Archive for category: Women’s Empowerment

, ,

Reducing the Gender Wage Gap in Senegal

Gender Wage Gap in Senegal
Senegal aims to become an emerging economy by 2035, but to achieve this goal, it must tackle a persistent challenge in its labor market: the gender wage gap. Despite economic progress, the country still has one of the highest disparities in pay between men and women. Closing the gender wage gap in Senegal is essential not only for social equity but also for fostering sustainable growth and unlocking the full potential of its workforce. 

Persistent Wage Disparities

Progress has occurred in closing the gender wage gap in Senegal, but inequalities remain in several key sectors. Women continue to earn significantly less than men, despite efforts to promote fair pay. In fact, according to the work of Franck Viroleau in The Evolution of Gender Wage Inequality in Senegal Following the Economic Partners, “the ratio of female to male wages is estimated to be between 0.50 and 0.70 for tasks requiring similar skills.” The gap is particularly evident in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, where women are overrepresented in lower-paying jobs. In contrast, industries like finance and telecommunications have shown signs of improvement, with more women accessing leadership positions.

The persistent disparity not only hinders women’s economic independence but also worsens poverty on a larger scale. When women earn less, families struggle to meet basic expenses, pushing them further into financial insecurity. Additionally, lower wages in industries like the agricultural sector mean reduced savings and limited access to credit, making it harder for women to invest in entrepreneurial activities or break the cycle of poverty.

Sectoral Differences in Pay Gaps

The gender wage gap in Senegal varies by industry with agriculture, manufacturing and the informal sector showing the widest disparities. Women in these fields often earn significantly less than men due to lower wages, informal employment and limited career growth. In contrast, sectors like finance and telecommunications have made progress in reducing pay gaps, partly due to policies promoting wage equality. However, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles, highlighting the need for continued efforts toward fair pay.

Root Causes of Wage Inequality

As mentioned earlier, the gender wage gap in Senegal varies across sectors, but the root causes of these inequalities are complex. First and foremost, the social and economic system tends to favor men, with cultural norms and gender stereotypes shaping opportunities and responsibilities. Women are often expected to prioritize domestic roles, limiting their access to higher-paying jobs and career advancement. Additionally, women are more likely to work in informal sectors or low-paying jobs, while men dominate formal, higher-paying positions. These systemic barriers contribute significantly to the wage gap.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

Nevertheless, there is some good news regarding the gender wage gap, thanks to Plan Senegal Emergent. This ambitious initiative aims to drive Senegal’s emergence through a series of key actions set to take place between 2024 and 2025. One of its priorities is addressing the persistent wage disparity between men and women, recognizing that greater gender equality in the workforce is essential for sustainable economic growth. Indeed, increasing women’s participation in the country’s economic life is one of its core objectives. To achieve this, the plan includes measures to facilitate women’s access to production resources and financial capital, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive as entrepreneurs and professionals. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen their technical and managerial skills, equipping them with the expertise required for full and active participation in economic activities across various sectors.

Looking Ahead

Closing the gender wage gap is essential for reducing poverty, fostering economic growth, and ensuring social equity. By promoting fair pay and equal opportunities, Senegal can unlock its full workforce potential and move closer to its 2035 development goals. 

– Eléonore Bonnaterre

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

The Gender Wage Gap in Burkina Faso

Gender Wage Gap in Burkina FasoBurkina Faso is a landlocked West African country, bordered by Mali, the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Niger, Togo and Benin. Despite some improvements made in women’s rights in the past, the gender wage gap in Burkina Faso remains a significant issue. A 2024 report by the World Bank group has found that an 82% gap in wage earnings exists between men and women. This significant disparity is attributed to the fact that most women are not paid at all for their work – 91% of female wage workers are unpaid, in comparison to 66% of male workers. Most of this work occurs in the agricultural sector, with more than 70% of the population being in rural areas.

The Current Issue

Some of the driving factors of the gender wage gap in Burkina Faso are the widespread notions that women belong in the home, or that their role in the workforce should not interfere or supersede their responsibilities in the home. “Occupational segregation” is common, with men in higher-level positions in higher-skilled work. 

Women are expected to take care of the household, so economic ventures outside of caregiving are difficult. The World Bank Group says, “We find that gender differences in labor force participation are primarily driven by differences in returns to worker characteristics, such as the number of young children in the household, and notably not due to characteristics such as differential educational attainment.” 

The lack of women or advocacy for women in politics means that it is difficult to address these issues. Currently, only 13 of the 71 members of the Burkinabe parliament (18.3%) are women.

Past Progress

It would be remiss to speak on gender equality or economic reform in Burkina Faso without mentioning Thomas Sankara. Sankara, leader of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987, was a revolutionary, Marxist and Pan-Africanist, and an outspoken, uncompromising feminist. 

He himself spoke on the inherent wage disparity in domestic duties being unpaid, saying “We are fighting for the equality of men and women, not of a mechanical, mathematical equality, but by making women equal to men before the law and especially before wage labor.”

Sankara passed many initiatives to help Burkinabe women. He encouraged both girls and boys to finish school, and required schools to let pregnant students return to finish their education. He also hired more women in government positions. Traditional gender roles such as caregiving drives economic gender inequality, so giving women opportunities outside of household/caregiving obligations allows them to participate more freely in the workforce.

Current Progress 

Burkina Faso has approved initiatives in order to help women and children including the Child-Sensitive Social Protection Programme (CSSSP), and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program (WASH). The 2024 Gender-Responsive and Age-Sensitive Social Protection (GRASSP) report recorded the impacts of this initiative. 

The CSSSP provides a cash transfer of FCFA 16,000 (30 USD) per month to every household within the 11 municipalities it was implemented in. The report tracked the impact of the CSSSP, as well as the combined impact of the cash transfer and the WASH program, which provides water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition services.

This economic stability that this financial crutch offers allows women more freedom in their economic ventures. The GRASSP report noted that the hours of economic activity of girls in beneficiary households increased 9.9%. It also wrote that, “Women in the treatment group reported having gained some control over their savings and earnings, compared to their counterparts in the comparison group.” Additionally, the report indicated that improved quality of life encourages peace in the home stating that “[Beneficiaries] acknowledged that poverty was the cause of arguments, and that receiving the cash transfers ameliorated this stress since they had less difficulty paying for their basic needs.”

Continuing and expanding these programs would see an overall boost in Burkinabe economic stability. Food security and happier family dynamics make fulfilling household and caregiving duties easier for women. This opens up time and opportunity for economic activity.

Conclusion

In truth, the circumstances of these women come as a result of an overlap of patriarchal ideals and general economic inequality. Addressing the root problems means dismantling the traditional gender roles that assign and restrict women to caregiving, and to eliminate wage disparity to provide equal opportunity for women to generate independent income or own capital.

Teaching men to take on some of the time and mental burden of managing a household not only encourages respect and shared responsibility between spouses, but also frees up time for women to pursue independent economic ventures. But as of now, the CSSSP program is addressing the financial stress and household stress separately, improving the quality of life of women who struggle with them.

– Sandhya Mathew

Sandhya is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

, , ,

ILO Launches Program to Empower Women in Uganda

ILO Launches Program to Empower Women in UgandaUganda is nestled in East Africa and is famous for its rich wildlife and is known for being the “pearl of Africa.” In recent years Uganda has made significant strides toward gender equality. In 1995 the constitution declared men and women equal in the eyes of the law. Despite this recent political progress, the reality in Uganda is not reflective of these political changes. Women still face a gender wage disparity of 32.3 %. This economic disparity hinders Uganda from reaching its full economic potential if approximately half the workforce faces wage disparity. Empowering women in Uganda would foster their economic inclusion and by extension prop up the country’s national wealth.

Uganda’s Coffee Industry

Uganda is part of the global coffee industry’s supply chain, which is worth billions of dollars since the county’s climate is ideal for growing coffee plants. The country is the 7th largest exporter of coffee. Its coffee sector plays a vital economic role, supporting 1.8 million farming households and generating approximately one-third of the nation’s export revenue, which funds essential public infrastructure and services. Uganda aims to significantly expand its coffee production capacity with plans to increase exports fourfold in the future.

Women’s Role and Wage Disparity

Despite women performing the majority of coffee farming labor in Uganda, handling nearly 70% of fieldwork and post-harvest processing, they face significant wage disparities, earning approximately $250 less than their male counterparts during harvest season.  Women in East Africa’s coffee sector still face systemic barriers rooted in cultural norms and institutional practices. These include the inability to inherit land directly from their families, exclusion from cooperative membership due to lack of plant ownership and limited access to leadership roles due to prejudiced assumptions about their capabilities. These challenges are further compounded by women’s disproportionate responsibility for household duties and childcare, as well as limited access to formal education, effectively creating a cycle that restricts their economic advancement in the coffee industry.

Empowerment Programs

Recognizing the coffee industry’s central role in the economy, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has strategically chosen this sector as a pathway to empowering women in Uganda. The ILO’s CLEAR Supply Chains project, which seeks to eliminate child labor from supply chains,  is launching a Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Program in Uganda’s Kalungu district to develop leadership and technical skills among women coffee farmers. The program began with a needs assessment in October 2024, involving focus group discussions with coffee farmers from the Lwabenge sub-county, which identified training needs in areas such as financial literacy, agricultural practices and leadership skills. 

Training and Leadership Development

Following farm visits and assessments, in cooperation with ILO members from the Siraye program in Ethiopia and Ugandan Members of the International Women Coffee Alliance (IWCA), a four-day training of trainers was conducted in December at Kalungu district headquarters. The 16 participants received comprehensive training on topics including management, leadership, gender equality and farm workers’ rights. The next phase includes a refresher session planned for February 2025, where trained farmers will learn to deliver training to their peers, with ongoing mentoring from ILO and IWCA throughout the program. This initiative represents a significant effort to enhance women’s participation and representation in coffee farming cooperatives and farmer groups in the Kalungu district.

Moving Forward

The ILO’s Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Program represents a thoughtful approach to addressing gender disparities in Uganda’s coffee sector. By directly challenging misconceptions about women in leadership, while providing practical skills training, the program aims to unlock the untapped potential of female farmers who constitute a large share of the workforce. The collaboration with the local chapter of the International Women Coffee Alliance demonstrates the value of incorporating local expertise and understanding, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and sustainable. Given coffee’s significance to Uganda’s export earnings, empowering women in Uganda in this sector could create a ripple effect, not only advancing gender equality but also strengthening the nation’s economic prosperity as a whole.

– Salome von Stolzmann

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Women’s Empowerment in Kurdistan

Despite facing both gender and ethnic oppression, Kurdish women have significantly reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East. No other group in the region features a higher percentage of women in leadership roles. Kurdish women serve as guerrillas, human rights activists and members of parliament, championing gender equality while fostering peace, security and social empowerment. Their efforts extend beyond Kurdistan, influencing the Kurdish European diaspora and demonstrating how women’s empowerment is transforming society in Kurdistan.

Political Participation

A defining policy in Kurdish governance is the co-chair system, which legally mandates that all leadership positions be shared equally between men and women. This structure ensures that international diplomats engaging with Kurdish representatives meet with women and men in equal numbers. The ideological foundation of this movement is rooted in “jineology” or “the science of women.” Several Kurdish political organizations embrace this philosophy, with the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in northern Syria being the most well-known. This region, referred to as Rojava by Kurds, symbolizes Western Kurdistan and serves as a key example of gender equality in action.

While these reforms have created new opportunities for women, challenges remain. Political instability, conservative social structures and ongoing conflict in the region pose obstacles to full gender equality. Women participating in politics and military forces still face discrimination and resistance from traditional societal norms.

Advancing Gender Equality

Committed to promoting gender equality, the YPJ movement has established women-only organizations and mandated that half of all government funds be allocated to women’s initiatives. These ongoing efforts have led to significant legal reforms, including the outlawing of child marriage, a ban on polygamy and stronger mechanisms for women to report domestic abuse, with legal consequences for perpetrators.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has also introduced legal protections for women’s rights. The Family Law enacted in 2011 provides statutory protection against gender-based violence, including practices like female genital cutting. However, gaps in enforcement persist and legal loopholes allow some discriminatory practices to continue. Provisions permitting husbands to discipline their wives and laws enabling rapists to avoid prosecution by marrying their victims highlight the ongoing need for legal reform. Despite these challenges, the establishment of such laws marks progress toward safeguarding women’s rights. It is a significant step in transforming Kurdish society.

Economic Empowerment and Breaking Cycles of Poverty

Economic independence plays a crucial role in advancing gender equality. Programs such as the Stronger Women, Stronger Nations initiative support vulnerable women, including Syrian, Yazidi and Iraqi refugees, through vocational training and economic empowerment strategies. These programs provide financial literacy training, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship support, enabling women to secure stable incomes.

Women who participate in these initiatives gain skills in various sectors, including agriculture, tailoring and business management. In addition to improving household income, these programs reduce economic dependence on male family members, offering women greater autonomy and social mobility. Despite these advancements, women in Kurdistan still face barriers to workforce participation, including societal expectations, limited access to higher education and economic policies that do not always prioritize female employment.

Looking Ahead

Kurdish women’s empowerment has already set a precedent for gender equality in the region. However, continued progress depends on further legal reforms, education access and economic opportunities. While Kurdish women’s leadership in governance, law and military forces has been groundbreaking, ongoing advocacy is needed to address legal gaps and social resistance.

By fostering long-term gender equality through political representation, legal protections and economic independence, women’s empowerment in Kurdistan is not only transforming communities but also shaping the future of the Middle East. Their achievements serve as a model for other regions striving for gender justice and social reform.

– Edzhe Miteva

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

Photo: Flickr

,

Women’s Foundation Nepal: Empowering Women

How the Women’s Foundation in Nepal Empowers WomenThe Women’s Foundation Nepal (WFN) is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization founded in 1988 to support women and children in Nepal. The organization works to improve the lives of those affected by poverty, violence and discrimination by providing shelter, education, legal aid and economic opportunities. Through community-driven initiatives, WFN fosters long-term solutions to empower women and break cycles of poverty.

Key Objectives of WFN

  • Providing Shelter. Safe homes for women and children escaping violence and poverty.
  • Expanding Access to Education. Training programs and scholarships for underprivileged children.
  • Advocating for Equal Rights. Legal assistance and policy advocacy for gender equality.
  • Promoting Economic Independence. Supporting micro-credits, self-sustaining businesses and fair-trade initiatives.

Safe Shelter and Essential Services

WFN operates three shelter homes in Kathmandu, providing refuge for more than 120 children and 30 women escaping violence, abuse or extreme poverty. These shelters ensure that women and children receive medical care, psychological support and legal aid, helping them recover from traumatic experiences and regain stability. Beyond providing a safe environment, the shelters also serve as a foundation for rebuilding lives by offering vocational training and job placement opportunities. Through these programs, residents gain essential skills and resources that enable them to achieve independence and long-term security.

Expanding Access to Education in Nepal

WFN ensures that survivors of violence receive educational opportunities and skills training to secure a better future. Programs include:

  • Early childhood education, scholarships and sponsorships for children from low-income families.
  • Vocational training programs, such as sewing, shoe-making, screen printing, house wiring, and personal support work.
  • The Nepalese Rural Women Program, launched in 2010, trains nearly 1,000 women across five rural districts. Training programs include leadership, gender equality and micro-financing.

Through these ongoing efforts, WFN equips women and children with the education and skills needed for long-term success.

Advocating for Equal Rights in Nepal

WFN actively fights against gender discrimination in legal frameworks and works to increase women’s representation in government and leadership roles. By lobbying for policy changes and providing free legal aid, WFN helps women secure their rights and escape oppressive situations. The foundation assists between five and seven women at its legal offices daily, offering guidance and support.

In 2019, Women’s Foundation Nepal won 62 cases related to divorce, violence and property rights, ensuring that women in vulnerable situations had access to justice. For cases that escalate to higher courts, WFN continues to provide legal aid and representation. By covering court fees and providing financial assistance, WFN has helped thousands of women and girls gain legal protection and secure their rights.

Economic Empowerment Through Self-Sustaining Businesses

WFN promotes economic independence by supporting micro-credit initiatives and women-led businesses. The Maheela Cooperative, a fair-trade organization launched in 2000, provides employment and training to women escaping poverty and violence. Currently, more than 80 women receive training and employment in textiles, handicrafts and jewelry production. These opportunities allow them to develop essential skills and achieve financial stability.

The cooperative reinvests 60% of its profits into WFN’s social programs, ensuring the sustainability of its initiatives. Fair wages and safe working conditions remain a priority, empowering women with stable incomes. Products created by the Maheela Cooperative, including scarves, textiles and handmade jewelry, are sold in Europe, the United States (U.S.) and Canada. This not only helps fund WFN’s projects but also creates a sustainable income source for the women involved, fostering long-term economic growth.

Scholarships and Sponsorships in Nepal

WFN supports more than 1,000 children from underprivileged backgrounds through scholarships and sponsorships, ensuring they have access to education. Sponsorships cover essential living expenses, including health care, food and clothing, for children in WFN’s shelter homes. The foundation also offers scholarships that provide tuition fees, school supplies and uniforms, enabling children to stay in school and complete their education.

By investing in education, WFN helps break the cycle of poverty, giving children the opportunity to build brighter futures and become self-sufficient. The organization also extends its support to higher education, funding university studies for children who achieve strong academic results in their 10th-grade exams. Through these programs, WFN empowers the next generation, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to create lasting change in their communities.

A Commitment to Ethical Practices

WFN and Maheela Cooperative prioritize fair wages, ethical labor practices and nondiscrimination policies. They actively oppose child labor and forced labor, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees. The organization does not discriminate based on caste, nationality, religion, gender, disability or political beliefs, making it a model for inclusive social development in Nepal.

A Legacy of Empowerment

The Women’s Foundation Nepal was founded by a group of young women who helped rescue a missing girl forced into labor. Its advocacy grew into a thriving organization that now impacts thousands across Nepal. Results are achieved through shelter, legal aid, education and economic empowerment. Through its multifaceted approach, WFN continues to fight for a future where women and children in Nepal live free from violence, poverty and discrimination. With continued support, WFN can potentially expand its life-changing programs and uplift even more women and children across Nepal.

– Nalini Vijayakumar

Nalini is based in Perth, WA, Australia and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

,

Poverty in Saudi Arabia

Poverty in Saudi Arabia Between 2010 and 2021, the poverty rate in Saudi Arabia decreased from 18.2% to 13.6%, lifting 483,000 Saudis out of poverty. However, significant challenges remain, including systemic unemployment and a lack of affordable housing. With a nominal GDP of $1.07 trillion, the country boasts the largest economy in the Middle East. Despite this economic strength, the kingdom also has the highest poverty rate among Gulf states, with one in seven Saudi nationals living in poverty.

Poverty Hidden from View

Saudi Arabia does not officially disclose statistics on poverty or define a poverty threshold. The kingdom portrays itself as a highly developed and civilized nation, with gleaming cities like Riyadh and luxury resorts along the Red Sea, boosting its tourism industry. Yet, poor neighborhoods and slums exist, though their locations often make them invisible to visitors. Urban layouts deliberately segregate lower-class neighborhoods from highways and central city areas, pushing low-income citizens to society’s fringes. Until 2002, Saudi officials denied the existence of poverty altogether and state-run media ignored the issue until Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz visited a Riyadh slum, bringing the problem to light.

Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia derives most of its wealth from the oil sector. Vision 2030 is a plan to reduce the country’s reliance on oil by diversifying industries, expanding the private sector and scaling down the public sector. A cornerstone of this initiative is the partial privatization of Aramco, the state-owned oil giant. However, the plan also includes privatizing public services, such as hospitals and schools. A significant challenge for Saudi citizens under Vision 2030 is the proposed reduction in state employment.

Currently, two-thirds of Saudis work in government jobs, but the plan aims to lower this to 20% of the population. Welfare spending, which includes free education and health care, has also seen cuts. The government funds much of its welfare spending through Zakat, an Islamic principle requiring individuals to donate 2.5% of their wealth to charity. The government collects and distributes these funds. Under Vision 2030, the government is reducing subsidies for essential services like fuel, electricity and water. These cuts disproportionately affect poorer citizens, creating further challenges for those already struggling financially.

Women and Migrant Workers: The Most Vulnerable

Under Islamic law, men are traditionally responsible for financially supporting women and children. As a result, women without a husband or living male relative often face significant socio-economic challenges. Female-headed households represent a large proportion of the poorest families in Saudi Arabia. Although women are permitted to work independently, many employers require written consent from a male guardian, limiting women’s participation in the labor force. This guardianship system creates barriers to employment, increasing women’s vulnerability to poverty and rising living costs. Migrant workers, particularly women, are among the most vulnerable groups in Saudi society. They often endure low wages, financial hardships and exploitative practices such as wage withholding and the confiscation of passports, exacerbating their economic challenges.

Progress and Solutions

According to the United Nations (U.N.), poverty in Saudi Arabia has become less of a taboo topic since the crown prince visited a Riyadh slum in 2002. Following this pivotal moment, the country implemented the National Poverty Reduction Strategy in 2005 and the Supplementary Support Programme in 2006, both aimed at assisting those in need. Policy reforms remain essential to effectively combat poverty. Key strategies include promoting a fair tax system, enhancing the efficiency of social protection transfer programs and revising land distribution and public procurement policies. Additionally, prioritizing investments in skill development for citizens is critical. These measures can help expand access to socioeconomic opportunities, fostering greater inclusion and reducing poverty across the nation.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to tackle poverty in Saudi Arabia are advancing, however, systemic challenges such as unemployment, limited affordable housing and economic disparities persist. Targeted reforms, including improved social protection systems and investments in education and skill development, remain critical to achieving greater socioeconomic inclusion. As the kingdom moves forward with Vision 2030, balancing economic diversification with equitable welfare measures could be essential to reducing poverty further.

– Salome von Stolzmann

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Things to Know About Haiti’s Gender Wage Gap

haiti's gender wage gapRanked 163rd out of 170 countries on the UNDP’s Gender Inequality Index in 2021, Haiti’s gender wage gap is categorized as the largest of any Latin American or African state. Many factors interact to maintain this level of income inequality, with traditional ideas around a woman’s role, gender-based violence and a disproportionate number of female workers in the informal sector reinforcing this harmful cycle. There are several attempts to eradicate these gender inequalities in the labor market, but more work is still necessary.

Haiti’s Gender Wage Gap and Unemployment

On average, female salaries are around 32% lower than their male counterparts in Haiti. About a third of this wage difference “can be explained by factors such as age, number of children, education, and industry of employment,” according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the rest of Haiti’s gender wage gap has no explanation, pointing towards a culture of gender discrimination. In rural areas, this manifests itself as more women living in poverty; households headed by women are more likely to live below the poverty line (62% compared to 54% of male-led households).

In 2017, women in Haiti were 20 percentage points more likely to be out of work than their male equivalents This was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with women more likely to be unemployed or leave their positions, “reflecting a pattern of low labor market attachment among women that was already present and that expanded during the pandemic.” Although female unemployment has reduced slightly in the post-lockdown era, it still stood at 17.78% in 2023, compared to 11.79% for men.

Women and the Informal Sector

The informal sector contributes around 60% of Haiti’s GDP. Haitian women tend to dominate in this informal economy, partially due to a lack of opportunities or education, but also because Haitian women have “traditionally carried the brunt of family responsibilities” and the society sees them as “poto-mitan” – or backbone- of their families and wider communities. Thus, many women become informal merchants to earn money and juggle domestic responsibilities, contributing to Haiti’s gender wage gap. Women tend to work more in this informal sector which “small production units with low-profit margins” define, including a lack of protections and security for workers (10), which further disadvantages women in terms of pensions and rights, making job progression more difficult.

Traditional Gender Roles and Violence

Around half of Haitian homes, according to the May-June 2020 Haiti Gender Assessment, claimed that chores like cooking, cleaning and child-rearing were a woman’s responsibility in the home. This significant domestic burden inevitably places women at a disadvantage when looking for employment in comparison to men, who tend to have fewer if any domestic tasks.

Also, women have much less access to “productive resources” like land and financial tools, with only 8% of women in rural Haiti owning their own land, compared to 20% of rural men, according to the World Bank. Although only a third of Haitians have a bank account, the gender gap is around 5 percentage points, with much less women having access to these services.

An acute problem with gender-based violence could also be contributing to the persistence of Haiti’s gender wage gaps, given that violence against women “has profound implications for women’s [labor] market participation, driving economic and workplace barriers that erode financial independence and restrict access to meaningful employment opportunities.” In just the first quarter of 2024, there were 1,793 reports of GBV 94% of which came from women and girls, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Combatting chauvinist ideas and domestic violence towards women is key to empowering and integrating them into the workplace.

Education Gap Reversing

Despite a lack of progress regarding women’s involvement in the workforce, there has been progress in improving female education and attendance rates. Gender gaps have “closed or even reversed at the secondary and tertiary levels” with more girls between 15-24 years attending school than boys in rural areas, the World Bank reports.

However, gender gaps persist in lower stages of the education system, and men are still more likely to have graduated from secondary and higher education institutions than their female counterparts. This persisting gender gap in higher education attainment is inevitably worsening this gender pay gap, given that many women in Haiti have not been provided with the same level and quality of education as their male peers.

Solving Haiti’s Gender Wage Gap

The Haitian government has tried to make progress regarding the country’s marked gender wage gap, signing international accords addressing women and gender equality. It also has a Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) and a Gender Equality Office for the Parliament, established in 2013, “to foster gender equality on the legislative level and women’s participation in formal politics.”

However, implementation has been slow, considering institutional weakness, political instability and a lack of funding for the MCFDF. Quotas for female representation in government have not had major success within these bodies, with women making up less than the constitutional requirement in both houses of the Haitian Parliament (less than 30%). Compared to its neighbors, Haiti is underperforming regarding the promotion of gender quality and equal opportunities, according to the World Bank.

USAID has also attempted to empower women and girls and combat Haiti’s gender wage gap. They have focused on programs intermingling economic factors and improvements to health and sanitation provision with measures to reduce poverty and gender-based violence. USAID initiatives to reduce poverty and stimulate growth have created 27,000 permanent jobs since 2011, 53% of which employed women, in sectors like construction and manufacturing.

Final Notes

Haiti is a country with a young population and much potential but has suffered at the hands of dictators, natural disasters, and political instability. The country’s gender pay gap has been fed by and worsened female participation in the labor market and the lack of employment opportunities for women. Despite great efforts by the Haitian government and USAID, the 32% gender wage gap persists, and women still find themselves without work, or limited to employment within more informal sectors without workplace protections.

– Ciara Howard

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Everything You Need to Know About Women’s Rights in Kiribati

Women’s Rights in KiribatiKiribati is an island country formed in 1979 that is located in Oceana. Despite having a smaller population compared to its neighbors, Kiribati has been steadily growing in its economic power ever since its inception. One can attribute this partly to women’s rights in Kiribati, which have been prominent ever since the country’s inception.

Within the Law

Women have always had the right to vote in Kiribati, as that was codified when the country was first granted independence. Despite this strong foundation for women’s rights, women only make up 6.67% of representation in national parliament in Kiribati, compared to a global average of 25.09%. 

The Kiribati constitution does not protect individuals from discrimination based on gender. However, certain protections for women have recently been passed. Violence against women, namely sexual assault, is treated as a crime and prosecuted accordingly. The punishment for this includes a maximum life sentence of life in prison for rape specifically, though the mean amount of jail time rests around four years.

In 2018, the Kiribati Women and Children’s Support Center was opened and launched a 24-hour hotline for survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse. This marked a turning point for women’s rights in Kiribati, and contributed to broader efforts of spreading awareness about sexual assault in the region.

Inside the Schools

Literacy rates for women are above average at 98.61% ( the world average is 82.03%). One can attribute this to the universal education for youth Kiribati provides. Girls are actually more likely to complete their primary education than boys, and this emphasis of literacy and education allows for women in Kiribati to attain economic empowerment. Furthermore, the Education Act of 2013 solidified education for all by codifying protections against women and girls by outlawing refusal of enrollment based on sex.

Unfortunately, girls’ attendance in school drops exponentially after primary education. Only 87% of girls go on to complete junior secondary education, and then just 63% complete senior secondary education. This is for a variety of factors, but poverty is the main reason. Often, parents will pull their children out of school following primary or junior secondary school in order for them to help earn enough money to put food on the table. The wealthiest children in Kiribati have a 71% chance of completing their education, while the poorest have only a 35% chance. 

Women and Poverty

While women in Kiribati tend to have more education than men on average, this does not necessarily mean that their quality of life or financial standing is any better. In fact, the unemployment rate for women in Kiribati was up to 12.4% in 2020, almost 2% more than men. The labor force participation rates contain similar disparities, with men having a 54.4% labor force participation rate, and women only reaching 40.5%. There are a variety of factors behind this, but gender gaps and a lack of supportive policies to help combat unfair hiring practices are often cited as main reasons. Due to this, women in Kiribati are at a higher likelihood of living in poverty. 

Despite this, there are concerted efforts from various organizations within Kiribati to help women and girls fight poverty. One of the most prominent organizations in the area is called Teitoiningaina, which is the National Catholic Women’s Association of Kiribati. This organization focuses on improving the lives of women in Kiribati by offering family health care, offering programs to help women in Kiribati get an education and providing classes on business. 

Looking Ahead 

Although the rate of violence against women in Kiribati is proportionally high, new government programs help provide support to survivors and further criminalize violence against women. Not only that, but the rate of literacy for women exceeds the standard for the region by far and gives women the opportunity to have more economic power and autonomy than they otherwise might not have. While there is still work to be done for women’s rights in Kiribati, the region is on the path to success.

– Mackenzie Scott

Mackenzie is based in Indianapolis, IN, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Women’s Empowerment International: Disrupting Poverty

Women’s Empowerment International: Disrupting Cycles of Poverty More than 10% of women worldwide are trapped in extreme poverty due to structural barriers such as inadequate education and vocational training, limited financial resources and prevailing patriarchal social structures that hinder their mobility out of poverty. Women’s Empowerment International (WE) is actively disrupting these cycles. WE funds small business loans, education, training and other strategies to alleviate poverty through partnerships with high-impact, nonprofit organizations. This support equips women with the necessary resources and tools to improve their livelihoods and enhance their lives.

WE Organization’s Focus

WE focus on regions where women are in dire need and lack adequate social support from states or governments. The organization carefully selects nonprofit partners to deliver tailored programs for women in need. These partners develop and run high-impact programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of women below the poverty line. The programs address key issues such as violence against women’s sustainability and ensure regular and responsive communication among all participants.

WE measure the progress of its programs using the ‘WISE: Women’s Impact Sustainability and Empowerment Project’ data metric. This tool evaluates improvements in financial literacy, shifts in provider roles, changes in decision-making and business sustainability to ensure that women are the primary beneficiaries. WE’s expansive reach includes impactful work in Guatemala, San Diego, Haiti, Honduras, Uganda and El Salvador. Each program is specifically tailored to the goals of the women in each locale and the resources available to maximize success.

Honduras

In Honduras, 70% of the population lives in poverty, with half of the population in some areas surviving on less than $1.25 per day. Rural illiteracy rates are as high as 40% and child malnutrition exceeds 60%. Residents of these areas, often isolated with no transportation or access to clean water, primarily rely on subsistence farming, logging and livestock raising for income. Since 2007, WE has collaborated with the Adelante Foundation to offer small business loans to 2,100 women in these impoverished rural communities. It also provides educational resources, achieving a loan repayment rate of 94.4%. Women receiving loans support each other as guarantors, creating solidarity groups that foster collective success. These entrepreneurs have launched ventures ranging from local stores and bicycle repair shops to greenhouses, using their profits to educate their children and reinvest in their communities.

Guatemala

In Guatemala, WE has formed a partnership with Multicolores. The organization assists women in creating sustainable sources of income independent of formal education or long-term external aid. Based in rural villages, Multicolores supports Indigenous Mayan women through the ‘Stitching New Narratives’ program, which enhances their traditional stitching and design skills. This initiative not only celebrates their indigenous heritage but also enables them to produce garments that foster economic prosperity, helping to elevate them from poverty. The program supports these artists in their creative and economic development, which in turn improves their living conditions, health, well-being, and social mobility.

Uganda

Uganda has been severely affected by the AIDS epidemic, which has left many children orphaned. Thousands of grandmothers have become primary caregivers, often supporting up to six children single-handedly. In 2024, WE partnered with the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Foundation to launch the Nyaka Granny Microfinance Project. This initiative provides loans to grandmothers to start small businesses, generating income to support their families. More than 7,000 grandmothers have benefited from the program, engaging in activities such as animal husbandry, handicrafts, produce cultivation and crop sales. By earning an income, these grandmothers can improve their living conditions. Additionally, they can ensure their grandchildren receive an education, thus breaking cycles of poverty and empowering women across generations.

Driving Change

Women’s Empowerment International have made incredible strides in empowering women in areas of high poverty. Its programs enable women to develop the tools and infrastructure needed for sustainable economic progression. Furthermore, by providing initial assistance and resources, the organization allows women to drive their success rather than remaining dependent on external aid.

– Rebecca Barry

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

Photo: Flickr

, ,

Financial inclusion for women in South Asia

Financial inclusion for women in South AsiaFinancial inclusion for women in South Asia is emerging as a powerful tool to foster empowerment in a region where gender disparities persist, particularly in education, employment and economic independence. As financial literacy programs and access to banking services become more accessible, women are not only gaining greater control over their finances but also starting businesses that contribute to the growth of local economies and communities. In countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, financial inclusion initiatives are reshaping the lives of women, helping them break free from traditional barriers and boosting their confidence as entrepreneurs.

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women

Financial literacy is an essential skill that enables individuals to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving and investing. However, in many South Asian countries, women have traditionally had limited access to financial services and education. Societal norms often discourage women from engaging in economic activities outside the home. In some cases, women have little control over household finances, making it difficult to save, invest or manage money effectively.

Programs aimed at financial inclusion for women in South Asia are helping to close this gap. In particular, initiatives that educate women on personal finance and entrepreneurship are proving to be transformative. These programs equip women with the necessary knowledge to manage their money and budget and understand financial products like loans, insurance and investments. By providing this essential education, women in South Asia are empowered to take charge of their financial futures and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.

Case Studies From South Asia

Several countries in South Asia have made significant strides in promoting financial inclusion for women. India, for example, has seen remarkable progress through government-backed initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which aims to provide access to banking for all citizens, including the unbanked, particularly women. Since its launch in 2014, millions of women have opened bank accounts and gained access to financial services. This initiative has helped women build savings, secure loans and improve their financial literacy, enabling them to take control of their lives and make financial decisions without relying solely on male family members.

In Bangladesh, organizations like the Grameen Bank have pioneered the concept of microfinance and microloans, specifically targeting women in rural areas. These small loans have empowered women to start small businesses, such as selling goods or providing services, thus promoting economic independence. The success of microfinance has not only helped women become entrepreneurs but also created a ripple effect in their communities. Women who benefit from microloans are often able to support their families better, improve access to education for their children and contribute to the overall economic development of their villages.

Pakistan, too, has seen an increase in financial inclusion initiatives aimed at women. The State Bank of Pakistan introduced the “First Women Bank Limited” (FWBL), which provides services tailored to women’s financial needs. The bank offers microcredit loans, savings accounts and other financial services to women in rural and urban areas alike. The bank’s mission is to empower women by providing them with the financial resources needed to build businesses and support their families. Along with microfinance, Pakistan has also seen an expansion of mobile banking services, which have helped bridge the financial inclusion gap for women in remote areas.

Impact on Women’s Lives, Families and Communities

The impact of financial inclusion for women in South Asia extends beyond the individual. When women are financially empowered, their families and communities benefit as well. Studies have shown that when women control financial resources, they are more likely to invest in their children’s education, health and well-being. This creates a positive feedback loop where empowered women uplift entire communities.

Furthermore, financial inclusion programs for South Asian women play a crucial role in reducing poverty. By helping women access loans, savings accounts and financial education, these programs provide the tools necessary to lift families out of poverty and increase overall economic stability. With greater access to financial resources, women can start businesses, create jobs and contribute to the broader economy.

Investing in Women’s Financial Education

The evidence is clear: investing in financial inclusion for women in South Asia is crucial for sustainable development and poverty reduction. By providing women with the knowledge and tools to manage money, start businesses and access financial services, financial inclusion programs are breaking down the barriers that have traditionally kept women from reaching their full potential. As more women in South Asia gain access to financial resources, they are not only improving their own lives but also contributing to the economic growth and development of their countries.

Empowering women through financial inclusion is a key step toward creating a more equitable and prosperous future for South Asia. With continued investment in women’s financial education, the region is on the path to creating a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

– Alaya Laila

Alaya is based in Abuja, Nigeria and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr