Archive for category: Women

Information and news about woman issues

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Guam Fights Maternal Mortality Through Guahan Doula Project

Guahan Doula ProjectThe maternal mortality rate in Guam (a U.S. island territory in Micronesia) is high, mainly due to the lack of obstetric care available on the island. As of 2021, the maternal mortality rate in Guam was 30.4 per 1,000 births. An extreme lack of OBGYN providers is believed to be the cause of the high mortality rates for mothers. The Guahan Doula Project seeks to rectify this gap in care by providing a program in which women can become certified as doulas and assist in pregnancy care.

Lack of Access to Hospitals Restricts Medical Care

Guam has only three hospitals, one of which is located on the Guam Naval Base, which exclusively provides care to those serving and their families. The Guam Regional Medical City, located in Dededo, is a private hospital. This leaves only one public hospital, Guam Memorial Hospital in Tamuning, where most people in Guam can obtain medical care. It is also the only hospital with a labor and delivery wing.

Those residing in the southernmost parts of the island face up to an hour-long drive to the Guam Memorial Hospital. If there are any complications during labor and delivery, the distance may increase the odds of fatality for the mother or baby.

Due to the difficulties accessing health care, the Health Resources and Services Administration deems Guam a Medically Underserved Area. Specialized care, such as obstetrics, is even harder to access. More than half of maternity-related deaths are due to hemorrhage and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. Both are less likely to be fatal with routine, preventative doctor visits.

Provider Shortages

According to OBGYN Dr. Tom Shieh, there are only 6.5 OBGYNs left to handle the delivery of the roughly 250 babies born monthly. This shortage of medical professionals, coupled with the lack of hospitals, undoubtedly increases maternal mortality in Guam.

Guam, with a population of 167,777, has only 6.5 practicing OB-GYNs—far too few to adequately meet the needs of expecting and delivering mothers.

Guahan Doula Project

Bill 318-47 seeks to address the maternal mortality in Guam through certifying doulas. The bill proposes allocating $400,000 to the Bureau of Women’s Affairs’ Guahan Doula Project. Doulas can provide pregnancy care to help fill the gap that the lack of OBGYNs and gynecologists leaves. There are 13 doulas in Guam as of February 2025, but that number would surely increase if the bill passes.

Doulas are not licensed medical professionals in the same way that doctors are. However, they provide support and knowledge of the birthing process that has been proven to reduce maternal mortality rates, shorten labor times and reduce emergency cesarean sections.

More doulas would offer more possibilities of access to care than the Guam Memorial Hospital does alone. Practices can be set up anywhere and don’t need to be based in a hospital. This allows more women the opportunity to receive some pregnancy care before, during and after birth.

Doulas Supplement Maternal Care

Increasing access to prenatal and postnatal care will decrease the rates of maternal mortality in Guam. Medical problems that may prove fatal are more likely to be caught and treated if the expectant woman can be seen by a provider regularly.

– Sydney Uhl

Sydney is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Sustainable Farming in Bihar: Bridging the Poverty Gap

Sustainable Farming in BiharThe Sophia Akash Foundation (SAF), in partnership with nonprofit organization PRADAN, is addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable women farmers in Bihar, India. Founded in 2010, SAF aims to combat poverty in underserved and rural communities through collaboration and social impact.

In March 2023, the foundation joined forces with PRADAN to empower women in Bihar with knowledge, tools and resources. The partnership focused on improving traditional farming methods through more sustainable, climate-resilient practices.

Agriculture in Bihar

Bihar, known for its fertile land and rich natural resources, relies heavily on agriculture, which employs about 76% of the state’s population. However, many farmers still rely on ineffective traditional farming practices that use harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides to sustain their livelihoods.

The growing impact of climate instability, including unpredictable rainfall, droughts and extreme temperatures, has made it even harder for farming communities to earn a stable income and support their families.

Why Women Farmers Matter

This joint initiative focuses on women in rural areas, who often lack access to the necessary tools, agricultural training, support and financial resources. According to SAF founder Shailendra Patel, initial research showed that empowering women empowers communities.

“If you enable the female members of these households, there is empirical evidence that because of maternal instincts, they are going to use that transfer of knowledge, tools and resources to improve the circumstances of their family and children,” Patel said. “They are likely to do that with greater consideration than the male household members.”

Training for Sustainable Farming

The initiative addresses ineffective farming practices in several ways. It trains women farmers in sustainable techniques such as climate-resilient greenhouses and drip irrigation. These methods protect crops during erratic weather conditions. They also increase both harvest size and crop quality.

The hands-on training covers land preparation, seed selection, bio-fertilizer preparation, water conservation, crop diversification and greenhouse management. These skills create a strong foundation for more resilient and productive farming methods.

“Through the transfer of knowledge and sharing of tools, means and resources with these communities will help them to progress on their journey out of poverty,” Patel said.

Success Story

This shift from traditional practices to sustainable farming in Bihar has already shown positive results, including healthier soils, improved harvest and reduced vulnerability to extreme weather conditions. Among the program’s early success stories is Sheetal, a local participant who began cultivating saplings through the Climate-Resilient Farming Program.

With training and support, she established a small nursery business that supplies saplings to other farmers in her village. This has diversified her income sources and positioned her as an entrepreneur, while uplifting her village community.

Along with empowering women in leadership roles in their villages, this program has contributed to greater food security, reduced input costs and more stable incomes through sustainable farming in Bihar.

“Empowering women benefits the families, communities and households,” Patel stated. “We need to find ways to lift the women to some form of equitable status in their families, give them agency in their families and knowledge with which they can make decisions.”

– Sahana Shastry

Sahana is based in Newtown Square, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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HPV Self-Test Kits: Cervical Cancer Screening in El Salvador

Cervical Cancer Screening in El SalvadorCervical cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers among women worldwide. More than 90% of cervical cancer-related deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, including El Salvador. In this Central American nation, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, with limited access to traditional screening programs posing a major barrier to prevention efforts.

A Promising Alternative: Self-Collection

To combat this gap in gynecological care, the Salvadoran Ministry of Health partnered with Basic Health International to pilot self-collected HPV testing in rural areas. In the Cervical Cancer Prevention in El Salvador (CAPE) study, more than 500 women participated in self- and provider-based screening. Many preferred self-sampling, citing privacy, comfort and ease of use. This low-cost alternative has the potential to transform cervical cancer screening in El Salvador, especially for women who were under-screened or had never received a cervical exam.

Self-collection allows women to collect cervico-vaginal samples, often at home, using a small brush. This eliminates the need for a speculum exam. Additionally, this is a game-changer for women in rural areas where clinics are far away and stigma around pelvic exams runs deep. In surveys, nearly 40% of participants preferred self-collection and most of those said they would choose it again for future screenings.

Integrating Self-Tests Into National Guidelines

Thanks to strong evidence from pilot studies and advocacy by public health leaders, El Salvador became one of the first countries in the region to integrate HPV testing into its national cervical cancer screening guidelines. This includes the option for women to collect their own samples, a move that improves access and encourages early detection.

The Ministry of Health is committed to screening 70% of eligible women by 2030, which aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global elimination strategy. Furthermore, the inclusion of HPV self-collection in national policy marks a critical step toward expanding cervical cancer screening in El Salvador to reach the WHO’s 2030 elimination targets.

Scaling up Nationwide

Since self-collection was introduced, cervical cancer screening in El Salvador has grown rapidly. The country has trained more than 4,500 health care workers and screened more than 145,000 women. Screen-positive women are offered treatment at one of 74 centers across the country. Innovations like self-sampling and portable thermal ablation devices are helping to make these services more accessible and affordable, particularly for women in hard-to-reach areas.

A Model for Other Countries

El Salvador’s success shows how simple, scalable innovations can dramatically increase access to life-saving care. Indeed, by removing logistical, financial and cultural barriers, HPV self-collection empowers women to prioritize their health on their terms. As other low and middle-income countries seek to meet the WHO’s 2030 targets, El Salvador’s model offers hope and a blueprint for equitable cancer prevention.

– Anna Chiaradonna

Anna is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Liberian Women Are Closing the Maternal Health Gap

Women are closing the maternal health gapLiberia’s health care system, devastated by civil war and the 2014–2015 Ebola outbreak, suffers from one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, 628 deaths per 100,000 live births. Nonetheless, after the crisis, Liberian women are closing the maternal health gap and quietly spearheading a transformation.

Through decentralized networks of midwives, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and grassroots advocates, they fill the gaps left by a fractured health system. Backed by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Last Mile Health, CARE Liberia and Mercy Ships, these women are lowering maternal mortality rates while challenging gender and political obstacles. Their approach, based on trust and cultural understanding, serves as a worldwide model for recovery in post-conflict settings.

Grassroots Networks: Midwives and TBAs on the Frontlines

In rural Liberia, where 44% of women deliver at home without skilled assistance, community health workers (CHWs) and TBAs are crucial. Initiatives like Last Mile Health have trained thousands of CHWs to provide prenatal care, make emergency referrals and treat malaria, reaching more than one million people in remote areas. Meanwhile, TBAs, often the only providers in villages, now collaborate with clinics through programs that combine traditional knowledge with medical training.

The Liberia Midwifery Program, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Fund (UNFPA), has expanded rural midwifery schools. The project achieved this, though shortages remain, with fewer than 200 midwives serving four million people. “We need midwives who can ensure safe pregnancies before conception,” Bentoe Tehoungue of the Liberian health ministry says. These efforts yield results: maternal mortality has decreased by 64% since 2000, demonstrating the impact of community-driven care.

Women’s Advocacy

Liberian women are closing the maternal health gap as they are not merely caregivers but also policymakers. Female-led local health committees actively lobby for improved clinics and higher midwife salaries. CARE Liberia supports these efforts through its Women’s Voice and Leadership program, which trains women to hold health budgets accountable.

Although patriarchal resistance is still strong, signs of progress are evident. For instance, in 2019, the Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery updated its curriculum to emphasise midwives’ roles as leaders, not just service providers. These changes illustrate a broader pattern: when women spearhead recovery efforts, the solutions tend to be more sustainable.

NGO Partnerships: Scaling Local Solutions

International allies offer vital support without replacing local expertise. Mercy Ships, active in Liberia since 2005, trains surgeons and donates equipment to tackle obstetric emergencies such as fistulas. Meanwhile, Last Mile Health helped establish Liberia’s National Community Health Program in 2016, which has become a global model for CHW systems. Challenges remain with USAID funding cuts straining services, but Liberian women maintain resilience.

Looking Forward

Liberia’s maternal health crisis persists, but women are closing the maternal health gap and have demonstrated that community trust can outperform top-down solutions. By blending traditional knowledge with modern health care, pushing for policy reforms and forming NGO collaborations, they save lives and reshape health care leadership. Their approach offers valuable lessons for societies recovering from crises: lasting change starts with those who understand the needs most.

– Emilia Bartle

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: The Abiye Project

Reducing Maternal Mortality in NigeriaNigeria has around 2% of the world’s population, but accounts for nearly 10% of global maternal deaths. In 2008, the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) identified Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria as one of the country’s most affected regions. At that time, Ondo State’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) stood at 765 deaths per 100,000 live births.

In response to these shocking statistics, the Ondo State government launched the Abiye Project, meaning “Safe Motherhood,” in 2009. This program has become a pioneering initiative for reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria. The project is reducing maternal deaths by overhauling health care infrastructure, developing community-based services and eliminating financial barriers to maternal care.

Addressing the Four Delays

The Abiye Project was built around addressing the four leading delays responsible for the high rate of maternal deaths in the state:

  • Delays in patients recognizing danger signs and deciding to seek care.
  • Delays in reaching health facilities due to poor infrastructure, unreliable communication channels and lack of access to transport.
  • Delays in accessing proper care due to substandard facilities.
  • Delays in referrals to appropriate services in cases of complications or emergencies.

Before the implementation of the program, these delays had a devastating impact: only 16% of women registered at health facilities ended up delivering there, opting instead for far riskier home births.

The Abiye Project Strategies

  • Community Health Workers (Health Rangers). Health rangers are mobile health workers trained in basic obstetric care, intensive care and family planning support. Each ranger monitors the health of 25 pregnant women in their community, performing regular home visits and checkups.
  • Toll-Free Cellphones. The project provided these to every registered pregnant woman. It ensured free communication with health rangers, other pregnant women and emergency services.
  • A New and Improved Transport Fleet. It also provided a fleet of new ambulances suitable for multiple environments. They included motorcycles and speedboats, ensuring reliable transport is available so all pregnant women can access care safely and efficiently.
  • Facility and Staffing Improvements. It increased the number of Mother and Child Hospitals from two to seven. The government now trains all birth attendants in emergency obstetric and newborn care. It ensures every hospital and clinic is stocked with essential medical supplies.
  • Free Maternal Health Care. It made access to all services related to motherhood and childbirth free of charge at all government hospitals and clinics.

Impact on Maternal Health and Poverty

The results of the Abiye program were both rapid and transformative. Within its first year, antenatal registration surged by an astounding 1,855%, while facility-based deliveries increased by 1,602%.

By 2016, Ondo State’s MMR had dropped to 112 per 100,000, an 84.9% reduction within five years of the project’s inception. This achievement demonstrates how the program’s localized, person-centred strategies are invaluable for reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria.

The Abiye Project also had an impact on poverty levels. In 2022, Ondo State had the lowest poverty level in Nigeria, with around 27% of the population living in poverty, compared to the national average of 63%. These results demonstrate the capabilities of the project’s approach for not only saving lives but also improving the economic stability for all.

Conclusion

The Abiye Project is a powerful case study of how strategic health care interventions and a community-based approach can save lives and reduce poverty. By tackling the four key systemic causes of maternal deaths, it has set a new standard for reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria and beyond.

The project has earned recognition from the World Bank and UNICEF as a model for reform. With the project’s methods continuing to be adapted, the Abiye model has become a flagship in reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria, with the potential to revolutionize maternal care across developing countries.

– Reuben Avis-Anciano

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

Photo: Unsplash

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WHO Advocates Progress for Syrian Women’s Health

Syrian Women’s HealthWith more than 6 million women in need of health support in Syria and ongoing challenges like gender-based health care discrimination, political bias and social inequality, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken meaningful steps to improve Syrian women’s health. These efforts include mental and physical support for survivors of gender-based violence, health education and the promotion of women’s rights through a more inclusive, mainstream health care network.

Gender-Biased Laws Upon Women in Syria

Extremist groups Jabhat al-Nusra, Islamic State of Iraq and Sham have imposed strict gender-biased laws upon women in Syria. Women have unlawfully become required to wear hijabs and full-length robes and threatened if they do not comply, according to Human Rights Watch. Failure to conform leads to misogynistically charged discrimination, barring girls from attending schools, moving freely in public and working.

Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War and its backlash effects on women, the WHO has championed programs in Syrian women’s health care that offer rehabilitation and education services alongside their advocacy for systemic changes. Since 2018, the WHO has institutionalized routine care for victims of gender-based violence.

Syria’s Health Care System

The prolonged conflict has desecrated approximately half the health care infrastructure in Syria, resulting in a shortage of medicine, facilities, health workers and equipment. More than 100 health facilities in northwest Syria have sustained severe damage and a loss of complete funding. More than 15.9 million people are left in need of health support, including 257,000 pregnant women, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF).

With women making up nearly 50% of Syria’s population and the majority of those displaced in refugee camps, the WHO has launched targeted programs to address their health needs. According to the WHO, these initiatives ensure that “every woman enjoys her right to the highest attainable standard of health.”

Advancing Gender Equality in Syria’s Health System

The WHO base in Syria has “mainstreamed gender equality in its programming.” It assures women the highest standard of care through pregnancy, birth, violence and discrimination. By educating women on how to make informed decisions about their health care, the Syria-based program has made meaningful progress in preventing the rise of mental health issues and gender-based violence.

These efforts empower women with knowledge, helping them protect their well-being and advocate for their rights in a challenging environment. The organization provides essential psychosocial treatments to aid in women’s mental and physical health after facing gender-based violence. According to the WHO team in Syria, these services have been implemented in health facilities around Syria.

The fertility rate in Syria was reported by the WHO at 2.7% per woman in 2021, a reduction from 3.4% recorded in 2010. In light of this, reproductive health care in Syria has been threatened by unjust rulings. The WHO and UNPF support hospitals in northeast Syria by providing natural and c-section births, family planning, nursing and how-to care.

Looking Forward

“As we continue supporting gender mainstreaming in the health sector through research, policy formulation and capacity-building, we draw our inspiration and strength from the women of Syria, who, together with other members of society, drive gender transformative changes in achieving universal health coverage and health for all,” the WHO said.

– Chloe Fox Rinka

Chloe is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Period Poverty: Jameela Jamil’s partnership with Always

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

Understanding Period Poverty

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

Role in Advocacy

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

Jamil’s Partnership with Always

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

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

Stories from Girls Impacted by Period Poverty

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

Looking Ahead

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

– Divya Beeram

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

Photo: Flickr

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5 Initiatives Fighting Poverty in Uzbekistan

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

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

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

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

2. Giving Rural Families a Stake

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

3. Women at the Centre

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

4. Investing in Digital Skills for the Next Generation

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

5. Tax Breaks for Companies Hiring the Marginalized

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

– James Harwood

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

Photo: Pixabay

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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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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