Archive for category: Women’s Empowerment

, ,

Second Round of Women in the Digital Economy Fund

Women in the Digital Economy FundAn estimated 1.1 billion women in low- and middle-income households lack access to mobile internet. In response, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), a program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has committed to improving women’s access to digital technologies and teaching digital literacy strategies.

Launched in March 2023, the first round of WiDEF initiatives focused on funding local organizations to support women in nearby communities on a more personal level. The newly released second round is aimed at the private sector. The gender digital divide significantly hampers global economic progress, limiting an entire market of consumers and producers due to longstanding gender inequality.

Establishment of the Women in the Digital Economy Fund

Though WiCEF is a relatively new program, announced less than two years ago, it has already shown significant success in advancing digital education at both individual and community levels. USAID has committed more than $50 million in funding as part of its advocacy for gender equality, while the Gates Foundation has added $10 million to support the initiative. As part of its budget, WiCEF ensures that more than half of its funding is dedicated to improving digital opportunities in Africa, where some of the world’s largest mobile internet gender gaps exist.

With a focus on addressing gender disparities, WiCEF continuously researches the best ways to introduce gender-equitable digital solutions, prioritizing women-led and women-oriented innovations and products. Each selected candidate receives between $50,000 and $150,000 in digital support.

Overarching Goals and Initiatives

USAID highlights five core outcomes of its WiCEF program:

  1. Access and Affordability: Ensuring digital devices and internet-enabled services are affordable, sustainable and accessible for diverse communities of women.
  2. Relevant Products and Tools: Designing and providing women access to digital products and tools, including smartphones and other mobile technologies, that can contribute to income-generation purposes
  3. Literacy and Skills: Enhancing women’s digital skills and literacy to help them participate meaningfully in the digital economy and other digital spaces.
  4. Safety and Security: Addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence while promoting digital user protection.
  5. Data and Insights: Leveraging sex-disaggregated data to identify social barriers that cause disparities in technology use and to inform the development of more gender-equitable programs.

Consequences of the Gender Digital Divide

Samantha Power, Administrator of USAID, highlighted that the gender digital divide “hinders developmental progress… ingraining existing inequities into the fabric of societies of the future,” emphasizing the deepening of gender inequalities in the digital age. Access to digital technologies, along with the tools to navigate them, has become a privilege many women are denied, further exacerbating economic, political and social disparities. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that there are approximately 244 million more men than women using the Internet as of 2023, a statistic that will only increase if not addressed adequately in the following years.

The lack of digital education for women has additionally inhibited economic growth, specifically for developing nations, with the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership approximating that countries have lost more than $1 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP) from female exclusion in the digital world. Closing the gender digital divide—the overarching goal uptaken by WiCEF—will deliver around $700 billion in GDP growth while generating up to 64 million new jobs for women in the next five years.

Opening of Second Round of Applicants

The opening of the second round of applicants for WiCEF will only further the work of USAID and the Gates Foundation on an economic scale, now expanding technical assistance into private sector enterprises. Businesses across developing nations aiming to close the gender digital divide will now have access to tools for effective research and evaluation, with data-driven feedback to assess their usage of products among women. Additionally, WiCEF provides education on user design, product adaptation and business modeling, strengthening the foundation of these companies and the women impacted by them.

– Eileen Lincoln

Eileen is based in Oakton, VA, USAs and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

BabesGotBytes: Teaching Women Digital Literacy in South Africa

BabesGotBytesAmanda Gxagxa, Lihle Menzeleleli and Phindiwe Nqanqaru founded BabesGotBytes in 2018, a nonprofit focusing on teaching women and young girls skills needed for careers in tech. Based in Cape Town, the organization is working to close the career gap for women and girls by empowering them to learn new skills through training in technology and innovation.

BabesGotBytes offers a variety of local school programs for students of all ages and free adult classes ranging from basic computer literacy, coding, software and web development, programming and entrepreneurship, among many others. Weekly meetups occasionally feature guest speakers, are open to newcomers interested in the developer’s community and allow like-minded individuals to connect and network.

Industry Changes and Growth

South Africa currently has one of the highest unemployment rates at 33%, with more than 8.4 million people unemployed. According to the Q2 Labor Force Survey for 2024, the industries most affected by job losses are retail, restaurants and hotels, agriculture, domestic work in private households and construction. Increases, however, are in manufacturing, community and social services, utilities, transportation, mining and finance.

The Information Technology (IT) industry is also growing steadily as South Africa has become more advanced in technology. As a central hub for startups and foreign subsidiaries, in one analysis, a growth of 36% was reported for the IT industry within the last three years, with an almost 5% increase in revenue for these companies.

College Degrees Are Essential

With more highly skilled jobs in demand, education plays a significant factor. Having a college degree puts candidates in a better position to secure employment, with graduates making up only 9% of unemployment overall. School systems in South Africa require high schoolers to complete an exam in their final year, known as the “matric,” in order to graduate and for entrance into universities. If the matric isn’t passed, the student is considered to have an “educational attainment less than matric.”

What this means to employers is that although the candidate has a secondary-level education, they didn’t graduate high school. Those without matric qualifications make up a staggering 39% of unemployment. For those living in rural areas, access to schools is limited and many lack infrastructure; teachers often pursue jobs in larger cities where they’re provided with more stability and income.

Gender and Race Add Barriers

Women face many challenges due to expectations of traditional gender roles with fewer resources or role models, with 29.9% of the unemployed, while men, 26.3%. They often face discrimination, receive lower wages and don’t advance as frequently in the workplace. Racial inequalities put Black Africans at an even further disadvantage as the most unemployed race at 37%, deepening the wealth gap and poverty level compared to other racial groups. In relation to this, Black Africans are also the least educated despite making up the majority population.

BabesGotBytes’ Impact

In a few years, BabesGotBytes has expanded into a large operation, partnering with Rlabs in 2023 to develop a six-month digital literacy program for disadvantaged communities. It has hosted workshops and webinars with companies such as Amazon Web Services Cloud, Arduino and Orange Cybersecurity. In December, it organized the Makers Hackathon, where students showcased their skills. This year, it launched a summer robotics camp for children ages 7-15 and participated in Womhub’s GirlsEng Innovation Camp. Recently, it announced its most ambitious project yet, collaborating with Zoho to launch a one-year boot camp to train and mentor 40 women and girls, further advancing their skills and experience.

– Tanita Love

Tanita is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

, , ,

Female Starvation in Gaza

Female starvation in GazaThe October 2023 attack by Hamas has left irreversible damage on the whole city of Gaza. Every hour, two mothers are killed and nearly 1 million more have been left to live amongst the rubble without safe shelter and without enough food or clean water to survive. Food insecurity and starvation affect women in Gaza in multiple ways. “U.N. Women estimates that at least 557,000 women in Gaza are facing severe food insecurity, and find themselves facing old and new gender-based vulnerabilities.”

Female Starvation in Gaza

For the sick and injured, for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, there is virtually no medical help left. Not only is there no medical help left, but breastfeeding mothers are using 25% of their body’s energy just by feeding their children, in comparison the brain only uses 20%. Therefore, mothers especially are starving and desperately fighting to also keep their children alive. “The situation is particularly concerning for mothers and adult women, who often prioritize feeding others over themselves and report greater difficulty accessing food compared to men, leading many to skip meals or reduce their intake to ensure their children are fed,” the U.N. reports.

“Seven out of 10 women interviewed by U.N. Women reported weight loss in the last 30 days, and more than half experience frequent dizziness.” This statistic truly represents the female starvation in Gaza. “I prefer to give the children food first. Then as a mother, I might not eat so I can feed my children. That’s just how life is now. That’s motherhood,” a mother displaced to Rafah, southern Gaza said.

WFP and Action Against Hunger

The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that it can only meet 20% of its monthly targets, leaving thousands of families at risk of starvation. This 80% is consistently being shown, especially when one in five pregnant women in a central Gaza clinic struggle with malnourishment. Despite high demands, only a small percentage of people receive help. The WFP is assisting more than 1 million people a month in Gaza due to 96% of the population in the city of Gaza being in a crisis level of hunger or worse.

In Gaza, Action Against Hunger has supported more than 200,000 women and girls through their water, sanitation and hygiene services, alongside food baskets, according to its website. In particular, it has a program to “prevent malnutrition among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children under 5 years old.”

WEFAQ

Wefaq Society for Women and Child Care, a local women’s organization, is managing to maintain help and support through the hazardous living conditions that are so very prominent in Gaza today. It provides hot meals through the community kitchen to help reduce the rates of hunger within the female population. Winter clothes and accessories are provided alongside blankets and mattresses for comfort and warmth. Hygiene kits, and other essential items like menstrual supplies, milk and nappies for babies. WEFAQ also provides counseling to help aid and rebuild women’s confidence in themselves and their communities.

The female starvation situation in Gaza is very obviously going to be an ongoing issue but through the support of multiple organizations like AAH and WEFAQ, women will finally get the support they truly need.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, Wales, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

, ,

Empowered Young Women In Zimbabwe are Changing Their Futures

Empowered Young Women In ZimbabweThe Youth Edutainment Services (YES) Trust Zimbabwe is an NGO formed by a group of young people in a town named Plumtree in Zimbabwe. The group was established in 2008 to empower the nation’s youth using information. The organization was officially registered in 2013 and is changing the lives of empowered young women in Zimbabwe.

Empowering Women

Zimbabwe and many other developing nations struggle with gender equality on many fronts. Women’s involvement in politics is comparatively low, at just 35%, with an even lower statistic in local government at 16%. U.N. Women’s study shows that the reasons for the lack of participation in such roles include dangerous working conditions, unfair wages, sexual violence and lack of employment.

These issues need addressing if women are to improve their prospects. This is a mission that YES Trust has taken up, demonstrating how empowered young women in Zimbabwe can allow them to change their futures with the vision of a society of equality.

The YES Trust aims to provide youths in the country with information, giving them the education they need to freely determine their futures. Its objectives are to mobilize multimedia and edutainment strategies to give people an understanding of social protection, health, safe migration and gender-based violence. By recognizing the talents and potentials of young people, the YES Trust helps them to engage in their community and provides them with the faculties necessary to utilize their strengths in a productive way for themselves and their country.

The task is not an easy one; creating equal opportunities for all citizens, especially for women and girls, will take time. However, YES Trust believes it can make meaningful changes by 2026, according to its 2021 Brief Overview. The board of trustees and secretariat administrators govern the organization aiming to maximize its productivity and reach its goal.

Creating a Space for Young People

To reach its goal, YES Trust hosts several activities, including storytelling competitions, sporting tournaments, music competitions and school quizzes, according to the 2021 Brief Overview. These all aim to create a space for young people to enter into a larger dialogue concerning crucial issues, especially surrounding gender equality. By emphasizing the importance of access to information and the education of young people, there comes increased accountability and inclusivity that could help improve the poor statistics of women in leading roles. Empowered young women in Zimbabwe are taking action, actively seeking the transformation they wish to happen.

The Youth Edutainment Services Trust partners with several like-minded organizations that share the same goals. One of these partners is U.N. Women, whose ambitions align with those of the YES Trust, according to the 2021 Brief Overview. Together, they strive to end violence against women and girls while endeavoring to inspire women’s political participation in leadership roles.

Alongside this, the HER Voice Fund also works with YES Trust and shares similar aspirations of empowerment, with a focus on advocacy. By positioning themselves with such homogenous organizations, they further define and strengthen their mission statement, pointing towards a larger-scale movement that seeks the same end as YES Trust.

YES Trust, coupled with the organizations that have also identified the same problems, reflects how empowered young women in Zimbabwe are taking a practical approach rather than suffering as a result of deeply ingrained inequality

– Molly Ralph

Molly is based in Dorset, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

South African Women: The Young Women for Life Movement

South African WomenThe socioeconomic system set in place during South Africa’s apartheid era continues to pervade the country today. HIV’s disproportionate impacts Black South Africans, particularly women, is but one example. South African girls and women are disproportionately impacted by HIV due in part to gender- and race-based inequality. South Africa’s 2023 strategic plan for HIV, Tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reports that nearly two-thirds of all new HIV infections occur in women.

According to the International Journal for Equity in Health, the low socioeconomic status of women, especially Black women, in the country places them at greater risk of contracting HIV. Poverty — which in South Africa is the result of historical inequalities — is a “significant factor” in the way HIV/AIDS spreads — the majority of people living with HIV/AIDS are experiencing poverty. In response, the Young Women for Life Movement works with girls and women who are affected by poverty, marginalization, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDs, helping them to “break free of the cycle of poverty and violence.”

Cape Town’s Young Women for Life Movement

The Young Women for Life Movement was founded in 2019 when 80 adolescent girls and young women came together in a backyard in Cape Town. The program receives support from the United Nations (U.N.) Women, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Southern Africa Catholics Bishops Conference and Peace Commission. With their support, the program has grown and, as of June 2024, has impacted 8,000 women and girls in South Africa.

Women can grow within the program as it provides financial literacy training, skills-building training in business and entrepreneurship, leadership dialogues and peer support through a network of women and girls who face similar circumstances. The Young Women for Life Movement “models a unique approach to building resilience against gender-based violence and HIV among young women,” stated U.N. Women HIV/AIDS Specialist Jacqueline Utamuriza-Nsizabira. The movement also helps women influence policy through advocacy. It has grown into a “powerful network for influencing policies,” Utamuriza-Nsizabira said.

Overcoming Stigma

According to a 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine, stigma and discriminatory attitudes against individuals with HIV are “persistent” throughout communities in South Africa, both urban and rural. HIV stigma in South Africa is correlated with HIV-affected individuals undergoing less medical treatment in terms of voluntary HIV antibody testing, palliative care and counseling — subsequently increasing HIV transmission. According to AVAC, HIV stigma is “deleterious to health-care use and delivery behaviors in South Africa.”

AVAC also stated that Black women living with HIV in South Africa experience significant trauma, with their positive HIV status adding further stress to their lives. Extreme cases of HIV stigma can manifest as violent behavior. The Madridge Journal of AIDS reports that stigma affects South African adolescent girls and women “socially, economically and mentally,” undermining their chances of seeking health care and improving their quality of life.

The Young Women for Life Movement helps girls and women “break through” this stigma and fear of discrimination, providing a sense of community where women and girls feel safe to disclose their HIV status and are encouraged to seek proper care. Program coordinator Phindile Maseko informed U.N. Women that some young women and girls in the Cape Town movement are living with HIV. “They were so discouraged when we met them that they had even stopped taking antiretroviral medication,” she said. But now, they have hope and are fighting for a better future.”

Overcoming the Cycle of Poverty

Maseko met Gugulethu Mdoba, who had gotten pregnant when she was 18 and struggled to raise her child, encouraging her to join the program. When Mdoba joined the Young Women for Life Movement, she sold baked goods to raise money to support her child. After gaining support and learning business skills through the program, she now has a bakery and recently began to teach other girls and young women how to bake.

“My business has grown a lot,” said Mdoba. “I have many customers now. I deliver my products to salons and shops. Sometimes I just walk a short distance and my muffins are sold out because people pre-order them and I deliver them the next day.” By providing girls and women with financial literacy, the initiative empowers them to access better health care and support services, which can improve their health outcomes and overall well-being. With increased economic stability, they are better equipped to confront and challenge stigma, reducing their social isolation and improving their ability to live openly and confidently.

Closing Thought

By empowering South African girls and women living with HIV/AIDS to break through stigma and the cycle of poverty, the Young Women for Life Movement promotes resilience, promotes better health outcomes and enhances their overall quality of life.

– Ahna Fleming

Ahna is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Supporting Rural African Women Entrepreneurs

Women’s Business Centres: Supporting Rural African Women EntrepreneursIn rural Africa, the poverty rate stands at 17.2%, more than triple the urban rate of 5.3%, according to the United Nations (U.N.). More than half of Africa’s women reside in rural areas and “significantly contribute to Africa’s agriculture and rural enterprises, fueling local and global economies,” as reported by the U.N. Rural African women encounter more challenges than men in agriculture, including issues related to resource control, access to financing and ownership of livestock and land. Self Help Africa’s (SHA) Rural Women Empowerment (RWE) project is actively working to address these challenges by establishing Women’s Business Centres, thereby investing in efforts to alleviate poverty in rural Africa.

The Return on Investing in African Women

According to the U.N., research indicates that when women work globally, they typically reinvest up to 90% of their earnings into their families’ and communities’ health, nutrition and education, compared to men who reinvest up to 40% of theirs. More than half of Africa’s women reside in rural areas, where they play a “key role” in enhancing the livelihoods of their households and communities, the U.N. notes. Thus, investing in gender equality and expanding opportunities for rural African women directly contributes to the development and alleviation of poverty in rural Africa.

Launch of SHA’s Rural Women Empowerment Project

SHA, an international development organization based in Dublin, Ireland, launched its RWE project in early 2023. This five-year strategy aims to alleviate poverty, social inequality and hunger through community-led, market-based and enterprise-focused approaches, according to its website. The RWE project represents the second phase of an initial effort titled “Scaling Rural Women Entrepreneurs for Community-Led Digital Adaptation and Resilience in Africa,” which concluded in December 2023. The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) funds the project.

Expansion and Impact of Women’s Business Centers

The project now focuses on empowering rural African women entrepreneurs by providing support in financial literacy, digital learning, product market development and more. It works closely with women entrepreneurs to connect them with new opportunities in fields like agriculture and nutrition while integrating their existing business practices. By establishing Women’s Business Centres (WBC), the RWE initiative helps women enhance their innovation skills and build economic independence and digital capabilities.

The WBCs provide startup support and train rural African women on digital business strategies and social media marketing. They also provide networking communities for women entrepreneurs and those planning to launch new businesses. The centers serve as both business incubators and vibrant communities where women business owners can connect and learn about nutrition, health care, finances, savings and more. The WBCs are “transforming lives, not just for the women involved, but for their families and communities at large,” states SHA’s website.

Successful Outcomes Across Kenya, Nigeria and Malawi

Since June 2023, the RWE project has supported almost 2,000 rural African women entrepreneurs in Kenya, Nigeria and Malawi and has established 90 WBCs in the three countries. In Kenya and Malawi, the RWE and WBCs share the same goals. Through the project, 13,600 women in Malawi and 4,000 women in Kenya have accessed information, services and resources related to nutrition and digital literacy.

At WBCs in Nigeria, women are trained to produce and market “Tom Brown” — a traditional Nigerian food supplement made from locally sourced produce such as soya beans, corn, groundnuts and millet. The supplement has a high nutritional content — it supports weight gain, prevents malnutrition and is particularly beneficial for babies, children and breastfeeding women. It is commonly eaten as porridge for breakfast. More than 400 Nigerian women have been trained to prepare Tom Brown with locally produced ingredients across 20 WBCs in Nigeria.

“Due to the training I received here, I know how to talk to the customers and draw their attention to the goods that I have. It can boost your energy and appetite for food, especially for people in hospital, it’s very good for them,” Bridget Beekombo, a producer, seller and consumer of Tom Brown, told SHA. By establishing WBCs in rural Africa, SHA’s RWE project is empowering women to shine as innovative leaders and entrepreneurs. The project is, in turn, investing in the poverty alleviation and economic and social development of Africa’s rural areas, placing rural African women at the helm.

Looking Ahead

Self Help Africa’s Rural Women Empowerment project actively supports rural African women by providing essential resources and training through Women’s Business Centres. These centers equip women with financial literacy, digital skills and market development strategies, fostering economic independence and innovation.

– Ahna Fleming

Ahna is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Women’s Rights in Nauru

Women's Rights in NauruGender inequality/equality is not solely a women’s or girls’ issue.  It is an issue that affects everyone, including the economy and the community. Actions of gender-based discrimination obstruct women’s rights and the freedom to exercise their inherent human rights. Expectations based on a woman’s sex have become confused within tradition, cultural norms and present-day needs.

The U.N. Women published 14 Country Gender Equality Briefs. Nauru’s report educated both males and females by identifying examples of gender-based discrimination and their effects. Each report goes along with “the SDG gender indicators and targets.”

Aspiring Leaders

The Honorable Charmaine Eraidinomo made history by being the second woman to be elected as a member of parliament and has been serving in parliament since 2013. Isabella Dageago is serving her second term in parliament as the Minister of Health and Home Affairs. They occupy two of the 19 seats of the Nauruan Parliament.

The cultural and traditional norms of Nauru have affected gender equality. Having been a matrilineal society throughout history, today male-dominated family groups are replacing lands where women were the custodians of their family lands.

According to the 2017 Asian Development Bank (ADB) report, Nauruan officials need to ensure the effective and meaningful participation of women when making decisions about land use. These actions would include public consultations that would confirm the meaningful participation of women.

Poverty, Employment and Education

Nauru has the “worst poverty index of all Pacific nations,” according to ADB. One in every four people is living below the basic needs poverty line. Also, Nauruans have a limited capacity for food production and depend on foreign aid and the import of goods. Of the 35% of the Nauruan households headed by women 17.7% were categorized to be extremely vulnerable.

Women have faced discrimination in the areas of employment and wages because the government has failed to enforce labour laws and regulations. In addition, “societal pressures, lower wages and Nauru’s general situation of poverty have limited employment opportunities for women.”

Economy, culture and social norms affect education in Nauru. School attendance is mandatory (ages 6 to 15), but only 31% of students complete the fifth year. The high rate of teenage pregnancies (ages 15 to 19) has an impact on the drop-out rate of girls enrolled in secondary education, according to the U.N. Women Brief.

Domestic Violence

“Domestic violence and sexual offences constitute a significant portion of reported crimes in Nauru,” the UNDP reports. “Since 2021, we have received 79 cases, with 53 completed and 23 closed due to insufficient evidence. It is crucial to recognize that these numbers do not necessarily reflect a low prevalence of family and sexual violence. As we all know, victims of such violence often do not come forward due to fear, stigma and various other barriers,” said Deputy Commissioner Simpson Deidanang during his opening remarks.

Advocates for Women’s Rights

An extensive number of organizations advocate gender equality for women’s rights in Nauru. Each of the following organizations supports Nauruan women from a different perspective.

  • The WENA focuses on “promoting women’s empowerment and advocating for gender equality,” according to UNDP.
  • The U.N. Women “is the global champion for gender equality, working to develop and uphold standards and create an environment in which every woman and girl can exercise her human rights and live up to her full potential.”
  • The Pacific Islands Forum aims “to achieve our Vision for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, that ensures that all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy, and productive lives.”

Reflecting on Women’s Rights in Nauru

In April 2024, the Micronesian Ministers for Women Conference in Nauru addressed the progress of gender equality and women’s rights in Nauru. Rakuita clearly expresses how gender equality affects women’s rights and the need for the voices of Pacific women to be heard.

The principal speaker for Pacific women and girls, Mereseini Rakuita stated, “We have been treating gender equality as a women’s issue only far too long. Gender equality is about national development, human rights, sustainable economies and peaceful societies. It’s about recognizing that half of our Pacific population are women and girls and as such, their voices, interests, concerns, aspirations and leadership are needed, if we are to unleash our full potential as a region.”

– Pam Fenton

Pam is based in Wall Township, NJ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Empowering Girls, One Uniform at a Time: Impact of SHE in Togo

SHE in TogoAround 129 million girls worldwide are not enrolled in school. In Togo, girls spend an average of 2-3 years in school and only 33% attend junior high school. Tuition fees, school supplies and mandated school uniforms are the largest financial barriers preventing impoverished families from sending their girls to receive an education. Studies have shown that providing free uniforms can reduce dropout rates by 16% and absences by more than 35%. In response, the nonprofit organization Style Her Empowered (SHE) has committed to offering free uniforms to support students’ educational outcomes.

How SHE Began With Just a Uniform

Payton Mc Griff, the founder of SHE, was a sophomore at the University of Idaho, United States (U.S.). After reading the novel “Half the Sky,” McGriff learned the shocking truth of the daily oppression women in developing countries face. Hence, she resolved to join the effort to empower young women and break the cycle. In 2017, as part of a class project for her marketing major, she went to Nôtse, Togo, to do field research. Togo was the perfect launchpad for SHE because, though it ranks low on the Human Development Index, the government had reduced tuition rates for girls to incentivize education. Also, most entrepreneurs there are women eager to welcome new programs for girls’ education – Togo had both the need and potential for change.

While there, she saw the reality for many girls, including Elolo, whose family’s financial struggles forced her to quit school so that her brothers could continue. Every girl she interviewed agreed that a required uniform was the greatest obstacle preventing them from attending school. That was where her idea for a uniform that grows was born. With $35,000 in seed money and the help of local sewists and students, the uniform that grows was made a possibility. The dress is designed to fit a girl for up to three years, adjusting six sizes, with adjustable cords along the side and a foot of extra fabric hemmed underneath.

SHE’s Mission and Vision

Today, SHE operates in 20 rural villages in Southern Togo, including Nôtse. In these areas, girls are more likely to drop out of school, with 69% of households living below the poverty line. SHE strives to remove as many financial barriers for young girls as possible to create a world where every girl and woman can survive and flourish. The nongovernmental organization (NGO) focuses on three main areas:

Girls’ Education

SHE’s Holistic Girls’ Education Program provides every student with:

  • SHE uniform that grows
  • Full-tuition scholarship
  • A year’s worth of school supplies
  • Year-round tutoring from SHE’s local team
  • Reusable menstrual health kit
  • Durable, waterproof backpack

The program serves 1,500 girls annually from kindergarten to high school and has helped 6,095 girls since 2017. In 2023, SHE’s students achieved the highest success rates in the NGO’s history, with a 99.1% student pass rate, 40% higher than the national average in 2022.

Women’s Employment

Togo has one of the highest rates of gender inequality in the world and only 20% of Togolese women have completed primary school, leaving 1.6 million women without an education. Seamstress training is one of the most popular careers for women in Togo. However, there are no opportunities for support or growth and laborers are often exploited.

SHE’s Paid-To-Learn Employment Model creates dignified jobs for women employed in Togo. SHE guarantees its 33 Togolese women employees:

  • Salaries 75% above Togo’s minimum wage
  • 10% of the work week devoted to adult learning programs
  • Unlimited paid sick leave, social security benefits, national health care and retirement enrollment
  • Three months of fully paid maternity leave
  • Free child care
  • No more than 40 hour work weeks

Sustainability

Alongside the growing uniform, SHE has developed more sustainable products that help girls, women and the planet. These include:

  1. Reusable Menstrual Pads: Period poverty prevents millions of girls from attending school. Only 35% of girls in Togo continue beyond elementary education, most dropping out when they reach puberty. Hence, 100% of fabric scraps from SHE factories are recycled into reusable menstrual pads crafted by SHE sewists for students who were previously forced to miss school during their period due to a lack of sanitary supplies. In 2021, SHE produced more than 5,000 reusable menstrual pads.
  2. Recycled Plastic Backpacks: SHE’s latest development in 2022 includes the collection of single-use plastic bags fused to make durable, waterproof backpacks for girls, provided through its education program.

Final Remark

SHE demonstrates how effective grassroots organizations are at improving people’s lives in developing countries. The female-founded and female-led charity is an inspiring testament to women coming together to uplift and empower one another.

– Fatima Naqavi

Fatima is from London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: PickPik

, ,

Female Empowerment through Fish Farming in Uganda

Fish Farming in UgandaFish farming has remarkably paved the way for female empowerment within Uganda. Supported by the United Nations (U.N.) Women, the women in the Bugiri District of Uganda are using fish farming to break down gender barriers that prevent them from escaping poverty.

The Situation for Women in Uganda

Uganda is located in Sub-Saharan Africa and has a population of 44.3 million, of which 41% live in poverty, living on less than $1.90 per day. As a developing country, women in Uganda face daily struggles. Approximately 85% of women work in the informal sector, which most often has poor working conditions, unpredictable earnings and job insecurity. Selling and trading at markets is a vital source of income for many women.

However, these women have no rights at work. Women typically struggle to platform their needs and concerns, suffering from frequent rights violations. Additionally, men dominate markets and thus, women are consequently excluded from leadership positions. In the long term, this has led to consequential restrictions on women’s economic participation across Uganda.

Fish Farming

Revolutionarily, women in Bugiri District in Eastern Uganda have broken into the male-dominated fish farming industry. Traditionally, fish farming was reserved for men, meaning women had to find other income sources. However, the women of Uganda have not only mastered the art of fishing but have simultaneously broken down the patriarchal taboo that prevents women from earning a decent livelihood.

Uganda’s Female Fish Farming Program

U.N. Women launched the Women Economic Empowerment Program to support Ugandan women defying gender stereotypes in fish farming. Initiated in 2019, the fish farming program aims to promote greater income security and decent work for Ugandan women, empowering them with economic autonomy by 2050.

U.N. Women and the Bugiri District Local Government specifically support rural women in fish farming activities in Lake Victoria. Before the program, many women with small businesses selling fish struggled. The fish farming program has trained 1,400 women in the district. As a result, there are 28 cages full of Tilapia fish, standing as a testament to the strength and empowerment of Ugandan women.

Female Empowerment through Fish Farming

The fish farming project has largely contributed to Uganda’s gross domestic product (GDP). The women have generated approximately $1.15 million in sales, producing 508.5 tons of fish. Additionally, U.N. Women have provided essential supportive services in the region, such as day care services for children, supplying necessary resources and housing fisherwomen in accommodation.

On an individual level, women across the Bugiri District have significantly benefited from the fish farming project. A resident and fisherwoman in Bugiri, Rose Nakimuli, commended the project, celebrating that she has developed aquaculture skills and learned how to swim and fish. Additionally, female empowerment through the fish farming program has several economic benefits. Women learned essential business management skills, learning how to run a business from start to finish successfully.

The project also strengthened women’s involvement in government and the whole fish value chain. Subsequently, the women established this project as a private company named “Women Economic Empowerment Bugiri” (WEEB). The CEO of WEEB, Ms. Immaculate Were, stated that women are now “specialized in feeding, harvesting, preservation, marketing and trading.” In turn, gender equality across Uganda has improved within homes, as women can earn a decent income to contribute to the family. Furthermore, the fish farming project has reduced gender-based violence because women are empowered within themselves, both socially and financially, instead of relying upon men. One fisherwoman added that “men now view them as heroes.”

Looking Ahead

Overall, female empowerment through fish farming across Uganda has been significant. The continued U.N. support for female empowerment is a hopeful solution to eradicating poverty across Uganda and combating gender inequality. “Once a woman gets wealthy, that’s wealth for the whole nation,” stated Were.

– Sian Ameer-Beg

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

, ,

5 Charities Operating in Tibet

Charities Operating in Tibet
A region well known for Mount Everest and the Dalai Lama, the autonomous region of Tibet once had a poverty rate as high as 80%. Through various campaigns, it has significantly improved in recent years, but there is still a large amount of work that needs to be done. This journey is made possible by the following five charities operating in Tibet.

The Tibet Fund

Founded in 1981 under the patronage of the Dalai Lama, The Tibet Fund aims to preserve Tibet’s cultural identity, supporting communities’ education, health and livelihood. Its programs promote self-reliance among the Tibetan community and allow even the most vulnerable to have the chance to lead healthy, dignified lives.

Gender-based Violence

The organization also has specific initiatives for Tibetan women and girls. For example, it established an initiative that offers protection against gender-based violence, collaborating with partners such as the Central Tibetan Administration Women’s Empowerment Desk, Tibetan Women’s Association, and Drokmo. Workshops occurred on menstrual and reproductive health for youth as well as awareness sessions for other Tibetan organizations.

This also involved the establishment of gender focal persons, barefoot counselors and complaint committees in order to raise awareness on gender-based sexual violence (GBSV) and harassment; it also included the operation of a 24-hour helpline that acted as a safe space for survivors.

Another gender-based initiative is Every Mother and Child, which provides resources to breastfeeding mothers to support the nutrition, hygiene and healthy cognitive development of their child.

Education

The Tibet Fund has done a large amount of work regarding higher education. Through its various scholarship programs, it has allowed countless economically vulnerable Tibetans to be able to access post-secondary education, both domestically and in the U.S.

The Fund supported more than 50 Tibetan girls who were unable to afford the high costs of higher education, both at technical schools in the country and at universities in China. Additionally, it provided scholarships to two pursuing careers in medicine in Xining.

Furthermore, with funding from the U.S. Department of State and partnerships between Qinghai Tibetan Medical College and three American universities, the Fund was able to provide English language training courses for 20 students, with four top-performing students going on to continue their studies at various American academic institutes.

Its dedication to education and the future of Tibet was further exemplified through its Tibetan Women Microentrepreneurship Program, which assisted vulnerable women in growing their businesses and expanding their markets.

Earthquakes

It has also donated generously toward victims of earthquakes, including the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck in early 2010 that claimed the lives of nearly 2,700 people and injured more than 12,000. The Fund provided a total of $122,875 in grants for short-and long-term emergency and recovery efforts, assisting Tibetans in the reconstruction of a flour mill and school.

Machik

The second of these charities operating in Tibet is Machik, which translates to “one mother” in Tibetan. This organization works with Tibetans both in and outside the region, addressing social and environmental changes with a focus on social innovation, civic engagement and gender equity.

Its recent achievements include the provision of clean energy and safe drinking water; the establishment of an award winning school, a library and an organic greenhouse; the repair of roads and houses and much more.

In 2001, Machik established the Pende Clinic Project, which provides health care to a rural community and its surrounding villages; in total, the clinic supports 31 villages with approximately 2,000 households, a population of about 16,000.

Moreover, it has established education programs for women charting new pathways. Mother’s Wish, a program it initiated, now supports education for girls and women in Amdo, ranging from middle school-level education to PhDs.

One of these is its Women’s Writing Program. Machik has sponsored both the development and distribution of The Land of Snow Tibetan Women’s Journal, a quarterly magazine edited and produced by Tibetan women that offers a platform for Tibetan women writers to discuss countless compelling social issues. Since its conception in December 2004, it has produced 12 issues.

Karuna-Shechen

A nonprofit organization that reflects and emphasizes the ideals of altruism, Karuna-Shechen has promoted well-being in the Himalayan region, with their work spanning Tibet, India and Nepal.

The organization has provided shelter, safety, education, health care and opportunities to vulnerable communities, encompassing fields such as health and hygiene, education, food security, economic development and the environment. In 2023, it supported more than 494,130 people, including 555,000 indirect beneficiaries and 22,000 animals.

Karuna-Shechen has also been significantly involved in promoting food security. For instance, it has provided equipment to improve water management in agriculture, which has been vastly beneficial for farmers such as Indra Kumari Rai.

This improved not only crop production rate but also its quality, allowing for sustainable agriculture and creating a lasting positive impact for both nutrition and economy.

Finally, its unique Altruism in Action model allows for a more explicit and active partnership between Karuna-Shechen and the communities it serves. It can be boiled down to the creation and use of Better Future Councils (BFCs), elected representatives from each “cluster” of villages that work directly with Karuna-Shechen. The BFCs then play a central role in the:

  • Co-identification of needs, issues, and available resources
  • Co-design of projects
  • Co-implementation of activities
  • Co-monitoring and evaluation of the intervention and its impact

The American Himalayan Foundation (AHF)

Like Karuna-Shechen, another of these charities operating in Tibet, the American Himalayan Foundation (AHF) assists those living throughout the Himalayas, including Tibetans, Sherpas and Nepalis. Its projects have included trafficking prevention for women and girls, education, health care, cultural revival and environmental conservation.

The Foundation’s work spans multiple countries–in Nepal, it has been involved in disaster relief during events such as the Nepal earthquake, and have initiatives in the kingdom of Mustang and other areas that contribute to the preservation of culture. Additionally, it has an initiative titled STOP Girl Trafficking that aims to prevent girls from Nepal from being trafficked, or entering indentured servitude or child marriage. The program has grown significantly, supporting education that not only keeps girls safe but empowers them with the skills and confidence required for them to shape their own futures.

The Terma Foundation

The last of these charities operating in Tibet is The Terma Foundation, an international humanitarian medical organization that aims to provide innovative and sustainable health solutions, mainly for indigenous, marginalized and other excluded populations. Its work in Tibet, Mexico, Myanmar and Brazil has positively impacted and reached more than 1.5 million beneficiaries to date.

Malnutrition

Through the implementation of its various culturally-sensitive programs that work with local partners, The Terma Foundation has provided medical education, participated in research combining both traditional Tibetan and western knowledge and practices and provided diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation to Tibetans.

Its child feeding and indigenous food development program supports the supply and consumption of highly nutritious indigenous natural foods, which began after reports of malnutrition in children and their mothers due to insufficient protein and micronutrient intake.

Although the variety of processed food has grown exponentially, elders have stated that children have been shown to be stronger and healthier when eating locally cultivated food, which was previously a regular part of daily diets.

One such food is droma, a locally abundant, traditional root that is high in iron and vegetable protein, and combines to form a complete protein when mixed with barley.

The organization distributes droma in combination with multivitamin supplements, a well-received, low-cost practice that has led to visible, rapid improvement in children’s clinical status and growth. The harvesting process of these food sources is also being studied for its potential as a source of revenue for farmers, traditional doctors and herbalists.

Tibetan Medicine

On the topic of malnutrition, Terma has also emphasized the importance of traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) principles and practices as a form of advancement for cultural health care. Its health promotion team and TTM physicians work hand-in-hand, increasing credibility, trust and efficiency. The practices are adapted into schools and villages, offering a sense of comfort through the provision of clinical care that is culturally familiar to patients.

Terma’s other programs include health education and primary care delivery, tuberculosis prevention and control, pre- and postnatal care and rickets education and prevention.

Looking Ahead

Through these charities operating in Tibet, transformative work is being done in Tibet every day. Each act that these organizations implement have an impact. 

– Rune Pang

Rune is based in Markham, ON, Canada and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr