empowerment

Economic pressure is one of the main reasons behind child marriage in Rwanda. However, the country has introduced initiatives to tackle this. For example, vocational training programs equip girls with practical skills in jobs such as tailoring, hairdressing and farming. These skills give young women and girls a route to financial independence, helping them to provide for their families without relying on early marriage. These programs are also open to young girls who have already been a victim of child marriage or who are young mothers.

Support for Victims

Rwanda has support systems in place for victims of child marriage. Similar to the vocational training programs, community-based girls’ clubs provide safe spaces where survivors can share experiences, receive emotional support and gain critical skills to help them reclaim their lives.

Reintegration programs that local organizations provide such as the “Imbuto Foundation” offer counseling to help girls, who have been married early or teenage mothers, navigate any difficulties as they rebuild their lives. Once again, vocational training through these programs also gives survivors the tools for financial independence, allowing them to break free from cycles of dependency.

Progress and Challenges

So far, efforts to reduce child marriage have seen the percentage of women, aged 20-24, married before 18 lowered to 6%. This number reflects the effectiveness of the legal reforms, education initiatives and community advocacy.

Despite this progress, one in 20 young women still marry as children. The practice largely persists in rural areas where poverty, limited resources and ingrained cultural practices hinder further improvements. However, the progress so far proves that Rwanda can overcome these barriers. With continued investment, awareness and collaboration a freer future can be ensured for all young girls in Rwanda.

– Amber Lennox

Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women Entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia: Economic Empowerment

Women Entrepreneurs in Saudi ArabiaWomen play a crucial role in global economic growth. According to research from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reducing gender disparities in labor markets could boost gross domestic product (GDP) in developing and emerging economies by nearly 8%.

If the gender gap were closed entirely, the impact would be even more significant, potentially raising GDP in these nations by an average of 23%. Empowering women economically fosters greater income equality and diversification, contributing to more inclusive and sustainable growth. Overall, closing the gender gap could add $7 trillion to the global economy.

Gender Disparity and Poverty in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in gender equality, but disparities remain, particularly in economic participation. While the country has seen significant progress in recent years, women still face challenges accessing capital, business networks and certain industries. One in every 10 women globally is living in extreme poverty and economic barriers in Saudi Arabia have historically contributed to gendered income disparities.

Despite these challenges, Saudi Arabia’s recent economic reforms have drastically improved opportunities for women in the workforce and entrepreneurship. “Between 2017 and 2021, the Saudi female labor force participation rate doubled from 17.4% to 35.6%,” surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 30%. These numbers indicate a shift in economic priorities, but further policy support is needed to ensure long-term sustainability and equal access to financial resources.

Legal Reforms

Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has implemented key legal reforms that have removed barriers for women in business. The World Bank’s Women Business and the Law 2024 report states that Saudi Arabia now scores a perfect 100 in laws affecting women’s decisions to work, pay equity, business ownership and pensions. These reforms include:

  • Lifting restrictions on women starting and running businesses without male guardianship.
  • Granting women the right to drive in 2018, increasing mobility and access to business opportunities.
  • Anti-discrimination laws to ensure equal pay and employment opportunities.
  • Government-led programs supporting women entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship initiatives.

These legal changes have fostered an environment where female-led businesses can thrive, further accelerating Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals.

Women Entrepreneurs Leading Economic Transformation

As a result of these reforms, Saudi women are increasingly shaping the country’s startup ecosystem. According to the 2021-2022 Women’s Report for Saudi Arabia by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 95% of Saudi women consider entrepreneurship a good career choice, 93% see viable opportunities for new businesses and 90% believe it is easy to start a business.

One standout entrepreneur is Mounira Jamjoom, cofounder of Aanaab, an online professional development platform for teachers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Aanaab collaborates with local and global institutions to offer short courses, qualifications and licensing programs that assist educators and strengthen the education sector.

Another trailblazer, Bayan Linjawi, launched Blossom, Saudi Arabia’s female-focused accelerator, which supports women-led startups in securing funding and scaling their businesses. Today, initiatives like Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) authority, promote female entrepreneurship by providing grants, training and business development support.

A Future Driven by Women Entrepreneurs

The rise of women entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia signals a transformative shift in the country’s economic landscape. With legal reforms, social acceptance and government-backed initiatives, the path for women in business is auspicious. However, sustained efforts are required to ensure that all women, including those in rural areas and lower income brackets, have the same opportunities.

As Saudi Arabia progresses toward its Vision 2030 goals, empowering women entrepreneurs will be crucial in driving economic diversification and long-term prosperity. The momentum is strong, but the journey toward full gender equality in business is far from over. By continuing to invest in policies that support female-led enterprises, Saudi Arabia can set a global example of economic inclusion and sustainable growth.

– Linnéa Matlack

Linnéa is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Skills Training in Cameroon: Employment and Poverty

Digital Skills Training in CameroonUnemployment is a root cause of poverty worldwide, stripping individuals and families of the financial means to secure necessities. Unemployment perpetuates a cycle of poverty, where a lack of income limits opportunities for education, health care and economic mobility. For women, especially in developing countries like Cameroon, these challenges are compounded by systemic inequalities, including overrepresentation in informal jobs lacking protections like sick leave and safety nets against global economic shocks.

Unemployment, Women and Poverty in Cameroon

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated unemployment, with women disproportionately affected due to caregiving responsibilities and job losses in sectors with high female participation. In 2020, the equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs were lost. This has particularly affected women, those in informal employment and those in developing nations. In Cameroon, women’s labor force participation has declined over the decades and they face a higher unemployment rate of 6.1% compared to 3.8% for men.

More than 80.5% of employed women are in vulnerable positions compared to 64% of men, meaning their work lacks the protections to shield them from economic shocks. Such systematic disparities heighten the risk of poverty for women in Cameroon. Limited access to education and societal biases further compound their challenges, narrowing their pathways to stable, high-quality employment.

Digital Skills Training in Cameroon: The Benefits

The digital economy offers a transformative opportunity to address unemployment and poverty among women in Cameroon. New pathways open up for secure employment in growing sectors like digital marketing, web development, content creation and data analysis by equipping women with digital skills. Unlike informal jobs, digital professions often provide flexible conditions, opportunities for self-employment and higher income security.

These jobs empower women economically and contribute to broader economic growth by tapping into an underutilized segment of the workforce. In Cameroon, the digital economy has steadily grown, contributing 3.5% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016, with even more tremendous potential for the future. However, women currently represent only 20% of digital workers, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to bridge this gap.

Data Girl Technologies: Driving Change

Organizations like Data Girl Technologies are pivotal in this transformation. Dedicated to empowering women through digital skills training in Cameroon, Data Girl Technologies provides education and mentorship tailored to young African women. Through hands-on workshops and practical training, participants gain job-ready skills in programming, website design and digital marketing.

Data Girl Technologies creates pathways to overcome unemployment and vulnerable work by equipping women with these skills. These efforts enable women to achieve financial independence, pursue entrepreneurial ventures and contribute meaningfully to Cameroon’s economic growth.

Digital Training: A Catalyst for Poverty Reduction

Addressing unemployment among women through digital skills training in Cameroon has a cascading effect on poverty reduction. Digital professions reduce women’s vulnerability to economic shocks by providing access to secure, high-quality jobs. At the same time, the inclusion of women in the digital workforce fuels broader economic development, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits communities and the nation as a whole.

As policymakers and organizations like Data Girl Technologies continue to invest in women’s digital education, they are addressing immediate employment challenges and laying the groundwork for long-term poverty eradication. By closing the gender gap in digital professions, Cameroon can unlock the full potential of its workforce, ensuring a more inclusive and prosperous future.

– Sarah Maunsell

Sarah is based in Bristol, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr