Archive for category: Women’s Empowerment

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Women’s Empowerment in Rwanda is Driving Poverty Reduction

Women’s Empowerment in RwandaWomen in Rwanda have played a pivotal role in improving the country. Their influence and policies have shown how women’s empowerment in Rwanda can reshape a nation’s social and economic landscape. With 63.8% of seats in the Chamber of Deputies held by women, the highest proportion in the world, the country has translated political representation into concrete policies that reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for all.

Increasing Exports

Almost 70% of Rwandan women work in agriculture and the practice covers a third of GDP and accounts for nearly half of all export revenues. Therefore, empowering female farmers in Rwanda is pivotal to increasing the economy. The World Food Programme (WFP) and partners have introduced various initiatives to help reduce gender inequalities, improve food security and support potential female leaders. Farmers are now being taught entrepreneurial skills such as public speaking and governing, as well as innovative farming techniques such as grafting, market access and contract negotiation.

Another major export that Rwanda relies on is coffee. With 400,000 rural smallholder families engaged in production, coffee remains a cornerstone crop in Rwanda. Among the key actors is the Twongere Umusaruro Cooperative (TUK), which works closely with the Relationship Coffee Institute (RCI). Founded in 2013, RCI aims to transform the lives of rural, low-income women coffee farmers by providing training and access to markets. Initially working with 4,000 women, the organization has since expanded to support more than 30,000 coffee growers.

Additional Women’s Centers

Rwanda has established several women’s centers to address gender-based violence, inequality and discrimination, while promoting economic empowerment. Access to justice has improved nationwide, with eight centers providing comprehensive services to survivors of gender-based violence.

Furthermore, Women for Women Rwanda’s program has reached more than 80,000 women, providing training, mentorship and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods. The organization also works with men through the Men’s Engagement Program (MEP).

Using a “training the trainer” approach, local leaders teach men about women’s rights and gender equality, encouraging them to influence others and create environments where women can reach their full potential. In 2023 alone, 920 men completed the MEP.

Improving Women’s Financial Inclusion

Women in Rwanda are more likely to struggle financially. They face higher unemployment rates and men still hold most managerial positions. To address this, the government has implemented the “Gender Equality Seal” program. If the government deems that a company supports women as much as men, it receives this title and additional benefits. As a result, women’s financial situations have improved, with access to financial products increasing by 11%.

Additionally, the Joint Programme on Accelerating Progress Toward the Economic Empowerment of Rural Women (JP RWEE) works across Africa, including Rwanda and is currently in its second phase. The program focuses on strengthening rural women’s access to finance and ensuring the lasting impact of their knowledge and skills.

Better Health Care

Rwanda has made significant strides in health care for women and children through innovation, technology and targeted interventions. The Rwanda Health Information System (RHIS) has made collecting and managing health data far more efficient. Furthermore, drones have greatly improved medical delivery time, particularly to remote areas.

The RapidSMS program sends pregnant women free text messages with health information, appointment reminders and alerts to health facilities about danger signs in their communities. These innovations have accumulated a global record in reducing maternal mortality. To maintain this progress, Rwanda has introduced maternal death audits, which investigate each case and recommend measures to prevent future fatalities.

Moreover, life expectancy for women in Rwanda has risen to 72 years. Around 97% receive antenatal care and more than 64% of married women use some form of birth control. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services are available in 85% of health facilities, effectively eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission. The government also plans to achieve 100% access to drinking water and electricity, with no significant gender disparities, further supporting women’s health and well-being.

Accessible Education

Rwanda has achieved universal education. Primary education is free and compulsory, with girls’ enrollment in primary school currently standing at 98%. Government programs have led to a more comfortable environment for girls. These include school feeding programs, 12 years of basic education and gender-friendly school environments. As a result, girls’ enrollment in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects has risen considerably.

Prior to current initiatives, period poverty forced young women in Rwanda to stay at home. The government introduced Icyumba Cy’umukobwa (The Girls’ Room) to address the issue. These rooms provide a safe space for menstruating girls, offering free sanitary products, beds, pain relief and towels. Experienced female advisors support girls in navigating the challenges of menstruation. Furthermore, Rwanda also removed VAT on sanitary products as a nationwide initiative, continuing the fight to end period poverty for all.

Conclusion

Rwanda’s experience demonstrates that empowering women is a matter of social justice and a powerful driver of national development. From political representation and economic participation to education, health care and social initiatives, women’s empowerment has tangibly reduced poverty, increased productivity and improved quality of life across Rwanda. Women in Rwanda are proving their value and showcasing how sustainable development is inseparable from gender equality. Investing in women is investing in the future of the nation.

– Lysia Wright

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

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Economic Empowerment in Southeast Asia

Women’s Economic Empowerment in Southeast AsiaAcross rural areas of Southeast Asia, self-managed rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) are transforming the economic landscape for women in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. These community savings and loan groups, built on mutual trust and cooperation, enable women who often lack access to formal banking systems to pool resources, gain capital and invest in small businesses. The ripple effects on household poverty reduction, social capital formation and rural economic diversification are profound, providing a grassroots model for women’s empowerment and inclusive development.

Women’s Economic Empowerment in Southeast Asia

ROSCAs are informal financial groups where members regularly contribute a fixed amount of money into a common fund. This fund is then rotated among members, granting each person access to a lump sum during their turn. Unlike traditional banks, these groups rely on social trust rather than collateral or credit scores, making them especially accessible for women in rural communities where formal financial institutions often exclude them. 

In Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, for example, women farmers participate in ROSCAs to finance agricultural inputs or start small trade ventures. In Cambodia’s Kampong Cham province, these groups help women fund home-based businesses such as weaving or food production. Myanmar’s Chin State has seen women use ROSCA funds to diversify income by investing in poultry or tailoring.

Impact on Poverty and Social Capital

The benefits extend beyond just access to capital. By participating in ROSCAs, women build networks of mutual support and accountability that foster social cohesion. This social capital can be as valuable as the financial resources, encouraging collective problem-solving and resilience in the face of economic shocks.

Studies from the region indicate that households involved in community savings groups experience greater financial stability and reduced vulnerability to poverty. The ability to invest in income-generating activities directly improves livelihoods, while the collaborative nature of these groups enhances women’s confidence and decision-making power within their families and communities.

Driving Rural Economic Diversification

ROSCAs also contribute to broader rural economic diversification. By enabling women to access credit and manage savings, these groups help shift economies away from single-commodity dependence toward a wider variety of small-scale enterprises. This diversification is critical in mitigating risks associated with agricultural price volatility and climate change impacts.

In Cambodia, some ROSCAs have expanded to include group lending and microinsurance schemes. This allows members to pool risks and protect against crop failure or health emergencies. Such innovations demonstrate the potential for ROSCAs to evolve into more complex financial ecosystems tailored to local needs.

Best Practices and Policy Recommendations

Policymakers and development agencies can strengthen the impact of ROSCAs by considering the following:

  • Capacity Building. Provide training on financial literacy and group management to strengthen sustainability.
  • Legal Recognition. Create supportive regulatory frameworks that recognize and protect informal savings groups.
  • Linkages with Formal Finance. Facilitate partnerships between ROSCAs and microfinance institutions or banks to expand access to credit.
  • Inclusive Participation. Promote gender equity and inclusion of marginalized women to ensure broad community benefits.

Governments in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar are increasingly recognizing the importance of grassroots financial mechanisms. Integrating ROSCAs into national poverty alleviation strategies could unlock significant progress toward economic empowerment and poverty reduction.

Looking Ahead

Community savings and loan groups exemplify how local solutions can address systemic barriers and advance women’s economic empowerment in Southeast Asia. By harnessing the power of collective action and social trust, ROSCAs offer a scalable, culturally appropriate path toward financial inclusion. Supporting these groups through policy, capacity building and access to formal financial systems will be vital to sustaining their impact. In a region where millions of women remain financially excluded, grassroots savings associations are not just a means of survival; they are engines of empowerment, transforming lives and communities one cycle at a time.

– De’Marlo Gray

De’Marlo is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Empowering Liberia’s Women: Socio-Economic Equality in Liberia

Empowering Liberia's WomenIn Liberia, women earn 15% less than men. Yet they are vital and form the backbone of Liberian society. Women play an important role in agriculture and informal markets and own 55% of enterprises. Yet their enterprises are small, less established than those of men and less than 5% of women have formal sector jobs. This means that women are important contributors to the Liberian economy but face significant and ongoing socio-economic inequalities that hinder their potential, sustainable income, and financial equality.

Liberia’s Women Project, Digital Inclusion for Women’s Economic Empowerment and Women Empowerment Forum are three initiatives that are bridging the socio-economic gap and empowering women through technology, training, and programmes designed to increase their financial rights and advocate for change. These initiatives not only empower Liberia’s women but also pave the way for a flourishing and equitable nation.

Liberia’s Women Empowerment Project

Liberia’s Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) utilizes a community-driven and multi-sectoral approach, which has impacted 498 communities across six counties in Liberia. Its strategy involves individual and group-based, income-generating activities such as business training, credit and saving groups and life skills programmes for more gender inclusive training. Most importantly, the project empowers Liberia’s women by teaching them how to increase their confidence and develop sustainable and resilient livelihoods. By strengthening their voices and agency, women become leaders as they engage in household and community decision-making.

Alongside the educational part of the project, it also mobilizes communities and helps change attitudes surrounding women’s socio-economic engagement which is how prejudices start to dismantle.

Digital Inclusion for Women’s Economic Empowerment

Digital Inclusion for Women’s Economic Empowerment focuses on the economic challenges women in rural areas face. Led by U.N. Women, alongside various NGOs, the initiative uses technology to improve financial inclusion and entrepreneurial opportunities for women.

Women in remote areas experience greater economic inequalities than women in urban areas, often only being engaged in subsistence farming that has limited opportunities for increasing business or accessing broader markets. The digital platform Buy from Women connects women to wider markets beyond their area.

Since the launch in 2022, more than 3,000 women have had an income increase through better access to markets powered by the Buy from Women platform. Besides broader market access, women learn about financial literacy and have more growing opportunities to carry out secure transactions and oversee their businesses, income and job opportunities.

Women Empowerment Forum Liberia

Women Empowerment Forum (WEF) enables women across Liberia to become active and influential voices in their communities. The economic empowerment program includes microfinance and entrepreneurship training to assist women in starting businesses. Vocational training workshops provide instructions and discussions on market-driven trades, which women can participate in.

Additionally, community engagement focuses on leadership training where women can practise and engage in local development issues, rights, and opportunities hosted by community forums and workshops. Not only are women taught strategic and confidence-building techniques, but they also have the chance to apply them. Alongside their financial literacy, women can put these into practice in real-life scenarios, while learning about opportunities involving entrepreneurship and business.

This holistic approach empowers women on an individual level but also builds social cohesion and economic stability. WEF has impacted several regions, alongside their increasing partnerships with local and international stakeholders. These initiatives and collaborations have made them a contributing force in Liberia’s path to gender equality.

Empowering Liberia’s Women

All three initiatives adopt a multifaceted approach to break down gender inequalities and build a more equal and prosperous future for women’s socio-economic opportunities in Liberia. By addressing the various hardships women face, from being in remote regions to having their voices suppressed or lacking access to financial literacy information, these initiatives have developed sustainable solutions. At the core, they have raised women’s voices and encouraged women to become leaders of change, self-sufficiency and empowerment in Liberia.

– Jule Riemenschneider

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

Photo: Flickr

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Vocational Education in Mexico

Vocational Education in MexicoVocational education and training (VET) centers play a critical role in building the skilled workforce in Mexico. These centers help students and workers gain technical knowledge that adapts to the rapidly changing global economy. Beyond improving job opportunities, investments in VET directly contribute to poverty reduction by increasing employability, raising household incomes and creating more equitable access to education.

While challenges remain, efforts from organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the National Institute for Standardization and Certification of Labor Competencies (CONOCER) and German cooperation through Sparkassenstiftung show how VET centers are reducing barriers, especially for women. These initiatives are also creating new pathways out of poverty.

Skill Gaps in Mexico’s Workforce

Flexibility, adaptability and technical skills are key to Mexico’s vocational training programs. In the past, government-driven policies often limited the scope of workers’ training, restricting them to narrow skills tied to specific industries. This prevented workers from finding higher-paying jobs and slowed the country’s ability to meet global market demands. Today, VET centers address these gaps by equipping workers with diverse, transferable skills.

There is still a gender gap in vocational education enrollment. Social barriers and perceptions that technical training is “not for women” create unequal access to opportunities. Encouraging women’s participation strengthens the labor force, increases household incomes and promotes social equality.

Solutions Driving Change

During the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) reforms, Mexico’s certification system shifted from rigid government-imposed curricula to training models supported by companies and industries. This change expanded access to certifications and improved job placement opportunities by making training more relevant to labor market needs.

Expanding the Dual Vocational System

German development organizations such as GIZ are collaborating with Mexican schools to expand dual VET programs. These combine classroom instruction with workplace training, giving students both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Sparkassenstiftung reports that thousands of young Mexicans have already been trained through this system. Benefits include higher employment rates and stronger partnerships between schools and employers.

The Impact of VET Centers in Mexico

  • They prepare the workforce to compete globally.
  • They provide jobs that strengthen economic stability and equality.
  • Partnerships with global organizations help reduce poverty and mobilize Mexico’s economy.

Mexico has more than 2,500 institutions dedicated to higher education, with approximately 20% of lower secondary students enrolled in VET pathways. By expanding access and making training more inclusive, VET centers are becoming a powerful tool in reducing poverty and improving social mobility.

Conclusion

Vocational education and training centers in Mexico are more than just schools. They are engines of economic growth and social progress. By investing in VET, Mexico is not only building a skilled, adaptable and inclusive workforce but also creating a long-term pathway to poverty reduction. Each investment in VET translates into more opportunities for employment, higher wages and a stronger safety net for vulnerable communities.

These programs prepare students for today’s labor market while giving them the resilience to thrive in tomorrow’s global economy, ensuring that progress reaches families across the country.

– Miranda Yacynych

Miranda is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Roshaneh Zafar Built a Feminist Microfinance Empire

Roshaneh ZafarContrary to popular belief, debt can play an important role in building wealth and enabling upward mobility. When non-usurious, it provides access to education or the startup funds needed to launch new businesses. In the United States, the average small business loan is $458,497. However, in many parts of Asia and the developing world, the loan amount can be small and still have a massive impact.

Microloans can range from $50 to about $50,000. They primarily target underfunded groups, such as women and rural communities. There is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of microloans and as with any system, some bad actors attempt to misuse them. Nevertheless, they currently remain one of the more ethical ways to provide capital to underserved communities.

The gender pay gap is entrenched in the world’s economy. Nowhere is this more true than in Pakistan. Pakistan currently ranks last in overall gender parity.

About Roshaneh Zafar 

Roshaneh Zafar is a Wharton-educated social entrepreneur who helped build a microfinance empire in Pakistan. While Zafar may not have humble origins, she strives to empower women across Pakistan through her work. After earning her graduate degree from Wharton, Zafar worked on Wall Street. However, she became disillusioned with the social impact of investment banking.

She transitioned to social development at the World Bank, where her work against poverty began. Eventually, she would come in contact with Muhammad Yunus, the founder of microfinance and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Following in his footsteps, she would ignore naysayers and go on to start the microfinance empire known as the Kashf Foundation.

The Kashf Foundation

The Kashf Foundation is a Pakistan-based organization that strives to counter gender inequality in one of the most stratified nations in the world. It aims to bring financial tools, such as microfinance and microinsurance, to female entrepreneurs throughout Pakistan. Access to these tools is just the beginning, as proper education and management are crucial to the success of any company. The Kashf Foundation offers “capacity building,” educational programs that build the skills necessary for operating and growing a business.

Initially, the Kashf Foundation mimicked many of the practices of Yunus’ Grameen Bank. However, since its formation in 1996, the foundation has become a microfinance empire in its own right. Different populations require different solutions. Many told Zafar that microfinance would never work in Pakistan. As of August 2024, the Kashf Foundation has a staff of 4,500 people.

It has worked with more than seven million micro-entrepreneurs and provided almost $1 billion in financing. Not only is the Kashf Foundation a microfinance institution, but it also uses media to raise awareness about social issues in Pakistan. Its television series “Udaari,” focusing on child sexual exploitation, was named one of the most popular programs in 2016.

Final Remarks

The Kashf Foundation and Zafar have received numerous awards, including the Mehergarh Award for Leaders of Change and the COVID-19 Action Award. Their impact extends beyond their own employees. Rizwana Bibi, a Kashf client, won the N-Peace Award in 2016 for her community work in female empowerment.

– Patrick Feeney

Patrick is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Relieving Poverty in Tunisia Through the AMEN Program

Poverty in TunisiaTunisia, a country in northern Africa, supports those experiencing multidimensional poverty through its AMEN social program. Those eligible receive monthly cash transfers and an additional stipend for families with school-aged children to offset the costs of school supplies. AMEN was established in 2019 with the assistance of the World Bank and Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs.

What Does the AMEN Money Go Toward?

AMEN targets poverty in Tunisia through transferring money to its most vulnerable citizens. More than 333,000 households currently receive these cash transfers. Multidimensional poverty levels determine eligibility. In other words, income is not the only factor; access to health services, education and housing is also considered.

Free or subsidized health care is also offered through AMEN. About 620,000 people receive subsidized health care in addition to those receiving free health care. Accessible health care is one of the many ways AMEN goes beyond a “poverty relief” program; it invests in Tunisian’s health and futures to target inequality.

The economy has suffered greatly since the spread of COVID-19 in 2020. Economic growth was at 0% in 2023 and 1.4% in 2024. Unemployment rates reached 16% in 2024, which is quite high. During the pandemic, AMEN provided temporary money transfers to 900,000 households to help families stay afloat.

Empowering Women Through Financial Freedom

Women are often some of the most vulnerable in a population, particularly in low-income areas and those in traditional households who may depend on men to provide financially. AMEN provides opportunities for single women or those whose husbands can no longer work due to illness, death, imprisonment or any other factor.

Mothers no longer have to stress about feeding their children or keeping the household running with AMEN. Women make up more than 50% of households that receive cash transfers. The peace of mind that can only come from financial freedom is invaluable and a necessary step in breaking generational cycles of poverty and inequality.

Sponsoring Children’s Education

Poverty in Tunisia directly affects a child’s ability to attend and excel in school. School supplies can be expensive, an extra cost that families can’t afford. In other circumstances, some low-income families do not prioritize education for their children; instead, they expect them to help earn money for the family instead of attending classes.

AMEN recognizes the importance of education and supports children’s learning through their stipends. One hundred forty-eight thousand children are currently supported by AMEN and encouraged to go to school through the $10 per month stipend.

Moving Forward

AMEN seeks to improve its ability to help those experiencing poverty in Tunisia by revising its systems to determine who is eligible for the program. Ongoing research to strengthen knowledge around social protection is also being done. Continuing to improve AMEN will undoubtedly increase the quality of life for these individuals.

– Sydney Uhl

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

Photo: Flickr

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Free Schooling in Sierra Leone Is Keeping Girls in Class

Free Schooling in Sierra LeoneFree schooling in Sierra Leone began in 2018 and is removing cost barriers so more girls can enroll and stay in school. By abolishing tuition and admission fees in government-approved schools, the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) program makes classrooms more accessible for low-income families.

How Free Schooling in Sierra Leone Works

Launched in August 2018, FQSE covers admission and tuition for primary through senior secondary in government-approved schools. The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) implemented FQSE alongside a World Bank–supported Free Education Project that strengthens system management, teaching practices and learning conditions.

To reduce the everyday barriers that keep girls home, the government and its partners are expanding school meals and other support. In 2023, WFP provided meals to 238,000 pupils in five districts and expanded its home-grown school feeding from 28,000 to 53,000 in early 2024.

The Ministry of Finance has also transferred funds to local councils to operate FQSE school bus services, easing family transport costs. Budget documents further note resources for school feeding and hygiene pads for girls to support attendance.

What’s Changing for Girls

Enrollment has surged since FQSE. UNICEF’s 2024 Situation Analysis reports a 58% increase in enrollment across all levels since the program began. By 2022, gross enrollment rates (GER) were high across primary (157%), junior secondary (106%) and senior secondary (86%). Girls’ GER was higher than boys’ at all levels—a sign that policy shifts are bringing girls into classrooms.

Completion and transition rates are improving. UNICEF reports current completion levels of 64% in primary, 44% in junior secondary and 22% in senior secondary—baseline figures that FQSE and allied programs aim to raise.

Keeping girls in school also means putting enough trained adults before each class. The 2023 and 2024 Annual School Censuses counted 90,073 and 91,224 teachers, respectively (78,325 in public schools in 2024), reflecting growth in the workforce. Furthermore, the World Bank-supported reforms are making teacher deployment more evidence-based, guiding where new hires go to reduce overcrowding.

After lifting its ban on visibly pregnant girls attending school, Sierra Leone took a major step toward expanding access to education. It adopted a National Policy on Radical Inclusion in Schools to ensure marginalized learners—pregnant girls, young mothers and children with disabilities—remain in class.

Why This Adds Up

Free schooling in Sierra Leone is removing fees, feeding students, getting them to school and staffing classrooms—the mix that keeps girls learning. Indeed, with enrollment surging and girls’ participation now meeting or exceeding boys’, the next step is turning time in school into strong learning outcomes through continued teacher support and inclusive policies. Ultimately, free schooling in Sierra Leone keeps girls in class today, positioning them for better jobs and incomes tomorrow.

– Riddhi Sharma

Riddhi is based in Richmond, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Zero Maternal Deaths Goal: Women’s Health in Honduras

Women’s Health in HondurasWomen in Honduras living in poverty often lack the resources to access hospitals, increasing the risk of maternal deaths. In 2023, the country recorded 47 deaths per 100,000 live births due to pregnancy-related causes. According to the World Bank, this reflects major progress since the 2000s, when the maternal mortality rate stood at 199 per 100,000. Still, many women remain without adequate health care and face preventable complications during childbirth, including severe bleeding.

Women’s Health in Honduras

The health of young women and those living in poverty is critical, as it not only shapes their own lives but also affects their families and the wider Honduran community.

In Miskito communities, limited health care resources leave mothers at risk, with preventable deaths during childbirth often caused by prolonged labor and severe bleeding. High transportation costs to hospitals like Puerto Lempira further prevent many impoverished families from accessing essential medical care. Some families lack the funds to send women to hospitals during emergencies, often viewing it as a heavy expense.

Women in Honduras face higher poverty risks than men due to limited job opportunities. As of 2024, only 39.5% of women participate in the labor force, compared to 74.9% of men, a 35.4% gap highlighting barriers women encounter in securing work. This economic inequality makes it harder for women to escape poverty. As a result, their health needs are frequently deprioritized within impoverished households.

The Zero Maternal Health Model

In 2021, skilled physicians and birth professionals attended only 52% of births in Honduras. The new Zero Maternal Health Model seeks to change this, aiming for no mother to die during childbirth. Now the national standard for women’s and obstetric care, the model introduces a practical methodology that has transformed how hospitals manage obstetric emergencies.

Instead of simply revising protocols on paper, it has reorganized hospital systems with a “code red” response, enabling faster, coordinated action to save mothers’ lives. The plan was first introduced in Intibucá, where its success led to rapid adoption nationwide. Today, all 28 hospitals in Honduras’ national health system have implemented the Zero Maternal Health Model, significantly improving women’s health outcomes.

As part of the 2022–2026 National Mortality Reduction Plan, the model and its “code red” system have delivered remarkable results, including a historic 27.4% drop in maternal mortality in 2024. The initiative now ensures access to specialized, life-saving care for women in poverty and those in remote areas without the burden of long and costly travel.

Dr. Nuri Bonilla, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Gabriela Alvarado Hospital, highlighted the transformation brought by the new model. “We went from a hospital where each emergency was chaotic to having organized teams, rapid response alarms and protocols that truly save lives,” she said.

This model has been made possible because of the partnership between the Ministry of Health, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Government of Canada. Thanks to these efforts, thousands of lives can be saved in Honduras and more women now have access to improved health care.

Initiative Strengthening Women’s Health in Honduras

The partnership between PAHO and Global Affairs Canada is accelerating progress in women’s health in Honduras and strengthening maternal care in five other South American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru.

The project has expanded health care access for women across these nations and provided critical support for survivors of gender-based violence. It has also advanced the health of women and adolescent girls in vulnerable situations by increasing access to gender-sensitive, rights-based and culturally appropriate services.

Across the six countries, the project has trained 64,000 health care workers in maternal care, neonatal care, adolescent pregnancy prevention and response to gender-based violence. This project has been in effect from 2021 to 2024. It has helped fight the persistent inequalities affecting the health of women and adolescents, not only in Honduras but also in other neighboring South American countries.

World Renew Grants

World Renew is an organization that addresses global hunger and poverty through community development and disaster response programs. Reports indicate that in Honduras, a woman is killed every 16 hours. Between 2005 and 2016, the female homicide rate increased by 263%, highlighting the country’s severe gender-based violence crisis.

World Renew has given a grant to women in Honduras to help them improve their skills and provide small business management. This is significant as it has helped women in Honduras grow food in their gardens. Schemes like this have resulted in healthier diets and a financial income from selling produce that will help them escape poverty. Not only has this grant improved their health, but it has also given them an income source.

– Alice Haston

Alice is based in Liverpool, UKm and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Reducing Poverty in Bangladesh via Women’s Empowerment

Reducing Poverty in BangladeshSince attaining its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has made significant strides in its policies and laws that have improved conditions for women in the nation. These changes can be attributed to the women’s movement in the country, which has helped strengthen women’s rights and empowerment across varied spheres. Though the nature of progress made by women is uneven and some inequalities remain persistent, significant changes have been observed.</span></p><h2>Reducing Poverty in Bangladesh

According to the 2025 National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) for Bangladesh, the country has made significant progress in reducing poverty. For instance, the poverty headcount ratio based on the upper poverty line fell from 31.5% to 18.7% between 2010 and 2022. Additionally, the nation has continuously outperformed its Least Developed Country (LDC) companions, achieving most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to the health and education of children.

Within this realm, schools at the primary and secondary levels have observed significant improvements in gender parity in the context of school attendance and completion rates. Explaining how the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a measure of acute poverty, the NMPI’s (2025) data for Bangladesh found that “from 2014 to 2019, nearly 19 million people moved out of poverty, with the fastest progress being in Sylhet, the poorest region.” The report also suggested that Multidimensional poverty based on the gender of the household head was not significantly different between male and female-headed households.

Furthermore, other sources have reiterated the recent surge in progress in the country. A news source, Press Xpress, mentioned how the latest Household Income and Expenditure survey (HIES), 2022, showcased a decrease in poverty rates from 40% in 2005 to 18.7% in 2022. The report echoed similar findings to the previously described research, denoting that this decrease in poverty rates can be attributed to “overall improvement in people’s purchasing power, strengthening their ability to access basic items better.”

The article also noted improvements in women’s empowerment in the country. This is reflected in the growing participation of women in political discussions and arenas. It is also seen in visible advances in the health care sector, such as the recent community clinic initiative, which has contributed to a decline in maternal and child poverty rates in Bangladesh.

The Impact of Women’s Empowerment

A 2021 study centred on the impact of women’s empowerment on poverty reduction in the rural areas of Bangladesh added to the discussion. It signified that women and their spouses’ education was important in reducing income and multidimensional poverty in rural households. It gave women decision-making power regarding entering the labor market, reducing their economic dependence and holding down higher-paying jobs to support themselves.

Overall, the study found that women’s participation in income-generating activities and higher levels of education were essential factors in continuously eradicating gendered poverty. These factors also help strengthen the social standing of women in the community.

The SNAD Foundation Bangladesh

As a nation, Bangladesh has strived to achieve this dual purpose through various projects that have been implemented recently. One example is the SNAD Foundation Bangladesh (SNADF), a nonprofit organization based in Dhaka. SNADF is focused on “community welfare” and “prioritizing women and children, offering comprehensive education, training and skill development opportunities to empower them for a brighter future.” The NGO focuses on women’s economic empowerment through programs catered to skill-based workshops, vocational training courses and business development to help vulnerable women create dependable livelihoods.

The organization is focused on creating entrepreneurial and employment opportunities to enable women to be financially autonomous and stand on their own two feet. This mission aligns with SDG 5, which encourages the development of gender equality initiatives. Furthering the cause of women’s empowerment in Bangladesh, SNADF holds “awareness sessions” for families and community leaders. These sessions engage participants in discussions that question the gender status quo and encourage more open-mindedness.

Through regular monitoring, SNADF has empowered many women to start home-based tailoring businesses, gain stable employment and access microloans for growth. By linking program graduates with buyers and financial institutions the organization ensures a sustainable income for women.

The Naari Uddug Kendra Program

Another program is the Naari Uddug Kendra (NUK), a national nonprofit women’s organization established in 1991. The organization is “mandated to promote gender equality, human rights and foster personal and political empowerment of women and girls in Bangladesh.” Recognized as an advocate for gender equality, the NGO has received backing from individuals, governmental bodies and financial institutions.

An immediate goal of the establishment has been to make space for women’s representation in local government agencies, in the workplace and academic institutions.

Challenges Remain

Despite these developments in recent years and the considerable progress made in reducing poverty and gender equality in Bangladesh, much remains to be done. According to data collated by the World Bank, Bangladesh has experienced many setbacks since the interim government took office in 2025. In early 2025, the World Bank estimated that political upheaval would cause an economic slowdown in the nation, similar to 2020, the pandemic year, pushing extreme poverty to 9.3%.

This negatively impacted women, who are already an underrepresented and vulnerable population, facing unemployment rates and rising inactivity rates as high as 18% and 7.7%, respectively. While challenges persist, especially amid political instability and economic slowdown, Bangladesh’s story is one of resilience and hope. Significant advances made through initiatives like that of SNADF and NUK signal visible reductions in poverty rates and the gender gap in the country.

Through these initiatives and continuous governmental involvement, Bangladesh is creating opportunities for women to gain autonomy, education and move out of the cycle of multidimensional poverty that affects them daily. Though progress may be uneven and setbacks inevitable, Bangladesh is charting a path toward a more equitable future where gender equality is a reality.

– Vasudhaa Shakdher

Vasudhaa is based in Vancouver, Canada and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Primark’s Cotton Project in India: What It Means for Women

Primark’s Cotton Project in IndiaPrimark’s cotton project in India has helped women across the country become empowered and support themselves. In addition, the project teaches women effective farming techniques and fights poverty by spreading transferable skills.

Life for Women in India

Life for women in India has recently undergone a monumental change: women’s employment rate has doubled from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, according to the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB). The scale of this shift is even more striking given that it occurred in just seven years.

Female employment has risen by 96% in rural India and 43% in urban India. This progress can be attributed to multiple factors, one of which is Primark’s cotton project in India. The project is one of the ways equal opportunities are being created for women while also helping combat global poverty.

How the Cotton Project Helps

To understand why Primark’s cotton project in India is so effective, it’s important to look at where Indian women are employed. According to the Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP), more than 50% of India’s GDP comes from the informal sector, which makes up 85% of the country’s workforce. Within this, most women are concentrated in just four sectors:

  • Apparel
  • Textiles
  • Tobacco
  • Food products

According to Data for India, these sectors account for 78% of women in manufacturing. More than half of these women work in two activities: custom tailoring (apparel) and bidi production (tobacco). As of 2024, apparel remains women’s most popular manufacturing sector, employing 42.39% of them.

The Primark Cotton Project in India supports women by partnering with organizations that advocate for female workers, most notably, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). Together with Primark, SEWA has helped train 300,000 farmers since the project’s launch in 2013, with support from CottonConnect.

The project is also beneficial because it:

  • Teaches women how to farm more effectively, using less water and fewer chemicals
  • Develops farming skills that can be applied immediately
  • Provides a pathway to improved incomes and lifestyles for women across India

From Primark’s perspective, the project has benefited many and serves as a way to empower women.

The Bigger Picture

According to CottonConnect, the Primark Cotton Project in India has been an even greater success. For example, the project is estimated to have reached 26,000 people in rural India. This reach is especially significant given that 32.5% of rural Indians live in poverty.

Another success has been the cultural shift toward women becoming authoritative figures who are well respected. This shift helps combat poverty by opening up higher-paying roles for women, positively impacting family support and education.

The Future

Going forward, Primark’s Cotton Project in India will remain one of the many ways women in India can feel empowered, support their families and improve their lifestyles. For Primark, this initiative also brings benefits as the company works toward a healthier environment while strengthening communities of Indian women.

The key takeaway is that big brands and recognizable names like Primark can drive change in multiple ways. All it takes is one voice; eventually, more will follow, leading to meaningful improvements for those in need or less fortunate.

– Ibrahim Sule

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons