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Child Marriage in Tanzania

Child Marriage in TanzaniaTanzania’s Marriage Act of 1971 establishes the minimum marriage age for girls at 15 with parental consent and 18 for boys. The law also allows 14-year-old children to marry under special circumstances if a court approves. Despite this, 29% of Tanzanian girls marry before their 18th birthday and 5% marry before age 15, which could breach the Marriage Act unless courts have specifically authorized these marriages. Similarly, 4% of boys marry before age 18. Although these marriages are not illegal for boys, they still impact young males. Child marriage rates across Tanzania reveal significant regional variations, soaring to 59% in Shinyanga, 58% in Tabora, 55% in Mara and 51% in Dodoma, while rates are much lower in Iringa at 8% and Dar es Salaam at 19%.

The Current Child Marriage Situation

Child marriage remains prevalent in Tanzania, driven by outdated beliefs of male superiority and influenced heavily by poverty. The concept of “Mahari,” or bride price, involves a husband offering money, cattle or clothing to a bride’s family, making marriage a financially appealing option for girls with few other income opportunities. In addition to affecting girls, child marriage also impacts boys under 18.

Family honor plays a significant role, with premarital sex viewed as a severe taboo that can lower a girl’s dowry and damage her family’s reputation. Teenage pregnancy rates are high; a 2016 study revealed that one in four girls aged 15 to 19 had begun childbearing. Tanzanian society strongly disapproves of pregnancy outside marriage, often leading parents to marry off pregnant daughters. Schools routinely test for pregnancy and pregnant girls face bans from re-entering the educational system.

Country-specific practices and rituals also contribute to child marriage in Tanzania. “Nyumba ntobu,” one of such practices, involves an older, wealthier woman paying a bride price for a young girl to become her wife. A man is then selected to impregnate the girl and any children born from this union are raised as the older woman’s child. This is just one of many factors that contribute to the prevalence of child marriage, significantly affecting young girls across Tanzania.

National Initiatives to Combat Child Marriage

Between 2017 and 2022, the government implemented numerous action plans to support girls facing the threat of child marriage. As of 2022, the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children worked to reduce child marriages to 10% and cut violence against women and children by 50%. Following the implementation of this plan, authorities established 16,343 Women and Children Protection Committees across all levels, from villages to the national level.

In 2017, the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children conducted a national survey on the drivers and consequences of child marriage. Additionally, the ministry developed the National Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2019-2022 and collaborated on the Cross-Border Anti-Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Plan of Action for East African countries to prevent female genital mutilation/cutting practices across borders during the same period.

Firelight Foundation

Firelight is committed to ending child marriage in Shinyanga, a northern city in Tanzania, believing that success in this challenging region could inspire broader change throughout the country. To combat child marriage, Firelight supports 12 grantee partners who implement a range of strategies, including economic strengthening through income-generating activities, livestock pass-on programs and psychosocial support for children rescued from child marriages. It also offers vocational and educational support for at-risk children, skillful parenting programs, community awareness campaigns via radio or drama, law enforcement interventions, training for local child protection committees, the establishment of child rights clubs in schools and training for teachers on child rights.

Looking Ahead

Tanzania continues to struggle with high rates of child marriage, particularly in regions like Shinyanga and Tabora. National efforts, such as the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, aim to reduce these rates, but cultural and economic factors remain significant obstacles. Organizations like the Firelight Foundation are actively working on the ground, supporting local initiatives that promote economic independence and provide educational opportunities for at-risk children. Ongoing efforts are essential to address the root causes of child marriage and ensure a safer future for Tanzania’s youth.

– Sadie Virgin

Sadie is based in Newport, South Wales, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Marriages in Malaysia: Tradition, Law and Reform

Child Marriages in MalaysiaMalaysia, an up-and-coming developing country that has fought its way through Portuguese, Dutch and British colonization from 1511 to 1824. It is also recognized as one of the 17 megadiverse countries, rich in natural heritage and biodiversity. Despite its progress toward modernization, Malaysia has seen an alarming increase in child marriages.

Law

Countries like Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Malaysia all have one thing in common: the Shariah jurisdiction, which is a form of religious law that is based on Islamic scriptures. The Shariah jurisdictions are split into three different systems:

  1. Classic Shariah system: Sharia law serves as the national law and the judiciary is often overseen by a monarch, as seen in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Brunei.
  2. Secular system: Shariah courts handle only personal affairs and have no authority over the country’s legal system, as in Indonesia, India and Nigeria.
  3. Mixed system: The most common system, where the national legal system coexists with Shariah jurisdiction over specific areas such as marriage, divorce, child custody, dress code and alcohol consumption.

While the jurisdiction of religious laws may appear suitable in some contexts, certain practices may be seen as extreme. For example, in 2019, Brunei’s Sharia jurisdiction introduced a new penal code that mandates death by stoning for offenses such as blasphemy, apostasy, sodomy and insults to Islam.

Correlations

The correlation between child marriages and Sharia courts lies in the fact that Sharia jurisdictions often bypass the legal age requirement for marriage, putting many vulnerable children at risk. One of the most common reasons for child marriages is financial hardship, leading parents to arrange marriages for their children in hopes of securing their future. Unfortunately, this often results in children missing out on their childhood and education and possibly facing abusive relationships.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a total of 1,856 children were married in 2018, 1,372 of whom were female and 170 of whom were male, making 83% of such marriages under the Muslim faith. Unfortunately, according to data from the Shariah Judiciary Department of Malaysia, the approval rate for underage marriage during 2005–2015 was around 82%, with the Law Reform Act 1976 (LRA) unable to detest the Shariah court, allowing the lives of 1,856 children and many more in danger.

Reform

In response, Malaysia’s Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development has launched the National Strategy for Addressing the Causes of Child Marriages, which will run from 2020 to 2025. The plan includes six factors, such as low household income, lack of education and negligent laws. It aims to provide social protection for low-income households, improve access to sexual reproductive health and parenting education, increase school attendance and address stigma around child marriage in communities. The strategy also calls for stricter laws to prevent underage marriages and ensure accurate data on marital status.

This strategic plan has already shown positive results, reducing the number of child marriages in Malaysia from 1,856 in 2018 to 1,042 in 2021, a reduction of approximately 44%. Although there’s still much work to be done, more nongovernmental organizations are collaborating to put an end to child marriage ultimately.

– Rayden Lim Jun Ee

Rayden is based in Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Organizations that Help Children in Costa Rica

Help Children in Costa RicaCosta Rica is a small country in Central America. It has a trade-based upper-middle-income economy, but poverty is still prevalent in the country, especially for children. Approximately one in three children under the age of 18 lives in poverty, especially those in single-parent households. The percentage of children and youth living in monetary poverty stands at 35%. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the average income for households decreased, only exacerbating the problem. So 30% of households had to reduce their food portions to make up for the loss of wages during the pandemic. In 2021, around 84,490 youths were victims of violence. UNICEF’s studies show that 46% of youths between the ages of 2-14 were disciplined using physical and/or psychological punishment, SOS Children’s Village reports. To combat this child poverty and violence, three organizations are working to help children in Costa Rica.

SOS Children’s Villages

This organization focuses on helping children in Costa Rica, specifically in certain towns within the country. One such city is Limon, known as Costa Rica’s murder capital, according to SOS Children’s Village. The city’s homicide rate is 35.9 per 100,000 people, while the homicide rate in the country is 17.2 per 100,000 people. Conflicts between organized crime groups cause most murders in Limon, and children are lured into these gangs, where they transport and sell drugs.

The organization creates “children’s villages” in Costa Rica, and in Limon specifically, to create a safe community for children to grow up in, especially children who cannot stay with their families. It also tries to keep in close contact with the children’s original families so that if they can return to their own homes, the transition process will go smoothly, according to its website. The children in these villages grow up together and make life-long relationships with each other.

Currently, in Limon village, there are 5 youths, but the organization has supported more than 100 young people. SOS Children’s Villages makes sure to provide the children with education and access to health care. In helping these children in Costa Rica grow up in a healthy environment to become confident adults, the team at the organization encourages each youth to make a plan for the future, according to SOS Children’s Villages. When these youths come of age, it also helps them prepare for employment by hosting workshops and training where they can join projects with local businesses.

Hope Partners International

Hope Partners is a Christian organization working to help children in Costa Rica. It works to improve the education, safety, and nutrition of children. The organization opened three new classrooms and a computer lab in its “Hope Centers” to allow more children to have access to education, according to its website. It also supports children eager to learn through mentorship and educational classes so that they can attend college or vocational school.

The organization also emphasizes the safety of its Hope Centers, while also providing a balanced meal for all students who visit the center. The group aims to relieve the children of some of the “day-to-day burdens from their shoulders and [provide] a consistent place of refuge and nourishment,” according to its website. Through its work, Hope Partners International hopes to create “healthier, more vibrant communities” in Costa Rica, starting by reducing child poverty.

Children Incorporated

Children Incorporated focuses on individual children through a sponsorship program to alleviate child poverty, one child at a time. They appreciate the financial support from their sponsors, but the relationship that could be developed between them could also be deep and special. The monthly sponsorship rate is $35, which buys the children school supplies, food, clothing and access to health care. Through this, children can go to school and be educated, according to Children Incorporated.

Volunteer coordinators who are physically in these local communities in Costa Rica are there to guide and help the children. They hand out hygiene items, clothes, shoes, and such essential items to the children, guide them through education, and work to improve health and nutrition, all with the sponsors’ support.

Ways to Help Children in Costa Rica

These three organizations are working to help children in Costa Rica. Poverty and violence often go hand in hand, so some groups focus on keeping youths safe from harm and gang activity, while others work to bring them out of poverty first. As these groups show, there are many different ways one could do that, either through community centers, children’s villages, or a more individualistic approach, but as long as it helps one more youth in Costa Rica, it is a work well worth the effort.

– Hannah Chang

Hannah is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Collective Action to Fight Poverty in Gaza

Poverty in GazaThe events of October 2024 have heightened the plights and struggles of those who call the Gaza Strip and the West Bank home. The conflict has left millions of people in Gaza struggling with poverty and unable to access basic necessities. According to Martin Griffiths, the United Nations’ (U.N.) humanitarian chief, the continuing violence has made delivering aid to the area nearly impossible.

For more than 30 years, the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has been at the forefront of the U.K. movement for Palestinian rights. As a grassroots organization, it is involved in lobbying politicians, challenging government policy and holding the media to account. The Borgen Project spoke to its Student and Young People Officer, Stella Swain, to discuss the importance of the organization’s grassroots methods when it comes to drawing attention to the struggle in Palestine.

Poverty and Struggle in Gaza

It is estimated that nine in every 10 people in Gaza have been displaced internally due to the conflict. Half of these people are children, many of whom have lost their families on top of their homes. In addition, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 14,000 children have already been killed in the violence.

Furthermore, famine has long been looming in Gaza. As a result of the continual displacement, violence and restrictions placed on aid, organizations like Save the Children estimate that 96% of the population in Gaza is facing severe food shortages. As of May of this year, close to half a million jobs had been lost from the Palestinian economy since October 2023. This drop includes an estimated loss of 200,000 jobs in the Gaza Strip, 114,000 jobs in the West Bank and 148,000 cross-border commuters from the West Bank to the Israeli labor market.

This massive drop in employment and job opportunities has led to an unprecedented increase in poverty across the country. The overall poverty rate of Palestinians stood at 32.8% in mid-2023 – around 64% in Gaza and 12% in the West Bank. However, as of present, nearly every single Gazan lives in poverty due to the destruction caused by the ongoing conflict.

Young People at the Forefront

Students have long led campaigns and protests that have shaped the world, including the movement against the Vietnam War and the fight to end apartheid in South Africa. Protests calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza are no different. More and more student encampments are being set up around the world as students and other young people demand that universities and governments acknowledge the violence in Gaza and its impacts on the civilians in the area. 

Swain stated that student organizing had shown universities that “the vast majority of their student body care deeply about where their institutions’ money is going and that they are determined that these institutions should enact their alleged ethos of global responsibility.”

Grassroots organizations, such as the PSC and The Borgen Project, mobilize the power of the people to bring about significant cultural, political and environmental change. Ben Jamal, the director of the PSC, emphasized the importance of public support at the organization’s Divest for Palestine Conference. He stated that their “longer-term and enduring task is to harness the energy of this extraordinary movement of solidarity and resistance into sustained campaigns to achieve the change needed” to end the violence and secure support and aid for the Palestinian people.

Looking Forward

The work of the PSC is a reminder of the importance of citizens coming together to hold their elected officials to account. The organization is working to bring the struggles of Palestinians to the forefront of the minds of powerful politicians who can provide aid and support. Grassroot organizations like PSC stand as proof of the importance of collective action to change the lives of those struggling in poverty.

– Kristina Grant

Kristina is based in Scotland and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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“I Still Had the Mind of a Child”: Ending Child Marriage in Zambia

Child Marriage in ZambiaAt 14, Doreen was forced to marry a man more than twice her age. Orphaned early, she saw marriage as a way to support her younger siblings. “I didn’t want to get married,” Doreen recalls. “I loved going to school. But I thought if I got married, I could help take care of my siblings.” Like many girls in Zambia, Doreen’s marriage meant the end of her education and the beginning of a life filled with responsibilities far beyond her years. “I should have been in school. I was too young. I still had the mind of a child,” she says. Her day-to-day life quickly shifted to household chores. “I spent most of my time sweeping, washing and doing dishes. I admired my friends going to school while I stayed home.”

Doreen’s story is not uncommon. In Zambia, nearly 29% of girls are married before they turn 18 and 5% before age 15. The impacts are widespread, especially in rural areas like the eastern and northern provinces, where traditions and economic pressures often lead families to marry off their daughters at a young age.

Why Child Marriage in Zambia Continues

Poverty is a major driving force behind Zambia’s high rate of child marriage. Indeed, around 60% of the population lives below the poverty line and for many families, marrying off their daughters can seem like a way to reduce financial strain. A bride price—money or goods paid to the girl’s family—can immediately relieve households struggling to get by.

In Doreen’s case, her grandmother worried about the future after taking on the responsibility of raising five grandchildren. She arranged the marriage, thinking it would secure Doreen’s future. “My grandmother feared she wouldn’t live long enough to care for us all,” Doreen explained.

Cultural practices also contribute. In many communities, marrying young girls is seen as a way to preserve family honor, prevent premarital sex or control a girl’s future.

The Impact on Girls’ Lives

For many girls, getting married means their education is over. Without access to school, they lose the opportunity to gain skills that could help them build a future independent of poverty. Doreen reflects on how her life might have been different: “If I had stayed in school, my life would have been different. I could have become a teacher, earned my own salary.”

Ending child marriage is crucial for reducing severe health risks, especially those associated with early pregnancy. Doreen, who became pregnant at 15, knows this all too well. “I was hurt when I found out I was pregnant. People were pointing at me: ‘That one is pregnant,’” she recalls. Her age caused complications during childbirth and doctors recommended surgery. “I was too young,” she explains.

Health complications from early pregnancies are common among child brides. Young mothers face higher risks during childbirth and are also more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The emotional, physical and sexual abuse that often goes with child marriage compounds these challenges, leaving many girls trapped in a life of hardship.

Ending Child Marriage in Zambia: New Legislation

In its fight toward ending child marriage, Zambia passed the Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023, setting 18 as the minimum marriage age without exceptions. Any marriage involving a child is now void from the start and cultural practices allowing child marriage are no longer recognized. Furthermore, the law also enforces strict penalties, with those involved in child marriages facing up to five years in prison. Under the Education Act, marrying off school-going children carries a minimum 15-year sentence.

The 2023 Amendment builds on Zambia’s earlier laws, including the Education Act of 2011, which banned marrying off school children and the Child Code Act of 2022, which criminalized child marriage. These laws aim to protect girls and align Zambia with international agreements on child rights.

What Comes Next

Zambia’s battle against ending child marriage is far from over. The success of the Amendment will depend on successfully enforcing the law alongside addressing the cultural and economic factors that sustain the practice. In communities where poverty and tradition drive child marriage, laws alone may not be enough to create lasting change.

Traditional leaders are vital in preventing child marriages. As respected figures, they can report cases, promote birth registration and support local authorities in enforcing laws. Schools and educators also have to raise awareness among students and parents about the dangers and legal protections around early marriage.

Health care providers are vital, too. By offering youth-friendly services and educating families on the health risks, they help reduce early marriages and support at-risk girls. Engaging men and boys is often overlooked. Involving them in discussions about gender equality and challenging norms can shift attitudes. When they advocate for girls’ education and rights, the cycle of child marriage has a better chance of being broken.

Final Note

Zambia’s new law marks a significant milestone toward ending child marriage. Yet, with nearly a third of girls marrying before 18, achieving lasting change will require ongoing education, community engagement and support for girls. Doreen’s experiences reflect those of many girls across the country, serving as a reminder of the work still needed. She says, “I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I did at 14.”

– Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia is based in Wiltshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Start2FinishUTM is Making a Difference

Start2FinishUTMChild poverty is a pressing issue in Canada, with more than one million children living in conditions that put them at risk of lifelong adverse effects. In 2021, Canada ranked 19th out of 39 countries in terms of child well-being, with poverty rates worsening over the years. The consequences of this poverty are profound, affecting children’s physical health, mental well-being and academic success. For many, the lack of adequate resources, nutrition and educational support makes it incredibly challenging to break out of the cycle of poverty. Education, a key pathway to a better future, is often compromised for these children, leading to long-term disadvantages that can last a lifetime.

Start2Finish is a Canadian charity committed to breaking this cycle of child poverty by offering continuous educational support to at-risk children. Its mission is clear: to empower children from low-income families to succeed in school and life by nurturing their minds, bodies and social health. Through programs like the Running and Reading Clubs and Backpack Program, Start2Finish provides children with the tools they need to thrive academically and socially in their school environment.

The Start2Finish Journey

Start2Finish was founded in 2000 with a vision to eliminate the impact of child poverty in Canada. Since its inception, the organization has made a significant impact across the country, serving thousands of children each year. With a network of 700 volunteers in 70 communities, Start2Finish offers 120 sessions each week

The Running and Reading Clubs, one of Start2Finish’s flagship programs, are after-school initiatives that combine physical activity with literacy education. These clubs operate in more than 50 communities across Canada, providing children with a safe and supportive environment where they can improve their reading skills, build confidence and develop a love for physical activity.

The Backpack Program, another cornerstone of Start2Finish’s efforts, provides children in Canada with key school supplies at the beginning of the academic year. This initiative ensures that children from low-income families have the resources they need to start the school year on the right foot. Together, these programs are designed to address the multiple dimensions of poverty that affect children’s ability to succeed in school and life.

Between 2022 and 2023, Start2Finish distributed 12,000 books to children, worked alongside 37 organizations and accomplished much more. Start2Finish also provides several other initiatives, including the Brainworx program, the Junior Coach program and many more.

Start2FinishUTM: Expanding the Reach

In February 2024, a group of dedicated students at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) recognized the importance of Start2Finish’s work and decided to bring its mission closer to home. Led by co-presidents Kathy Dang and Karl Aquino, Start2FinishUTM was established as a student group with the goal of expanding the reach and impact of Start2Finish through volunteer recruitment and community engagement.

The idea for Start2FinishUTM was born during UTM’s Alternative Reading Week, a program that connects students with community organizations for experiential learning opportunities. Dang and Aquino, both passionate about giving back to the community, were inspired by Start2Finish’s mission and saw a chance to make a difference. “We really love their work and we really appreciate what they do as a nonprofit organization. So we, Start2FinishUTM, we’re basically helping them expand their volunteer outreach initiatives to help the organization,” Aquino explained.

One of the challenges facing Start2Finish in recent years has been a decline in volunteer numbers, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the organization’s long-time volunteers did not return, creating a gap that needed to be filled. Start2FinishUTM aims to address this challenge by recruiting new volunteers from the UTM student body and the broader Mississauga community.

Building a Strong Volunteer Network

To achieve its goals, Start2FinishUTM has outlined a comprehensive plan for volunteer recruitment and community engagement. The group plans to host interactive workshops, information sessions and charity events throughout the academic year. “We’re planning on tabling in September at the Clubs Fair, where we can outreach to first-year and second-year students and also during Orientation Week,” Dang shared. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn more about Start2Finish and how they can get involved.

In addition to these outreach efforts, Start2FinishUTM is also exploring fundraising initiatives to support Start2Finish’s programs directly. “We’re in the middle of brainstorming so many different ideas that we could do as fundraising events,” Aquino said. The group hopes that these efforts will not only provide financial support to Start2Finish but also raise awareness about the issue of child poverty in the community.

A Personal Motivation

For both Dang and Aquino, their involvement with Start2FinishUTM is deeply personal. Dang, who is studying Digital Enterprise Management and Linguistics and Aquino, who is pursuing a degree in Comparative Physiology and Biology for Health Science, both have a strong desire to give back to their community. “It’s very close to my heart because I love children,” Aquino said. Coming from an Asian family where academics is one of the biggest things, providing these services for children might be small, but for me, very important,” he added.

Dang echoed this sentiment, sharing her own connection to the cause. “Our mission is to break the cycle of child poverty by providing ongoing educational support to at-risk children. My main motivation was to assist in this cause, supporting and helping children that may be struggling just as I may have once experienced in my personal life as well. And that personal connection really hits straight home to my heart,” said Dang.

Looking Ahead

As Start2FinishUTM moves forward, the group is focused on building a strong community of volunteers and supporters who share its passion for education and social change. “We’re just starting and we’re a very fresh and new student group. Hopefully in the next few years, more students will know about it and our impact on the community will snowball from there,” Aquino said.

Start2Finish UTM is more than just a student group; it is a movement dedicated to breaking the cycle of child poverty through education and empowerment. By partnering with Start2Finish, the students at UTM are not only contributing to a vital cause but also building a legacy of service and social responsibility that will inspire future generations.

– Jennifer Lee

Jennifer is based in Toronto, ON, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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3 Ways Mothers Can Be Lifted Out of Poverty

MothersPoverty disproportionately affects women, particularly mothers. For instance, in 2017, 20% of women in the United Kingdom (U.K.) were living in poverty compared to 18% of men. Additionally, 90% of single mothers experience poverty. While the proportion of men facing poverty has decreased in recent years, the rate for women has remained stalled. Here are some of the ways mothers can be lifted out of poverty:

Better Provision for the Essential Living Costs

Governments can address poverty by improving support for essential living costs faced by families. By covering expenses for heating and electricity through targeted schemes for the most vulnerable, working families can make fewer sacrifices. Such programs would eliminate the difficulty of buying groceries and maintaining a warm home. This support would enable families to focus more on spending quality time with their children and provide mothers with much-needed respite.

Child Care Provisions

Child care provisions also provide a hopeful potential solution. High child care costs act as a key barrier for parents who work. Fees are an additional financial factor that particularly impacts lower-income parents during school holidays. Suppose countries can implement better universal child care provisions. In that case, the gap between accessibility for low- and high-income parents can be closed. Parents can focus on work and career progression, leading to better wages for their families. Children can interact with other children and develop their creativity and imagination. Creating these schemes will, therefore, benefit both the parents and the children. 

Turning to a success story, Sweden works as a model for other countries, providing hope that these solutions are attainable when put into practice. The “income packaging” approach to the welfare state adopted in Scandinavian countries promotes female involvement in the world of work. By providing children’s allowances, mothers can focus on work rather than entirely on ensuring that child care measures are in place. This enables greater career progression and mothers to work more hours rather than being confined to part-time roles due to child care commitments. 

Income Transfers and Support for Parents in Employment

Implementing schemes with more generous income transfers and support for working parents has effectively reduced poverty. In countries like the U.K., where social transfer systems are limited, support for vulnerable working families falls short, resulting in higher poverty rates. In contrast, Scandinavian countries provide more comprehensive support for single mothers. This targeted approach ensures that the assistance is more effective and beneficial. Additionally, the direct benefits can be assessed more efficiently, allowing for easier adjustments and improvements as needed.

Final Remark

The changes required to lift mothers and their children out of poverty are achievable. With a global commitment to supporting this group, effective tax redistribution and improved support schemes can help break the cycle of poverty. By implementing these measures, future generations of families can be lifted out of poverty and provided with greater opportunities for a better life.

   – Sarah Littleton

Sarah Littleton is based in London, U.K. and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Bahar Charity: Combating Child Poverty in Iran

Child Poverty in IranChild poverty remains a pressing issue in Iran, affecting the lives of countless children and families. Material poverty is particularly prevalent in Iran, with significant disparities in access to essential services and resources, particularly in rural areas. Around 30% of the Iranian population lives in poverty, which leaves many children at risk. Rural children, particularly girls, face greater barriers to accessing education, health care and adequate nutrition, creating a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.

This widespread poverty has far-reaching implications, including limited access to quality education, health care and social services, all of which are critical for the healthy development of children. Against this backdrop, organizations like Bahar Charity, a student-run group at the University of Toronto, Canada, have stepped in to make a tangible difference in the lives of disadvantaged children in Iran.

Bahar Charity

Founded in 2016, Bahar Charity was created by a group of friends in response to a natural disaster in Iran. This event spurred them to take action. They created a platform through which they could provide meaningful support to people back in their home country. As Nafiseh Ghoroghchian, the current president of Bahar Charity, explains, “Our vision is to build bridges between the North American, especially the Iranian community and Iran… to keep awareness of the challenges back home and provide help where we can.”

The charity aims to connect the Iranian diaspora in Canada, particularly the students and alums at the University of Toronto, with communities in Iran to support children who are struggling with poverty. The organization strives to foster a sense of solidarity and empathy among young Iranian Canadians while providing tangible assistance to those in need.

Partnerships and Collaborations

One of the most significant partnerships that Bahar Charity has developed is with Paradise Charity. This registered Canadian charity has been operating since 2001. Paradise Charity collaborates with nine nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) across different provinces in Iran, identifying underprivileged children and connecting them with sponsors in Canada. This partnership has allowed Bahar Charity to reach a wider audience and bring more support to the children in need.

Through this collaboration, Bahar Charity has established a child sponsorship program. It enables donors to sponsor a child in Iran for a minimum of $30 per month. The funds are primarily used to support the child’s education but can also be allocated for other necessities, such as health care, therapy or even household needs like repairing essential appliances. As of now, Bahar Charity has successfully gathered around 40 sponsors for approximately 60 children, ensuring that they receive continuous support for their education and well-being.

Key Initiatives and Programs

Bahar Charity has developed several initiatives to bridge the gap between the Iranian community in Canada and the underprivileged communities in Iran. Some of the key programs include:

  • Child Sponsorship Program: In collaboration with Paradise Charity, Bahar Charity has facilitated a sponsorship program that provides financial aid to underprivileged children. This program focuses on supporting children who have lost a parent or come from low-income families. It ensures they have access to education and basic needs. Indeed, the charity has managed to sponsor 60 children through the contributions of around 40 sponsors, creating a sustainable source of support for these children.
  • Fundraising Campaigns: Bahar Charity has organized multiple fundraising events to provide emergency relief in times of crisis. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it raised funds to supply oxygen tanks to low-income provinces in Iran suffering from a lack of medical supplies. Similarly, it conducted fundraising activities to support families affected by floods and other natural disasters in Iran.
  • Educational and Cultural Initiatives: Bahar Charity regularly hosts seminars, discussions and cultural events to raise awareness about the issues faced by children in Iran. These events serve to educate the broader community at the University of Toronto about Iranian culture. Additionally, they highlight the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. Notably, it organized a photographic exhibition featuring photographs taken by underprivileged children in Iran. The event was a success, showcasing the artistic talents of the children while raising funds for their support.
  • Advocacy and Awareness: Beyond financial support, Bahar Charity is committed to raising awareness about child poverty in Iran and mobilizing support from the Iranian-Canadian community. It organizes seminars, talks and documentary screenings to foster discussions on relevant social issues, such as homelessness and education inequality in Iran. These events are open to both Iranian and non-Iranian audiences, helping to build a more inclusive community at the University of Toronto.

The Future of Child Poverty in Iran

Bahar Charity has made remarkable progress since its inception. It has built a solid partnership with Paradise Charity, established successful fundraising campaigns and developed programs that directly benefit children in need. Looking ahead, it aims to increase its volunteer base and seek more collaborations with other organizations. With more hands-on projects, such as workshops and one-on-one tutoring sessions for Iranian children, it hopes to make a more direct and meaningful impact.

– Jennifer Lee

Jennifer is based in Toronto, ON, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Hunger Amid Progress: Addressing Food Poverty in India

Food Poverty in IndiaDespite India’s strides in poverty reduction, the country still struggles with severe food poverty, especially among children. A recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report underscores this contradiction, revealing that 40% of children in India face severe food poverty. These two statements highlight different aspects of the issue, but their lack of nuance makes it harder to grasp the broader picture.

Comparisons With the National Family Health Survey

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) provides additional context to the UNICEF findings. The NFHS-5 data indicates that India’s child wasting rate is the highest globally at 18.7% and the child stunting rate is 31.7%. These figures reflect the persistent challenges in addressing malnutrition despite various government initiatives like the National Nutrition Mission and the Public Distribution System.

Insights From the Global Health Index

The Global Health Index (GHI) further corroborates the severity of India’s hunger crisis. With a score of 28.7, India is categorized as having a “serious” hunger level. This index highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of malnutrition, including food insecurity, poor dietary diversity and inadequate health services.

Gaurav Dwivedi: Methodology and Challenges

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Gaurav Dwivedi, a data journalist from New Delhi Television (NDTV), emphasized the importance of data validation in assessing food poverty. Dwivedi noted that much of the available data is not validated by the government, resulting in discrepancies that hinder effective policy-making. He also highlighted the lack of awareness and educational programs on nutrition and motherhood, which further exacerbates the issue at the grassroots level.

Dwivedi noted that dietary diversity plays a crucial role in understanding food poverty. In India, ancestral knowledge rather than formal education often influences nutritional choices. This lack of formal nutritional education is particularly ironic in urban areas, where access to information is ostensibly better. Additionally, Dwivedi criticized the rigid criteria set by organizations like UNICEF, which may not accurately reflect the nutritional realities of different countries.

The Urgency of Addressing Food Poverty

Figures and insights from various reports highlight the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to tackle food poverty in India. This involves improving data validation, enhancing nutritional education and adapting policies for climate change and population growth. Additionally, more substantial political commitment and accountability are essential to ensure that economic progress improves nutritional well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While India has made significant economic progress, the persistence of severe food poverty among children highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, civil society and international organizations to ensure every child has access to a nutritious and diverse diet, paving the way for a healthier future.

– Malaikah Niyazi

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

Photo: Flickr

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What You Need to Know about Child Marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan

Child Marriage in Iraqi KurdistanChild marriage remains a significant issue in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. It occurs in regions where poverty is prevalent, such as India, Africa and the Middle East. Campaigns and legislative frameworks have been implemented to combat the issue.

Prevalence

Data from Iraq’s Central Bureau of Statistics showed that 5% of Iraqi girls were married before the age of 15, while approximately 22% of Iraqi girls married before they turned 18. Child marriage contracts in the Kurdistan region are often concluded informally outside the courts. The marriages are not formally registered, leading to the underreporting of actual rates. There are international legal instruments and local laws that set a minimum age for marriage and require registration. However, enforcement of these laws is often weak. This allows informal marriages to occur without legal repercussions.

Key Drivers of Child Marriage

Several factors contribute to child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan.

  1. Conflict and Displacement: Conflict and displacement exacerbate vulnerabilities, leading families to marry off daughters to reduce economic burdens.
  2. Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional beliefs and social pressures can impact this. Some communities may view early marriage as ensuring their daughter’s future and protecting her family’s honor.
  3. Gender inequalities: Deep-rooted gender inequality and gender biases subordinate the status of women and girls in societies that perpetuate the practices.

Risks of Child Marriage

Young girls who marry as children face numerous risks. They are vulnerable to health issues as a consequence of rape, early pregnancy and premature childbirth. Psychologically, they may suffer from social isolation enforced by their families and domestic violence. Despite legal measures, violence and rape remain prevalent in child marriages due to inadequate official responses.

In Iraq, although rape is criminalized, charges can be dropped if the victim marries the perpetrator. Moreover, since spousal rape is not criminalized, domestic violence is seldom reported, with families often resolving issues privately.

Legal Contexts

“The Personal Status Law and Amendments 1987 sets the legal age for marriage at 18”. However, judges can permit girls as young as 15 to marry under certain circumstances, for example, parental consent if the marriage is deemed as being in the best interests of the girl. This contributes to the prevalence of child marriage in the region. Proposed bill changes to Iraq’s Personal Status Law recently alarmed women and children’s rights campaigners.

The proposed amendments would allow Muslim citizens to choose between secular and religious laws for family matters, potentially legalizing child marriage for girls as young as 9. Furthermore, these amendments would undermine existing protections for women regarding divorce and inheritance. These changes could institutionalize sectarianism in family law and empower religious authorities, raising significant concerns among women and children’s rights advocates. On July 28, 2024, a group of activists, including campaigners from the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square in opposition to the bill.

Actions Taken

In 2016, an Inter-Ministerial committee in Kurdistan adopted a plan to change societal attitudes toward child marriage. The plan included launching a campaign called “Ensuring My Future.” The campaign emphasized the direct link between empowering young boys and girls and reducing child marriage rates. It also challenged the misconception that child marriage secures a girl’s future. The plan targets young girls, adolescent girls and parents by showcasing success stories of women in various professional fields to inspire girls to pursue education and careers. Additionally, religious and health arguments are used to persuade families to abandon the practice of marrying their daughters at a young age.

A Child Marriage Task Force was established in Kurdistan in 2016. The task force has representation from child protection and gender-based violence working groups to coordinate responses and provide guidance. It focuses on prevention strategies, policy recommendations, awareness raising, and improving data collection to address the issue in the region effectively.

There is also an increased collaboration between international organizations, local nongovernmental organizations and government bodies to address child marriage. Initiatives like the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, implemented by the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are working to create sustainable change by addressing the root causes of child marriage and supporting affected girls.

These include a comprehensive approach that empowers girls with education and life skills. Furthermore, it engages communities to challenge harmful norms, strengthens support systems and services, advocates for protective policies, and emphasizes data collection. UNICEF has reported that the collaborative efforts of various organizations fighting against child marriage, including Girls Not Brides, have successfully averted 25 million arranged child marriages.

Final Remark

Progress has been made to eradicate child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan. However, continued efforts are needed to empower girls and shift societal norms to ensure a future where every child can enjoy their right to a safe and fulfilling childhood.

– Hannah Ravariere

Hannah is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr