Archive for category: Women’s Empowerment

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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

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Jasiri Gender Bond: Women-Led Businesses in Tanzania

Jasiri Gender BondTanzania has seen its economy boom over the last couple of years. The country’s revenue is primarily derived from agriculture and the service industry. However, industries such as small and micro enterprises (SMEs) and small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) are rising in Tanzania, adding more fuel to the country’s growing economy. More than 50% of these enterprises are owned or led by women.

However, a large majority, nearly 99%, are considered micro. Women-led businesses often face several challenges when scaling, including minimal access to funding and capital. FSD Africa’s new Jasiri Gender Bond program aims to help these businesses grow and empower more women to become entrepreneurs.

What Is a Gender Bond?

Gender bonds aim to bridge the funding gap that women-owned businesses face by supporting companies owned by women or employing a significant percentage of women. These bonds are typically issued by private corporations or banks, not governments.

In Tanzania specifically, women earn just $0.73 for every $1 earned by men. urgent need for initiatives like the Jasiri Gender Bond program, which seeks to promote economic equity and empower women entrepreneurs.

These bonds are crucial because many other standard forms of gaining funding for women-led businesses in many countries are either unavailable or rejected based on prejudices.

FSD Africa: Supporting Africa’s Economy

With U.K. aid help, this nonprofit supports all aspects of Africa’s financial markets. FSD Africa has more than 30 different programs spanning the entire continent, with specialized financial experts helping people and businesses navigate these challenging and complex economies. FSD Africa is committed to and focused on inclusion, sustainability and improving gender equality within the financial and entrepreneurial sectors.

In 2021, the organization started its “Finance for a Sustainable Future Strategy.” Since then, it has created more than 10,000 jobs, 34% for women, while reducing more than 4.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions. In 2022, the initiative launched its Jasiri Gender Bond in Tanzania, marking the start of its efforts to support women-led businesses in the country.

The Jasiri Gender Bond

FSD Africa’s Jasiri Gender Bond is the first in sub-Saharan Africa. It targets the growing number of women-led SMEs and SMMEs in Tanzania, where more than half are owned or run by women. Despite their significance, female entrepreneurs in Tanzania still face significant limitations when starting, sustaining or scaling their businesses. One of the biggest challenges is access to funding from traditional sources like banks, as many women lack collateral, such as property.

The Jasiri Gender Bond offers a more inclusive alternative to traditional lenders. It supports established women-led businesses and empowers companies with 30–50% female employees. Gender inclusivity remains central to the initiative’s mission. The bond also provides a lower interest rate (14%) than the current market average (19%), giving these women-led businesses a leg up, allowing for quicker growth and less financial burden.

The bond proceeds don’t just go into the pockets of a bank; they are invested back into NMB Bank’s Women Market Proposition to continue empowering women entrepreneurship.

Long-Term Benefits

The Jasiri Gender Bond will have a lasting effect on the Tanzanian economy. By bolstering the growing number of women-led SMEs and SMMEs, the bond will help bring more women into the workforce. Furthermore, the bond will provide more secure and equal-paying jobs. This will help reduce poverty.

FSD Africa has provided more than 3,200 loans to businesses, 97% of which are women-owned, helping to create jobs and increase female participation in the workforce. With SMEs and SMMEs projected to contribute 27% of Tanzania’s gross domestic product (GDP), women remain central to this growth.

The Gender Bond plays a crucial role in narrowing the wage and employment gap while empowering women-led enterprises.

– Collier Simpson

Collier is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Bollywood and Beyond: Period Poverty Across South Asia

period poverty south asiaMore than 800 million women and girls bleed from menstruation each day. However, cases of period poverty across South Asia remain high. For example, in India, estimates show that period poverty affects around 40% of women.  In other countries, like Bangladesh, according to WaterAid, period poverty impacts 94% of the female population as a result of unsuitable “menstrual hygiene management (MHM)” and provisions due to ingrained stigmas and poor menstrual health facilities, leaving women and girls to suffer with economic and social impacts.

Particularly in schools, MHM sees 32% of girls who experience a period saying that they would not use school toilets due to poor facilities and stigma. This translates to 40% of girls missing out on school due to their periods. However, across the region, initiatives, including Bollywood celebrities and influencers, are stepping up to challenge these barriers, leveraging their influence to address period poverty and reshape attitudes through events and awareness.

Bollywood’s Neha Dhupia’s GoFlo Run

The cultural powerhouse that is Bollywood has become a crucial tool for advocacy in the fight against period poverty across South Asia. Actress Neha Dhupia’s “GoFlo Run” held its inaugural event in Mumbai in December 2024 to tackle period poverty by blending physical activity with public awareness. The event drew thousands of women, alongside prominent Bollywood figures such as actor Sonu Sood and actress Soha Ali Khan. Neha said of the event that she felt they had “taken a baby step towards creating a healthier world for women and girls.”

Participants at the event began with a Zumba warm up and then went on to run anywhere from three to 10 kilometers as a way of raising awareness and engendering a supportive environment, with runners highlighting how taboos and lack of menstrual hygiene facilities contribute to young girls dropping out of school and the need to normalise conversations about menstrual health.

By marrying Bollywood’s cultural influence with grassroots efforts, such initiatives amplify the message that menstruation is not a barrier but a stepping stone to empowerment. Beyond this, larger organisations, such as UNICEF, are partnering with South Asian influencers to further awareness and combat period poverty across South Asia, including in India and Bangladesh.

The Red Dot Challenge

With the support from UNICEF, Diipa Khoosla partnered with the Red Dot Challenge campaign to raise awareness and dismantle misconceptions about menstruation, with research showing that less than 30% of girls in India learn about periods before their first cycle. The initiative highlights the urgent need for education, whilst the campaign’s annual celebration, with the support of influencers and celebrities, sparks conversation about ongoing challenges, especially in rural areas. Underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and community involvement, those who partake in the event hope that the Red Dot can one day be transformed “from a challenge to be overcome into a celebration to be embraced.”

Stop the Stigma

Complementary programs, such as Water Aid’s “Stop the Stigma” in Bangladesh, also address period poverty across countries in South Asia. This scheme tackles the issue at the grassroots level. The project focuses on 10-24-year-old girls and women to empower them through education, whilst engaging male family members and the wider community to foster acceptance and challenge stigmas. The project uses technology to give advice and support about menstrual health and hygiene through an app, currently in 12 schools, and has, so far, helped more than 12,000 girls facing inadequate facilities and education. Many of these initiatives have impacts beyond improving period poverty, as, in the long term, they can see economic improvements for individuals and communities.

From Period Poverty to Economic Empowerment

Period poverty across South Asia can mean many things, including inadequate access to period products. For example, in Bangladesh, more than 50% of women have no access to clean period products, however, organizations like Cordaid are training women in rural areas to produce reusable sanitary pads using surplus fabric. Initiatives like this do not just provide a sustainable solution to overcoming menstrual hygiene barriers, they also help to provide a livelihood for women and normalize menstruation as a health concern, rather than a taboo.

So far, this entrepreneurial model has trained women from 12 different districts in Bangladesh, helping them to not only generate income —trainees earn approximately $110 monthly— but also allowing them to move forward as entrepreneurs to train other women — both expanding the initiative and the economic advantages.

Furthermore, school-based interventions such as pad banks facilitate menstrual equity among students, reducing absenteeism and breaking cycles of stigma. The success of such practical, scalable programs underscores the role of community-driven solutions in combating period poverty across South Asia, and the role that breaking period poverty can have on improving the economic landscape, both in Bangladesh and across the wider region of South Asia.

Period Poverty in South Asia

Bollywood is considered to be a driving force behind India’s “soft power” and, therefore, an effective tool in raising awareness about social issues like period poverty in India and across South Asia. Whilst challenges persist, UNICEF states that as a result of different initiatives, information is freer, with campaigns giving way to more accepting attitudes, including seeing more menstrual products being openly promoted on TV, and shops being able to sell products without feeling the need to conceal them.

The collaboration between Bollywood-led initiatives and grassroots campaigns exemplifies a holistic approach to menstrual equity. While celebrities like Neha Dhupia use their platforms to spotlight the issue, community-led efforts in Bangladesh demonstrate how local engagement drives meaningful change. Together, these movements challenge societal norms and foster a more accepting dialogue around menstruation by raising awareness using celebrityhood, whilst putting practical methods in place to empower every woman and girl across South Asia, and pull them out of period poverty, once and for all.

– Amber Lennox

Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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MicroLoan Foundation Malawi: Helping Women Escape Poverty

MicroLoan Foundation MalawiIn Malawi, where 70% of the population lives on less than $2.15 a day, poverty is not just a statistic—it is a daily reality. Access to traditional banking services remains limited, especially for the 90% of Malawians living in rural areas. Women are disproportionately affected, but one organization is working to change that. Since 2002, the MicroLoan Foundation Malawi has shown that small loans, combined with training and trust, can spark meaningful change.

Women Leading the Way in Malawi

All of MicroLoan Foundation Malawi’s clients are women, most of whom lack access to formal financial institutions. In a country where commercial banks tend to favor men and urban enterprises, this women-first model is intentional. It recognizes that investing in women borrowers contributes to improved household well-being. Women typically demonstrate higher loan repayment rates and contribute more of their income to household needs and prioritize their children’s education and health.

The foundation pairs small, sustainable loans with extensive business and financial literacy training. Every client receives personalized guidance from a loan and training officer, who supports an average of 419 clients. With an average loan size of just £75, women gain the tools to begin a path out of poverty. In addition to financial support, the foundation encourages peer-to-peer mentoring within loan groups.

These networks provide social support and shared learning, allowing women to exchange advice and build confidence as entrepreneurs. Many clients launch small businesses ranging from tailoring to food vending, generating consistent income and expanding their community influence. The ripple effect often extends beyond financial improvement, with women gaining leadership roles in local cooperatives or village committees. These changes contribute to shifting perceptions around gender roles and create new opportunities for future generations.

From Farming to Financial Freedom in Malawi

Many of MicroLoan’s clients are smallholder farmers whose livelihoods are vulnerable to climate shocks and market instability. To support them, the foundation offers agricultural and irrigation loans, allowing women to invest in farming inputs, equipment and resilience. The results include increased crop yields and higher incomes, which in turn support better nutrition, education access—especially for daughters—and long-term financial stability. Since 2022, the foundation has also scaled up digital literacy by training clients across all branches to use mobile money platforms. By the end of 2024, more than 85% of loan repayments and 30% of disbursements were processed via mobile money. This shift helps improve financial control and safety for rural women.

Toward Long-Term Impact

Microfinance continues to support economic participation in underserved communities. In Malawi, targeted lending and training are equipping women with tools to improve household stability and contribute to local development. As MicroLoan Foundation Malawi expands its reach, its model offers insights for addressing economic exclusion through scalable, community-based solutions. Long-term success potentially depends on partnerships that extend beyond lending—such as linking women entrepreneurs to markets, improving access to insurance and integrating climate-resilience training. These additions could enhance economic security and help ensure that microfinance remains responsive to evolving local needs.

– Linnéa Matlack

Linnéa is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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VSLAs: CARE Continues to Tackle Global Poverty

VSLAsFounded in 1945 after WWII, the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE) foundation is one of the oldest organizations focusing on humanitarian relief and global aid. Dr. Lincoln Clark approached 22 American charities to create CARE and deliver immediate relief to those in need in the form of a CARE package. Over the past 80 years, the main priorities have spread to crisis relief, food and water, health, education and work, and empowering young women and girls in over 120 countries. Indeed, CARE’s main goal is to provide “humanitarian assistance to 10% of those affected in major crises, reaching at least 50 million people by 2030.”

Gender Barriers and Financial Inclusion

Using the Women’s Economic Justice (WEJ) programs, CARE creates transformative solutions to address systemic gender barriers. Women in these countries face exclusion from financial services, unequal pay and burdensome unpaid care work. However, CARE recognizes the impact that women could have on the economy, predicting that an additional $10 trillion could go to global GDP once gender gaps are over.

The WEJ program strategies include the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), which operate at the community level to bring primarily women together and form savings groups. This entails engaging in financial literacy training, pooling resources and accessing low-risk loans. CARE’s initiative focuses on long-term change by incorporating market access programs, private sector partnerships and policy advocacy with local market actors.

VSLAs are a 12-year initiative formed in 2018 to help 65 million people overall. This works to ensure positive impacts on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals regarding decent work and economic growth, gender equality and sustainable communities.

CARE Fighting Violence

One of the programs built into VSLAs is incorporating men and young boys into the conversation of gender and household responsibilities. One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. CARE supports women’s empowerment by educating and leading boys to be advocates instead of pushing harmful social norms.

CARE has impacted 121 countries, with more than 1,400 projects and initiatives reaching 53 million people. The results of humanitarian crises affect millions more, including Manju. As she gave birth to her third child, Manju had to deliver dangerously on the side of the road. Bihar, India is one of the country’s poorest and largest states, and 90% rural. Due to long distances between health centers and poor winter road conditions, it took her almost four hours to get to the hospital.

From this emerged the Bihar Technical Support Program, a joint effort by CARE, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Government of Bihar. They were able to confront staggering rates of maternal, newborn and child mortality and malnutrition rates. As a result, Bihar has seen 20,000 fewer newborn deaths from 2011-2016, and the maternal mortality ratio has nearly halved between 2005 and 2018.

CARE has achieved a lot around the world since the 1940s, and it provides many ways to get involved, whether through donations, organizing locally or joining one of the CARE networks or committees.

– Rachael Wexler

Rachael is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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World Bank Decreasing Women’s Poverty in Latin America

Women’s Poverty in Latin AmericaAcross Latin America, poverty and gender inequality trap women in cycles of financial dependence and vulnerability. Women in Latin America are five times more likely to be unemployed than men. Hence, nearly 28% of women living in Latin America experience poverty. The World Bank is tackling women’s poverty in Latin America through targeted initiatives that empower women economically and reduce their risk of gender-based violence.

Honduras’s Safe Municipalities Project

The World Bank’s Safe Municipalities Project in Honduras aims to make Honduran cities safer. First, the project empowers law enforcement locally and nationally. Second, it tackles the underlying causes of rising crime. Finally, the initiative increases the government’s ability to respond to criminal threats quickly and efficiently. Although this project aims to improve Honduran municipalities, it uniquely helps women who are the most affected by crime in Honduras.

More than a quarter of Honduran women experience physical or intimate partner violence in their lifetimes and Honduras has one of the highest global rates of femicide. Often, poverty is at the root of this, prompting the circumstances that put women at risk. However, the Safe Municipalities Project is decreasing women’s poverty in Latin America by supporting women financially and building legal systems that protect their livelihoods.

Peru’s Promoting Gender Equality Program

The World Bank is working to decrease gender-based violence in Peru in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. To increase awareness and response to gender-based violence, the organizations have pursued four avenues:

  • Increasing teen education on gender inequality through accessible content.
  • Creating a university class on sexual harassment prevention.
  • Endorsing Yanapp, a new platform to help victims of gender-based violence.
  • Supporting ALEGRA centers, offering legal advice to women.

Women in Peru have already seen improvements in equality, including many more women joining the workforce and receiving higher education. Despite this, they face challenges in combating societal stigma and achieving beyond the traditional framework. Therefore, this World Bank initiative is giving women more ability to report violence and introducing developmental ways of limiting gender-based violence.

El Salvador’s Integrated Social Protection Project

The Integrated Social Protection project helps the Red Solidaria program create a new conditional cash transfer system in El Salvador. This system is aimed at helping families access capital to get necessities for their children and uplift underprivileged groups. In tandem with its finance-oriented approach, the program combines social protection measures with gender-based violence prevention. It provides women with financial assistance and links them with services to escape violence, like vocational training and legal assistance.

Women are given unique access to the cash transfer system, allowing them to temporarily limit financial abuse and gain independence. Only 29% of women in El Salvador have access to a financial account, compared to 45% of men, highlighting a significant gender gap in financial inclusion. Therefore, this cash transfer system plays a vital role in bridging that divide by providing women with the same financial access as men. Economic independence is often a key factor in escaping gender-based violence and the Integrated Social Protection Project is gradually dismantling this barrier, empowering women with greater financial security and autonomy.

Brazil’s Recife Urban Upgrading Project

In Brazil, particularly in urban areas, most of the population lacks adequate housing. More than 8% of Brazilians reside in favelas or urban communities with insufficient infrastructure. To address some of the challenges associated with urban poverty, the World Bank launched the Recife Urban Upgrading Project.

The project will improve favelas with roads, drainage, sanitation and formalized housing. By supporting the government in assisting people experiencing poverty in urban areas, the World Bank is also advancing opportunities for women. In Brazil, women are disproportionately affected by homelessness and its consequences. More than one-third of Brazilian women over the age of 16 experience gender-based violence at some point in their lives, with homelessness being a significant contributing factor.

The Recife Urban Upgrading Project gives women access to housing services they would not otherwise access. Through housing and the expansion of welfare services, women gain more protection from poverty-driven violence. Through formal homeownership, women gain a foothold and financial leg up to compete with men and they are connected with new employment opportunities to improve economic stability.

Conclusion

The World Bank’s initiatives across Latin America are breaking cycles of poverty and gender inequality by improving financial inclusion, protection and opportunities for women. While challenges remain, these programs pave the way for a more equitable future.

– Divya Beeram

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

Photo: Flickr

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How SOIF Is Empowering Youth and Women in Nigeria

Youth and Women in NigeriaNigeria is an economic powerhouse in Africa. With a gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $360 million, it is one of the wealthiest countries in the region. Yet, the Nigerian population experiences significant wealth disparity. The country possesses the resources to lift its most impoverished out of poverty. Still, with 10 million children out of school and 112 million living on less than $2 per day, the cycle of poverty continues.

Youth and Women in Nigeria

Women in Nigeria experience additional inequalities among communities experiencing poverty. They are five times less likely to own land and face more obstacles to a decent education. This intersection of gender and income has led to only 25% of women in poverty attending school, with an alarming 94% illiteracy rate.

Young people seeking employment have to navigate Nigeria’s high unemployment rate, ranging from 12% to 21.5%. Oxfam International calls for stronger government efforts to address this crisis. In 2012, Nigeria allocated only 6.5% of its national budget to education, just one-third of Ghana’s expenditure. This underinvestment has led to persistent gaps in education and job training.

Single Oasis International Foundation

To address this crisis, Single Oasis International Foundation (SOIF) is uplifting women and educating youth in Nigeria. SOIF is a nonprofit that helps reduce the high unemployment rate in Africa by assisting individuals to find financial independence. It is currently focused on populations in Nigeria but is working to expand to all Africans in need.

Stable employment is a pillar of escaping poverty. This is why SOIF is committed to Goal 8 of the SDGs, which is to promote sustainable economic growth and decent work for all of a given population. Reliable work allows families to support their basic needs and build generation wealth, breaking the chains of poverty.

SOIF’s Programs for Youth and Women in Nigeria

SOIF conducts multiple programs to address specific issues among Nigerian communities. SOIF has already met great success in its efforts. It has provided nutritious food to 300 households and educational materials to 100 children. Through its curriculum initiatives, the organization has trained 900 youth and women in Nigeria and given 50 women the tools to manage their businesses.

  • Preparatory programs: The career and business preparatory programs allow women and youth in Nigeria to build skills for financial wellness and independence. These virtual courses aim to promote higher employment rates. Both programs provide students with eight virtual training sessions and the option for continued mentorship. The former bridges the employment skills gap in Nigeria and prepares students to enter the workforce confidently. In contrast, BPP motivates young people and women to open and manage independent small businesses effectively.
  • The Akara project: Business training and capital are hard to access in Nigeria, so owning a small business can be challenging. The Akara project has created a network of women in Nigeria who support one another in providing their communities with healthy, hygienically prepared food. The name “Akara,” comes from the traditional Nigerian food of fried cake made with beans or peas. These women are uplifting themselves financially and socially with the help of SOIF and improving local nutrition.
  • Rural Community Outreach program: Through RuCO, SOIF manages food and clothes banks. It collects donations of food, books and other items for redistribution to vulnerable communities, mostly women and children. Women and children in need can also access services like skills acquisition activities and health education through RuCO.

Summary

SOIF is significantly impacting Nigeria by empowering women and youth through education, job training and financial support. By addressing critical issues such as unemployment, financial literacy and food insecurity, SOIF helps individuals achieve self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty.

– Sarah Lang

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

Photo: Pexels

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WEHAF Foundation: Knowledge is Power for Women in Tanzania

Women in tanzaniaThe women of the Maasai tribe in Arusha, Tanzania face extreme rates of poverty and violations of their human rights. Traditions and cultural norms perpetuate health risks and social injustice, diminishing their development and way of life. About 60% of women live in extreme poverty, on account of the unequal challenges they face.

These risks include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriages, vulnerable employment and unfit education on reproductive health. Indeed, as of 2016, 10% of women experienced the cultural practice of FGM. Furthermore, 35% of those women were under the age of 1.

WEHAF in Tanzania

Ensuring women in Tanzania have access to proper education and tools to fight economic and social issues was the deciding factor behind Widows Encouragement & HIV/AIDS Foundation (WEHAF). Founders Theresia Mollel and Silvia George are sisters who came together in 2016 to empower women of all ages to create a better life for themselves and their families.

WEHAF’s objectives include lobbying for human rights policy change, increasing psychosocial support services to victims of HIV/AIDS and women in need, providing legal assistance to these groups, etc. Further, most young women simply need educating on daunting practices like FGM and early marriage that propel them into adulthood. WEHAF holds workshops and open conversations surrounding FGM in Tanzania to get women equipped to overcome these hardships.

Unemployment

Along with human rights violations, these women lack the necessary resources to cultivate an adequate income. Women are more likely to participate in unpaid labor than men. The employment rate among women has dropped from 79% in 2005 to 72% in 2016.

Vulnerable employment rates, or informal work arrangements and fewer protections, have steadily stayed at a higher rate among women than men in Tanzania. In 2023, the vulnerable employment rate in women was 89.3%, with men at 77.8%. As this rate slowly decreases over time, WEHAF is building a New Mama Center to revive economic prosperity among Maasai women.

In December 2023, construction on WEHAF’s New Mama Center began in Moshono, a small suburb in Arusha, Tanzania. This facility will provide a more permanent care center for women and victims of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, classes on menstrual hygiene practices are provided for an array of life skills that will set these women up for a successful future.

Success Story

From food packages to sewing classes, WEHAF has created real results that encourage the community in Tanzania to trust the process. One example of the sisters making an impact is through 63-year-old Aisha. She was an accomplished coal saleswoman, but after her leg was amputated, she could no longer invest in her business once the hospital bills came through. WEHAF provided two bags of coal and a food package to kick start her career again. Just one month later Aisha was flourishing once again.

The outreach programs graciously provided by WEHAF is proof that investing in the younger generation is highly important. There is a call to action regarding these women and children, through donations, volunteering or advocacy. The Mollel sisters and everyone fighting with WEHAF appreciate any efforts to break down barriers for women in poverty in Tanzania.

– Rachael Wexler

Rachael is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr