Archive for category: Women

Information and news about woman issues

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Improvements in Maternal Health Care in Timor-Leste

Maternal Health Care in Timor-LesteTimor-Leste is a Southeast Asian country that constitutes half of the island of Timor. The country has a population of around 1.4 million and struggles with a relatively high poverty rate of more than 40%. Furthermore, structural challenges in the Timorese health care system have reportedly led to poor maternal health outcomes.

A lack of qualified specialists in maternal health care has partly explained how Timor-Leste has come to experience one of the highest mortality rates for new mothers in the Southeast Asian region. The rate stands at 195 per 100,000 births. However, a host of developments, both in national health planning and community organization efforts, have driven improvements in maternal health care outcomes.

Technology in Health Care: Liga Inan

Liga Inan, translated as “connecting mothers,” is a phone-based application first developed and implemented in the mid-2010s. The application facilitates communication between pregnant and postpartum mothers and their respective health care professionals specialized in maternal care. Its use was associated with increased staffing at birth and prompt postnatal care. Furthermore, this has led to its broader adoption within the public health network.

Upskilling: An Australian Training Program

In 2023, a dozen Timorese midwives and a nurse participated in a five-week training program in Queensland, Australia. The stated aim was to improve knowledge of maternal health care and, ultimately, reduce high maternal mortality rates. The participants were shown to possess improved knowledge and competence in several areas of maternal health care, including some emergency care, such as resuscitation.

One study showed that this type of upskilling could enhance knowledge in Timorese maternal health care if repeated. It sheds light on the impact of residential programs and provides a proven, effective framework.

Crisis Management: Mobile Maternity Clinics

The effects of humanitarian crises are felt acutely by the most vulnerable members of society, especially pregnant women. Following severe flash flooding in 2021, a collaboration between the Timorese Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) erected mobile maternity centers. These centers support displaced mothers and their children. 

This targeted support represents a strong prioritization of maternal health care in crisis planning and response procedures.

Prioritization in National Health Planning

Beyond crisis management and individual programs and organizations, Timor-Leste has solidified its commitment to improving maternal health care by integrating it into its national health planning. The country’s National Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 prioritized “maternal care” and set specific targets for maternal health care. As such, Timor-Leste can continue making progress in maternal health care beyond spontaneous efforts. 

Conclusion

The case of maternal health care in Timor-Leste demonstrates that a country with a high relative poverty rate and structural barriers in its health care system can make significant progress. This can be achieved through targeted, informed state planning, effective mobilization of community partners and leveraging new medical technologies.

– Phoebe Lang-Clapp

Phoebe is based in Montréal, Québec, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Life Centers in Türkiye

Women's Life Centers in TürkiyeThe devastating earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye in February 2023 displaced millions of people and caused widespread destruction across several provinces. Many families lost their homes, schools and access to essential services. Women and children have faced particularly severe challenges during the recovery period, including economic hardship, interrupted education and psychological trauma.

In response, Women’s Life Centers in Türkiye have emerged as important community hubs supporting women and families as they rebuild their lives after the disaster.

Safe Spaces for Women and Girls

Women’s Life Centers in Türkiye provide safe environments where women and girls can access protection services, counseling and community support. According to U.N. Women, the centers offer psychosocial support, referral services and information on protection programs for women facing vulnerabilities following the earthquake. These services are especially important in crisis recovery settings when women and girls may face increased risks of violence, displacement and poverty.

The centers also host workshops, group discussions and social activities that allow women to connect and rebuild social networks. Strengthening community relationships plays an important role in disaster recovery, helping individuals access resources, share information and regain a sense of stability after experiencing significant loss.

Supporting Children’s Well-Being and Learning

Children also benefit from programs organized within the centers. Activities designed for young people focus on emotional well-being, social interaction and the maintenance of routines after traumatic experiences. Structured activities and safe learning environments help children cope with stress and continue their development during periods of disruption following disasters.

UNICEF reports that child-friendly spaces and temporary learning environments are an important part of the earthquake response in Türkiye. These programs provide safe areas where children can play, learn and receive psychosocial support while communities rebuild homes and schools. Maintaining access to educational and social activities helps children regain a sense of normalcy during long recovery periods.

Strengthening Women’s Economic Resilience

Women’s Life Centers in Türkiye also focus on strengthening long-term resilience by supporting women’s economic participation. The centers offer skills development programs, information sessions and community initiatives that help women explore employment opportunities and rebuild livelihoods disrupted by the earthquake. Economic recovery is an essential part of reducing long-term poverty risks following natural disasters. 

According to the World Bank, disasters can significantly affect vulnerable households by disrupting employment and access to services. Programs that support women’s economic participation and financial stability can therefore contribute to stronger community recovery and long-term resilience.

Community-Driven Recovery

Community initiatives such as Women’s Life Centers in Türkiye demonstrate how locally grounded support systems can help families recover after major crises. By providing protection services, psychosocial support and opportunities for social and economic engagement, the centers address several challenges faced by women and children following disasters.

As recovery efforts continue in earthquake-affected regions, programs that prioritize the well-being of women and children remain essential. Women’s Life Centers in Türkiye highlight how community-based support can strengthen resilience, promote stability and help vulnerable families rebuild their futures after disaster.

– Isil Ertas Senturk

Isil is based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Babychecker Transforms Maternal Health Care in Honduras

Maternal Health Care in HondurasIn the heart of Central America’s Northern Triangle, Honduras faces a complex web of challenges. Widespread poverty, recurring hurricanes and deep social inequalities shape the daily lives of its more than 10 million inhabitants. These structural pressures are straining the country’s health care system, especially in maternal health care, where mortality rates remain high. In response, BabyChecker is transforming maternal health care in Honduras by expanding access to essential prenatal diagnostics in underserved areas.

The State of Maternal Health Care in Honduras

Although Honduras has reduced maternal mortality over the past two decades, significant disparities persist, especially in rural and underserved regions. The country lowered its maternal mortality ratio from 199 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 47 in 2023. However, unequal access to care still puts many women at risk.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified these vulnerabilities. Health system disruptions limited access to prenatal and reproductive services. This caused maternal mortality rates to surge from 61 to 125 deaths per 100,000 live births in the aftermath. This situation reflects a broader global pattern. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 800 women die every day from preventable pregnancy-related causes, with 90% of these deaths occurring in low-resource settings. In Honduras, limited access to essential diagnostic tools continues to hinder progress. 

Health care providers struggle to use traditional ultrasound machines in remote areas because these devices are expensive, require stable electricity and specialized training. As a result, many women complete their pregnancies without adequate monitoring, which increases the risk of complications.

Why Are Ultrasounds Crucial To Preventing Prenatal Death?

Ultrasound plays a critical role in reducing prenatal and neonatal mortality by enabling the early detection of life-threatening complications. Globally, neonatal deaths account for nearly half of all deaths among children under 5, with preterm birth complications, infections and intrapartum-related conditions among the leading causes. Many of these risks originate during pregnancy and can be identified early through proper monitoring.

Health care providers use ultrasound to detect a wide range of complications that can endanger both mother and child. For example, ultrasound can identify ectopic pregnancies (when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus), allowing doctors to intervene before rupture and internal bleeding occur. It also helps assess fetal heart activity and development, enabling the early detection of miscarriage risks. 

In addition, clinicians rely on ultrasound to screen for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and detect structural defects like congenital heart conditions or spina bifida. They also use it to monitor fetal growth and prevent complications linked to growth restriction. Ultrasounds also allow providers to diagnose placental issues, such as placenta previa or placental abruption, which can pose severe risks during delivery. 

By identifying these conditions early, health care workers can plan safer deliveries and refer patients to appropriate care on time. Evidence highlights the impact of this technology: one study found that the introduction of ultrasound reduced fetal mortality by nearly 20% overall and by more than 50% in post-term pregnancies. These findings underscore the importance of ultrasound access in improving pregnancy outcomes, particularly in settings where other forms of monitoring remain limited.

Babychecker: A Digital Solution to the Rescue

To address these gaps, the Honduran Ministry of Health partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Delft Imaging to launch the BabyChecker pilot project. BabyChecker uses a smartphone-based, AI-powered ultrasound system to expand access to prenatal care. The device allows health care workers with minimal training to perform scans and assess pregnancy risks.

By guiding users through six simple sweeps across the abdomen, the tool provides key clinical information, including gestational age, fetal position, heart rate and early signs of complications. This approach transforms how providers deliver care. Instead of requiring patients to travel to distant hospitals, BabyChecker enables frontline health care workers to conduct diagnostics directly within their communities.

By decentralizing access to diagnostics, BabyChecker is transforming maternal health care in Honduras. 

Transforming Care in Underserved Communities

In October 2024, health care teams deployed BabyChecker devices across hospitals and rural clinics in regions including Intibucá, Choluteca and La Paz. These areas include Indigenous communities such as the Lenca, Garífuna and Miskito. During the pilot phase, around 400 pregnant women received care through the program.

Local health assistants and community volunteers quickly learned how to use the device, even in settings without reliable internet or electricity. They used BabyChecker to estimate gestational age, detect multiple pregnancies and identify warning signs, allowing them to refer high-risk cases to advanced care in time.

The initiative also improved trust in health care services. In many Indigenous communities, women prefer to consult trusted local figures rather than unfamiliar medical professionals. By equipping community members with this technology, the program increased acceptance of prenatal care. It strengthened engagement, further demonstrating BabyChecker’s transformation of maternal health care in Honduras.

A Step Toward Reducing Maternal Mortality

BabyChecker is transforming maternal health care in Honduras by enabling earlier detection of complications and accelerating referrals to appropriate care. The technology allows health care workers to act quickly and reduce preventable risks for both mothers and infants. More broadly, the initiative shows how targeted, low-cost innovation can help close persistent gaps in health care access, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

As Honduras continues to face structural challenges such as poverty, inequality and environmental vulnerability, solutions like BabyChecker are increasingly vital. By combining accessible technology with community-based care and international partnerships, health care systems can better protect vulnerable populations and improve pregnancy outcomes.

This model is already expanding beyond Honduras. BabyChecker is currently in use in countries such as Sierra Leone and Ghana, where it similarly supports frontline health care workers and improves access to prenatal diagnostics. Its growing adoption highlights its potential as a scalable global solution to reduce maternal mortality and strengthen health care systems in low-resource settings.

– Inès Maudire

Inès is based in Paris, France and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Women’s Self-Help Groups in India Are Reducing Poverty

Women’s Self Help Groups in India Across rural India, women’s self-help groups (SHGs) play a central role in expanding financial inclusion. These groups typically consist of 12 to 15 women who meet regularly, save money and provide small loans to one another while also connecting with formal banking systems. By pooling their resources, members gain access to credit and can invest in income-generating activities.

The World Bank reports that SHGs connect underserved communities with financial institutions and help millions of unbanked households enter the formal economy. Today, more than 80 million women participate in these networks, making SHGs one of the largest community-driven financial systems worldwide. In addition to financial access, SHGs provide platforms for training, information-sharing and community support. 

These groups help women increase household income, improve health practices and strengthen their role in decision-making. As a result, SHGs expand financial inclusion while also driving long-term social and economic change in rural communities.

National Rural Livelihoods Mission

In 2011, the Government of India launched the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) to reduce rural poverty by strengthening women-led economic networks. As one of the world’s largest livelihood initiatives, the program aims to reach around 350 million people across 12 states, where the majority of India’s rural poor live. NRLM organizes rural women into SHGs and provides them with training, financial literacy and access to credit. 

These groups help women build savings, invest in small businesses and connect with formal banking systems. In addition, the program supports farmers, artisans and small producers by linking them to markets and strengthening their ability to negotiate fair prices. Beyond financial support, NRLM also invests in skill development for rural youth and promotes entrepreneurship at the local level. 

By combining access to finance with market opportunities, the initiative helps women move beyond subsistence work and build more stable sources of income. This large-scale approach has also created opportunities for collaboration with organizations and local initiatives that further support women’s economic participation.

Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs in India

Several organizations in India actively support women entrepreneurs by providing skills, networks and access to economic opportunities. These initiatives focus on helping women build stable incomes rather than rely on short-term support.

The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), founded in 1972, organizes women working in India’s informal economy and represents more than 3.7 million members across the country. SEWA provides financial services, training and collective support, enabling women to improve their working conditions and secure more reliable incomes. By bringing informal workers together, the organization strengthens both economic security and bargaining power.

The Raise India Foundation works directly with communities to improve access to education, skills training and job opportunities. Over the past decade, the organization has reached more than 1.8 million people through projects across several Indian states. Its programs equip women with practical skills and support them in entering the workforce or starting small businesses.

At the same time, individual entrepreneurs are creating new pathways for economic participation. Designers like Diya Joukani build independent brands by combining local craftsmanship with digital platforms. Through her work, she creates and sells her own designs, generating income while promoting locally made products.

Together, these efforts show how structured support and individual initiative can strengthen women’s economic participation and contribute to poverty reduction across India.

Women Entrepreneurs Transforming Local Communities

At the community level, women-led businesses are reshaping everyday economic life. From tailoring and food production to small retail ventures, these businesses generate income while creating new opportunities within local economies. As more women gain access to financial tools, training and support networks, they continue to build independent livelihoods and strengthen economic stability.

This progress highlights how women’s self-help groups in India are helping reduce poverty by expanding financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurship. Through both organized initiatives and individual efforts, women are increasing household incomes and contributing to long-term community development.

India’s experience shows that when women receive the right support, the impact extends far beyond individual success. Women entrepreneurs are not only improving their own living conditions but also helping to build more resilient and inclusive communities for the future.

– Elif Oktar

Elif is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Managing Maternal Hypertensive Disorders in Venezuela

Maternal Hypertensive Disorders in VenezuelaVenezuela faces a time of profound instability. Not only due to piling political unrest but further exacerbated by changing climates and insufficient funding reach. Maternal and perinatal conditions claim approximately 8,000 lives each year and the World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that hypertensive disorders account for 20% of those maternal deaths.

This alarming reality demands immediate intervention. Organizations including UNICEF are already responding, deploying strategies to expand healthcare access and strengthen training in obstetric neonatal and pediatric emergency care. Here is more information about maternal hypertensive disorders in Venezuela and how they are being addressed.

The Government 

To understand Venezuela’s healthcare emergency, one must first understand its economic catastrophe. For decades, oil revenues financed nearly two-thirds of the government budget. In 2014, when oil prices collapsed and the central bank responded by printing more money, the country entered one of the worst hyperinflation periods in modern history. Ordinary Venezuelans have felt these impacts the most as political turmoil has been further exacerbated by exchange rate volatility and the recent capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Due to this, more than one quarter of the population need humanitarian assistance. Significantly, the most severe impacts befall the health systems from this economic collapse. Domestic general government health expenditure under Maduro was merely 3.6%, with out-of-pocket spending accounting up to 30% of health expenditure. For Venezuelans where the official minimum wages remain below $2/month, this basic healthcare need remains inaccessible. Furthermore, known as the ‘brain drain’ roughly half of the country’s doctors have emigrated, leaving hospitals understaffed and unable to perform basic tasks such as routine obstetric check-ups. For pregnant women and children, especially in indigenous communities, this has had detrimental effects.

Hypertensive Disorders

Hypertensive disorders affect 1.4 billion people globally. However, prevalence is skewed toward low- and middle- income countries. Such disorders are huge risk factors for developing heart disease, stroke and, in pregnant individuals, pre-eclampsia. These disorders are frequently and easily missed as key symptoms presenting as vision loss and headaches. Tests for such disorders require equipment which is inaccessible in rural areas of Venezuela and when untreated, leads to seizures and hemorrhage.

In Venezuela, hypertensive disorders cause roughly 20% of maternal deaths with other confounding causes being maternal hemorrhage. This had evident effects as shown by the growing ratios of maternal mortality. This impacts 226.7 individuals per 100,000 live births and worsening by +25% points since 2019. Simple low-cost training to help healthcare workers identify early warning signs of hypertensive diseases combined with targeted education campaigns for pregnant women, could meaningfully improve outcomes and empower women to advocate for their own care.

Who Is Helping?

Despite the fact that many organizations have received just 17% of the >$600 million that Venezuela’s humanitarian response plan requires, many organizations, governmental and non-governmental alike are implementing strategies to ameliorate the maternal health crisis. These strategies are offering hope for the future. Many individuals must walk miles to reach a suitable healthcare facilities, however pregnant women with hypertensive disorders cannot afford this time.

At Project HOPE, local health partners are receiving training and increasing accessibility to maternal healthcare at the Venezuela-Columbia border. Alongside initiatives provided by the International Medical Corps, hope is in sight for these vulnerable Venezuelan’s. Since its implementation, the International Medical Corps (IMC) has provided more than $1.8 million in equipment, medical supplies and facilities.

Medical units mobilized by this organization aid in improving maternal outcomes for those in remote areas, specifically indigenous communities. Furthermore, continuous efforts from UNICEF demonstrate significant advancements for access to healthcare with 129,871 children and 31,273 women accessing their implemented facilities in the first half of 2025. Increased training in partnership with the ministry of health resulted in 29,788 safe deliveries, 3,289 of which were from indigenous communities. If efforts like this continue to prevail, much needed relief may be provided to the mothers to be of Venezuela when aiming to reduce mortality due to hypertensive disorders.

Conclusion

While maternal hypertensive disorders are manageable themselves when early detection and low-cost diagnostic equipment is available, this is not available in many areas of Venezuela. This cannot be divorced from the broader poverty issue which lies within this country. Thus, Venezuela’s maternal health crisis is a story about compounding vulnerabilities. Economic collapse has gutted public health funding and hyperinflation pushing basic care out of reach. Sustained funding, continued education of local health workers and community level education for pregnant women offers credible paths forward to address maternal hypertensive disorders in Venezuela.

– Juliette Dall’Aglio

Juliette is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Maternal Health Programs Reduce Mortality Rates in Benin

Mortality Rates in BeninAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), Benin has a maternal mortality ratio of 518 deaths per 100,000 live births, meaning hundreds of women die each year from preventable pregnancy-related complications. Common causes include blood loss, infection, high blood pressure, insufficient post-partum care and even financial limitations. 

These causes highlight the role of maternal health programs in reducing maternal mortality rates in Benin by offering assistance, care and education. These services improve survival rates, reduce long-term health complications and strengthen families and communities. Several international organizations are actively working to reduce maternal mortality rates in Benin.

Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, partners with the Benin Ministry of Health (MOH) to support activities in villages that promote pregnancy education and awareness, consultations and access to contraceptives. MSF has also assisted several health centers by supporting staff recruitment, improving working conditions and supplying essential medical equipment and medicines. 

In addition, MSF has supported more than 9,920 people with safe deliveries, assisted 3,253 people with family counseling and conducted more than 22,211 prenatal consultations. These efforts directly reduce preventable maternal deaths by ensuring that women have access to skilled medical professionals, safe delivery environments and essential reproductive health services. By expanding access to skilled care, MSF plays a key role in reducing maternal mortality rates in Benin.

UNFPA

Another organization working to improve maternal health in Benin is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). UNFPA is an international reproductive health agency of the U.N. that operates in more than 150 countries. Its mission is “to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.” 

UNFPA also addresses the “three delays” in maternal health: deciding to seek care, reaching a health facility and receiving adequate treatment. During its previous program cycle in Benin, UNFPA reached more than 985,944 new modern contraceptive users, prevented more than 290,296 unintended pregnancies and educated more than 809,820 adolescents and youth about reproductive health. By addressing both medical barriers and social obstacles, such as education and access to contraception, UNFPA helps prevent high-risk pregnancies and long-term complications, lowering maternal mortality rates in Benin.

Benin Mamas

Benin Mamas is a local nonprofit organization supporting maternal health through programs such as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, Mental Health and Postpartum Support, Smart Starts: Saying No to Teen Pregnancies and Mamas Speak Up. Through empowerment programs, educational workshops and targeted interventions, Benin Mamas expands access to maternal health care across rural and underserved communities.

Final Remarks

Together, these three initiatives demonstrate how maternal health programs support underserved and rural communities by filling gaps in government services and expanding access to essential care. By strengthening reproductive health services and promoting education, MSF, UNFPA and Benin Mamas help reduce maternal mortality rates in Benin and build a more sustainable future for families.

– Bianca P. Gunawan

Bianca is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Advancing Women’s Health Care in Lebanon

Women’s Health Care in LebanonWomen’s health care in Lebanon and its associated biases are linked to the country’s collapsing economy. The crisis began in August 2019 and was made worse by COVID-19. In 2024, it was estimated that 44% of Lebanon’s population lived below the poverty line, a number that more than tripled over the last decade. 

Positively, the World Bank reported that the country witnessed a “fragile rebound” in its economy at the end of 2025. The Group foresees steady GDP growth in 2026. However, it warns that multiple threats could put this trajectory at risk of another collapse.

With government systems failing, families have had to rely on nonprofits for essential aid. Anera, a nonprofit organization that previously focused on aiding refugees, estimates that about 50% of the people it is helping now are Lebanese. Moreover, due to hostilities from Israel–Hezbollah conflicts, the European Commission estimated a total of 2.2 million Lebanese people in need of humanitarian aid in 2025.

Health Care, Women and Gender Biases

While the economy is faltering, the number of women entering the health care sector in Lebanon is spiking. Now, in 2026, they represent nearly half of the medical students. This progress stands in contrast to the country’s broader gender disparities, as Lebanon ranks 136th out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Index.

Despite the trend of increased feminization of the workforce, women remain underrepresented in management and academic positions. They nevertheless have limited access to esteemed fellowships and specialty positions and are not paid the same wage as their male counterparts. Looking past the statistical disparities of women in the workforce, women in Lebanon face numerous barriers in health care accessibility and quality. 

The economic crisis mentioned earlier exacerbated the cost of seeking health care, affecting women and girls, especially those in underprivileged areas. Prices for menstrual products, for example, rose by up to 234% for local brands and 409% for imported ones. As a result, 66% of girls could no longer afford them and instead turned to unsanitary and often dangerous alternatives.

UNFPA

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a human rights agency working in more than 150 countries globally to ensure that the sexual and reproductive rights of women and girls are met fairly. In partnership with organizations such as UNICEF, it has raised funds, written training manuals for health care professionals and provided health care services to advance social equality and tackle gender-based violence. Its ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty by investing in the education of girls on the subjects of sexual and reproductive health. 

Women Now for Development 

Based in Syria and founded in Paris in 2012, Women Now for Development is a grassroots organization operating in Syria, Lebanon and Turkey. Its goal is to support, protect and empower women in their day-to-day lives. At its centers, it offers psychological and family counseling, educational support, recreational activities, vocational training and child care services. 

It targets the most vulnerable female populations: refugees and disabled women and children. Over the years, it has helped many families regain dignity and autonomy.

Looking Forward

Nonprofit organizations such as UNFPA and Women Now for Development are significant steps forward in creating a sustainable, accessible future for women’s health care in Lebanon. Evident in the country’s ever-growing poverty statistics, however, is that there is still much to be done. Part of this effort includes securing Lebanon’s economic momentum; positive reforms and efforts to uphold political stability are essential to ensuring a Lebanese health care system that is accessible, fair and inclusive.

– Brittany Buscio

Brittany is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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New Boreholes: Hope for Women in the Central African Republic

BoreholesRosalie, a 17-year-old girl, is now free to go to school and pursue her dream of becoming a midwife. She no longer has to collect unsafe water from the river to use for drinking and washing. Rosalie and her community have access to clean water for the very first time because NGOs, along with the government of the Central African Republic (CAR), completed a new borehole in her village in 2020. “It’s like a miracle to see drinking water in this village,” she said.

Far Reaching Impacts

Access to clean water in the CAR has a far-reaching impact, particularly for women and children. In fact, World Vision donors in Canada funded this project with the intention of improving community health, increasing incomes and reducing gender-based violence in the CAR. Reports show that 97% of women experienced gender-based violence.

Other impacts of access to clean water in the CAR include a drastic reduction in typhoid fever and diarrhea, the leading causes of child and infant mortality in the western part of the CAR. For context, only 36% of people in the area had access to clean water and just 14% had access to sanitation before these projects began. Madeleine, a 56-year-old mother of eight, lost two of her children due to waterborne illnesses.

Before these new boreholes, they used river water contaminated with farm waste and soil runoff. “Dirty water has been the cause of too many of our children’s deaths and miscarriages in many pregnant women,” she said.

Government and Agency Collaboration

The World Vision project, now in its sixth year, has built or renovated 15 boreholes near Bozoum. It also marked the first time any NGO or governmental organization made improvements in the local villages. Residents are grateful that their long wait for safe water is over.

With more than one million people served by these boreholes, Jean-Marc Dewerpe, head of Cooperation and Trust Fund Manager of the Bêkou Fund at the European Union Delegation, referred to this partnership as “an alliance serving the people.” Because only 37% of the CAR’s total population has access to clean water, the European Union funded a UNICEF project. The project aims to increase the operational capacity of the National Agency for Water and Sanitation, a government agency in the CAR, to enable the creation of new sources of clean drinking water.

Not Just Equipment

To this end, a donor provided the agency with a high-capacity drilling rig, which will significantly increase its ability to drill boreholes and develop other clean water sources. Felix Ackebo, UNICEF’s representative to the CAR, commented on the rig’s importance and impact: “It’s not just a piece of technical equipment. It is a beacon of hope for rural communities, a tool for dignity, health and lasting peace for every child and every family,” he said.

The task of water collection no longer governs the lives of women like Rosalie and Madeline. Access to clean, safe drinking water increases village autonomy and empowers women and young people. The current projects are expected to continue and expand to other villages.

– Caleb Dueck

Caleb is based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Community Health Workers in Sierra Leone Save Mothers’ Lives

Community Health Workers in Sierra LeoneCommunity Health Workers (CHWs) in rural Sierra Leone are bringing maternal health support directly into villages. They connect families to clinics and hospitals better equipped to handle pregnancy and childbirth. They operate in a country that has faced some of the highest maternal health risks in the world.

UNICEF reported that Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality ratio reached 1,360 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015. Approximately one in 17 women faced a lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes at that time. However, national and partner-led investments have contributed to measurable improvement.

The World Bank modeled estimates show that Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality ratio declined to about 354 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, reflecting substantial progress over the past decade.

How CHWs Work

Community Health Workers in rural Sierra Leone reduce maternal risk by reaching women earlier, identifying warning signs during pregnancy and helping families reach health facilities quickly during emergencies. They usually conduct home visits throughout pregnancy and for up to a year after delivery, providing referrals and accompanying women to care when complications occur. They also serve as a first point of contact at the community level.

Key ways local health workers support safer pregnancy and childbirth include:

  • Home visits that encourage antenatal care and help spot complications early
  • Referrals and accompaniment that help women reach skilled care faster during emergencies
  • Follow-up after delivery that supports recovery and newborn health in the first year
  • Trust-building that increases the use of facility-based services over time

Partners In Health’s Work in Sierra Leone

Partners In Health began working in Sierra Leone during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, after the government requested support and committed to strengthening the health system beyond the emergency response. In partnership with Sierra Leone’s government, the organization supports 11 health facilities across eight districts and combines community outreach with strengthened maternity wards and emergency referral systems.

As Kono District’s only hospital, Koidu Government Hospital now provides safer maternal care after Partners In Health introduced essential services, including running water and 24-hour electricity. The organization also expanded clinical capacity through oxygen production and a functioning blood bank. These upgrades allow clinicians to respond to obstetric emergencies that once proved fatal, including hemorrhage and obstructed labor.

Partners In Health also employs the district’s only specialized obstetrician-gynecologist and pediatrician. It has expanded services to include an emergency room, a special care baby unit and 24-hour access to C-sections and other surgeries, ensuring women receive timely, skilled care during complications.

Beyond the hospital, Partners In Health operates Wellbody Clinic, a model primary health facility providing maternal care alongside services for infectious and chronic diseases. It also partners with smaller public primary health clinics across the district to extend access to care before and after childbirth.

Measured Gains in Maternal and Newborn Care

From 2020 to 2025, Koidu Government Hospital saw a 69% increase in the number of women delivering there. In 2025 alone, more than 2,700 deliveries occurred at Koidu Government Hospital and 44% were C-sections. The program attributes this to the hospital’s role as a key referral facility for pregnancy complications.

Partners In Health also reported an 8% decrease in maternal deaths at Koidu Government Hospital from 2020 to 2022. The organization also reported broader gains across its supported system, including a 73% increase in mothers served at its supported facilities and a 49% increase in patients supported by CHWs. These figures indicate both stronger facility capacity and more consistent outreach in communities with historically limited access to skilled care.

Traditional Birth Attendants and Emergency Referrals

CHWs in rural Sierra Leone strengthen maternal care by working alongside trusted community figures who already support women during pregnancy and childbirth. Partners In Health Sierra Leone trained 191 traditional birth attendants and integrated them into the formal health system. They provide health education, accompany women to clinics and help families navigate care.

In 2025, these traditional birth attendants made more than 110,000 visits, connecting pregnant women to health services. They also helped reduce obstetric complications, stillbirths and maternal deaths across Kono District. When complications escalate, Partners In Health Sierra Leone supports Sierra Leone’s National Emergency Medical Services with fuel for ambulances, enabling rapid referrals.

In 2025 alone, 562 pregnant women reached Koidu Government Hospital through this emergency pathway, turning community-level care into timely, lifesaving treatment.

Expanding Capacity in 2026

Partners In Health and the Ministry of Health plan to expand maternal and newborn services through the Paul E. Farmer Maternal Center of Excellence. The center is scheduled to open in February 2026 on the Koidu Government Hospital campus in rural Kono District. The new center will add 120 beds across four modern buildings and include three operating theaters, significantly increasing capacity for complex deliveries and emergency obstetric care.

As the first facility outside Freetown with a piped medical gas system, the center will allow clinicians to deliver oxygen and anesthesia directly at the bedside, reducing delays during critical interventions. Alongside expanded clinical care, the center will function as a rural training hub. It will equip the next generation of health care workers with the skills needed to sustain maternal and newborn services in underserved settings.

Why the Approach Matters

Community Health Workers in rural Sierra Leone improve maternal survival by shortening the time between the first signs of complications and skilled medical care. UNICEF has found that many women never reach a health facility to give birth and that expanding training, equipment and medical supplies plays a critical role in increasing access to skilled care. By pairing community outreach with better-equipped hospitals and clinics, Partners In Health and government partners now reach women earlier in pregnancy and respond more quickly when complications arise.

This system depends on CWHs, who bring care closer to mothers while linking families to facilities that can deliver lifesaving treatment during emergencies.

– Kira Dosanjh Rai

Kira is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Rights Initiatives in India: The Tamil Nadu TiC Council

Tamil Nadu TiCIn India, authorities often discuss gender inequality as a multifaceted problem, requiring a multifaceted solution. The existence of multiple social differences, such as caste and class, makes it more complex. Governmental programs such as the Tamil Nadu Textile Industry Coalition (TiC) aim to address this difference.

Over the years, the Indian government has become sensitive to the multidimensional aspects. It has worked to introduce solutions which address not just the issue but also encompass all its nuances. The Tamil Nadu government’s multistakeholder TiC is one such initiative launched in association with the U.N. Women.

The government announced the Council in February 2024. Through this initiative, the state aims to create a safe, secure workspace for women in the textile industry.

What Is the Tamil Nadu TiC?

The TiC, as described by U.N. Women, brings together personnel from multiple sectors with a single goal: women’s safety. It involves brands, textile manufacturers, policymakers, the Tamil Nadu Department of Textiles, service providers and researchers to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace.

Tamil Nadu’s textile industry is vast and includes more women in lower-skilled positions. The state hosts nearly 70% of the country’s fabric knitting capacity and 46% of the loom capacity. In fiscal year 2025, the state contributed 26.81% of the national market share. In this booming sector, Tamil Nadu women also account for 40% of the national workforce.

Owing to this high concentration and the existing gender disparity in wages and benefits, solutions seemed necessary. As a result, the government departments of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment and the Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles & Khadi, introduced this solution. The TiC holds a zero-tolerance policy toward the mistreatment of women in the workplace.

On initiation, the TiC planned to introduce standard industry guidelines which ensure implementation of stated measures.

TiC’s Vision for Women’s Rights in India

During its launch in 2024, the Tamil Nadu TiC Council members presented several aims for the committee to focus on. First, they planned to conduct safety audits across textile factories in major cities throughout Tamil Nadu. These cities are key textile hubs in the state and are home to the majority of textile factories and production units.

The initiative aimed to reach more than 16,000 factory workers and more than two million “linked community members.” The council plans to educate textile industry workers and members about women’s rights through outreach initiatives. The program is designed to empower girls and women by promoting safe and sustainable livelihoods.

Transforming policies, increasing the number of female workers in the industry and raising awareness are among the council’s primary implementation methods. At the July 2025 committee meeting, members of the Tamil Nadu TiC discussed the council’s accomplishments. According to the press release, it undertook interventions including safety audits, the distribution of training materials and tools and community engagement.

TiC & The PoSH Act Review

Another key component that the TiC prioritizes is the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act. Over the past year, the TiC has introduced PoSH compliance across diverse textile work centers, including factories, units and small-scale industries. Through its inter-departmental collaboration with global brands such as the H&M Group and nonprofits such as U.N. Women, the council draws on diverse sources and has varied impacts.

The TiC utilizes this sectoral convergence to expand its sphere of influence. It does so by reaching out to more women in need and by working to reduce gender disparity in the textile industry. Geetha Jeevan, the committee’s chair, in the July 2025 meeting, emphasised zero tolerance toward violence against women. She also spoke about how the Tamil Nadu government aims to empower women by prioritizing their needs and safety in the workforce.

Women’s Rights Initiatives in India

While the TiC stands out prominently in the present, India has seen several such initiatives in the past years. Many women-centric government schemes and programs exist. However, only a small portion of the general public is aware of them.

These schemes focus on girls’ education, maternity-related financial support, accommodation for working women and more. Additionally, under the PoSH Act, the government has established Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in every state. Tamil Nadu has 5,493 ICCs in government organizations and more than 10,000 ICCs in private establishments.

Final Thoughts

The existence of initiatives such as the Tamil Nadu TiC underscores the commitment of global and particularly Indian lawmakers to addressing women’s rights issues in the country. However, limited public awareness of these programs remains a significant barrier preventing women and girls from benefiting from them. As a result, the TiC and similar initiatives require greater visibility and education efforts, especially for communities living below the poverty line.

Increased funding and targeted support could help address the multidimensional nature of gender disparity. Given how deeply rooted these challenges are, modern solutions are essential, chief among them being sustained advocacy, visibility and widespread awareness.

– Shafika Fathima

Shafika is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr