Archive for category: Women’s Rights

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

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

The ‘Red’ in Red-light Districts

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

5 Women Transforming Lives in Red-Light Communities

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

Advancing Rights Through Lived Experience

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

– Ruhani Rahul

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

Photo: Flickr

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Guinean Women’s Political Participation Strengthened

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

International Support and the Efficacy of Quotas

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

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

Barriers to Guinean Women’s Political Participation

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

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

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

Implementation, Challenges, and Recent Developments

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

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

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

Outlook for Women in Guinean Politics

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

– Cameron Jones

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

Photo: Flickr

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Millie Bobby Brown Champions Girls’ Rights and Education in Brazil

Millie Bobby Brown Champions Girls' Rights and Education in Brazil Actress Millie Bobby Brown met with young adolescent girls in one of São Paulo’s most under-resourced districts, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to address key issues in girls’ rights and education in Brazil. 

From Screen Star to Global Advocate

Brown rose to international fame as the lead in Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” but off-screen, she has become an influential voice. According to UNICEF, she became UNICEF’s youngest-ever Goodwill Ambassador at age 14 in 2018. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Brown has used her global platform to speak out on issues ranging from child poverty and online bullying to girls’ education and mental health.

According to UNICEF, Brown visited the Cidade Tiradentes district in March 2025 to listen to problems associated with girls’ rights and education in Brazil. Some of these include girls’ experiences with gender-based violence, school dropout, period poverty and limited access to job opportunities. 

“We talked about the importance of supporting each other through our respective challenges and I wanted them to feel empowered to make decisions about their future,” Bobby said in an interview with UNICEF.

Her experiences with public scrutiny and online harassment have helped shape a more empathetic approach to her advocacy. According to UNICEF, Brown has previously spoken out about her bullying experiences in school.

Issues Facing Girls’ Rights and Education in Brazil

According to UNICEF, there are limitations when it comes to adolescent girls’ rights and education in Brazil. Period poverty, which is a lack of access to feminine supplies and information about menstrual cycles, decreases school participation and affects more than 10 million girls in Brazil.

Violence continues to be a major concern in Brazil, with a report of sexual violence occurring every eight minutes against a girl in 2028. Additionally, in 2020, 14% of all births in the country were to adolescent mothers. This frequently results in disruptions to their education and long-term economic challenges, per UNICEF reports.

Between January and September of 2024, approximately 3,060 girls lost their lives to violence in Brazil, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Only about one-third of these cases were officially classified by police as femicides. Brazilian law defines femicides as “killings on account of being persons of the female sex.”

Human Rights Watch reports that some groups have exploited the digital rights of girls. Between November 2023 and April 2024, more than 80 girls reported seeing their manipulated photos on social media. These photos were “sexually explicit deepfakes of them.”

Brown’s On-the-Ground Engagement

Brown visited a school, painted a mural with students and also played capoeira, a traditional Brazilian game, during a physical education class. Brown also met with staff to learn about UNICEF’s Active School Search project. This project can assist in locating children who are not attending school. It can also provide them with the proper resources and guidance needed to help re-enroll them to continue their education.

Among the girls Brown spoke to was 14-year-old Kizzy. Kizzy told UNICEF that school is very important for anyone living in a marginalized area. “Having the school as a source of support for students is essential and always putting the students first is very important,” Kizzy told UNICEF.

According to Microsoft Network (MSN), Brown also engaged in meaningful discussions with the teacher to stress the need for supporting children living in vulnerable conditions. She focused on encouraging a cooperative effort to tackle both educational and social issues affecting the Brazilian community.

Recognizing the perspective of the students, she reassured them that their desire for knowledge about their bodies deserves immediate attention. “We are the change that the school needs and the community needs,” Brown said. 

UNICEF Brazil Representative Youssouf Abdel-Jelil described Brown as an “inspiration to girls in Brazil and around the world.” Brown’s work left a lasting impact on those she encountered, according to MSN, strengthening UNICEF’s commitment to advancing children’s rights and instilling a sense of hope and resilience in the next generation.

– Clarissa Dean

Clarissa is based in Bowling Green, KY, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Caring for Equality: Empowering Women in Uruguay

Women in uruguayIn December 2015, Uruguay passed Law 19.353, establishing the National Comprehensive Care System. This was the first law that pushed for gender equality and laid the framework for various positions of care as a right, not only for children under 3 but also for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The law, backed by the coordinated efforts of multiple ministries, regulated services, trained caregivers and public awareness initiatives aimed at rebalancing gender norms. The SNIC aims to challenge deeply entrenched gendered division of labor in Uruguay, where women disproportionately shoulder unpaid domestic and caregiving work.

SIEMPRE Centers: Redefining Care and Empowering Women

Uruguay’s National Comprehensive Care System, launched in 2021, introduced SIEMPRE Centers, which are early community childhood daycares with early-learning facilities managed by public, private and civil society partnerships, according to the March 2025 report. These centers offer up to eight hours of daily care and receive support from collaboration between trade unions, employers, communities and the Instituto Nacional de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes (INAU).

Five components driving SIEMPRE’s impact are workshops for families comprising life and vocational skills like gastronomy (cooking), sewing, hairdressing, gardening and other crafts. These workshops aim to empower parents, primarily mothers, to increase their ability to pursue education or paid work due to freed-up time. Violence prevention is a welcome side-effect of SIEMPRE Centers, with staff often able to detect and respond to domestic or gender-based violence, boosting women’s physical safety, according to the March 2025 report. Lastly, centers help shift gender norms by providing crucial skills to young fathers like cooking and nursing, which are deep-rooted stereotypes assigned to women.

Legal Advances for Women

Legal framework and broader equality policies endorse key international women’s rights treaties and implement a progressive domestic legal framework. Notable laws include:

Supporting networks and civil society organizations like Mujer y Salud en Uruguay advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights through public awareness campaigns. Uruguay XXI, an agency that promotes investment and exports, has advanced gender equality in its workforce. Fifty six percent of its 2024 “Más Comercio” mentoring targets were women-led businesses, and women hold about 58% of its leadership roles.

Driving Change

Further engagement, such as campaigns encouraging male caregivers, aims to break norms. For example, the MenCare Campaign engages men as fathers and caregivers to promote gender equality. Although progress is slow, Uruguay is making efforts to make SNIC a social service. By strengthening collective provision, Uruguay transforms care from a burden into a collective responsibility, which would validate unpaid work and reduce hidden gender costs.

SIEMPRE Centers often negotiate through collective bargaining involving unions, employers and the government. Union-business partnerships can produce systemic reforms.

Constant Obstacles

However, despite formal equality, significant challenges persist, like unequal representation. For instance, women hold about 28% of parliamentary seats and top leadership roles, one of the lowest levels in Latin America. Women endure the brunt of unpaid labor. About 61.4% of women are involved in unpaid work, compared to 35.9% of men, resulting in women dedicating their time to domestic chores and caregiving, limiting their opportunities.

While the SNIC made strides in guaranteeing women’s care, the lack of funds makes it difficult to expand its resources. The SNIC budget share for the past five years has been stagnant, resulting in limited ability to construct and expand new centers nationwide. Violence against women in Uruguay remains at one of the highest rates in Latin America, with about 77% of women over 15 experiencing some form of gender-based violence, according to a survey conducted by the United Nations Uruguay.

Looking Ahead

Uruguay’s SNIC is a bold, feminist-informed leap in public policy that directly confronts the gendered distribution of care and builds new pathways for women’s economic and social success. SIEMPRE Centers represent a strong frontline that provides care, economic empowerment, decision-making power, and violence prevention. Yet progress could halt without continued investment, cultural transformation, and stronger female representation.

– Sebastian Llerena

Sebastian is based in Edison, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women in Mexican Leadership

Women in Mexican LeadershipMany countries have broken the glass ceiling with the election and faith of female leaders. Some of these known women include former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, Bolivian President, Lidia Gueiler Tejada, and American Vice President Kamala Harris. There are many women in leadership roles, trailblazing the path for more women, not only in privileged countries such as the USA, but in revolutionary ones like its neighbor, Mexico.

Mexico has witnessed many shifts in leadership in the 21st century that have caused many struggles for its residents. From drug lords to domestic abuse to bleak working conditions to a poor economy. The citizens of Mexico have known injustice and poverty.

First Female President

One woman has given herself the responsibility to seek that change for her people. New Mexican leader, President Sheinbaum. She can be attributed to a majority of the recent progress of women and girls in the country of Mexico.

Mexico’s governmental structure has not exactly catered to women, having placed them in weaker areas between the two quotas (horizontal and vertical), which translates to the ranking of the politician. In the vertical system, if the ​​alcalde (mayor) is a man, then a síndico (trustee) must be a woman to balance the powers. In the horizontal system, the added requirement is to have candidate genders be balanced alongside both parties of the state, which adds another layer to a more feminist government. Even as the stronger option for equality, the horizontal system still requires tweaking and improvement.

How Are Gender Biases Changing?

With 60% of the vote, President Sheinbaum became the leader to lead a new era for Mexico, to level the playing field for women. Even with a long way to go, she has taken this opportunity to ensure the safety of women and girls, to provide equal opportunities for women and to increase public security.

Her legislative efforts have empowered women to seek out more for themselves in all areas of their lives: professionally and in society, producing more women in Mexican leadership roles. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s recent legislative vision includes a Constitutional Amendment for Substantive Equality, constitutional reforms, the Ministry of Women and the most recent launch of the Pension Program for Older Women.

What Female Leadership Brings

U.N. Women data states, “In Mexico, 88.9% of legal frameworks that promote, enforce and monitor gender equality under the SDG indicator [Sustainable Development Goals], with a focus on violence against women, are in place” which is a good sign of progress, yet women still face sexual abuse and domestic violence at a high rate and carry the load of doing unpaid domestic work. With changing expectations, women can take charge of their assets, career and choice of marriage.

Having a background in climate science, President Sheinbaum holds a unique view on politics and has taken action on environmental affairs as the former President’s [López Obrador] environmental minister. Impacts she has made include driving electric transit, the use of renewable energy and the production of electric cars.

Feminist Policies in Motion

Leading up to Sheinbaum’s presidency, Mexico had a balanced gender representation with 50.2% of women making up the congress. Mexico is also one of the countries whose public and foreign policy centers around women’s rights. Sheinbaum’s new policies are with feminist-led having immediate effect on the increase of femicide (in 2024, nearly 800 reports, according to WOLA) and homicide persecutions (nearly 3,000 reports, according to WOLA), destroying rape culture (more than 21,000 reports, according to WOLA), dismantling harmful gender stereotypes like assuming men make better leaders by ways of the Constitutional Amendment for Substantive Equality and the Ministry of Women addressing how Mexico could act for equality to the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Committee.

Mexico’s leadership initiative of the National Care System has improved child support with the establishment of more daycares, providing a better chance for women to work alongside their male counterparts, decreasing the pay gap and increasing the value of women’s work, according to WOLA.

Luckily, the government has decriminalized abortion, yet the level of accessibility still remains an issue. With this concern in mind and many others, President Sheinbaum is challenged by producing budgets that will lend to more humanitarian resources. Further challenges are changing current policies to reflect a more feminist outlook including Mexico’s military and the percentage of women wrongfully incarcerated.

A Personal Reflection

On a first-hand account, Laura Lorena Robles Ruiz, beauty entrepreneur and State Commissioner of COESPRISSON reflects back on her experiences and visions for Mexico. In these roles, she has managed to open spaces for women, accompanying them, teaching them, and empowering them through her experience and training. Despite personal and economic challenges, she continues to contribute to society.

“Although Mexico still has a long way to go, it has taken firm steps towards equality. I am proud to see more and more women in Mexican leadership positions, bravely undertaking new ventures, earning their place with dignity, and demonstrating that their participation is not just a quota, but a strategic value derived from their capabilities. I am proud to have been an active part of this change, contributing from my public, business, and educational trenches,” she shared with The Borgen Project.

“Today, I continue to advocate for a Mexico where women live with freedom, security, and real opportunities—a Mexico where we can grow, shine, and enjoy life without asking for permission. I see my two daughters living this way, and I know that when a woman transforms herself, she also transforms her family, her community, and her country. President Sheinbaum has reshaped Mexican leadership to be more inclusive and humanitarian,” Laura Lorena Robles Ruiz added.

Women in Mexican Leadership: The Future

In daily life, Mexican women still face poor public policies that support single moms, domestic abuse cases, and rooted cultural biases. Programs like Mujeres con Bienestar have chosen the responsibility to reshape Mexican society. Pensions for older women give more control and recognition to women’s economics. Reform and constitutional changes have mended the gender wage gap (Article 123), recognizing the equality of women and men. Women in Mexican leadership are represented in the current cabinet far greater than it was before.

President Sheinbaum’s future presidency ensures a more positive attitude towards Mexico’s maturation as a country. Indeed, along with the first female president, Mexico has witnessed more female political participation, almost 40% representation in STEM, more entrepreneurship, greater representation of gender violence (#NiUnaMenos) and new cultural standards in media. In her leadership, the elevation of women will continue to be at the forefront of policy and Mexican culture.

– Melody Aminian

Melody is based in Irvine, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women in Fiji: Gender Wage Gap

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

Battling Inequality

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

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

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

Empowering Women in Fiji

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

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

Future Restorations

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

– Janae Bayford

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

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Alleviation and Women’s SHGs in India

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

Background

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

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

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

Struggles of the Past

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

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

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

State SHGs Programs in India

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

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

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

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

– Tanisha Bhattacharyya

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

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Femicide in Uruguay

femicide uruguayGender-based violence claims the lives of 11 women every day in Latin America and the Caribbean, making it a regional crisis. Defined as the intentional murder of a woman with a gender-related motivation, femicide can occur under many different circumstances, including intimate or former partner violence, honour killings and human trafficking. In 2021, the femicide rate in Uruguay per 100,000 women ranked eighth out of 18 countries and territories in Latin America. However, both the Uruguayan government and civil society groups have taken legal action and preventative measures to fight femicide.

Ending Gender-Based Violence

In 2017, the government decided to take action against disturbing levels of femicide in Uruguay with various legal reforms. This included Law no. 19.580, which specifically recognizes and defines femicide as a crime whilst sentencing perpetrators more severely than those guilty of homicide. As a result of this shift in legal focus, the state launched the Observatorio de Violencia Basada en Género hacia las Mujeres (OVBG), which collects and monitors data regarding gender-based violence in Uruguay, and ProMujeres, a program that focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment, under the Ministry of Social Development. Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), ProMujeres aims to enhance the work of Inmujeres, Uruguay’s National Institute of Women, thanks to the allocation of new funding.

The work of Inmujeres

Inmujeres is responsible for overseeing the OVBG, as well as monitoring the implementation of Law no. 19.580 and providing various services for women at risk of femicide in Uruguay. Most of these services include legal support, temporary shelter and telephone counselling for victims of gender-based violence.

Between 2020 and 2024, the organization offered their services to 16,821 victims of gender-based violence, as well as supporting 175 women in situations of human trafficking in 2022.

Furthermore, in 2020, the government announced a $4 million increase in funding for electronic ankle bracelets designed to distance perpetrators from victims, thereby preventing future cases of femicide in Uruguay. Inmujeres is also working to avoid femicide in Uruguay by running a campaign in schools across the country, called Noviazgos Libres de Violencia. The youth-orientated project aims to break the intergenerational cycle of intimate and former partner violence and reached around 13,000 young people in 2022 alone.

Building a Network of Prevention, Support and Awareness

In addition to legal reforms and state-run programs, there are various civil society groups working to fight femicide in Uruguay in numerous ways.

Mujeres de Negro (Uruguay) has been raising awareness about femicide in Uruguay since 2006. Based in Montenegro but part of a wider international movement, Mujeres de Negro (Uruguay) organises silent protests in remembrance of victims, as well as publicly advocating against gender-based violence and denouncing discrimination.

Comuna Mujer is another Montevideo-based organization fighting femicide, operating 14 centres across the region where women at risk of gender-based violence can receive free and confidential services. These services include legal and psychosocial support to help women escape situations of gender-based violence. Comuna Mujer’s impact on women at risk of femicide in Montevideo has been crucial, as the organization provided services to 5,063 women and carried out 15,896 consultations between 2023 and 2024.

Whilst offering support services for victims is essential, the Uruguayan Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (RUCVDS)  focuses on the prevention of gender-based violence, and their work has been extremely impactful across Uruguay. The RUCVDS is composed of over 30 civil society groups with over 25 years of experience, running a range of projects catered towards the prevention, awareness and research of gender-based violence.

One of these projects includes the 2021 “Nunca Más a Mi Lado” campaign, which included the re-release of the song “No Te Va Gustar” in order to promote healthy relationships and raise awareness about the dangers of romanticizing abusive partnerships. The campaign spanned over ten years and involved 100 workshops, including sessions inside female prisons, and all of the proceeds from the song’s re-release went towards projects preventing domestic violence

Femicide in Uruguay: The Challenges and Gaps

Despite the great work of both the state and civil society groups, Uruguay has not been able to keep up with the increasing demand for supportive and preventative services related to gender-based violence, and female participation in positions of power continues to be low.

Although the legal reforms in 2017 signalled the prioritisation of femicide as an urgent issue in Uruguay, efforts to fully implement the law have not yet been completely successful, according to Amnesty International, mostly due to a lack of resources. It is also important to recognise that marginalised groups are at a higher risk of femicide in Uruguay, since 86% of afro-descendant women and 92.5% of LGBTQ+ women reported being victims of gender-based violence, which is much higher than the national average of 77%

The Future

Uruguay’s success in its approach to fighting femicide lies in its decision to invest in prevention and monitoring, instead of just focusing solely on punishment. The eradication of femicide is a complex process, but with the investment of more time and resources, Uruguay is on the right track.

– Clodagh Dowson

Clodagh is based in Bradford on Avon, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Link Between Poverty and FGM/C: Breaking the Cycle

The Link Between Poverty and FGM/C: Breaking the CycleEvery 12 minutes, a girl dies as a result of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) – a practice with no medical purpose and devastating consequences. Now the fourth leading cause of death among girls and young women in Africa, FGM/C affects more than 230 million people worldwide. Despite the tireless efforts of dedicated organizations working to end this violence, the global response remains alarmingly muted.

The Link between Poverty and FGM/C

Although many recognize FGM/C as a serious violation of human rights, it continues to persist in certain communities where cultural and social traditions deeply weave it into community life. In these societies, the practice is often upheld under the guise of religious or traditional values, with generations passing it down to preserve cultural identity.

Beyond cultural continuity, FGM/C is often justified by rigid gender norms and beliefs. In some contexts, a prevailing notion suggests that controlling a girl’s sexuality from an early age is necessary. By curbing her desires, families believe they safeguard her virginity, prevent perceived moral transgressions, and ensure marital fidelity. Some proponents also argue that FGM/C promotes hygiene and aesthetic appeal. They hold the belief that female genitalia are inherently impure and that girls who have not undergone the procedure are considered unclean or undesirable for marriage.

Poverty’s Role in the Persistence of FGM/C

Poverty and FGM/C are increasingly recognized as deeply connected, with poverty serving as a significant driver in the persistence of FGM/C. Research published in the journal Reproductive Health underscores the strong influence of socio-economic and demographic factors on the prevalence of FGM/C across sub-Saharan Africa. Findings indicate that the practice is more common among women and their daughters in the lowest wealth quintiles, while its prevalence declines with higher levels of education.

These patterns suggest that poverty not only increases the likelihood of undergoing FGM/C but also contributes to a broader cycle in which communities subject girls to the practice, marry them off at a young age and deny them educational opportunities – thereby perpetuating intergenerational poverty. In many impoverished communities, women and girls often remain unaware of their rights or the protections available to them regarding FGM/C. Many in the community view the practice as a cultural duty and those who refuse to undergo it may face severe criticism, stigma and social exclusion. 

Safe Hands for Girls

Jaha Dukureh founded Safe Hands for Girls in 2013. She created a survivor-led women’s rights organization dedicated to ending FGM/C and gender-based violence. Since its inception, the organization has implemented initiatives such as the SAFE Training Program. This program equips law enforcement and health care professionals in the United States (U.S.) with the knowledge to identify signs of FGM/C and enforce the Stop FGM Act of 2020. This training is critical, as an estimated 513,000 women and girls in the U.S. have undergone or are at risk of FGM/C.

In 2025, the organization launched Regenerative Hubs, an international program training women farmers in regenerative agriculture across rural communities in the Gambia and Ghana. This initiative links economic empowerment to the eradication of FGM/C, child marriage and domestic violence.

Men End FGM

Tony Mwebia launched the #MenEndFGM campaign online in 2013. The initiative is based on the understanding that, in many patriarchal African societies, men hold significant power as fathers, breadwinners, religious and political leaders and custodians of tradition. Engaging men and boys is therefore essential to advancing the elimination of FGM/C. By 2015, young Kenyan activists had joined the movement. In 2019, it was formally registered as the Men End FGM Foundation.

Brothers for Balance, one of its key initiatives, promotes male advocacy for gender equality by working with cultural and religious leaders who can influence their communities. It also trains a network of Men End FGM advocates across 22 hotspot counties to challenge and change harmful social norms. Additionally, the Boy Guard Movement empowers boys and young men to become agents of change from an early age. The Positive Parenting Forum brings together fathers, mothers and their children to foster open dialogue on FGM/C, menstrual health and child marriage.

Sahiyo

While most international funding to prevent FGM/C is directed toward Africa, regions such as Asia, Latin America and the Middle East remain significantly under-resourced. Sahiyo, founded in 2015 by a group of women united against FGM/C, works to empower Asian communities to end the practice. Among its key initiatives is Voices to End FGM/C, a global storytelling project that organizers launched in 2018. It mobilizes survivors to share their experiences and normalize conversations around the FGM/C.

Since its inception, Sahiyo has conducted nine workshops under this initiative. This has resulted in 88 videos and more than 120,000 views across social media platforms. Another impactful program is Thaal Pe Charcha (TPC), Sahiyo’s flagship initiative in India since 2017. TPC draws from the Dawoodi Bohra tradition of communal meals. It creates safe, private spaces where men and women can share stories, ask questions and engage in dialogue around FGM/C.

Moving Forward

Poverty and FGM/C remain interconnected challenges that disproportionately affect girls and women in vulnerable communities. Indeed, socioeconomic disadvantage limits access to education, health care and legal protections, creating conditions where harmful practices continue. Progress toward eliminating FGM/C by 2030 potentially requires greater investment in education, economic empowerment and local advocacy efforts. Sustained action from governments, communities and international organizations could be necessary to ensure that future generations grow up free from the threat of FGM/C.

– Charlotte Codd

Charlotte is based in Waterford, Ireland and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Things To Know About Femicide in Honduras

Femicide in HondurasHonduras is the country with the most femicides in Latin America. In 2020, 278 women in Honduras lost their lives due to femicide and the issue has only gotten worse during and since the pandemic. Additionally, the alarming rates of gender-based violence and murders are mainly due to the patriarchy and sexism that are deep in the culture.

Femicide in Honduras

Femicide is one of the leading causes of death among adult women in Honduras. Despite awareness of this alarming trend, authorities often fail to take sufficient action. An estimated 90% of femicide cases go unpunished.

Many women who attempt to report abuse or domestic violence are not taken seriously, further discouraging victims from seeking help. This lack of response has only fueled the rise in femicide, as impunity and inaction continue to perpetuate the crisis.

Gender-Based Violence

Honduras is considered one of the most challenging places to live as a woman, with gender-based violence widespread across the country. In 2022 alone, 297 women were killed and between 2016 and 2022, a total of 2,264 women lost their lives to such violence.

Impoverished Women Suffer More

Femicide disproportionately affects impoverished women. In poor neighborhoods, police often dismiss complaints and judicial corruption stifles justice, with only 20–30% of women using state services due to distrust.

A mother in Cortes, living in poverty, reported her gang-affiliated ex-partner’s threats. However, police inaction left her vulnerable, illustrating how economic disadvantage compounds the lack of punishment for people who commit femicide.

Weak Law Enforcement

Laws have been enacted in an effort to address the issue, but impoverished women remain vulnerable. Legislation such as the 2006 Domestic Violence Law was designed to offer protection. However, weak enforcement, particularly in low-income areas, has limited its impact. Still, there is cautious optimism, as the president of Honduras has pledged to focus more on women’s rights and the fight against gender-based violence moving forward.

Hope for the Future

There is hope for the future. Movimiento de Mujeres de la Colonia López Arellano (MOMUCLA) is a grassroots organization that has spent years advocating for women’s rights in northern Honduras. In Choloma, the city where it primarily operates, the number of femicides dropped significantly, from 38 cases in 2019 to 13 in 2020, demonstrating the potential impact of sustained local efforts. This organization targets low-income neighborhoods affected by gangs, helping those who are not receiving help from the government.

Conclusion

Femicide in Honduras remains a widespread and deeply rooted issue. Furthermore, femicide disproportionately affects low-income women who often lack the resources to escape dangerous situations, sometimes with fatal consequences. While some measures have been implemented to curb gender-based violence, they have benefited mainly women with greater financial means. Unfortunately, this leaves those in poverty underserved and unprotected.

However, there is hope. A growing number of organizations are stepping up to support low-income women impacted by gender-based violence, working to provide protection, resources and a path toward justice.

– Sydney Carr

Sydney is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels