Archive for category: Women’s Empowerment

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Children of the Mekong Increases Access to Education for Girls

Children of the MekongHistorically, male-dominated spaces have loomed large, excluding their female counterparts from these spaces of public life. One of the areas where this has remained most prevalent even in the 21st century is access to education. Globally, cultural and social norms have prioritized and leveraged the education of boys and men over that of girls and women.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported that “129 million girls are out of school globally, with the highest concentration in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.” These statistics illustrate the prevailing existence of gender disparities and the barrier to access to education faced by young women globally.

Children of the Mekong

Children of the Mekong is a nonprofit organization supporting underprivileged children across Southeast Asia. Founded in 1958, the organization works to improve access to education, health care and emotional support for vulnerable youth. It operates through child sponsorship programs, educational centers and partnerships with local communities to create lasting change.

Focusing on dignity, responsibility and long-term impact, Children of the Mekong empowers children, especially girls, to rise above poverty and shape a better future. The charity has improved the standard of living of more than 23,000 children through local programs and targeted integration.

Aware of the sociocultural climate, Children of the Mekong is not ignorant of the rates at which young women lack the same educational opportunities as young men. The organization recognizes the vital role women play in the global economy. This goes beyond the private sphere of the home and family structure. As a result, it is committed to ensuring that girls also receive an education of their own.

Why Investing in Girls’ Education Matters

Below are just some statistics reporting the gender disparities experienced by children and young women in South Asia. This data outlines why prioritizing education for girls matters and provides context for Children of the Mekong’s mission.

  • Girls represent only 30% of the world’s population in education.
  • In Cambodia, 30% of women are illiterate and unable to read or write.
  • Over 65% of women in rural areas work on the land but receive no pay.
  • A child whose mother can read and write has a 50% greater chance of living beyond 5.

Education for girls and women means more than attending school; it means the difference between having a better chance of survival. It is the opportunity to transform these girls’ futures.

Final Remarks

Children of the Mekong has significantly improved girls’ lives across South Asia by promoting access to education, health and empowerment opportunities. Through scholarships, the organization has enabled several girls, especially in Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar, to stay in school and avoid early marriage or child labor.

The nonprofit’s programs also focus on building self-confidence and life skills, equipping girls to break the cycle of poverty. Local partnerships and community involvement ensure a culturally sensitive, long-term impact. As a result, more girls graduate, pursue careers and become role models within their communities.

Children of the Mekong’s targeted efforts are transforming girls’ lives in South Asia by giving them the tools to succeed. The organization is paving the way for a more equitable and hopeful future through education and empowerment.

– McKenzie Rentie

McKenzie Rentie is based in Dallas, Texas, United States and focuses on Celebs, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Investing in Girls’ Education in Malawi

Girls' Education in MalawiIn Malawi, many girls, especially those living in rural areas, face steep challenges in staying in school. While more girls are enrolling in primary education than ever, many are forced to drop out long before graduation. Early marriage, poverty, long and often unsafe journeys to school and a lack of menstrual hygiene products are just some of the obstacles that stand in their way. Nearly 42% of girls in Malawi are married before their 18th birthday, which often ends their education early. These barriers not only limit their potential but also deepen cycles of poverty and inequality that affect entire communities.

CAMFED: Scholarships and Mentorship

The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) has made significant strides in Malawi by providing holistic support for girls’ secondary education. Since its launch, CAMFED Malawi has supported more than 646,000 students by covering school fees, uniforms, books and menstrual supplies. It has also trained 4,710 students in government schools with essential services and mentorship through its Learner Guide model.

CAMFED fosters long-term educational engagement through its alum network, the CAMFED Association. The association reached nearly 110,000 students in 2023 with mentoring, life-skills development and leadership training. These initiatives are directly credited with boosting retention and completion rates among rural girls.

Let Girls Learn Initiative

In Malawi, the Let Girls Learn initiative, backed by USAID and the U.S. Department of State, led to focused efforts that helped more girls continue their education beyond primary school. One of the key projects, called Apatseni Mwayi Atsikana Aphunzire (AMAA), was carried out by Save the Children and Concern Worldwide across five districts. The program built girl-friendly school facilities, supported girls’ transitions to secondary school and offered life-skills training to boost their confidence and resilience.

Globally, the Let Girls Learn program contributed $25 million to support locally driven education programs in 13 countries, including Malawi. These efforts addressed major obstacles such as school fees, period poverty and child marriage while promoting leadership, inclusion and long-term access to learning.

National Strategy and Policy Reform

The government of Malawi has prioritized gender equity in education through its National Strategy for Girls’ Education. The project integrates school access with child protection, gender-based violence prevention and reproductive health education. The strategy supports the re-enrollment of young mothers, the enforcement of anti-child marriage laws and teacher training to create safe and inclusive learning environments.

Implemented with organizations such as UNICEF and the Global Partnership for Education, this policy framework addresses the systemic and social causes of girls’ dropout rates.

Building a Brighter Future

The combined impact of local nonprofits, international partnerships and national education reforms is reshaping the landscape for girls in Malawi. Programs like CAMFED have supported thousands of students. A recent World Bank report highlights that investing in girls’ education is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty, improve health outcomes and promote gender equality.

Educated girls are more likely to delay marriage, have healthier families and contribute to economic growth. By supporting comprehensive approaches that combine schooling with health, mentorship and legal protections, Malawi is laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future.

– Joseph Hasty

Joseph is in Winter Park, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Gender Wage Gap in the DRC 

Gender Wage Gap in DRCIn Sub-Saharan Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a nation that is rich in mineral resources, including cobalt, gold, coltan, copper and diamonds. The deposits provide citizens of the DRC with employment opportunities, as these materials are essential for products manufactured for international markets, most notably, cobalt. Cobalt is an essential mineral used in lithium batteries for many electronics, such as smartphones, electric vehicle (EV) batteries and laptops. Considering that the country is this rich in resources, it is difficult to understand why it suffers from an economic disparity that influences the gender wage gap in the DRC.

Unfortunately, due to the rapidly increasing demand for these resources, many developed nations and privatized corporations will continue to purchase products from artisanal mines that operate without proper labor laws, thereby compromising the safety and health of artisanal miners in the DRC.

In addition to inadequate wage employment, the DRC has faced continuous entrepreneurial issues due to the lack of aid following political disruptions (i.e., the Congolese Civil War) that could go towards education and other resources that may help citizens thrive, and the nation’s economy make an upturn, equaling the drastic gender wage gap in the DRC.

Women in the Workplace

Whether it is direct or indirect, women are one of the primary victims of economic instabilities in the DRC. Per data that the World Bank received, out of the 62% of women who participate in the labor market, 6.4% of women earn wages from an employer. That percentage is nearly quadrupled in the case of men. Overall, women in the DRC are found less likely to work than men by 8.2%, and those women who do work earn 77.3% less than men—as for women entrepreneurs, they earn 66.5% less in profits than their male counterparts.

After conducting a study on the discrepancy of women participating in the DRC’s economy, Darla Urmiche Diya Lipoko, a published student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, breaks down consistent challenges women of the DRC encounter to gain financial stability. One of her primary points in the research focuses on access to education, stating that “Young women regularly drop out of school because of early marriage and pregnancy, hence leading to a gender gap in training,” due to socio-financial and sociocultural factors.

The Domino Effect of Exploitation

Although socio-financial and sociocultural issues are deeply rooted obstacles in the gender wage gap in the DRC, it is not necessarily as surface-level as one may believe. As previously stated, the economy of the DRC primarily relies on artisanal mining under exploitative conditions to provide their biggest exports. While male and female artisanal miners operate under the same circumstances and are nearly equally represented—40% of recorded artisanal miners were female per World Bank in 2017—they face the brunt of the abuse, whether they are employed or not. According to a EUREKA: Social and Humanities article, “Young women in the DRC are especially powerless as they frequently experience early marriages, undesired pregnancies, and sexual abuse.”

It is not only important to advocate for essential aid in the DRC, but it is vital that measures are taken to subsume labor and health regulations in small businesses that provide vital exports. If not, then it is probable that exploitative natures could continue to prevent women from accessing resources to lead successful lives, “Numerous young women in rural areas that are obliged to perform family chores every day instead of attending school can also explain that gender gap,” continuing the cycle of abuse among the citizens of the DRC.

Addressing the Issue and Possible Solutions

Currently, multiple global advocacy organizations are developing programs to aid the women of the DRC to achieve financial success, benefiting the economy of the country.

One of the most prominent programs that aims to reduce the gender wage gap in the DRC is the GLE Project, which has boosted primary school availability and education to all children, especially young girls and women. To welcome them into an environment where they can thrive, the Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education administered a “Girls’ Learning and Empowerment Project to improve safe and equitable access, particularly for girls, and teaching-learning conditions at secondary schools in selected provinces. This includes the creation of safe and inclusive school environments and strengthening of the curriculum, textbooks, and teaching-learning materials,” per the World Bank.

That being said, the GLE Project isn’t the only project assumed to fix this ongoing issue; the DRC Eastern Recovery Program (STEP) has indirectly benefited the success of many young women, slowly tightening the gender wage gap. The program has been active for the past 10 years, aiding many citizens living in poverty. The Project has committed $700 million to this cause program, which is currently exceeding many of the targeted goals, like “Women being indirect beneficiaries,” exceeding the original objective for the number of lives positively impacted.

Looking Ahead

While both programs show considerable promise, it is important to protect and support the laborers and small businesses that operate under exploitative conditions. Per the World Bank, “To close economic gender gaps, projects should consider providing childcare and implementing gender transformative interventions engaging men, which have been shown to increase men’s contribution to household responsibilities,” which may be harder to execute without providing everyone with healthy work environments.

– Sam Barbagallo

Sam is based in Tewksbury, MA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Gender Wage Gap in Syria and the Fight for Empowerment

Gender Wage Gap in SyriaIn Syria, where years of brutal violence and extreme poverty have devastated the nation, women are emerging not only as survivors of conflict, but as architects of their country’s future. Yet, despite the crucial role they now play in the rebuilding process, the gender wage gap in Syria remains a barrier to progress. Syrian women are largely undervalued and underpaid compared to their male counterparts, a reality that only perpetuates the nation’s dire economic situation. 

A Country in Crisis

Many widely regard the Syrian civil war, which began in March 2011, as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century. Over a decade of fighting led to the displacement of more than 14 million civilians, social and political instability and the collapse of the economy. As of December 2024, an estimated 90% of Syrians lived below the poverty line, and 16.7 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance.

Only on December 8, 2024, after 24 years of oppressive totalitarian rule, did the Assad regime fall at the hands of opposition forces. The conflict claimed the lives of more than 600,000 people, many of them men. Now, with so many killed or displaced, Syrian women are increasingly taking on roles in shaping their families, communities and the future of their country.

A Disproportionate Impact on Women

At the same time, women are facing significant struggles. While the civil war had a negative impact on all Syrians, it disproportionately impacted women in many ways. Increases in sexual and gender-based violence, alongside the destruction of hospitals and clinics, deprived countless women of basic and reproductive health care. In 2023, 3.9% of Syrian girls ages 15-19 gave birth, a statistic that reflects both this limited access to health care and rising rates of early and forced marriage.

Syrian women also face a lack of employment opportunities, and when they do secure jobs, they are often receive less pay than men. Globally, women earn around 77 cents for every dollar that their male counterparts earn. Although comprehensive data on the gender wage gap in Syria is yet to exist, labor force participation rates illustrate the economic disparity: in 2024, it was 62.8% among males compared to only 13.3% among females. These numbers are representative of a wider trend in the Arab world, where women’s access to employment is up to 44% lower than men’s.

Beyond being concerning from a gender equality standpoint, the wage disparity in Syria also has serious, even life-threatening implications for women and their families. 92% of female-headed households report either an insufficient or complete inability to meet their basic needs. Additionally, 74% of the almost 6 million Syrians experiencing food insecurity or malnutrition are women and girls.

The Civil War as a Turning Point

However, suffering does not solely define the story of Syrian women. Amidst violence and desolation, many women stepped out of the home and into new roles, defying long held gender norms and stereotypes. Women found numerous ways to transform their challenges into opportunities by protesting against the Assad regime, finding work to support their families and empowering their daughters to learn to take care of themselves.

One particularly noteworthy individual is Ghalia Rahhal, founder of the Mazaya Center for Women’s Empowerment. Despite an assassination attempt, the murder of her son and sexist opposition, she has never stopped her fight to integrate feminist principles into Syrian laws and practices. By training women in refugee camps on politics and equality, Rahhal is preparing them to become active participants in the transitional and future government of their country. 

Inspired to achieve similar goals, the nonprofit Uplifting Syrian Women seeks to help women and girls obtain better jobs by providing them with free online courses and trainings. The organization aims to close the gender wage gap in Syria by empowering women to enter the workforce and recognize their importance in the country’s rebuilding process.

Why Closing the Gap Matters

Looking forward, there is still much uncertainty surrounding the future of women in Syria. One reality, nevertheless, is that the empowerment of women is economically beneficial for all. As the World Economic Forum reports, increasing women’s workforce participation could boost a country’s economic output by up to 35%. That potential could become a reality as more and more women take an active role in the government and the workforce, helping close the gender wage gap in Syria and lift their country into a better future.

– Caroline Clark

Caroline is based in Needham, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women in Red-Light Reformation: Voices of Resilience and Reform

Women in Red-Light Reformation: Voices of Resilience and ReformRed-light Districts are areas where prostitution and brothels account for a significant portion of the economy. Though these areas exist globally, Asia and Europe render their red-light districts at an economic forefront, with India’s sex industry generating an estimated $8 billion annually and the German sex industry accounting for billions of euros per year.

The ‘Red’ in Red-light Districts

The ‘red’ in its name, though etymologically, is a reference to the red lights that served to distinguish houses as houses of prostitution, also serves to bestow the areas with a sense of danger, heat and vice. Starvation, abuse, lack of education, lack of sanitation, denied access to health care, bodily violation, violence, exploitation, et cetera are the drivels in the path that emerged from kidnapping, coercion, desperation borne of poverty and displacement, to name a few. But thinking of these women as victims in need of rescue could be a misconception. They appear to be women who have survived and taken up arms against the tides that threatened to swallow them whole.

5 Women Transforming Lives in Red-Light Communities

  1. Ganga Harjivandas – India. A woman whose legacy is immortalized by the recent Bollywood biographical film, she is one of the most pivotal characters involved in the history of Mumbai’s Kamathipura. Sold into a brothel at the age of 16 by her husband, she endured violation most brutally, despite which she rose to power and prominence by establishing herself as the Madam of Kamathipura and advocating for the rights of the marginalized women and orphans of the area. Her work remains invaluable to the dignity of the workers of Kamathipura, the apex of which manifested in a meeting with the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.
  2. Elena Eva Reynaga – Argentina. Imprisoned in an Argentinian jail in 1994, she, alongside fellow sex workers, sowed the seeds of what would eventually become the Association of Meretrices Women of Argentina (AMMAR). Enduring 35 years in sexual slavery and subjection to police brutality, harassment, assault and repression did not break her. Indeed, it only made her more determined than ever to speak out and rally for legal protection for women like herself. As of 2025, the AMMAR has successfully pushed the abolition of laws criminalizing sex work in major cities across Argentina, thereby preventing the further imprisonment and exploitation of women in red light districts.
  3. Beniko – Japan. Propelled by a sense of being lost, she found herself being encased working in the Yoshiwara district of Japan. After a decade of servitude, she decided to highlight to the world the inner landscape of the buildings of Yoshiwara through the art of photography. By displaying with pride her work and the atmosphere of the district, she presents a symbol of hope and unabashed bravery to the young women of Japan.
  4. Felicia Anna – Netherlands. A Romanian sex worker who works in the De Wallen District of Amsterdam. After having spent years advocating against callousness and repression of women in the De Wallen via its jurisprudence and gentrification. In 2018, she organized a pressure group, Red Light Union, in lieu of representing workers who faced agony in relation to rental agreements and housing.
  5. Mollie Byrnes – United States. A former worker from Helena’s red-light district who owned an establishment called The Castle, which became a blooming hub of the sex trade. The enduring prominence of the Castle in the area is symbolic of the legacy of the women who worked there. This has further prompted discussions on the decriminalization of sex work and worker protection.

Advancing Rights Through Lived Experience

The women highlighted in this article have each contributed to reform efforts within red-light districts through legal advocacy, community organizing, business leadership and artistic expression. Their work has supported initiatives such as the decriminalization of sex work, the formation of unions, the provision of social services and increased public awareness. These efforts reflect ongoing movements across various regions to improve working conditions, access to health care and legal protections for individuals in the sex industry. As global conversations on labor rights and human dignity continue to evolve, their contributions remain part of a broader dialogue on policy, inclusion and support for marginalized communities.

– Ruhani Rahul

Ruhani is based in Leander, TX, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Guinean Women’s Political Participation Strengthened

Guinean Women's Political ParticipationGuinea has made significant strides in advancing women’s political participation through its 2019 Law on Parity. This groundbreaking legislation mandates that women comprise 50% of candidate lists for national and local elections, as well as for holding elective public offices. The law is explicit, requiring an alternating male and female sequence for candidate lists, and any list that fails to meet this condition is deemed inadmissible. This robust framework marks a substantial departure from previous efforts, where a less stringent 30% quota for women at the national level was never effectively reached in practice. The new law aims to ensure genuine representation by establishing clear, enforceable rules.

International Support and the Efficacy of Quotas

International organizations have been pivotal in supporting Guinea’s legislative progress. U.N. Women and the UNDP provided direct assistance to Guinean parliamentarians. Their support, part of a joint project that the Government of Canada funded, included technical assistance and advocacy efforts crucial for drafting the 2019 Law on Parity. These organizations continue to work on capacity-building initiatives, political leadership training, and mentorship programs for aspiring female politicians, focusing on essential skills such as campaign strategies and voter engagement.

Organizations like International IDEA document the effectiveness of legislated quotas in women’s political participation. Its research shows that quota systems aim to ensure women constitute at least a “critical minority” or even achieve “true gender balance.” Governments achieve this by creating pathways for women’s inclusion that might not otherwise exist. Countries that implement legislated candidate quotas consistently demonstrate higher women’s representation in both national parliaments and local governments compared to nations without such legislation. This highlights the transformative power of legal mandates in shaping political landscapes. Regional progress across West Africa also reflects this positive trend, with sub-Saharan Africa notably having 27% women legislators.

Barriers to Guinean Women’s Political Participation

Challenges in achieving full gender equality and mainstreaming persist in Guinea. Deep-rooted cultural norms, lack of awareness about women’s rights, poverty and weak enforcement of gender laws continue to hinder Guinean women’s political participation.

Guinea also ranks among the most gender-unequal nations globally, 182nd out of 191 countries in the UNDP’s 2021 Gender Inequality Index. This reflects systemic issues like poor education and health outcomes for women and girls, limited formal labor opportunities, and persistent child marriage practices.

Additionally, human rights reports indicate ongoing issues, including the state’s failure to protect women from gender-based violence, an obstacle to safe and meaningful civic and political engagement.

Implementation, Challenges, and Recent Developments

Despite its ambitious legal framework, its full application to the 2020 legislative elections faced initial hurdles. For instance, it was not fully implemented due to pending amendments to the Electoral Code.

However, Guinea has shown tangible progress in increasing women’s presence in government. A report indicated a 57% increase in women in government positions in 2021 compared to 2010. This surge included women holding nearly 31% of ministerial portfolios, although many of these roles were in “soft” portfolios, such as social and cultural affairs, suggesting that women still face challenges in securing leadership in more traditional “hard” sectors like defense or finance.

Further demonstrating a commitment to gender balance, the Transitional National Council (CNT), appointed in January 2022, included women in 29.6% of its seats as of February 2024—one of the highest proportions in Guinea’s legislative history, even within a transitional period.

Outlook for Women in Guinean Politics

As Guinea continues to implement and enforce the 2019 Law on Parity, sustained support from local leaders and international partners will be critical in building a pipeline of trained, empowered, and visible female leaders. The future of Guinean women’s political participation depends not only on law but on transforming the societal and structural systems that restrict opportunity.

– Cameron Jones

Cameron is based in Hendersonville, TN, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women in Fiji: Gender Wage Gap

women fijiWomen in Fiji experience disparities compared to men. Among these hindering challenges lie the women’s critical earned income rights and segregated employment opportunities. For example, in February 2024, only 9.1% of women served in the country’s legislature. In addition, about 13.9% of girls, ages 15 and older, work unpaid, fulfilling more household work than men. The country ranked 107th out of 146 countries for its gender gap.

Battling Inequality

Gender inequality has been a hot topic within societal norms and traditions. The World Bank issued a report stating that women in Fiji spend 2.9 times more than men on household work. A traditional female role is to provide for the family and domestic responsibilities like cooking and cleaning. Women possess full inheritance and property rights under law; however, local city governments dispose of their decisions on collective land.

A group of 56 women founded The Women’s Rights Movement of Fiji (FWRM) in 1986. Over the years, the movement pushed for legislation in Fiji. The implementation of the Family Law Act and the Employment Regulations Act upheld the FWRM campaign in 2005.

The FWRM are known for their two main active programs: the Gender and Transitional Justice Program (GTJ) and the Intergenerational Women’s Leadership Program. Enhancing democratic recognition and the rule of law for women’s rights is the goal of the GTJ. This is positioned between right holders and responsibility bearers. The Intergenerational Women’s Program focuses more on women’s health and female leaders in high leadership roles.

Empowering Women in Fiji

GlobalGiving is a charitable organization that aims to focus on women’s empowerment through community service and project collaborations. It opens up workshops on gender gap-related issues. Since 2002, the organization has funded $1,026 million from almost 2 million donors or volunteers. The number of projects expanded to more than 40,000 in more than 175 countries around the world. They estimated 96 million citizens will live on the poverty brink by 2021.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the dilemma grew more challenging. Its long-term goal was the launch of GlobalGiving’s empowerment programs, which ask for volunteers to help or lead women empowerment service projects. These projects range from play activities for children, women’s health plans, and community networks where women and grandparents can share stories.

Future Restorations

The gender wage gap continues to be a barrier, with women in Fiji earning lower wages and being significantly underrepresented in positions of leadership. The burden of unpaid caregiving duties that women bear limits this difference. This restricts the prospects for financial growth. But the groundwork of women’s rights has been laid. Through their reliable lobbying techniques, the women’s rights movement in Fiji has overturned discriminatory laws and regulations. Health education, skills-based training, and community development all received aid from GlobalGiving charity programs. These give women the knowledge they need to grow. Closing the gender wage gap requires persistent advocacy and ongoing funding for these organizations.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Alleviation and Women’s SHGs in India

shgs indiaWomen-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India are driving the world’s largest poverty alleviation effort, offering credit access and empowerment to more than 70 million women. Women’s groups have become the cornerstone of financial institutionalism in this South Asian economy. The empowerment stems from vesting greater autonomy in the use of their income, savings, credit and asset creation. Organizing into SHGs has tilted the patriarchal balance of the household in women’s favor, enhancing respect, decision-making authority and entrepreneurial drive.

Background

Evidence suggests women organize to cater to two core objectives: to reduce domestic violence and to induce more inclusive delivery of public services such as health, financial and food security.

SHGs are small, federated groups of 10-20 women who organize themselves based on location, income or caste to form community-based financial systems. These groups meet at periodic intervals to deposit money into their group-held account and get steady access to loans in times of need. The entire process is facilitated by government and non-government (NGO) entities that help connect SHGs to bank accounts and formal credit. Many are federated into larger networks.

SHGs represent a shift from traditional banking models, decentralizing financial power and promoting community autonomy. Through the Bank Linkage Program, SHGs help empower the “unreached poor,” offering financial services to underserved populations.

Struggles of the Past

Before SHGs, households primarily relied on informal moneylenders (typically men) with higher interest rates and unfavorable terms, especially to the poor and marginalized. Formal banks were rarely accessible and often provided large, lump-sum loans, rather than what the individual needed.

As of 2014, 33.2% of rural household debt were from informal lenders, according to the Indian government. These lenders charged annual interest rates between 12% to 150%, compared to banks typically charging 6% to 20% on larger loans.

The SHG model reduced informal borrowing by 14.5%, significantly curbing predatory lending, the World Bank reports. It has generated a change in the borrowing habits of households, aiding poverty alleviation efforts, and changing the status of women as participant decision makers and beneficiaries.

State SHGs Programs in India

In high credit regions, with limited banking access, Jeevika in Bihar charges a 2% monthly interest on loans to its SHG members, according to the World Bank. Mission Shakti in Odisha charges 0% monthly interest on loans to women SHGS, on amounts up to ₹10 lakhs ($12,000 equivalent), conditioned on the timely repayment of loans.

U.S. firms like MicroVest and Unitus backed Grama Vidiyal’s microfinance push in South India, and have helped build a $3.75  million loan portfolio.

The nature of these low-interest microcredits extends beyond economics, functioning as vital social safety nets. Among SHG households, 10% of women borrowed for enterprise, while 22% borrowed for health care, exemplifying the importance of women’s SHGs in India during emergencies.

India’s growing women-led SHG model has accelerated an inclusive, bottom-up approach to poverty alleviation by empowering women to revolutionise micro-credit extension and improve their visibility and confidence in community leadership.

– Tanisha Bhattacharyya

Tanisha is based in Bristol, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Initiatives to Empower Ukrainian Women Through Entrepreneurship

Ukrainian WomenImpact Force is a women-founded Ukrainian nongovernmental organization (NGO) that supports vulnerable groups with skills and resources. It helps small and medium-sized businesses grow sustainably and advises government bodies on reforms that promote transparency and inclusion.

Its program, “Dream and Achieve,” launched in 2023, has recently finalized its second cohort. The initiative was created to empower Ukrainian women through entrepreneurship. It receives support from international organizations like U.N. Women and government institutions such as France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Hope Amid Loss

Nina Levchuk and Olga Diakova are the co-leaders of the Dream and Achieve program on business development. The project emerged in response to the rising unemployment and the negative impact the Russian invasion had on women’s role in the economy. The program is designed to support those affected by war struggles, including internally displaced people, veterans and single mothers and to empower Ukrainian women through entrepreneurship.

The initiative offers a three-month training in digital marketing, socially responsible business models and strategies and personal mentorship. It also gives participants $1000 in financial assistance for their entrepreneurship initiatives.

Success Stories

The training and valuable insights have helped many women to take a bold step, whether launching a new business or reshaping the strategy of an existing one. Despite the different motivations, the program participants agree that Dream and Achieve has guided them to success.

  • Olena Vlasynevych is the wife of a veteran and also a yoga and meditation instructor. She founded Ashram Spokoiu to help women through stress and loss. Through the program, she refined her focus on women above 40 seeking harmony, strengthening her business vision. She’s expanding her offerings with new products, retreats and a solid online presence.
  • Anastasiia Filonenko created FILOCERA, a ceramics and sculpture brand that channels emotion through art. Her works decorate homes and restaurants, serving both domestic and therapeutic purposes. Thanks to Dream and Achieve, she relaunched her Etsy store and reached global customers.
  • Aliona Demchenko was relocated from Balky to Dnipro with her child. She launched Veseli Lystochky, a reusable notebook brand that combines learning and playing. They support children’s logic and memory development. After attending the Dream and Achieve program, she doubled her profits. She also gained skills in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketplaces. Now, her next goal is to open a child development center.

Impacts of the 2023 Cohort

The program received more than 1,000 applications, from which 80 women were selected. At the beginning of the program, 75% of the women hoped to acquire skills in using online platforms and e-commerce tools. By the end, 98% assured having improved their knowledge and skills in business management and the digital economy. Beyond training, the program came to be a boost to participants’ businesses. More than 32% reported an improvement in income and financial stability.

Many participants described the experience as inspirational and hope for more women to benefit from it. The initiative demonstrates a powerful truth: the first step in rebuilding a country needs people who dare to dream big.

– Sara Arias Saiz

Sara is based in Leipzig, Germany and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tyla Supports South African Women’s Education Through Charity

Tyla Supports South African Women’s Education Through CharityTyla Laura Seethal, born in 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa, continues to celebrate her African identity through music and performance. Her 2023 single “Water” went viral on TikTok and earned a Grammy Award in 2024 for Best African Musical Performance. Despite global success, Tyla remains rooted in her home country and recently launched an initiative to support young women’s education in South Africa.

Barriers to Women’s Education

Women in South Africa often face gender-based obstacles in pursuing education and professional advancement. Cultural expectations and unequal domestic responsibilities limit their ability to attain higher education. Although the South African Constitution prohibits discrimination, persistent stereotypes suggest men are better suited for leadership roles. A study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic at a University of Technology in the Free State Province revealed the structural barriers women face in higher education. Female staff reported challenges including harassment, stereotyping, maternity leave concerns and doubts about their qualifications. These findings highlight the need for gender-responsive reforms to promote economic and social development through inclusive education.

Tyla’s ‘Bliss Smoothie’ Initiative

In April 2025, Tyla partnered with U.S.-based health food store Erewhon to launch the “Bliss Smoothie.” Proceeds from smoothie sales support 18twenty8, a South African nonprofit focused on women’s education and personal development. Tyla selected 18twenty8 because of its long-standing mission to empower women through education, recognizing that access to schooling plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty. The organization received renewed attention following the donation, which founder Refiloe Seseane called “a motivator to continue the work that [they] have been doing.”

18twenty8’s Impact

Since registering in 2011, 18twenty8 has supported women ages 18 to 28 through life skills workshops, financial assistance, leadership camps and peer mentorship. The organization aims to build women’s confidence and equip them with tools for success. Graduates featured on the organization’s website have shared stories of how tuition assistance and mentorship enabled them to pursue their degrees and long-term goals. Tyla’s contribution may help more women access higher education and challenge the cultural norms that have historically limited their potential.

Expanding Opportunities Through the ‘Big Sister Network’

In addition to its core programs, 18twenty8 operates the Big Sister Network, a mentorship initiative that pairs young women with professional female mentors. This program provides guidance, career exposure and support, addressing the lack of positive female role models and academic mentors in many communities. Through these relationships, participants gain insights into various career paths and develop the confidence to pursue their goals. The ‘Big Sister Network’ exemplifies 18twenty8’s commitment to holistic empowerment, fostering a supportive environment where young women can thrive.

Looking Ahead

As Tyla continues to expand her influence, initiatives like the Bliss Smoothie partnership aim to open new avenues for global engagement in gender-focused development. Sustained support for organizations like 18twenty8 could strengthen the pipeline of South African women’s education and skilled professions in South Africa. Future collaborations with public institutions and the private sector could also help scale impact through scholarships, digital learning tools and mentorship infrastructure. According to UNESCO, each additional year of secondary education for a girl can increase her future earnings by up to 20%, highlighting the long-term benefits of educational access. By investing in women’s development early, communities may see improved health, reduced poverty and higher levels of civic participation.

– Sarina Francis

Sarina is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr