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FGM in Somalia and The National Development Plan

FGM in SomaliaSomalia has one of the highest rates of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the world, with nearly 100% of women aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure. This practice is rooted in cultural, religious and social norms, perpetuating control over female sexuality and upholding gender inequality. Despite being illegal, female genital mutilation persists due to societal pressures, weak enforcement of existing laws and unstable governance. Traditional practitioners, often older women in the community, typically perform FGM, leading to severe health complications for the victims.

Reasons for Persistence

  • Cultural and Religious Beliefs: FGM is viewed as a cultural practice to mark the transition from girlhood to womanhood. The practice is also mistakenly linked to religious expectations and beliefs.
  • Social Pressure: There is a risk of ostracism if families do not conform to this practice held by groups. This process often aligns with practices such as child marriage. FGM is a way to preserve family honor and ensure daughters are “pure” and “virginal” women.
  • Limited Access to Education: There is a lack of awareness regarding the pain, danger and injustice of FGM.

The National Development Plan

The Ninth National Development Plan (NDP9) is a comprehensive governmental framework designed to guide Somalia toward sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction between 2020 and 2024. This plan addresses politics, improved security, economic growth and social development. Furthermore, gender equality and women’s empowerment are pivotal objectives of NDP9. A significant focus is placed on combating harmful practices like FGM.

NDP9 incorporates strategies to combat FGM through laws, public awareness campaigns and education programs targeting both men and women. This includes the Ifrah Foundation’s “Dear Daughter” campaign, which hopes to reduce FGM by promoting personal empowerment and asking parents to pledge that they won’t cut their daughters. The aim is that a three-pillar approach of education, advocacy and action will begin to lay sustainable foundations for FGM eradication.

Comparison with Kenya

With previously high rates of FGM, similar initiatives and legislation in Kenya have seen FGM drop to approximately 15% among women aged 15-49. Effective grassroots activism, education and support from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have led to significant reductions in FGM prevalence, as well as the criminalization of those practicing. Organizations like the Kenyan anti-FGM Board and Amref Health Africa have been instrumental in these efforts. This comparison suggests that increased governmental stability and specific FGM groups can facilitate a quicker eradication of FGM in Somalia.

Activism, Advocacy and Advice

Activists like Shamsa Sharawe have played a crucial role in the fight against FGM in Somalia and Europe. By bringing the attention of international communities to the issue, Sharawe’s advocacy highlights the physical and psychological harm caused by FGM. Her efforts and those of various NGOs have been instrumental in pushing for more robust policies and community-based interventions. They display that this is not an issue of the past. FGM is a continual injustice and attack on female autonomy, dignity and freedoms.

Survivors of FGM, like Ifrah Ahmed (founder of “Dear Daughter“), have become vocal advocates for ending the practice. They emphasize the importance of education, community dialogue and international cooperation. Additionally, by sharing their stories, survivors help break down stereotypes and stigmas associated with female genital mutilation, advocating for survivor support and defending women’s dignity and integrity.

– Olivia Howard

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

Photo: Flickr

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Voices of Women: Empowering Women’s Rights in Burkina Faso

Voices of WomenBurkina Faso is a West African country whose constitution states that men and women are equal. However, despite this claim of equal rights, strict gender roles dictate the separation between men and women and contribute to the lower status of women. Gender-based violence (GBV) is also a prominent issue in Burkina Faso.

Voix des Femmes (VDF), which translates to Voices of Women, was established in September 2000 to empower children’s and women’s rights in Burkina Faso. Recognized by Burkinabe authorities as a nongovernmental organization (NGO), VDF has implemented numerous projects in Burkina Faso.

The Goals and Strategy of Voices of Women

VDF conducts projects geared toward:

  • Improving the economic situation of women
  • Educating young girls
  • Reducing GBV
  • Offering communities medical care and legal services
  • Enhancing children’s resilience

Alongside these contributions, VDF primarily mobilizes women to advocate for their rights. Regarding VDF’s strategy, it leverages its diverse human capital, comprising professionals such as lawyers, chemists and health, social work and communication experts. Moreover, in choosing beneficiaries to power these projects, VDF is open to all persons with no discrimination of gender, race or status.

VDF’s Projects in Burkina Faso

One significant VDF project is the “Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Women and Girls, Economic Empowerment and the Fight Against Violence in the Central Region.” The project aims to train people from the community. Those trained will conduct awareness sessions for women and girls and empower their rights. Women involved are trained in “micro-project management” and “income-generating activities.” This training promotes women’s financial liberty and socioeconomic development.

Similarly, men and adolescents are educated on “positive masculinity” to support women’s rights. Positive masculinity is rejecting the negative attributes of traditional masculinity, such as aggression. The focus on this behavior contributes to the reduction of GBV. This project also aims to have 60,000 women as direct beneficiaries, with 200 women for their psychological, legal, medical and social care and 120 women for income-generating activities.

Women, here, are the actors of change and social mobilization. They identify and refer cases of GBV and suggest beneficiaries for income-generating activities. As indirect beneficiaries, 20,000 people, including men, adolescents and 300 community leaders, participate in advocacy sessions to spread awareness.

Furthermore, the AIDS 2024 project involves educational talks on sexual violence and child marriage with internally displaced persons in various communities. On April 30 and May 2, 2024, a meeting was held to discuss and implement the project, known as the “Integrated Emergency Protection Response and Management of GBV in the Boucle du Mouhoun Region.” Moreover, the Sini-Gnèsigui project provides “listening clubs” for young survivors of child marriage and school-related violence. Listening clubs are like counseling groups that empower the youth to combat these abuses.

Projects and Workshops

On May 15, 2024, a workshop was held with Moundasso’s Center for Economic Growth listening club members. The discussion highlighted ways to identify signs of violence and to make an effective report and referral. The project’s objectives strive to enhance the resilience of girls and adolescents.

Finally, the project “Women’s Rights and Health in Burkina Faso: Preventing and Reducing Vulnerabilities in the Context of Crisis and Post-Crisis COVID-19” aimed to enhance medical, legal, judicial and psychological care for women survivors of GBV during the COVID-19 restrictions. VDF partnered with the Association of Women Lawyers of Burkina Faso, the Pananetugri Initiative for Women’s Welfare and Equipop.

The project sought to empower women and girls to address the socioeconomic impacts of the pandemic. This was achieved by fostering young female leaders who could drive positive change within their communities. In two years, the project reached more than 170,000 direct beneficiaries in three regions of Burkina Faso and concluded in March 2023.

Final Remark

The efforts made through the projects of Voices of Women have helped women understand and fully exercise their civil liberties. In addition to empowering women’s rights, VDF provided educational and financial support and contributed to reducing GBV across the country.

For the organization’s significant impact, the president of VDF, Mariam Lamizana, was awarded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for “the promotion of the abandonment of female genital mutilation.” This prize recognizes VDF’s substantial achievements in eliminating these harmful traditional practices.

– Caroline Albright

Caroline is based in Milton, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Women in Turkmenistan

Women in Turkmenistan Turkmenistan spans 189,656 square miles in Central Asia and operates under a strict totalitarian regime that severely restricts its citizens’ freedoms, including religious practices and media access. In 2021, the country reported that 16,000 people lived in multidimensional poverty, with an additional 22,000 at risk. The nation’s isolation and oppressive government policies make daily life challenging. Women experience profound disadvantages, facing various forms of violence and lacking opportunities to participate in organizational or advocacy roles. Consequently, about 60% of women in Turkmenistan cannot make independent decisions about their health care, underscoring the significant gender inequalities prevalent in the society.

Restrictions on Women’s Freedoms

The restrictions on women in Turkmenistan extend beyond health care and organizational rights. Recently, a “Taliban-style ban” has been imposed, prohibiting women from wearing tight clothing and using beauty enhancements such as hair dye, fake lashes and nails. Additionally, the ban extends to cosmetic surgeries, including popular procedures like lip fillers and eyebrow microblading. Women who previously had these enhancements or who attempted to bypass these restrictions are facing severe consequences, including job loss and police detention.

Enforcement and Consequences

Turkmenistan has further curtailed women’s freedoms by restricting their transportation options, barring them from sitting in the front seats of cars or being picked up by male drivers who are not relatives. These regulations were not formally announced but are strictly enforced. Authorities rigorously inspect women in both private and public settings to ensure compliance with these transportation and beauty standards. Women found violating these rules face severe penalties, including arrest, job termination and fines that are substantial relative to their monthly income.

International Aid and Women’s Advocacy

Despite numerous challenges, women in Turkmenistan can find support from international organizations aiming to improve their futures. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations (U.N.) Population Fund are actively involved in this mission. The U.N. Population Fund, in collaboration with state parties, is providing housing, shelter and work opportunities for women affected by violence in Turkmenistan. Simultaneously, UNDP initiatives are enhancing local infrastructure, supplying clean resources and energy and bolstering peace efforts. Additionally, USAID supports women by equipping national civil servants with the skills necessary to promote gender equality, offering a critical platform for change in the lives of Turkmen women.

Looking Ahead

International organizations like USAID, UNDP and the U.N. Population Fund continue to provide crucial support to women in Turkmenistan, despite the severe restrictions they face. These ongoing efforts include providing shelters, work opportunities and essential resources, along with promoting gender equality and peace initiatives. By equipping local civil servants and enhancing infrastructure, these organizations aim to create a more equitable and supportive environment for Turkmen women, offering hope amid challenging conditions.

– Yeliz Turkdil

Yeliz is based in Norman, OK, USA and focuses on World News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Economic Inclusion of Women in Uganda

Women in UgandaIn Uganda, women continue to find their capacity to materialize their potential hampered by deeply entrenched inequalities despite considerable political progress. The 1995 constitution rendered men and women equal before the law. Since then, numerous governmental initiatives have sought to eradicate gender-based discrimination. This includes the 2007 establishment of the Equal Opportunities Commission, a statutory authority that works to enforce anti-discrimination laws and equalize opportunity.

However, the United Nations (U.N.) has identified a chasm between this politically decreed equality and the living reality of Ugandan women, social mores frequently limiting their engagement in the public sphere. The result is a gaping monthly gender wage disparity of 32.3% and a mammoth loss in human capital and, thus, national wealth. Organizations of varying scales are, therefore, working to foster the economic inclusion of women in Uganda.

Resilient Women Uganda

Established in 2016, Resilient Women Uganda is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that helps vulnerable girls and women escape cyclical poverty by creating spaces where they can blossom unimpeded by patriarchal beliefs that undervalue them.

Harmful practices mar the economic inclusion of women in Uganda. A massive 45% of female Ugandans have suffered physical abuse at the hands of their partner. Additionally, more than one in five have experienced sexual violence. Moreover, child marriage is rampant, with 34% of girls entering unions before they turn 18 and 7% before the age of 15.

Seeking to limit the effect that these breaches of basic rights have on girls’ development, Resilient Women Uganda operates a shelter for those in immediate danger of violence or exploitation, where they can access food, medical treatment and pastoral care.

Furthermore, the organization offers vocational training in various sectors, supporting its beneficiaries in sculpting a future. Through the program, at-risk girls aged between 13 and 19 can develop skills that will lead them to secure employment and become economically self-sufficient members of society. In 2023, 55 young women trained by the program found jobs in hairdressing and fashion design.

The Women’s Microfinance Initiative

The Women’s Microfinance Initiative (WMI) empowers female entrepreneurs from impoverished rural communities by providing them with microloans and increasing their financial literacy. Founded in Washington, D.C., in 2008, the organization operates through hubs across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The “Transition to Independence” program gives women access to four consecutive loans at a 10% flat interest rate, which they can use to propel their businesses into economic self-sufficiency. The program also provides a holistic support system that seeks to mold its beneficiaries into well-rounded participants in the economy. At the community-level hubs, operated by local women, the borrowers receive training in business and marketing, ongoing mentoring and free bookkeeping resources such as calculators and notebooks. They also open bank accounts as part of the program and develop a strong grasp of financial processes.

WMI combats exploitative lending practices through its woman-centered approach, which is reflected in an impressive loan recovery rate of 98%. Its borrowers experience a monthly income growth rate of between 100% and 400%. The organization’s impact is as far-reaching as it is remarkable; in 2023 alone, it provided 12,000 loans and it has served more than 28,000 women since its inauguration.

Moreover, WMI estimates that its loans impact an additional 20 people for every borrower. This considers the effect of increased household income on family members and the reach of each business’s roots within the community’s economic network. According to the U.N., self-employed women in Uganda face heightened vulnerability to poverty due to limited access to services and capital. WMI is working to remove these barriers and allow female entrepreneurship to flourish.

Women in Technology Uganda

Women in Technology Uganda (WITU) is an NGO that has supported girls and women from underprivileged communities with training programs in technology and entrepreneurship since 2014. The “Code Girls” program operates across primary, secondary and tertiary education to bring ICT training to young people, especially girls, who are otherwise unlikely to access STEM resources. In 2022, the program bridged the technological divide for 1,354 students.

WITU also offers talented young women the opportunity to complete a two-year diploma in Computer Science and Entrepreneurship through the Women’s Institute of Technology and Innovation. In 2022, 33 girls excluded from tertiary education because of a lack of financial means received scholarships.

Moreover, the 12-week “Elevate” program fosters economic autonomy by training young women from marginalized backgrounds in ICT and providing them with various marketing and employability skills. As of 2022, the program had served more than 6,000 women. Given that just 31% of Ugandan women have access to the internet, compared with 69% of men, WITU’s work represents a vital pathway toward improved economic inclusion of women in Uganda.

Moving Forward

Although significant challenges remain, numerous organizations are working to strengthen Uganda’s social fabric by fighting for a future where its women are free to incorporate their unique and colorful threads. Their efforts demonstrate what WMI aptly calls “a long-term investment in human potential” and their shared vision is one of a nation that holds equal promise for all of its people.

– Leila Powles

Leila is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Reducing the Gender Wage Gap in Zambia

Gender Wage Gap in ZambiaThe variation in pay between men and women, also known as the gender wage gap, is a prominent focus of the fight against poverty. According to the U.N. Women’s 2023 report, for every dollar men are paid, women in East and Southern Africa earn 81 cents. The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) recognized the large gender wage gap in Zambia and advised the government to “step up its efforts to take more proactive measures, including with employers’ and workers’ organizations, to raise awareness, make assessments, and promote and enforce the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.”

Understanding the Gender Wage Gap

In the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index rankings, Zambia ranked 85th out of 146 countries, with a score of 0.699. The Global Gender Gap Index considers education, health, politics and economic involvement. On the scale of the score, zero equals imparity whilst parity equals one. Zambia’s Index decreased from 0.723 in 2022 to 0.699 in 2023.

In terms of the economy, account ownership of either a bank account or a mobile money service was lower for women (45%) than men (52.5%). This difference helps to understand the gender wage gap. Although the rate of women working in vulnerable employment remains at 80.1% in Zambia, the number of female workers in vulnerable employment has decreased since 1991.

Education is a huge part of tackling the gender wage gap in Zambia and on a global scale. In 2024, the U.N. Women launched its economic empowerment strategy to champion clearer accountability for plans to achieve gender equality. These goals include U.N. Women working together with organizations such as UNICEF and the World Bank to advocate for gender equality.

Improving Education

UNICEF and the London Stock Exchange Group Foundation created Zambian Girls 2030. This scheme emerged because of the Zambian government’s “Vision 2030” aiming for the country to become a middle-income nation by 2030. The number of girls dropping out of education after completing primary school is almost double that of boys of the same age. Zambian Girls 2030 involved internships focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and the girls who participated in the program met women working in these industries, including accountants and business owners. Between 2016 and 2018, almost 10,000 girls participated in the initiative’s school clubs, whilst 233 girls had the opportunity to complete the internship. Zambian Girls 2030 provided education opportunities to girls in Zambia which could further help reduce the gender wage gap.

One reason why girls drop out at a higher rate than boys after leaving primary school is the lack of transport. Between 2012 and 2022, World Bicycle Relief and the Ministry of Education in Zambia provided 36,977 girls living in rural areas with Buffalo Bicycles so they could attend school. This removal of one barrier to their education meant that these girls were 19% less likely to drop out of school than those without access to bicycles and the amount of lessons missed fell by 28%.

Financial Literacy

Mother’s Union is a women-led organization that addresses trafficking, unemployment and the financial empowerment of women. Across Zambia, more than 12,000 Mother’s Union members campaign against violence against women and advocate health awareness schemes.

Mother’s Union has been running the Literary and Financial Education Programme (LFEP) since 2000. The program educates both men and women. Therefore, the environment is one where both men and women realize the importance of furthering women’s education and how they can contribute to the household income.

The Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) project has helped 96,000 women in Zambia to access support and opportunities. Projects such as these could challenge the gender wage gap by giving women the opportunity to have a more active role within the economy. The project links with the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project, which aims to stop the challenges farmers face. Therefore, these two projects combine to allow women the opportunity to succeed through accessing opportunities within agribusiness.

Numerous initiatives are working to fight gender inequality in Zambia. By understanding the extent of gender equality, these schemes are addressing the causes of the gender wage gap.

– Amy Fox

Amy is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Poverty and Gender Inequality in Pakistan

Gender Inequality in PakistanAccording to the World Bank, Pakistan’s poverty rate is 40.1%, about the same as in 2018. However, when accounting for population growth, approximately 7 million more Pakistanis are living in poverty today. Pakistan has faced several setbacks in combating poverty, such as its slow economic growth in the last six years.

However, there is another facet of Pakistan’s poverty that is equally important to consider. Women are disproportionately represented among the nation’s vulnerable communities, with 75% of Pakistan’s extremely impoverished population being women and girls. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the “feminization of poverty,” is critical to consider when attempting to address the country’s poverty rate.

Gender Inequality in Pakistan

Pakistan ranks low on global gender inequality indexes. The nation ranked 145th out of 146 countries on the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Index, which examines the current state and evolution of gender equality across four categories: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival and Political Empowerment. Pakistan’s performance in each domain warrants brief discussion.

  • Economic Participation and Opportunity: In 2023, only 24% of women aged 15–64 participated in the workforce, compared with 81% of men in the same age range. Reasons for this gap include lower salaries (the gender wage gap was about 34% in 2022) and discriminatory work environments. Moreover, traditional gender roles discourage women’s participation in the workforce, establishing men as wage earners for their families and expecting women to perform more domestic tasks such as caring for their home and children.
  • Educational Attainment: As of 2021, the average number of years of education was 3.9 for women and 6.4 for men across the country — while these numbers varied by region, in all provinces, 10% or fewer of women completed secondary school. As of October 2022, the literacy rate for men in Pakistan was 69.3%, compared with 46.5% for women.
  • Health and Survival: About 27% of women in Pakistan experience intimate partner or domestic violence throughout their life, according to a United Nations (U.N.) report in 2023. Furthermore, only 51% of Pakistani women perceived their communities to be safe. While the nation has passed laws and policies against violence, implementing and enforcing them remains a challenge. Many women have little access to services such as police and social support that ensure their safety and protection.
  • Political Empowerment: Women’s representation in parliament remains limited. As of 2023, women held only 20.4% of seats in Pakistani national parliaments.

How Does Gender Inequality Affect Poverty in Pakistan?

Pakistan’s adherence to traditional gender roles limits educational, occupational and political opportunities for women. But how does this account for the disproportionate share of women among the country’s poor? According to the U.N., gender disparities in poverty stem from women’s lack of access to economic resources and financial independence. Pakistan’s substantial gender gap in economic participation reveals this disparity. Lower literacy rates and education levels also reinforce these numbers. Education is essential to securing a well-paying job — fewer years of schooling reduce a woman’s economic opportunities and serve as an obstacle to overcoming poverty.

Addressing Gender Inequality in Pakistan

While Pakistan needs to make considerable progress to overcome gender inequality, some organizations are currently working to provide more opportunities for Pakistani women. The U.N. Women Pakistan supports U.N. initiatives to implement global gender equality standards in Pakistan and encourages the Pakistani government to comply with those standards. Recent efforts include creating committees for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and strengthening Pakistan’s Women Development Departments.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus also works to influence gender-related legislation in Pakistan. The nonpartisan caucus works with international organizations to strengthen women’s rights and implement policies combating gender inequality in Pakistan. It recently organized a roundtable titled “Gender Responsive Budgeting for Women’s Empowerment in Pakistan,” during which it addressed various gender-related topics, including women’s lack of access to educational and medical facilities in rural areas and the prevalence of gender bias against national and provincial women legislators.

Pakistan’s gender gap in educational and economic participation is substantial. While the U.N. Women Pakistan and the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus are working toward improving educational and financial opportunities for women, much more work remains to reduce gender inequality in Pakistan. Bridging the gender gap will help diminish the feminization of Pakistan’s impoverished population—a major step in addressing the nation’s poverty rate as a whole.

– Lana Swindle

Lana is based in Princeton, NJ, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Women’s Rights in Guinea-Bissau

Women's Rights in Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissau is a small country located on the west coast of Africa and is a former colony of Portugal, from which it declared independence in 1974. Despite political and governmental challenges, including constitution changes and a coup d’Etat, the country has made efforts to protect women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau in key sectors such as labor, security and health measures.

Women in the Workforce

Developing nations such as Guinea-Bissau often face cultural and familial challenges that hinder women’s involvement in the workforce. Globally, the female labor force participation rate, which is the proportion of the female population that is 15 or older who are economically active is 48.8%. This figure rose dramatically, from just 2.63% in 1979. Additionally, the female unemployment rate in Guinea-Bissau is 2.8%. This is a low figure, especially in comparison with other developing nations across Africa and the Middle East. While the potential for progress remains, the data regarding workforce participation is an indicator of progressive change in female poverty and women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau.

Domestic Security for Women

As it stands, the Guinea-Bissau constitution does not explicitly prohibit violence against women or harmful practices to women’s health and safety. To improve female safety across Guinea-Bissau, the country adopted measures such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1985 and a National Action Plan per U.N. Resolution 1325 in 2011. However, Guinea-Bissau experiences high levels of governmental corruption and impunity for gender-based violence, as well as a stark lack of prosecution for cases of rape. This makes the legal advancements that promote women’s safety ineffective and reinforces gender disparity and poverty regarding domestic security.

Maternal Mortality

A vital measure of women’s health in a country is maternal mortality. One measure of maternal mortality is the number of maternal deaths per year. In 2020, Guinea-Bissau experienced 464 maternal deaths, down from 743 in 1997. In comparison, a developed country such as the U.S. experienced only 19 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in the same year. While data shows improvements in maternal safety in Guinea-Bissau, these numbers are severe and have serious consequences for women’s health.

In 2020, 3.12% of women in Guinea-Bissau were expected to die from pregnancy-related causes, according to Our World in Data. This statistic is abysmal, but women’s health in childbearing and birth can be dramatically improved through investment in maternal care, safe and sterile deliveries, improved nutrition and better hygiene and sanitation. UNICEF provides training and technical support to community health workers “to upgrade the skills of midwives as in some cases poor obstetric care has contributed to high maternal death rates.”

FGM in Guinea-Bissau

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a practice across developing nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East that has serious health consequences for the girls who experience FGM. In 2011, Guinea-Bissau passed the Federal Law to Prevent, Fight and Suppress Female Genital Mutilation. This law defines FGM, as well as criminalizes the performance, the failure to report incidents, the participation of medical professionals in the act, and the procurement or arrangement of FGM.

While this law is a significant step in reducing FGM and its culture across Guinea-Bissau, it is necessary to reiterate the impact of the weak legal system and corrupt government in the country. Due to these challenges, there is no data regarding prosecutions under the updated criminal code that FGM laws fall under. However, data does exist on the prevalence of FGM across Guinea-Bissau. From the ages of 15-49, an average of 52.1% of women experience FGM, with lower rates along the coast and extreme rates inland (95.8% of women in the Gabú region), according to the 28 Too Many report. Thus, poverty and women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau are strongly hindered by the prevalence of FGM, as the practice creates unsafe and unhealthy realities for women and girls across the country.

The Future of Women’s Rights

Women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau have increased with a global movement to involve women in the workforce, promote their safety and protect their health. Fortunately, numerous NGOs and non-profit organizations carry out important work in improving the well-being of women in Guinea-Bissau. For example, the FGM/C Research Initiative (FGMCRI) continues the work of the 28 Too Many Charity, which provides essential research and recommendations for ending FGM in countries that allow the practice to continue, including Guinea-Bissau. FGM is a difficult problem to measure and research, so the work of FGMCRI has provided other charities and organizations like the U.N. with the research needed to adjust goals and interventions.

Another organization operating in Guinea-Bissau is Effective Interventions which has been in operation for just two years. This NGO conducts randomized controlled trials to improve maternal and child health and literacy. In doing so, Effective Intervention can accurately measure the outcomes of their trials, which are either expanded or discarded depending on program success rates. Thus far the organization has succeeded in five projects that have improved maternal mortality rates and increased literacy rates in children.

Despite extensive challenges to women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau, these organizations provide hope to the women experiencing the challenges, and to the future generations of women who will continue to improve conditions.

– Carlie Duggan

Carlie is based in Newtown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Women’s Rights in Suriname

Women's Rights in SurinameArticle 35 of the Surinamese Constitution states that men and women are equal before the law. Recent studies indicate that 13.6% of women and 14% of men live below the international poverty line, showing fairly equal levels of poverty among both genders in Suriname. However, these numbers fail to capture the economic disparities that women face due to unpaid labor, health risks and social roles. Suriname’s coastal location makes it severely prone to flooding, and this is one contributor to women’s disadvantageous position in society. Women’s traditional role in society, unique health risks and limited participation in decision-making disproportionately impact women during flooding and increase poverty rates among Surinamese women.

Traditional Role of Women

In Suriname, gender roles are clearly defined, and women are responsible for household chores or raising children. Because they spend so much of their time doing unpaid work, they have fewer opportunities to seek paid employment. This financial dependency on the men in the household reinforces women’s lower position in society. Additionally, cultural practices in Suriname restrict women’s freedom of movement, meaning males must accompany them if they walk outside their homes or villages. Moreover, flooding exacerbates this issue because infrastructure damage makes travel difficult. This limited mobility hinders women from finding employment or education, making the traditional role of women a primary reason why women face higher rates of poverty than men, according to the 2023 Gender and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) report.

Health Risks

Flooding results in contaminated water, which disproportionately affects women because they use this water while doing household chores. This increased exposure heightens their chance of contracting waterborne illnesses, according to the 2023 DRM report. When floods compromise women’s health, they cannot fully participate in society or pursue higher education or employment. This perpetuates the cycle of inequality because women suffering from poor health are less productive and will be more likely to remain in poverty.

Limited Participation and Decision Making

In Suriname, women hold only 29.4% of seats in national parliament. The average percentage of women in parliament in the LAC is 32.8%, so Suriname is slightly lower than the regional average, according to the 2023 DRM report. Because women in Suriname have limited representation in decision-making about disaster management or response efforts, policymakers overlook women’s needs during a flood. Even if women want to participate in decision-making, societal expectations and systemic discrimination create barriers for them. Lack of input from women in decision-making causes important issues like equal pay or maternity leave to not be prioritized, which hinders women’s economic opportunities and increases the risk of poverty.

Ilse Henar Foundation for Women’s Rights

Flooding in Suriname has enlarged the gender poverty gap, and the Ilse Henar Foundation for Women’s Rights is working to correct this. Founded in 1996 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the National Women’s Movement, this NGO aims to protect the rights of women, establish non-discrimination policies in Surinamese law and alleviate poverty for all. One of its most notable accomplishments was helping draft legislation to eliminate sexual harassment in workplaces in Suriname. By focusing on women’s rights, the Ilse Henar Foundation is ensuring that women have legal protection from harassment or discrimination, creating a safer work environment. This incentivizes women to seek employment, lifting them out of poverty.

Conclusion

Flooding in Suriname exacerbates the challenges faced by women, highlighting the urgent need to address gender disparities. Empowering women in disaster management is crucial because their inclusion in decision-making ensures that their needs are translated into policies. The Ilse Henar Foundation for Women’s Rights does exactly that, advocating for women’s rights in Suriname and ensuring their equal participation in decision-making processes. These actions foster an environment where women in Suriname can thrive economically because they are more willing to join a workforce that is free of harassment and discrimination.

– Sophia Manole

Sophia is based Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gender Wage Gap in Singapore

Gender Wage Gap in SingaporeThe latest updates showed that the unadjusted gender wage gap between male and female full-time employees aged 25 to 54 in Singapore has been narrowed down from 16.3% in 2018 to 14.3% in 2023, according to the released infographic figures from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). According to United Nations data, Singapore ranks as “the second-most unequal developed economy in the world.” “Singapore does not have an official poverty line … Most Singaporeans are not aware of the scale and depth of poverty in Singapore,” stated a report from the Singapore Management University’s Lien Center for Social Innovation.

Unequal Earnings

The gender dimension is one of the most significant contributors to economic disparity and poverty in Singapore. Recent data from MOM highlights that women, despite having equivalent working hours and qualifications, earn less than men. These unequal earnings impact women’s financial stability, limiting their access to essential services such as health care and hindering their ability to save adequately in the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Women have about 40% less CPF savings compared to men, which underscores why 64% of women, versus 38% of men, depend on immediate family members for assistance with medical expenses, according to a 2010 health-care financing study by the National University of Singapore and Singapore Health Services.

The adjusted gender gap involving human capital and the labor market is 6.0% in 2023, lower than 6.7% in 2018. According to MOM’s report, the adjusted gap “is the unexplained component from the decomposition, which is the remaining gender pay gap between men and women employees after adjusting for both human capital and labor market factors where data was available.” The report considered, particularly, the occupational segregation of male and female employees as the main driver behind the gender wage gap in Singapore.

The report concluded three factors that could impact women’s choice of occupations: personality and skills; psychological traits; social norms and values. “These factors would continue to influence one’s choice of occupation, their career progression and earnings,” according to the report.

Unfair Treatment

A recent survey implied that in 2023, female employees still think they are not treated fairly regarding job compensation. In Singapore, 59% of investigated women employees said that they had an unfair base salary, and only 33% of them felt they were satisfied with the payment. Although the job market enhanced advocacy for diversity and encouraged women to have career paths in STEM, the fight against gender wage bias still has a long journey. 

The gender pay gap is a concerned issue for the government and society in Singapore. In 2022, the White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development aimed to support female employees in acquiring equal wages and flexibility in the workplace. In a total of 115 pages, the White Paper gave a call to all Singaporeans to equal job opportunities, caregiver support, mindset shifts in the workplace, etc. 

Minister Tan See Leng said that a closure in the gender wage gap in Singapore might need a “multi-pronged approach.” Fortunately, the Singapore government is striving for more equality in the job market by partnering with schools, industry, and the community to implement the SG Women in Tech movement, aiming to train and involve more talented female employees in the tech industry. 

Tan also mentioned that the government has been advocating for equal sharing of caregiving responsibilities in families by “increasing Government-paid paternity leave from two weeks to four weeks.” MOM has introduced a guideline on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) to assist employee’s requests for FWA. The government will also introduce the Workplace Fairness Legislation that sets goals to protect employees from discrimination in the workplace, according to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

Increase in PMET Occupations

By 2018, the number of women who have at least a diploma qualification rose to 71%, which is almost double higher than that in 2002, according to a 2020 report. While traditional occupations such as nurse and accountant still significantly represent women’s labor market in Singapore, there is a large increase in women’s share among professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs). From 2018 to 2023, the percentage increase in female PMET occupations is 2.5% more than that in males, according to MOM.

With the aid of Flexible Work Arrangements, women now have increasing participation in economic activity by enjoying equal educational and workplace opportunities. In the past decade, female employment for ages 25-64 increased from 69.2% to 76.6%, and the employment gap with men has decreased from 20.1 to 12.4 percentage points.

The Singapore government also works with the Council for Board Diversity to improve women’s share on the boards of the top 100 companies listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). The percentage of women on boards increased from 7.5% in 2013 to 22.7% in 2023. Statutory Boards also had a nearly 10% increase in women’s representation, according to a 2024 report.

– Cindy Hong

Cindy is based in Milpitas, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Gender Wage Inequality in Uganda

Addressing Gender Wage Inequality in UgandaDespite Uganda making significant strides in women’s participation in the labor force, wage disparities continue to reflect broader gender inequalities in the country’s workforce. Women in Uganda face substantial wage disparities compared to men, with women earning 32.3% less than men monthly. This stark reality highlights the ongoing issue of wage inequality in Uganda.

Household Dynamics and Marital Status

In Uganda, labor market participation varies significantly between men and women, influenced by household type and marital status. Men consistently have higher employment rates across all categories. The gender employment gap is smallest in single-person households, at 3.9 percentage points (p.p). This gap increases slightly to 4.1 p.p for households with one child and 4.6 p.p for those with two children. The largest disparity occurs in households with more than one adult and no children, where the gap widens to 10.8 p.p. Marital status further affects this gap, with married women facing more significant challenges in the labor market than their single counterparts, often due to childcare and family responsibilities. Additionally, the gender employment gap widens among individuals with secondary and tertiary education, particularly as the number of children in the household increases. This complexity is another facet of wage inequality in Uganda.

Working Hours and Education

Analysis reveals that women tend to work fewer hours than men across all education levels. While women aged 15 to 24 work more hours, the gap widens as they enter older age brackets, with women aged 25 to 64 working significantly fewer hours. Moreover, occupational segregation is particularly pronounced among individuals with secondary education, where more than half of women and men would need to swap jobs to achieve occupational parity. 

Occupational Segregation

Occupational segregation plays a significant role in perpetuating gender wage disparities. Women in Uganda often work in lower-paying sectors such as agriculture, informal trade and domestic work. Men, on the other hand, dominate higher-paying sectors like manufacturing, construction and technology. In the highest-skill occupational group, which includes legislators and managerial workers, women are also underrepresented across all categories. Interestingly, in this group, women earn 8.5% more than men on average. However, a glass ceiling is evident, as the gender pay gap is larger among the top 10% of wage earners.

Government Efforts to Address Gender Wage Inequality

Although the government has made significant strides in fostering gender equality through its policies, gender inequality persists. Uganda has formulated gender-responsive policies and strategies to enhance gender equality and empower women and girls, in line with the constitution, which prohibits discrimination and promotes women’s rights.

Key initiatives include:

  • National Development Plan (NDP II) (2015–2020). Emphasizes affirmative action and gender equality in national planning.
  • National Gender Policy (2007) and National Action Plan on Women (2007). Guide gender mainstreaming across sectors.
  • Integration of Global Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly focusing on SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

High-level policymakers have developed and endorsed a comprehensive set of priority gender indicators, known as the National Priority Gender Equality Indicators (NPGEIs). These indicators, aligned with global commitments, integrate into the national standard indicator framework to systematically track progress on gender equality.

Recommendations by the World Bank

The World Bank proposed that to close gender gaps in economic empowerment, policy actions need to be taken in three key areas:

  • Provision of Support to Growth-Oriented Enterprises. This involves supporting women entrepreneurs to help them transition from micro-enterprises to larger, more profitable businesses.
  • Addressing Women’s Time Poverty. Expanding access to early childhood education programs and implementing appropriate childcare models are essential to alleviate the care burden on women, allowing them to complete their education, acquire marketable skills and work outside the household.
  • Re-orienting Employment Programs. A dedicated government agency should focus on transitioning women from subsistence-level work to more growth-oriented sectors. This requires national strategies that recognize women’s diverse skills, set clear participation targets and include a high-level champion to guide these efforts.

Looking Forward

Uganda’s commitment to bridging the gender wage gap holds promise for more equitable economic development. Targeted policies and ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting women in the workforce could foster significant progress in combating wage inequality in Uganda. With continued governmental and community support, Ugandan women can potentially achieve greater economic empowerment and contribute more fully to the nation’s prosperity.

– Teniola Yusuf

Teniola is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr