Archive for category: Women’s Empowerment

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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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SDG 5 in Kazakhstan: Barriers and Reform Efforts

SDG 5 in KazakhstanSDG 5 in Kazakhstan focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls by ending discrimination, violence and harmful practices. While the country has implemented progressive reforms such as gender quotas and anti-violence laws, challenges remain in key areas like child marriage, domestic violence and political representation. Ongoing cooperation among the government, U.N. agencies and civil society is building momentum toward achieving SDG 5 by 2030.

Legal Barriers

In Kazakhstan, the legal marriage age is officially 18. However, exceptions allow marriage at 17, with parental consent or as young as 16 in cases of pregnancy. These provisions undermine SDG 5’s target to eliminate child marriage without exception. According to UNICEF, around 7% of girls in Kazakhstan marry before the age of 18 and early unions are more common in rural areas and among lower-income families. 

Moreover, bride kidnapping, though illegal, continues to occur in some regions, reflecting harmful traditional practices that persist despite awareness campaigns.

Organizations such as UNICEF Kazakhstan, Equality Now and the Kazakh Women’s Rights Committee have been active in advocating for stricter enforcement of marriage laws and awareness programs to discourage underage unions. These groups recommend raising the marriage age to 18 with no exceptions, improving legal protections for girls and expanding education campaigns in rural areas.

Gender-Based Violence in Kazakhstan

Gender-based violence remains one of the most serious barriers to achieving SDG 5 in Kazakhstan. According to U.N. Women, about 17% of women aged 18–49 in Kazakhstan have experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner, though underreporting remains a major issue. In 2024, the parliament introduced a new bill aimed at strengthening penalties for sexual, psychological and economic abuse and expanding state protection for survivors. The bill also proposes mandatory restraining orders and specialized crisis centers for victims.

The government is also preparing to ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women, signaling a stronger international commitment. Local NGOs such as the Union of Crisis Centers also play a vital role in documenting cases, running hotlines and helping victims access legal support. 

Political Underrepresentation

Despite progress, women still hold a limited number of leadership positions. In 2024, women made up 19.4% of Kazakhstan’s parliament, below the global average of 27.5%. This remains the case despite a 30% quota for women and youth on party electoral lists introduced in 2021. The issue lies in implementation, as women are often placed lower on party lists, reducing their chances of being elected.

Advocacy organizations such as the Kazakhstan Feminist Initiative “Feminita” and the National Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family Policy are calling for greater transparency in the enforcement of quotas and for leadership training programs for young women. These groups argue that stronger female representation can lead to more inclusive public policies, particularly on child care, workplace equality and anti-violence legislation.

Economic Gaps

Kazakhstan has made strides in women’s economic participation. In 2024, 65.99% of women were part of the labor force, above the global average. The government has worked to remove outdated job restrictions for women and expand entrepreneurship programs. 

Women’s Entrepreneurship Centers, launched by the Ministry of Economy and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), now operate across the country, offering financial training and startup support. However, women still carry the majority of unpaid domestic and care work, which continues to limit their economic mobility. SDG 5 calls for shared responsibility for unpaid work and greater access to affordable childcare. 

Strengthening maternity protections, introducing flexible work policies and expanding public childcare centers could help ensure women’s continued participation in Kazakhstan’s growing economy.

Solutions Advancing SDG 5 in Kazakhstan

The U.N. and the Government of Kazakhstan are jointly implementing the 2026–2030 Gender Equality Roadmap, with more than $172 million invested since 2021 in data collection, justice reform and prevention programs. Women’s advocacy groups, from urban NGOs to rural community networks, are also helping drive policy reform while increasing visibility for gender equality nationwide.

With stronger laws, greater support for survivors of violence and continued reform in politics and the workplace, Kazakhstan is building the foundation to achieve SDG 5. The goal is to ensure gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.

– Niaz Youssefian

Niaz is based in Cardiff, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women in South Sudan Are Creating Their Own Financial Futures

Women in South Sudan Since gaining independence in July 2011, South Sudan’s women have remained on the front lines of the country’s struggles. Deep-rooted patriarchal norms, gender-based violence and financial exclusion continue to limit their full participation in society. Despite these challenges, many women persist, advocating for peace, stability and progress.

In response, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has recognized both their resilience and the urgent need for reform. It implemented a multifaceted strategy to advance gender equality, support women’s development and position women as central to the country’s future.

South Sudanese Women Are Shaping Their Financial Futures

Across South Sudan, women have long sustained households and communities through farming, harvesting and trade. Yet conflict, limited access to education and finance and widespread gender-based violence have repeatedly constrained their progress. For decades, many women’s ambitions have far exceeded the opportunities available to them.

That reality is beginning to shift. In 2023, the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP) launched as a four-year, $52 million government-led initiative funded by the World Bank. The project is expanding opportunities for women by providing business skills training and financial support to help them start, sustain and grow their own businesses.

NGOs Expand Economic Opportunities for Women in South Sudan

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are also helping expand economic opportunities for women in South Sudan. Groups such as the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), the Women’s Peace and Development Initiative and Women for Women International focus on strengthening women’s entrepreneurial capacity. In 2025, WPDI celebrated 150 women who graduated from its entrepreneurship program in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. 

As more women launch businesses, many are gaining greater financial stability for themselves and their families. NGOs continue to play a critical role in advancing women’s rights in South Sudan, especially in areas where government support remains limited. Several organizations are working directly to improve women’s access to justice, economic opportunity and community support:

  • Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE) focuses on gender justice, peacebuilding, health and economic empowerment. The organization has reached more than 110,000 people through programs that support women’s rights and livelihoods.
  • South Sudan Women Empowerment Network (SSWEN) prioritizes women’s rights advocacy, financial empowerment and anti-violence initiatives. It has become a key civil society network promoting women’s participation and equality across the country.

How Entrepreneurship Is Changing Lives in South Sudan

One recent success story is that of Rose Juru Chaplin, a South Sudanese entrepreneur who owns a boutique in Munuki Market. With support from the SSWSEEP, she gained the training and assistance needed to strengthen her business skills and expand her enterprise. Her boutique now serves as a key source of income for her family while helping her build greater financial security.

Chaplin’s experience reflects a broader shift taking place across South Sudan, where hundreds of women-owned businesses have received similar support. Her story highlights how access to training and financial assistance is helping women strengthen not only their own livelihoods but also those of their families, local economies and communities.

Conclusion

The resilience of South Sudanese women continues to drive a powerful shift from survival to economic participation and growth. While challenges such as weak infrastructure and ongoing economic instability remain, the progress women are making highlights the impact of investing in female entrepreneurship. Programs that combine education, financial access and peer support are proving to be effective tools for long-term development.

As South Sudan continues to rebuild, women entrepreneurs are playing a critical role in shaping the country’s future. Through determination and increased access to opportunity, they are improving their own lives while driving meaningful change across their families, communities and the wider economy.

– Erin Sian Mongillo

Erin is based in North Haven, CT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Strengthening Legal Framework Against Forced Marriages in Italy

Forced Marriages in ItalyItaly is located in Southern and Western Europe, with a population of 59.5 million as of 2023, according to the World Health Organization. Situated in the Mediterranean, its mountainous and hilly terrain contributes to a diverse climate year-round. According to the European Institute for Gender Equality, an estimated 27% of women in Italy have experienced violence.

With violence against women still a central issue, the Istanbul Convention aims to strengthen the legal framework against all forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage. 

The Istanbul Convention: Article 37

The Council of Europe Convention, under Article 37 of the Istanbul Convention, defines a forced marriage as: 

  1. Intentional conduct of forcing an adult or a child to enter into a marriage.
  2. Intentional conduct of luring an adult or a child to the territory of a Party or State other than the one in which they reside, to force that adult or child to enter into a marriage.

Forced Marriages in Italy

Women and girls across Italy have experienced and continue to experience forced marriage, often imposed by parents, relatives and even religious leaders. These marriages may be enforced through coercion, including threats and violence.

The legal marriage age in Italy is 18. However, according to Juma Map Services for Refugees, a juvenile court may authorize exceptions, allowing minors of at least 16 years to marry legally.

Italy, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, is committed to eliminating child, early and forced marriage by 2030, according to Girls Not Brides. The country signed the Istanbul Convention on September 27, 2012 and it entered into force on August 1, 2014.

The Istanbul Convention: Ongoing Targets

The convention aims to prevent violence against women, protect victims and those at risk and prosecute perpetrators. Key protection and prosecution measures outlined by the European Commission include:

  • Accessible shelters: Member states must ensure shelters are readily accessible to victims and fairly distributed nationwide.
  • Helplines: A free, 24/7 helpline must be available across all member states, providing safety and professional support.
  • Violence against women as a crime: This includes psychological and physical violence, sexual violence and rape, stalking, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, forced abortion and forced sterilization.
  • Thorough investigations: Authorities must carry out prompt and effective investigations into all forms of violence against women, ensuring immediate protection.
  • Protection for migrants and asylum seekers: Women in these groups are particularly vulnerable and must receive targeted protection.

A Successful Prevention Method in Italy

In 2014–2015, the Italian government launched an initiative to educate the public on violence against women, with a particular focus on engaging men and encouraging behavioral change. The program was later introduced in schools, where it helped educate young students on preventing gender-based violence.

Looking Ahead 

Forced marriages have prompted stronger legal responses to violence against women across Italy. The Istanbul Convention, adopted by multiple countries, has contributed to efforts aimed at reducing the vulnerability of women and girls to violence. Education initiatives, such as those described above, remain key to ensuring awareness continues to spread among younger generations.

– Zara Ashraf 

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Gender Pay Gap in Slovenia

Gender Pay Gap in SloveniaGender equality in Slovenia has been improved drastically over time, yet performance is considered lower than EU standards. Slovenia recorded a score of 58.0 points out of 100 in the gender equality index, holding 18th place in the EU. This is attributed to low performance in the domains of knowledge and power. The gender pay gap in Slovenia is regarded as one of the clearest signs that this progress has not yet been translated into an equal workplace.

Gender Disparities in Earnings and Why It Matters

 Gender disparities in earnings in Slovenia are considered among the lowest in the EU. Women who have a partner earn an average of 84% of their spouses’ earnings, while men who live with their partners earn an average of 27% more than their spouses. The European Institute for Gender Equality has reported that the gender pay gap is most pronounced for young people, foreign born individuals and couples that have children.

A small national average gap can still coexist with serious unfairness if women are overrepresented in low-paid roles or underpaid within the same jobs. Through strong transparency rules, enforcement and cultural change around caregiving and leadership, Slovenia will be crucial for Slovenia to move from a relatively small gap to genuine pay for equal work.

Improvements Over Time

The biggest improvement over time has taken place in the domain of power. Political power has increased, with a share of women on the board of the central bank. Slovenia’s score in the domain of money has also improved, which has improved the gender pay gap in terms of the distribution of earnings and income. Slovenia has recorded the third-highest score of the EU-28 in the sub-domain of economic situation, which deals with the risk of poverty and the distribution of wealth throughout the population.

Why the Gap Persists 

The gender pay gap persists in Slovenia both between employers and within the same employers. Women and men ending up in different jobs partly explains the rising job gaps. Slovenia has overtaken its regional peers’ gender pay gaps at 7.2%, alongside a high female labor force and stronger workplace equality measures. These figures are promising, but smaller gaps can sometimes reflect labor market structures where women are over-represented in low-paid sectors, rather than true career advancement or leadership roles. Persistent informal norms and expectations about gender roles keep inequality and the gender pay gap in place.

Consequences for Women in Slovenia

The gender pay gap has real consequences for women and their families. A woman who is consistently earning less than their male colleagues has less money to cover rising costs, save for emergencies or invest in housing. Over time, lower pay, as well as taking breaks for childcare, means women will have a smaller pension, leaving them at a greater risk of experiencing poverty at old age. The average man’s pension in Slovenia is 10% higher than women’s. Women who see their work as undervalued are often less likely to apply for promotions, which reinforces the idea that top positions are ‘for men.’ This cycle shows why even a relatively small national pay gap can cause huge inequalities. 

Solutions To Tackle the Gender Pay Gap

 Slovenia does not currently have a national mandatory gender pay gap reporting system for employers, but as an EU member, it will need to implement the EU Pay Transparency Directive by June 7, 2026. This will impose gender pay gap reporting and greater pay transparency in future years. These new rules will introduce structured obligations, more visibility for employees, and concrete enforcement measures, and workers will have the right to know the average pay for doing the same or equivalent work. For Slovenia, this is a huge turning point as greater transparency makes hidden gaps visible and allows women, unions and society to demand change, hence why detailed reporting is crucial.

Another initiative that the government introduced to tackle the gender pay gap is by introducing specific guidelines for gender mainstreaming in the work of ministries. This will help ministries in gender mainstreaming in their specific fields of work and specify the roles of Coordinators for Equal Opportunities of Men and Women. The goals of the resolution from 2023-2030 include reducing the gender pay gap in all areas of social life, achieving an equal division of care work between parents, and overcoming stereotypes and sexist and discriminatory practices that deepen gender inequality.

Looking to the Future

There have been huge improvements in the effort to resolve the gender pay gap in Slovenia. However, inequalities still prevail, through governments implementing a national mandatory gender pay gap reporting system as well as guidance for gender mainstreaming, Slovenia will be able to lessen the gender pay gap, ensuring a better quality of living for all people.

– Bonnie Parkinson

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Women-Led Government Drives Gender Equality in Namibia

Gender Equality in NamibiaIn the last 18 months, Namibia has emerged as a leader of gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa. In the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Index, Namibia ranks first among African nations and 8th globally. The country’s progress reflects decades of gender-focused policies and increasing representation of women in political leadership.

The U.N., the World Economic Forum and the World Bank widely recognize that when women hold political power, they often prioritize reforms that strengthen economies and make governments more responsive to citizens’ needs. As the U.N. notes, “Women’s equal participation and leadership in political and public life are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.” 

In the wake of International Women’s Day 2026, The Borgen Project is highlighting Namibia’s women-led government and the recent reforms that demonstrate how this leadership can drive tangible social and economic progress.

Female Political Leadership in Namibia

The key factor distinguishing Namibia’s progress toward gender equality from that of other nations is the strong representation of women across its government, which has enabled significant social, economic and civic reforms. Currently, Namibia’s president, vice president, speaker of the National Assembly and eight of its 14 cabinet ministers are women. According to the U.N. Women and Inter-Parliamentary Union ranking, Namibia ranks first in the world for women’s representation in government leadership. 

This level of representation has also led to greater policy and fiscal prioritization of social reform and education, contributing to poverty reduction in the country.

Gender Equality in Namibia: Driving Policy Reform

Several reforms in Namibia have both contributed to and benefited from women’s presence in political leadership. The National Gender Policy, renewed for another decade in 2025 by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, strengthens gender equality by providing a framework to address the intersections of poverty, social attitudes and gender-based violence.

Since 1998, Namibia’s employment law has been shaped by the Affirmative Action Act, which promotes fair hiring practices, expands employment opportunities for women and protects against pay disparities. These measures help normalize a gender-equal workforce in which women are hired, paid and treated equally in the workplace.

Namibia is often referred to as the birthplace of the U.N.’s Women, Peace and Security agenda, which was adopted as a resolution in 2000. The country presided over its adoption 26 years ago and now has one of the world’s most gender-balanced cabinets.

Expanding Economic Opportunities for Namibian Women

The Ministry of Gender Equality’s Beijing+30 Country Report highlights Namibia’s recent progress in advancing gender equality. In economic development, the government has focused on equal pay, ending workplace harassment and improving women’s access to financial infrastructure and services. Supported by U.N. Women and the World Bank, Namibia’s Affirmative Action Act has increased women’s participation in executive, management and public service roles. 

As a result, women now represent a larger share of employed professionals than men, reflecting the impact of broader equality policies in the country. In 2014, the Namibian government adopted Gender-Responsive Budgeting Guidelines to direct public funds toward gender equality and equitable socioeconomic development for women, men and children. In practice, this has meant allocating millions of Namibian dollars to community development centers, education, agricultural infrastructure and income grants, all identified for their roles in improving the livelihoods of women and children.

However, in 2025, less than 2% of the national budget was allocated through gender-responsive budgeting. Namibia’s speaker of the National Assembly has argued that for the policy to have a lasting impact, it must be implemented consistently rather than only when the need arises, noting that “sporadic success isn’t systemic transformation.”

Education and Social Development

Primary education has been free in Namibia since 2013 and secondary education since 2016. Enrollment now stands at about 90% and the country has achieved near gender parity, with similar numbers of boys and girls attending school. In the classroom, students have access to programs that support girls’ pathways into STEM and leadership, alongside curriculum campaigns promoting girls’ rights and gender equality in Namibia.

These initiatives aim to expand educational and professional opportunities for young women, particularly in fields where they have been historically underrepresented. Research from the World Bank shows that universal education for girls is closely linked to higher future earnings, improved health outcomes and long-term poverty reduction.

What Namibia’s Progress Means Globally

The trickle-down effect of women holding political power has undoubtedly improved gender equality in Namibia. These figures have directly influenced the creation and development of gender-focused policies that target social and economic reforms nationwide. The reforms reach workplaces and classrooms, giving women and girls the knowledge, tools and institutional support to contribute to the country’s sustainable development for generations to follow.

Namibia’s experience demonstrates that sustained political commitment to gender equality can lead to measurable social and economic gains. This commitment, which itself becomes both a cause and effect of representative leadership, can move the country and the African continent closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, with women leading the charge.

– Hannah Michie

Hannah is based in Nice, France and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Closing the Gender Wage Gap in Uruguay & Poverty Reduction

Gender Wage Gap in UruguayAbout 83.3% of girls whereas 72.7% of boy’s complete lower secondary school in Uruguay as of 2023 with literacy rates almost equivalent between men and women (98.6% – 99.2%). Yet the proportion of women living in poverty (8.8%) is nearly double that of men (4.8%). As education isn’t the issue, the cause could be the gender wage gap in Uruguay.

The Gender Wage Gap in Uruguay

The gender wage gap refers to the average difference in hourly earnings between working men and women, usually expressed as a percentage. In Uruguay, INE analysis shows men generally earn up to 27% more than women. Women and girls aged 15+ also spend nearly double as much of their time doing unpaid work (19.9%) compared to men, who spend 8.4% of their time on unpaid work according to UN Women.

Workers in vulnerable employment are the least likely to have formal working contracts, social protection or safety nets to protect them from economic shocks, which makes them more likely to fall into poverty. Women hold 24.7% of vulnerable employment in Uruguay.

As of 2026, a woman has never held the office of the presidency in Uruguay. Today, women occupy 22.3% of parliamentary seats in Uruguay, despite women making up 51.5% of the population. Underrepresentation in politics can stop policymakers from pushing policies that advance women’s roles in the workforce as well as their earning potential.

Progress Towards Addressing the Gender Wage Gap

Uruguay has made major moves forward in women’s rights since the 20th century, which reduced women’s poverty and improved the economy overall. The labor force participation rate for women has increased by nearly 10% since 1990 (42.6% then compared to 57.3% now). This rate stands higher than the average across Latin America and the Caribbean where women’s labor force participation rates sit at 51.2%.

The share of women working in high income positions has also increased marginally since 1990 (50.1% in 1990 compared to 54.3% today). This figure stands slightly higher than the global rate of women working in high income positions, which sits at 49.1%. 

What More Can be Done?

Despite these incredibly important milestones over the last century, Uruguay has not yet achieved gender equality in wages, which contributes to continued poverty in the country today.

Research suggests that governments could reduce the gender wage gap by implementing policies that allow women to participate in the workforce more freely. Policies that reduce informal employment, strengthen labor protections and identify and address discrimination or gender bias in hiring, pay and promotion would greatly benefit women in work according to the Inter-American Development Bank.

Conclusion

Uruguay has progressed in gender equality related to the wage gap by improving the pathway from education to workforce participation. Nevertheless, disparities remain in income and employment conditions, which contributes to higher levels of poverty across the country.

International organizations such as UN Women and the Inter-American Development Bank indicate that implementing policies and addressing informal employment could significantly reduce gender gaps. 

– Yemi Mary John

Yemi is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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She Leads Movement for GYW in Mali

GYW in MaliThe term “girls and young women” (GYW) has no single date of origin. However, it has gained popularity in the 21st century as a concept tied to intersectionality, activism and inclusion. It bridges the gap between the categories of girls and women, allowing programs to support both groups while recognizing their distinct needs. This approach is central to the She Leads project.

A partnership program that ran from 2021 to 2025, the She Leads program brings together Plan International Netherlands, Defence for Children – ECPAT Netherlands (DCI-ECPAT), the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) and Terre des Hommes Netherlands. These organizations reflect the importance of the GYW framework in their efforts to promote education, leadership and independence for GYW. Their work in Mali, which has amplified GYW voices there, highlights the project’s impact.

Why Does the She Leads Program Exist?

At its core, the She Leads program wanted to improve gender equality across East and West Africa and the Middle East. However, this is no small task, not only because of cultural beliefs but also because of a lack of data and support to change these circumstances. Set up and supported by six organizations, She Leads worked to increase sustained influence for GYW, opening pathways for decision-making and “the transformation of gender norms in formal and informal institutions.” 

The consortium’s plan to achieve this goal was threefold. It aimed to address social attitudes and gender norms at multiple levels, from small-scale civil society to broader sociocultural perspectives and large institutions that can enable GYW participation in political spaces. The consortium also conducted an assessment to collect data on gender-based violence (GBV) and cyber abuse across seven sub-Saharan countries, including Mali. This effort strengthened data systems and broadened the initiative’s impact on GYW in developing countries.

Through this multifaceted plan and the coordinated efforts of six NGOs, the initiative has achieved notable success, particularly in Mali. Voices of GYW in Mali have historically been muted in a country where 54% of girls marry before 18, spending much of their lives outside the public sphere. Mali is also among the most impoverished countries globally; data from 2015 shows that 51% of women in the poorest households were married before 18. 

As in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, parents often marry off their daughters young, believing it will provide a better life while reducing their own economic burdens. This practice continues to promote the belief that girls are the property of their husbands. While this reflects a cultural tradition in Mali, the She Leads project worked to challenge it by collecting comprehensive data and engaging directly with GYW, enabling girls to articulate their needs and priorities.

What Is the Impact of the She Leads Project in Mali?

It is widely understood that poverty is multidimensional and linked to phenomena such as child marriage. One of She Leads movement’s major focuses was promoting education to amplify GYW voices in Mali. A UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster report from 2015 further illustrates the intersectionality of poverty in countries like Mali: 50% of women who only completed primary education were married before the age of 18, compared to 18% of those who completed secondary education. 

In fact, fewer than 74% of girls enroll in primary education, compared to 86% of boys. For girls, this figure drops to 15% for secondary education. With one of the fastest-growing populations, this educational inequality only widens the gender equality gap, according to the United Nations Development Programme’s Gender Inequality Index.

As such, improving girls’ education and enrollment was central to She Leads’ plan to amplify GYW voices in Mali. Specifically, She Leads took the approach of handing over educational agency to its focus groups of girls and women. It explained that its approach for all focus groups was to use the information gathered from these girls to determine the topics. The project does not decide in advance what it will focus on; instead, it brings the girls in and lets them share their own opinions.

One example of She Leads’ investment in GYW voices in Mali is the story of Fatoumata, a 17-year-old girl from rural Mali. Despite the World Economic Forum’s estimate that it will take “131 years to reach gender equality,” Fatoumata intends to “beat the clock” and become a community leader in a place where women traditionally run the home, not the world. She shared, “For me, it’s important to be able to make things happen. Today, I have come to my old school to talk to the students about important issues that affect them,” and that her “ambition is to be an accountant and a leader in my community.”

She Leads designed its community engagements to be safe spaces for GYW. It uses peer education to teach other girls in their community about sexual and reproductive health and rights, intervene on issues that concern them and take an active role in community decision-making. Now, Fatoumata not only feels more comfortable using her voice with her family but also sees a path to using it in the community to drive change and female inclusion.

What Have Been the Results of the Project?

Fatoumata’s experience highlights the impact the She Leads project has had on many communities. The project not only invested in academic education for girls but also in practical education, offering training sessions on issues like child marriage, FGM and STDs, breaking down barriers around taboo subjects. This transparency allows GYW to protect themselves and navigate life with independent knowledge, rather than relying on a family member for these truths.

In addition, She Leads encouraged community action, which culminated in GYW investment through “allocating them a quota of arable land where they can grow market vegetables, earning themselves an income.” Even with an education, cultural norms can still prevent women from entering professional and public spheres. Therefore, having community support for independent participation in the economy illustrates a break in the cycle of inequality.

Furthermore, Fatoumata and her group advocated for the representation of young women at policy forums, pushing for gender equality beyond their town or village and onto a national scale. She Leads data show that since 2021, 16 groups have been established across Mali, reaching 320 girls. These numbers might seem small; however, change is never instant. 

Meanwhile, information, the collection of which was a major part of She Leads’ work, is key to both initiating and sustaining it. Fatoumata’s experience is proof that there is room for hope for GYW voices not only in Mali but across the world and that cycles of inequality can be broken. Thanks to the She Leads project, Fatoumata can be one of many girls with agency in Mali.

– Jaya Noonan

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Unconditional Cash Transfers: The Most Benefit for Women

Unconditional Cash TransfersA growing body of research over the past decade has examined the impact of direct welfare payments to families living in poverty. Now, a new meta-analysis combining studies across 45 countries offers one of the clearest pictures yet of how unconditional cash transfers benefit women more than other forms of payment. The study, published in the journal “Nature Human Behavior,” analyzed dozens of social security programs and found that unconditional payments produced an effect size more than twice that of conditionally funded cash transfers. 

Benefits included higher labor force participation, increased work productivity, lower debt levels and greater autonomy and decision-making power. The analysis found little evidence of so-called dependency effects, the concern that recipients reduce work effort after receiving benefits.

Conditional Cash Can Increase Women’s Burden of Work

The international research team, led by Amber Peterman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, argued that unconditional cash transfers may be more effective because they increase women’s choices and freedom. The researchers wrote: 

“Some studies point to potential adverse effects or unintended consequences of social security nets for women. A common example raised is the potential for cash transfers with conditions to increase women’s unpaid care burden, reinforcing their involvement in child care or domestic work. This might occur if programs designate women as responsible for attending mandatory training associated with the intervention or for monitoring children’s schooling or health due to co-responsibilities.”

The authors acknowledged several limitations with their analysis, including the short-term nature of many studies. They were also unable to include studies published in French or Spanish, thereby limiting the generalizability of the findings. However, they remained relatively confident that unconditional cash transfers yield the greatest benefit for women compared to other forms of aid.

Unconditional Welfare Payments

One of the largest programs, Brazil’s Bolsa Família, was launched in 2003. Research shows the transfers helped mothers enter the labor market by increasing children’s school enrolment, without weakening incentives to work. In the nonprofit sector, GiveDirectly has emerged as a leading advocate for unconditional cash payments.

The organization argues that direct transfers bypass much of the bureaucracy and the administrative costs associated with traditional aid models. These include food distribution, training programs and other service-based interventions. One of its flagship programs in Kenya delivered one-off payments of $1,000 to more than 10,000 households between 2014 and 2017.

Program researchers say the initiative reduced infant mortality by 48% and achieved other gains. Miriam Laker-Oketta, a Ugandan doctor and senior research adviser at GiveDirectly, told the Guardian last year: “The problem with big aid organizations is that their approach is based on training and advice. They tell people what to do and how to spend their money. But whether in Uganda, Yemen, India or the U.S., direct cash support has shown that when people living in poverty receive money, they know best what matters to them and they invest in that.” 

Caution Regarding the Inflationary Effect

Still, some economists urge caution about direct cash payments. World Bank economist Eeshani Kandpal, who has studied cash transfer programs in the Philippines, points to research showing negative spillovers. Transfers can raise local prices for certain staple foods and increase stunting rates among children in households that did not receive payments.

Kandpal adds that smaller, short-term transfers targeted to fewer recipients within each village or market are less likely to trigger inflation. Despite ongoing debate over design and potential unintended consequences, there is growing evidence supporting direct money transfers. Unconditional cash transfers generate the greatest benefit for women compared to other forms of payment or aid.

– Lawrence Dunhill

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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3 Programs Empowering Young Girls in India

Empowering Young Girls in IndiaWithin India, gender discrimination is very prevalent, especially for young girls. This news is shared across various channels and explicitly stated on sites like the Human Development Index, which show that the country ranks higher on gender gaps than the global average. However, such news fails to acknowledge the positive developments that are empowering young girls in India. 

Specifically, three programs in India are designed to help young girls thrive in their environments. These include the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, the Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) and the Balika Samriddhi Yojana.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

This program empowers young girls in India by providing financial assistance. It is a government banking scheme initially set up to help parents support their daughters’ educational goals. By setting aside this money and building a fund for these young girls, it helps this minority move away from a life of poverty. 

Systemic gender inequalities can lead to an unfortunate life, such as poverty. One cause can be a lack of education. Girls are not as fortunate as boys to be granted the right to learn. As a result, they miss out on opportunities and independence and end up relying on others. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana works to prevent that and help girls live a life full of education.

Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK)

MSK is a program that empowers young Indian girls, particularly those in rural areas. It does so in many ways. However, the focus areas include education, employment, literacy, health and related support services.

Rural girls are often the most at risk because they lack the opportunities that boys or children in urban areas have. These girls do not have the resources needed to escape a frugal lifestyle, which very often results in early marriages and a cycle of domestic work. Educating and supporting girls in rural areas is not only essential for their futures but also for long-term national development.

Balika Samriddhi Yojana

Balika Samriddhi Yojana empowers young girls by providing financial support to those from underprivileged backgrounds. It not only helps with finances but also supports parents to ensure a focus on young girls’ mental and physical well-being. It provides a stipend to parents after the birth of a girl and scholarships for the child to support her education.

By doing all of this, it helps ensure that the girl and her family move away from struggling livelihoods and work toward bettering their lives, leaving poverty behind and toward a brighter future.

Final Remarks

These programs not only focus on gender inequalities, hoping to lessen that barrier, but also aim to help build a life out of poverty and into something better. These are only three programs highlighted, but many others address the issue and shed new light on it, showing that community and support can go a long way toward empowering young girls in India.

– Danielle Johnson

Danielle is based in Knoxville, TN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr