Archive for category: Women and Female Empowerment

information and Stories about woman and female empowerment.

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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

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Empowering Women in Nigeria: The Grace Agbonlahor Foundation

The Grace Agbonlahor FoundationIn Nigeria, women and girls face numerous obstacles that hinder their socioeconomic progress, particularly in the informal sector. According to data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), women comprise a significant portion of the informal workforce. Indeed, they often lack access to essential benefits such as health care, pensions and financial services. This makes them more vulnerable to economic shocks and limits their ability to grow their businesses or secure stable incomes.

Furthermore, the gender gap in education remains a pressing issue, with many young girls unable to complete secondary education due to cultural norms, early marriage and financial hardship. This lack of education directly affects their ability to secure formal employment, further entrenching cycles of poverty. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where access to education and health care is limited, making it difficult for women and girls to escape poverty.

GAF’s Innovative Solutions and Interventions 

The Grace Agbonlahor Foundation (GAF) is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to equipping women and girls in Nigeria with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. GAF addresses the challenges Nigerian women face through two core programs: the MarketCare program and the Girls in Career Boost (GCB) program.

The MarketCare Program

Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Madam Grace Agbonlahor, this program focuses on empowering market women. It offers:

  • Financial Literacy Training: Program participants receive basic financial education to help them manage and grow their businesses.
  • Health Education and Insurance: GAF provides affordable health insurance and essential health education to participants.
  • Cash Grants: The program offers participants with cash grants to support their businesses and improve their financial resilience.

The GCB Program

The GCB program introduces young girls to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, providing:

  • Mentorship from female STEM professionals who guide and inspire girls to pursue non-traditional careers.
  • Hands-on workshops that equip girls with the skills needed to excel in STEM subjects and career fields. This program helps bridge the gender gap in education by encouraging more girls to explore STEM careers and access higher education opportunities.

Impacts and Success Stories

Although GAF is still in its early stages, the MarketCare Program has already enrolled 33 women in its pilot phase. Through partnerships with WellaHealth and First Choice Investment, the program provides women with health education, access to affordable health insurance, financial literacy training and cash grants to boost their businesses. This holistic approach empowers women to achieve financial independence and better health outcomes for themselves and their families.

The GCB program recently launched its foundation phase. At least 10 young girls aged 10-14 will be enrolled in the first cycle of STEM training and mentorship. With support from MidTown Tech Hub and GCB ambassadors (volunteer STEM mentors), these girls will receive tailored mentorship, hands-on training and educational support to inspire them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Conclusion

The Grace Agbonlahor Foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls in Nigeria. Through financial literacy, health education and career mentorship programs, GAF is helping to break the cycle of poverty and promote gender equality. By equipping women and girls with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed, the organization is fostering sustainable development in some of Nigeria’s most underserved communities.

– Staff Report
Photo: Flickr

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UNDP Support Women in Afghanistan Working in Small Businesses 

Women in AfghanistanThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports international development sustainably and structurally, aiming to eradicate poverty and provide countries with knowledge and resources to foster development. The UNDP has focused its efforts on supporting women in Afghanistan through the current economic climate. The organization is supplying women with vocational skills and financial knowledge to boost female employment. Due to the Taliban Administration, the UNDP operates within areas where exceptions to the constraints on women apply or where locally informed solutions exist.

The Situation in Afghanistan

Since August 2021 the Afghan economy has been in decline. In 2022, the number of households not having income to meet basic necessities rose from 16% to 36%. Policies under the Taliban Administration have had an especially limiting impact on women in Afghanistan, with restrictions imposed on education and employment.

In response to the situation, the UNDP adapted its programs to an integrated local development effort – Area-Based Approach to Development Emergency Initiatives (ABADEI). To prevent further economic breakdown, this program applies solutions at a community-based level. Grants are provided to small businesses, with a focus on supporting female-run organizations. Maintaining these local economies supports keeping structure and purpose within Afghan communities. The funds are supplied from U.N. contributions, in combination with the “Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan.” This fund coordinates support from UNDP agencies and non-government organizations.

Supporting Women in Afghanistan

In their support of female-owned businesses, UNDP aims to reboot the Afghan economy by supporting job creation and basic social services. Applying a “women for women” approach, it supplies the financial and technical support to women required to create employment. The UNDP supported 8,728 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through in-kind and cash support, 49.2% of these were female-led, according to its website.

An area whereby the ABADEI programme has successfully implemented its goal is expanding community kitchens. Partnered with Care Afghanistan, these kitchens feed families and provide a source of income for those who work there.

Tamana Akbari

As a single mother, before these kitchens, Tamana Akbari had no source of income. In joining she has developed new relationships aiding in growing her confidence and social skills. The benefits are not just social, Tamana now has also fostered new culinary skills and is earning a salary of her own. She now acts as the sole breadwinner for her family.

Across five provinces there are a total of 47 community kitchens, these kitchens have provided 153,000 hot meals, feeding over 86,870 people. Organizations like these, foster social cohesion whilst also providing empowerment for women like Tamana, who prepare the meals. Fifteen female-run kitchens have supplied food for thousands. In Herat, alongside three men, 147 women distributed 2,200 free meals a day.

Local communities have embraced this initiative, and supported by UNDP’s ABADEI program, women in Afghanistan are being inspired to start similar projects of their own.

– Amelia Short

Amelia is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Shedding Light on Period Poverty in Rwanda

Period Poverty in RwandaAccording to the U.N. Women, period poverty is “the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education.” Period products range from tampons to painkillers to heating pads. In Rwanda, period poverty affects an estimated 18% of the female population.

Alternative Materials: The Risk

Without access to menstrual products, many women use alternative materials (e.g. newspaper), and for longer than the recommended three hours per pad/tampon, increasing “the risk of infection such as urinary tract infection and bacterial vaginosis.” However, period poverty in Rwanda needs a solution because of more than sanitation issues. Due to their periods, the 18% of girls impacted have no choice but to stay home from school, missing four to seven days a month. This, in turn, hinders their chances of securing a job once they graduate, according to Together Women Rise.

Menstrual products are no different, nor less crucial, than toothbrushes, deodorant and vaccines, but are severely undermined as a streamlined necessity.

Stigma and Accessibility

Menstruation is often a taboo topic for some people. Whether due to cultural standards or general omission from the discussion, this has led to “characterizing the menstruating bodies as abnormal or abject.” As a result, problems relating to menstruation are rarely topics of discussion either, including period poverty in Rwanda. Furthermore, women who need to find these products cannot ask their peers, as menstrual health comes with a stigma, hindering their access to pads and tampons as well.

For the small percentage of Rwandans who can access menstrual resources, their products remain largely unaffordable, as “a pack of sanitary pads costs…roughly a day’s wage for many women,” according to Together Women Rise. Note that sanitary pads and tampons are the most popular period products to buy.

The Good News

Menstrual stigma, as a worldwide hurdle, is slowly declining in the wake of various policies and advocacy efforts. The PLOS Global Public Health is taking recent strides toward making menstrual health a top priority. One policy regarding period poverty is “the Kenyan Policy for Menstrual Hygiene Management” whose primary focus is providing Kenyan schoolchildren with menstrual education. If successful, they plan to expand such policies to other countries.

Outside of awareness efforts, nonprofits are also beginning to include period kits as items to donate along with their international aid. Days for Girls, an organization whose donations only go toward period products, takes the stage as a top contender for ending period poverty. According to its 2022 report, the organization distributes period products to more than 294,000 individuals globally per year. Best yet, it has a history of efforts going to girls in Rwanda since 2015.

In manufacturing eco-friendly products, Days for Girls tackles all angles of period poverty in Rwanda. Like most developing countries, general sanitation is as much a problem as period poverty, so by limiting the number of pads that get discarded, they also reduce the amount of trash otherwise accumulating from menstruation.

Closing Words

Period poverty in Rwanda is a concurrent issue affecting many of the lives of girls and women there. Rwandans are struggling to afford these products, and hence, often skip school or use unsafe materials like socks and newspapers. The good news is that institutions are increasingly turning their attention to supplying sanitary pads and spreading overall awareness of menstrual health. In ending both the lack of access and stigma on periods, and giving period poverty the attention it deserves, Rwandan women will thrive knowing they don’t have to choose between education, their safety and health care.

– Nadia Haeryfar

Nadia is based in Ashford, CT, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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Protecting Young Girls in Haiti Through Humanitarian Responses

Protecting Young Girls in Haiti Through Humanitarian ResponsesIn Haiti, more than 5.5 million citizens urgently need humanitarian assistance due to escalating armed violence, food and water shortages, political instability and forced displacement. While gang activity was once concentrated in urban centers, it has spread into rural, isolated regions over the past few years, weakening the government’s authority and the nation’s sovereignty. Many of these crises developed following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, leading to a loss of political agency throughout the country that external health and environmental issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated.

Amid these ongoing crises, Haitian women continue to face disproportionate consequences in comparison to their male counterparts, specifically in the form of widespread gender-based violence. As humanitarian organizations prioritize responses to alleviate institutional weaknesses in Haiti, they place the unique struggles of women and girls at the forefront to ensure equitable progress.

Overview of Economic and Political Insecurities

Gang violence has only continued to escalate across Haiti since 2021, beginning to creep into almost all regions. A primary point of concern is the capturing of Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, which is currently seized by a variety of differing gang entities. With Port-au-Prince serving as the primary center of distribution for the nation, many armed gangs have been able to acquire access to the most fundamental roads, ports and fuel terminals for the Haitian economy, restricting the potential for economic growth.

The newfound authority of these gangs allows them to attack individuals and families without political repercussions, instating a sense of fear across the population. In 2022 alone, authorities recorded more than 2,000 murders and 1,114 kidnappings in Haiti, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. Additionally, some gang members have compromised humanitarian spaces that could provide services and supplies that would lead to greater infrastructural resistance to political violence. Currently, there have been an estimated 893 humanitarian access incidents as a result of conflicts occurring between gangs, police and those dedicated to serving in these NGOs.

Rise in Sexual Violence and Discrimination

The increase in gang activity within Haiti has also led to higher rates of sexual violence, often used as a means of punishment and control by gangs. These violent and potentially deadly measures coerce families during ransoms, threatening the livelihoods of women and girls in Haiti. Although reports reveal a 49% increase in gender-based violence in recent years, the actual extent of sexual violence remains underreported and frequently unpublished under gang control.

Currently, women constitute more than half of the 580,000 displaced people in Haiti, many of whom reside temporarily in makeshift camps and other forms of shelter. Most of these camps, operating with limited funding, lack lighting or locks in critical areas such as bedrooms or toilets, heightening the risk for gender-based aggression. Despite the presence of humanitarian organizations, gangs deliberately target women and young girls in Haiti to block their access to humanitarian assistance, creating a greater need for financial dependency. A report by the United Nations (U.N.) Women’s Rapid Gender Assessment revealed that more than 90% of women living in these camps do not have a sustainable income source, with another 16% feeling “intimidated, harassed or traumatized” by armed gangs.

Health Care for Pregnant Women

Less than half of the health facilities in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area are functioning at normal capacity, with many hospitals forced to close due to the inability to guarantee patient safety in the context of gang activity. This situation has put immense pressure on local health care systems, now struggling with medical emergencies and outbreaks, including more than 75,000 hospitalized cases of cholera as of January 2024. As a result, more than 3,000 women currently lack proper access to maternal health services.

The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated in 2016 that only 39% of births in Haiti take place in health care facilities that “reflect issues of access, quality and demand” and low rates of postpartum newborn care, with the nation having the highest rates of maternal mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean.  In this shifting political climate, mothers and children face even greater challenges in obtaining necessary services for optimal health outcomes.

Current Humanitarian Programs and Responses

Many humanitarian organizations have developed effective solutions to the many instabilities in Haiti but still lack the necessary funding to fulfill all their tasks completely. For example, the Pan American Health Organization supports Haiti’s Ministry of Health by delivering more than 38 tons of medical supplies and conducting more than 20,000 medical consultations. With only 5.6% of their required $22,250,000 to rebuild health care systems, they continue to seek international support to meet critical health needs, including blood transfusion supplies, oxygen and other essential medical equipment, alongside incentives for health care workers.

Simultaneously, “humanitarian aid must be safely distributed in line with the differentiated needs of women and girls,” states U.N. Women Executive Director Sima Bahous. U.N. Women has partnered with Rapha International to provide emergency support for women who have experienced gender-based violence, ranging from counseling, medical assistance and relocation to financial support. Women can connect with service providers, trained in both medical and psychological care, securely and anonymously without concern for external repercussions. So far, more than 2,000 women in Haiti have used this system and around 100 community leaders have received training to monitor and report cases of sexual abuse, implementing safety on a broader scale.

Re-Envisioning Mental Health Approaches

Many respondents of the U.N. Women Rapid Gender Assessment suggested that rapid surges of violence occurring throughout Haiti had negatively impacted their mental health. Dr. Yolle-Guida Dervil Pierre, a licensed therapist based in Florida, supports a group of 12 young girls in Jacmel, Haiti through the Divine Ministries of Haiti, providing weekly group meetings, emergency medical support and many of their basic needs including clothing, hygiene kits and school supplies. In her practice, she emphasizes the importance of building self-worth and promoting self-care amid the ongoing events in the nation, which she concludes has improved their mental health.

Dr. Yolle-Guida Dervil Pierre aligns her work with human trafficking prevention strategies, acknowledging the vulnerability of young girls in Haiti to traffickers who offer financial incentives for school tuition or food. She advocates creating small business opportunities for Haitian women, enabling them to gain vocational experience and build aspirations for the future. Her program allows donors to sponsor these girls, providing essential support such as paid tuition, weekly meals and comprehensive physical and emotional care during times of instability.

Looking Ahead

As Haiti continues to struggle with widespread violence and instability, the focus remains on restoring safety and access to essential services for its population. Strengthening health care facilities and addressing the specific needs of women and children could be key in moving forward. Ensuring adequate funding for humanitarian efforts and expanding community-based support systems are critical steps in rebuilding the nation’s resilience. International cooperation could play a vital role in helping Haiti recover and creating sustainable solutions for its future.

– Eileen Lincoln

Eileen is based in Oakton, VA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Ways Mothers Can Be Lifted Out of Poverty

MothersPoverty disproportionately affects women, particularly mothers. For instance, in 2017, 20% of women in the United Kingdom (U.K.) were living in poverty compared to 18% of men. Additionally, 90% of single mothers experience poverty. While the proportion of men facing poverty has decreased in recent years, the rate for women has remained stalled. Here are some of the ways mothers can be lifted out of poverty:

Better Provision for the Essential Living Costs

Governments can address poverty by improving support for essential living costs faced by families. By covering expenses for heating and electricity through targeted schemes for the most vulnerable, working families can make fewer sacrifices. Such programs would eliminate the difficulty of buying groceries and maintaining a warm home. This support would enable families to focus more on spending quality time with their children and provide mothers with much-needed respite.

Child Care Provisions

Child care provisions also provide a hopeful potential solution. High child care costs act as a key barrier for parents who work. Fees are an additional financial factor that particularly impacts lower-income parents during school holidays. Suppose countries can implement better universal child care provisions. In that case, the gap between accessibility for low- and high-income parents can be closed. Parents can focus on work and career progression, leading to better wages for their families. Children can interact with other children and develop their creativity and imagination. Creating these schemes will, therefore, benefit both the parents and the children. 

Turning to a success story, Sweden works as a model for other countries, providing hope that these solutions are attainable when put into practice. The “income packaging” approach to the welfare state adopted in Scandinavian countries promotes female involvement in the world of work. By providing children’s allowances, mothers can focus on work rather than entirely on ensuring that child care measures are in place. This enables greater career progression and mothers to work more hours rather than being confined to part-time roles due to child care commitments. 

Income Transfers and Support for Parents in Employment

Implementing schemes with more generous income transfers and support for working parents has effectively reduced poverty. In countries like the U.K., where social transfer systems are limited, support for vulnerable working families falls short, resulting in higher poverty rates. In contrast, Scandinavian countries provide more comprehensive support for single mothers. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is more effective and beneficial. Additionally, the direct benefits can be assessed more efficiently, allowing for easier adjustments and improvements as needed.

Final Remark

The changes required to lift mothers and their children out of poverty are achievable. With a global commitment to supporting this group, effective tax redistribution and improved support schemes can help break the cycle of poverty. By implementing these measures, future generations of families can be lifted out of poverty and provided with greater opportunities for a better life.

   – Sarah Littleton

Sarah Littleton is based in London, U.K. and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Making Space for Menstruation: Key to Girls’ Participation in School

Girls’ Participation in SchoolFor many girls and women, their first period is often accompanied by feelings of embarrassment, fear and even shame—emotions that are vividly remembered. These feelings, however, don’t fade with time but instead, continue to shape their experience of menstruation. The advent of this first period then, a moment supposedly marking the onset of womanhood, quickly becomes a monthly obstacle to education for many girls and women globally who must navigate a context in which their periods are shamed. To increase girls’ participation in school, addressing menstruation and dismantling the taboo surrounding it has to become part of the educational system. This is the focus of the Paris School of Economics (PSE) research project in Madagascar. The research aims to create space for menstruation in education and foster an environment where it is no longer stigmatized.

Periods as an Obstacle to Education

In Bangladesh, 32% of girls were unaware of what menstruation was before they got their first period. One in five girls in rural Ethiopia has no access to materials to manage their menstruation. With 1.5 billion people lacking basic sanitation facilities, many women and girls do not have a private space to menstruate. As a result of the period taboo, period poverty and the lack of hygiene facilities, many girls see their periods not as “a natural and healthy process” but as a significant interruption to everyday life. This interruption is felt most fully in the context of school.

Take the mundane and everyday experience of leaking. Accidental leaking is made all the more likely for girls in developing countries as a result of reduced access to materials to manage menstruation and extended journeys to school. The lack of sanitation and clean water facilities limits girls’ ability to deal with leaking in privacy. Finally, often left without support from family or teachers, girls can be subjected to ridicule from peers. It is clear to see how periods may dissuade girls from attending school. One in 10 girls in Africa will miss school when menstruating: 3-5 days every month of lost schooling.

In Madagascar, menstruation has been aptly identified as a lead cause of absenteeism for girls. In some cases, menstruation is also a catalyst for them dropping out altogether. This not only limits their future economic opportunities, drawing them away from the productive labor market, but also increases their risks of child marriage and pregnancy.

Talking Periods: Peer-To-Peer Conversation

Funded by the Fund for Innovation in Development (FID), the PSE is pursuing a research project with periods in mind: the “Young Girls Leaders” program. Its research goal is to determine whether promoting healthy and productive discussions between girls to reduce the stigma around menstruation at the forefront can increase girls’ participation in school. The program is being run in three districts in Amoron’i Mania, Madagascar. Between three and six girls will be chosen and educated in menstrual management. The girls will be encouraged to converse with their female peers without the discomfort that often accompanies these exchanges.

To determine the benefits of the Young Girls Leaders program, 70 schools will receive both the U.N. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention and the Young Girls Leaders program. An additional 35 schools will only receive the WASH program. In comparison, another 35 schools will serve as a control group, receiving neither intervention. The research program predicts that healthy conversations surrounding periods will cause a “social norm shift.” Furthermore, when used with the WASH intervention, significantly increases the likelihood of girls staying in schools during their menstrual cycles.

Conclusion

The research conducted by the PSE is not focused on the direct implementation of long-term programs to address period poverty. Instead, it aims to produce evidence that can be used to develop broader, large-scale interventions globally, ensuring that girls remain in school while menstruating. By supporting this research, the FID highlights the importance of international funding in driving innovation with a development-centered outlook.

– Tilly Phillips

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

Photo: Flickr

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The DESFER Project: Empowering Women in the Sahel

The DESFER Project: Empowering Women in the SahelThe Sahel is a vast semi-arid region of Africa that separates the Sahara Desert from tropical savannas. It spans 10 countries, including Niger, Mali and Senegal and is a land of both opportunities and challenges. Political insecurity and environmental issues threaten the Sahel’s potential for rapid growth. Despite these challenges, the Sahel is one of the world’s youngest regions, with women making up approximately 50% of its population. Therefore, investing in female education and vocational training could bring significant economic prosperity. Additionally, the Sahel boasts the world’s highest solar energy production capacity, presenting substantial renewable energy potential. Consequently, the creation of the DESFERS project is a promising solution to help women achieve economic prosperity and gender equality across the Sahel.

The Situation for Women across the Sahel

Dr. Farkhonda Hassan, Chair of the United Nations (U.N.) Economic Commission for Africa’s Committee on Women and Development, points out that many poverty reduction strategies fail to address the disparities in income and power between men and women. She notes that the majority of African women still lack employment opportunities in trade, industry and government. Women across the Sahel experience the harsh effects of this gender inequality. They are more vulnerable to poverty, face significant barriers in accessing land, credit and formal employment and on average, have less time for productive activities due to the burden of domestic work.

The DESFERS Project

Plan International, a global children’s charity committed to creating a fairer world, focuses on building an equal world for girls. The organization has partnered with seven other entities, including ministries and national agencies for renewables, to launch a project that empowers women through renewable energy innovations. Introduced in 2018, the “Economic and Social Development of Women through Renewable Energies in the Sahel” project (DESFERS) actively confronts and addresses the social, cultural and economic inequalities that hinder the economic prosperity of women in the Sahel.

The project started by engaging women to articulate their social and economic needs. Plan International then focused on areas across the Sahara that offered the greatest potential for social and economic impact. Recognizing the critical role of sustainable energy and gender equality in development and economic growth, the European Union has contributed a €7.6 million grant to the DESFERS project.

Initially, the project concentrated on building individual skills such as reading, writing and math and introduced concepts about renewable energies and business. Subsequently, it provided more in-depth technical training focused on solar energy, particularly promoting women-led solar power businesses. The project also offers funding and training to help women launch micro-financial products in the sustainable energy sector. Furthermore, Plan International collaborates with ‘male champions’ who engage men in the community to help shift perspectives and address entrenched gender stereotypes.

Successful Sustainable Female Empowerment

The DESFERS project represents a new opportunity for women who were historically confined to traditional small business activities with minimal financial returns. This initiative merges the sustainable energy sector, specifically solar photovoltaic energy, with female empowerment. Crucially, the project positions women as prominent leaders catalyzing change within their communities. Women now manage the installation and maintenance of much of the new technology and capitalize on the business opportunities that the renewable energy sector presents. Since its inception, the project has supported 4,500 women-owned businesses in sustainable energy and trained 7,000 female entrepreneurs. Additionally, 21,000 women have received financing and the project has greatly enhanced women’s access to renewable energy.

Female Empowerment and Poverty

U.N. Women recognizes that gender equality is a significant and powerful catalyst for reducing poverty and increasing sustainable development. Ensuring equal access to opportunities enables societies to develop healthier and fairer economies. They have commended the shift toward renewable energy that promotes female empowerment. Alliance Sahel has observed that projects with a gender focus not only accelerate growth but also reduce gender and social inequalities. This enhances the economic and social resilience of the entire population, despite various challenges. It also notes a direct intergenerational benefit: projects centered on female empowerment yield long-term results. For example, empowered women tend to invest more in their children’s education and provide them with a more balanced diet, which contributes to building a stronger workforce for the future.

Looking Forward

Overall, the DESFERS project remains a significant success for women across the Sahel. Empowering women through renewable energy not only helps eradicate poverty but also breaks down entrenched gender inequalities prevalent throughout Senegal, Niger and Mali.

– Sian Ameer-Beg

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

Photo: Flickr

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Action Against Period Poverty

Action Against Period PovertyA period is a natural part of any person with female anatomy’s life. It can be a constant financial burden for some since every month, a woman needs pads, tampons or other menstrual products. According to research done by PlushCare, a month’s supply of period products costs $7.30 in South Africa. While South Africa is not the most expensive, for those who experience a period but live in poverty, getting the necessary menstrual products can be difficult.

According to the United Nations (U.N.) Women, 62.7% of impoverished women live in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. For those women living in poverty, having something every month that costs money and time can impact their lives greatly. Finding menstrual products for these women is a big struggle. However, Tamara Magwashu is working to make that struggle easier.

Magwashu War Against Period Poverty

Magwashu has been dealing with period poverty since she was a little girl growing up in the Eastern Cape province. When she was a little girl, Magwashu would have to take a week off of school when she had her period because she only had old rags to use. This means that Magwashu lost 12 weeks of education every year, missing out on potentially crucial parts of her education.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), 30% of girls in South Africa did not attend school during their period. Growing up in poverty, Magwashu didn’t have full access to proper sanitary menstrual products and had to work to provide for herself and her family. Part of her income was put aside to buy sanitary pads rather than use the old rags. As time went on, Magwashu continued to work and eventually got a public relations degree from the University of Johannesburg.

Magwashu realized there was an issue involving young girls and access to period products. So, she decided to take action against period poverty and start a business focused on this issue. She faced many problems when trying to start this business, such as no bank wanting to give her a loan because she had no assets. Still, Magwashu persevered and launched Azosule in 2021. Azosule’s goal is to sell period products at an affordable price for those who need them and live in poverty.

Since starting the business, Magwashu has brought period products to many schools in her home area, providing products to last them six months. She works to expand her business to other schools and educate everyone on the reality of periods for impoverished women. Magwashu stated to BBC in 2023 that “Period poverty is not a women’s issue, it’s a societal issue.”

How Caity Cutter Was Inspired

Magwashu’s influence did not just end there; she inspired other young girls and women to take action against period poverty. Caity Cutter is one of those girls and, at just 12 years old, helped make a change in this societal issue. Cutter, who lives in Germany, was moved when she found out about period poverty in other countries. After reading about Magwashu, Cutter decided to do something to help. The young girl told her father about the issue and asked how they could help.

Her influence on her father pushed him to donate to Magwashu’s company. Michael Cutter saved up money from his job and made an overwhelming donation of 500,000 pads. Along with that, Magwashu stated that he made “further donations that went to us getting a warehouse and hiring staff to distribute the pads further.” This donation not only helps Azosule but also helps these young girls not have to miss school just because of their period.

– Tess Curran

Tess is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr