Tag Archive for: Inequality

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Addressing Inequality: Tax Justice in Kenya

Tax Justice in KenyaProtests in Kenya erupted due to widespread discontent over the government’s proposed 2024 finance bill. Economic and social challenges continued over the year, reigniting anti-government demonstrations in June 2025. Despite Kenya’s broadly positive economic outlook, a large part of the population experiences wealth inequality and a lack of access to social services.

Globally, wealthy individuals and corporations enable Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), resulting in a loss of $1 trillion in 2022 alone. Advocate groups challenge this disparity as it largely contributes to poverty and degrades social welfare. Taxes proposed in the 2024 finance bill were seen as unfavorable to impoverished and middle-class people, possibly widening this gap further and proving the need for tax justice in Kenya.

United Nations’ Convention on International Tax Cooperation

Wealth disparities and illegal wealth extraction in the Global South often enrich Western corporations. The Tax Justice Network researches these illicit financial outflows, which hamper economic development. The organization has also lobbied for stronger global tax policies to promote social development and tax justice in vulnerable countries.

One of its major global concerns is the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on International Tax Cooperation, which seeks to close gaps in the international tax system and help countries recover stolen revenue. The Convention also aims to address tax abuses in cross-border systems and resolve international tax disputes equitably.

Kenyan delegates and other leaders of the African Group were the first to push for the U.N. Convention. The African Group’s concerns in advancing the Convention stem from the unequal distribution of wealth between developing and Western nations and corporate-driven wealth disparities within the Global South.

Social and Wealth Inequality

Oxfam asserts that the number of millionaires in Kenya will grow by more than 80% in the next 10 years. If current rates of inequality continue, it could result in millions of people living in extreme poverty in a similar time frame. Poverty rates in Kenya are higher in rural areas and areas of lower economic growth.

The World Bank Group highlights this uneven distribution as a vulnerability. Indeed, its reports suggest evaluating tax spending and fiscal policy to support poverty reduction. Accountability organizations like the National Taxpayers Association (NTA) in Kenya also work toward this goal.

The NTA supports local endeavors to rebalance social service provisions. The organization supports researching, monitoring and evaluating tax issues and development programs, as well as analyzing policy and legislation. Locally taking charge in the fight for tax justice in Kenya, the independent organization hopes for accountability from the government against economic inequality.

The Challenges Ahead

From 2025 to 2027, the U.N. Tax Convention negotiations will deliberate on multilateral platforms to address global wealth inequalities. Having only completed the organizational phase, member states need to continue talks and vote to pass issues before consideration from the U.N. General Assembly.

Analysts at the Tax Justice Network assert that lower-income countries can be negatively impacted through bilateral tax treaties if equitable terms are not met. The U.N. Convention is one attempt to avoid this, making global trade equitable and reversing many years of richer economies unilaterally dictating global economic agendas.

– Aliyah Omar

Aliyah is based in Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Disability and Poverty in North Macedonia: “Getting a Life” Project 

Disability and Poverty in North MacedoniaPeople with disabilities in North Macedonia face a significantly higher risk of poverty compared to the general population. In 2020, nearly 30% of working‑age people with disabilities lived in households with very low work intensity, more than double the rate for those without disabilities. Among all children, 32.7% lived below the national poverty line, reflecting inequalities that likely worsen for children with disabilities. Households that include disabilities often incur extra costs for medical care, assistive devices and travel, further increasing financial strain. These systemic barriers keep many with disabilities trapped in poverty. Here is more information about the correlation between disability and poverty in North Macedonia.

Breaking the Cycle of Institutionalization

For decades, individuals with intellectual disabilities lived in large-scale institutions in North Macedonia, isolated from their communities. In 2020, People in Need (PIN) launched “Getting a Life”, an EU‑funded project to shift residents into small, community‑based homes. PIN transformed institutions into nine independent living houses across Demir Kapija, Negotino and Skopje and relocated 45 residents from the Demir Kapija Special Institution to set up a better system to end disability and poverty in North Macedonia. Each house supports under five individuals and includes accessible living spaces designed to encourage autonomy.

Training for Quality Care

PIN trained more than 120 professionals, including social workers, physiotherapists and educators,  in person‑centered care. Eighty of them now prepare individualized care plans focusing on skills such as employment, daily living and social integration People in Need. PIN also launched a daily activity center in Skopje offering cooking, art and computer workshops, helping individuals develop confidence, skills and friendships.

Raising Awareness Across Communities

Community acceptance plays a crucial role in inclusion. PIN organized 18 awareness‑raising events, such as open houses and film screenings, that involved local officials, self‑advocates and neighbors. They helped form self‑advocacy groups and hosted the first national conference in 2023. All of this effort, drew multiple participants to feature policy recommendations. to government officials. PIN has managed to create an inclusive space to normalize disabilities in North Macedonia and to normalize their presence in communities that are often marginalized by poverty.

Measuring the Impact

In just three years, “Getting a Life” improved lives for 45 residents, built capacity for 120 professional caregivers and established community facilities. A final project evaluation found that 66% of trained caregivers found the training relevant, and 86.7% agreed that the principles of inclusion informed their approach. Residents now leave home slightly more regularly, 77.8%  reported occasional outings, whereas institutional conditions previously limited these opportunities. These findings provide further evidence that projects like “Getting a Life” can help identify ways to address disability and poverty in North Macedonia.

The Road Ahead

Despite these milestones, more than 60 individuals still live in the Demir Kapija institution awaiting relocation. Expanding community-based living will require steady funding, strong political leadership and innovative partnerships between government agencies, NGOs and international donors. People in Need aims to use the lessons from “Getting a Life” to guide further deinstitutionalization efforts across the Western Balkans, adapting the approach to meet different local needs. Scaling this model would not only open the door to independence for those still in institutions but also create more inclusive neighborhoods, generate care-sector jobs and reduce the long-term costs of institutional care. Investing in disability inclusion safeguards human rights, lowers poverty rates and strengthens the social fabric for everyone.

– Nilay Ersoy

Nilay is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Fragility and the Rule of Law in New Caledonia

Fragility and the Rule of Law in New CaledoniaThe French Overseas Territory of New Caledonia is undergoing a political transformation, driven by recent violence in the capital, Noumea. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to grant the territory statehood. This unprecedented move would alter the Pacific island’s constitutional status and mark a first in French history.

Recent Tensions

Last year, the pro-independence Kanak population rioted across New Caledonia, particularly in Noumea. The riot was in response to proposed legislation granting voting rights to expatriates who had lived there for more than 10 years. Under the 1988 Noumea Accord, signed in response to similar riots and tensions in the ’80s, only native New Caledonians have been eligible to vote in elections.

Specifically, expats (many pro-French, anti-independence) were not allowed to vote in referendums on New Caledonian independence. To many Kanaks, this new legislation threatened the momentum of the pro-independence movement against French rule. Riots broke out and the French government sent military troops and police officers to reestablish the rule of law. Macron himself visited in an attempt toward peace; however, this seemed to inflame tensions, with statements of “not my president” from protestors.

The disagreement and subsequent violence go beyond political tensions, with young Kanaks speaking to the levels of disenfranchisement they feel as they struggle to make ends meet. At the same time, French expats use New Caledonia as a wealthy paradise. Europeans, in turn, report a rise in anti-white racism from Kanaks, who have targeted expat communities on the island. Sonia Backes, a pro-French politician in the New Caledonian Congress, has reportedly received death threats for her political stance.

Demographics and Social Groups

New Caledonia hosts a combination of indigenous Kanaks and White-French expats, with a population of more than 300,000. Approximately 39% are Kanaks and 27% are Europeans, with the remaining population comprising various Pacific and Asian ethnicities. Most Kanaks live in Noumea, particularly in the city’s underserved areas. In contrast, French expats tend to live in smaller communities in the south.

The poverty rate in New Caledonia is around 19%; however, in the majority-Kanak Loyalty Islands Province, this rises to around 45%. Amid this inequality, more than 26% of young people in New Caledonia are unemployed, with only 8% of Kanaks holding a university degree. Additionally, 46% have no high school diploma, whereas 54% of Expats completed higher education.

The educational and economic disparity between the two groups is stark and many have argued that this motivates tensions. The history of violence in New Caledonia is multifaceted. Historically, Kanaks have risen against the government for political reasons, which has been successful in the eyes of Kanak independence groups.

The result of the 1988 riots was three independence referendums, with the last occurring in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic. The vote resulted in opposition to independence. However, key pro-independence figures, such as Roch Wamytan, argued that the referendum occurred under abnormal circumstances. They claimed the results should be ignored and another vote held. Many Kanaks boycotted the referendum, following local mourning rituals and fearing the virus. Pro-French loyalists therefore won with 96.5% of the vote.

Foreign Interference

An interesting aspect amid this fragile situation is the role of Azerbaijan in supporting independence. Kanak independence figures dispute claims of economic support from the Azerbaijani government. However, pro-Azerbaijani social media accounts have been linked to widespread misinformation concerning the role of French police in the 2024 riots.

This stems from the French government’s historic support for Armenia, one of Azerbaijan’s rivals. Azerbaijan has responded by supporting independence movements of French colonial territories, with the Baku Initiative Group formed as a collection of anti-colonial groups in European overseas territories.

While Kanaks have historic reasons for supporting independence, foreign governments that oppose the French state see New Caledonian independence as something to weaken French influence abroad. New Caledonia has remained French due to its impact in the Pacific, not to mention the extensive nickel reserves available in New Caledonia, which are key for chip manufacturing and electric vehicles.

The Future of New Caledonia

While tensions have been high, the recent agreement to establish a New Caledonian state has been received mostly positively. Independence groups have agreed that this is the best they could hope for. However, this only calms tensions for now. Pro-independence Kanaks have vowed to continue to fight for their independence and that fervour will not subside anytime soon.

– Lee Stonehouse

Lee is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Panama

Poverty Eradication in PanamaPanama is one of the most prosperous trade hubs in the world’s economy. The Panama Canal drew in 210.3 million tons of cargo in 2024 and is an important part of the United States of America’s trade operations. Panama has also faced significant problems with poverty in the region. The UNICEF annual report 2020 reported that the poverty rate is 41.4% in rural areas, while it is 11% in urban areas. This level of poverty hits children the hardest, as 32.8% of children grow up multidimensionally poor. 

Programs in poverty eradication in Panama have grown over the past few decades, thanks to the Panamanian government, creating innovative approaches to improve the lives of its citizens, such as increasing jobs for the nation and social programs such as the Universal Educational Social Assistance Program (PASE-U) and the Panamá Solidario emergency program. Despite these advancements, the region faces challenges, particularly in addressing income inequality.

Job Creation and Economic Prosperity 

Panama’s rapid economic growth has been a cornerstone of its poverty reduction efforts. Between 1990 and 2019, the country’s economy grew at an average rate of 5.8% annually, thanks to the usage of the Panama Canal. This pace significantly outpaced the regional average of 2.6%. This growth has translated into improved labor conditions for the people of Panama, with mean hourly real wages increasing by 60%, the employment rate rising from 48% to 63% and women’s labor force participation increasing from 34.1% to 55.5%. This increase in jobs has decreased the number of people living in poverty in Panama, plummeting from 50.2% in 1989 to 12.9% in 2021.

This is just one step in poverty eradication in Panama, as giving people jobs and positive economic growth in a country can hopefully help all classes of people in Panama, not just the wealthy business owners.

Social Protection Programs

Innovative social protection programs have been a crucial strategy to poverty eradication in Panama. The Universal Educational Social Assistance Program (PASE-U) and the Panamá Solidario emergency program are notable examples. Starting in 2020, the PASE-U objectives are to prevent school dropout, raise enrollment and school attendance rates and motivate to strengthen academic improvement. This is done by a government allowance to students who continue to pursue education, with the benefits of 270 PAB for primary school students, 360 PAB for presecondary school students and 450 PAB for secondary school students (PASE-U).

Panamá Solidario’s emergency program prioritized the purchase of local production from both agribusinesses and producers, for the manufacture of bags and delivery of products of agricultural and livestock origin. This program aimed to continue economic production in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the program were widely successful, as the nation delivered more than 6 million bags of meals until January 2021. About 2.1 million physical bonds and 4.7 million digital vouchers were credited to continue economic growth. The Panamá Solidario would support more than 1.6 million Panamanians during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining economic growth.

Addressing Inequality

Despite these achievements in addressing poverty reduction, Panama continues to grapple with significant income inequality. The country ranks third in South America and Central America for income disparity, with the poorest 20% earning just 1.2% of the total labor income, while the wealthiest 20% claim 32.7%. Geographic disparities are also pronounced, with poverty rates being higher in the rural areas of the region, compared to urban areas. Indigenous communities face even greater challenges, with 69.4% living in poverty and limited access to basic services such as education and health services.

Future Directions

Progress is still occurring, as the World Bank Group’s Poverty and Equity Assessment of Panama suggests that Panama must prioritize policies that expand access to basic services, improve job quality, enhance human capital and promote household resilience in the long run. Addressing the structural challenges that perpetuate inequality for the people of Panama will be essential for achieving shared prosperity.

Panama’s strides towards poverty eradication are a testament to the power of innovative approaches and sustained economic growth. While challenges remain, the country’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens offers a long-term goal for a more equitable and prosperous future for the people of Panama.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fighting Poverty With Higher Education in Spain

Higher Education in SpainIn Spain, about 25.8% of its people are at risk of relative poverty as of 2024, which is among the highest in Europe. Government efforts to reduce poverty are keeping 10.8 million people out of poverty, a problem especially prevalent for children, women, minorities and those with disabilities. The situation is further exacerbated for those who have not pursued a higher education in Spain; 12.6% of those with a higher education were at risk of poverty compared to 33.7% of those with only a primary education. Plus, those who were raised by more educated parents are significantly less at-risk for poverty.

Higher Education Institutions in Spain

After compulsory education for those who are 3 to 16 years old, various educational options exist for students considering higher education in Spain:

  • Vocational Training. The purpose of vocational training is learning practical skills immediately applicable to a diverse selection of future careers.
  • A University Education. After high school, students pursuing a university degree are required to earn a Bachillerato certificate to be able to apply to universities. Spain offers 45 public and 31 private universities with programs for bachelor’s, master’s and post-graduate degrees. Public universities tend to have lower costs due to government funding.
  • A Higher Arts Education. Another option for those who are more creative is attending a school for the arts.

Challenges of Higher Education in Spain

On paper, higher education in Spain is completely free. However, this fails to include necessary costs, like textbooks and other crucial supplies. As a result, many families still face challenges in paying these costs, which has been on the rise. It then makes sense that unfortunately, many Spanish students fail to finish their education–Spain has the highest rate in the EU of 13.9% of students leaving school. This sparks a brutal cycle; higher education is the key to escaping poverty yet financial barriers come in the way of its accessibility to many Spaniards.

The Good News

The good news is that higher education in Spain is improving. Recent years have demonstrated reforms including supporting student mental health, digitalizing education, adding an emphasis on the environment to the curriculum and reducing antisemitism in schools. 

The Spanish government has outlined several goals that hope to reduce inequalities in its education system, including the high dropout rate. It is also intending to rewrite its curriculum to reflect more modern values, including civics. Additionally, it is allocating a greater budget toward scholarships, especially aimed at expanding the threshold of need-base eligibility, which is predicted to help out 1 million students across the country. It has also recently passed legislature expanding vocational education opportunities. As a result, gradually, more and more people are gradually getting a higher education. Hopefully, these efforts will contribute to reducing poverty, too.

Ayuda en Acción’s Efforts

Nonprofit organizations like Ayuda en Acción are fighting to reduce inequalities among higher education in Spain. Since it originated in 1981, Ayuda en Acción is a global nonprofit organization that has focused on advocating for a Spanish education system that reflects the diversity of its students and the variety of equally valid paths to an education. In particular, the nonprofit has created the Impulsa program, which works to provide more vocational training opportunities for students of lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Its efforts have helped 760,866 people globally.

Looking Ahead

Higher education institutions can also be agents of good that can contribute to a more just society. Rewriting the curriculum to include more topics like civics and social justice can create more global citizens and responsible leaders who contribute not only to the economy but also to the social well-being of those in poverty, thus helping them escape poverty. Ultimately, higher education is an opportunity and with reforms, can be a tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.

– Klara Jones

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

Photo: Flickr

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WHO Advocates Progress for Syrian Women’s Health

Syrian Women’s HealthWith more than 6 million women in need of health support in Syria and ongoing challenges like gender-based health care discrimination, political bias and social inequality, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken meaningful steps to improve Syrian women’s health. These efforts include mental and physical support for survivors of gender-based violence, health education and the promotion of women’s rights through a more inclusive, mainstream health care network.

Gender-Biased Laws Upon Women in Syria

Extremist groups Jabhat al-Nusra, Islamic State of Iraq and Sham have imposed strict gender-biased laws upon women in Syria. Women have unlawfully become required to wear hijabs and full-length robes and threatened if they do not comply, according to Human Rights Watch. Failure to conform leads to misogynistically charged discrimination, barring girls from attending schools, moving freely in public and working.

Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War and its backlash effects on women, the WHO has championed programs in Syrian women’s health care that offer rehabilitation and education services alongside their advocacy for systemic changes. Since 2018, the WHO has institutionalized routine care for victims of gender-based violence.

Syria’s Health Care System

The prolonged conflict has desecrated approximately half the health care infrastructure in Syria, resulting in a shortage of medicine, facilities, health workers and equipment. More than 100 health facilities in northwest Syria have sustained severe damage and a loss of complete funding. More than 15.9 million people are left in need of health support, including 257,000 pregnant women, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF).

With women making up nearly 50% of Syria’s population and the majority of those displaced in refugee camps, the WHO has launched targeted programs to address their health needs. According to the WHO, these initiatives ensure that “every woman enjoys her right to the highest attainable standard of health.”

Advancing Gender Equality in Syria’s Health System

The WHO base in Syria has “mainstreamed gender equality in its programming.” It assures women the highest standard of care through pregnancy, birth, violence and discrimination. By educating women on how to make informed decisions about their health care, the Syria-based program has made meaningful progress in preventing the rise of mental health issues and gender-based violence.

These efforts empower women with knowledge, helping them protect their well-being and advocate for their rights in a challenging environment. The organization provides essential psychosocial treatments to aid in women’s mental and physical health after facing gender-based violence. According to the WHO team in Syria, these services have been implemented in health facilities around Syria.

The fertility rate in Syria was reported by the WHO at 2.7% per woman in 2021, a reduction from 3.4% recorded in 2010. In light of this, reproductive health care in Syria has been threatened by unjust rulings. The WHO and UNPF support hospitals in northeast Syria by providing natural and c-section births, family planning, nursing and how-to care.

Looking Forward

“As we continue supporting gender mainstreaming in the health sector through research, policy formulation and capacity-building, we draw our inspiration and strength from the women of Syria, who, together with other members of society, drive gender transformative changes in achieving universal health coverage and health for all,” the WHO said.

– Chloe Fox Rinka

Chloe is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Colombia: How Stratification Reinforces Inequality

Poverty in Colombia: How Stratification Reinforces InequalityColombia’s stratification system, originally created to fairly distribute utility subsidies, has shaped the classification of poverty in the country and it is now undergoing national reform. Launched in 1985 and solidified in the 1991 Constitution, the system divides neighborhoods into six socioeconomic levels. Authorities assign each area a stratum based on physical characteristics like road quality, construction materials and surrounding infrastructure. Strata 1 and 2 represent the poorest zones, while strata 5 and 6 represent the wealthiest. Strata 3 and 4 fall in the middle. Most classifications are the result of visual inspection, not household income.

Redistribution as a Barrier

The system’s intent was progressive. Higher strata would pay full or elevated rates for public services, effectively subsidizing lower-income households. Those in strata 1 and 2 receive discounts, while strata 3 and 4 are expected to pay market rates. But over time, the policy has increased inequality and distorted the measurement of poverty in Colombia, failing to reflect current economic conditions, thereby leading to mismatches. A struggling family in stratum 6 may pay full price, while a wealthy homeowner in a modest area may qualify for discounts.

A ScienceDirect study found that residents in middle-income Stratum 4 reported a higher quality of life than those in Stratum 6. It cited stronger community ties and a greater sense of safety. In lower strata, household income improved wellbeing, but in wealthier areas, social trust mattered more. The researchers concluded that Colombia’s current classification system may overlook the factors that actually improve people’s lives.

Outdated Metrics and Adverse Incentives

Poorer neighborhoods sometimes resist infrastructure upgrades to avoid reclassification and loss of benefits. In other cases, families face higher utility rates after a neighborhood improves, even if their income remains unchanged. Strata assignments have not kept pace with the country’s demographic shifts, rapid urbanization or population displacement from conflict. The result is a system that reflects outdated stereotypes more than present-day realities.

Strata affect more than just utility bills. Strata details appear on personal IDs and can influence access to bank loans, scholarships and job opportunities. “Stratum” has become a shorthand for class status—mocking someone as “estrato 8” (too rich) or “estrato 3” (unsophisticated) is common in daily speech. This reinforces classism, racial prejudice and territorial segregation.

According to the World Values Survey, as the BBC reported, Colombia ranks among the most socially distrustful countries in Latin America. During the 2021 protests, some residents in higher-income neighborhoods reportedly armed themselves against perceived threats from poorer communities. As noted by a 2024 Reuters report, many Colombians rarely interact with people outside their stratum. For wealthier residents, this makes it easy to ignore poverty altogether.

Colombia’s stratification system aimed to reduce inequality. Instead, it entrenched a modern caste order, where address often determines opportunity. These outcomes have prompted national efforts to rethink how Colombia targets poverty, from the delivery of public services to vulnerability assessment.

SISBÉN IV: A Data-Driven Alternative

The government’s primary tool for identifying and addressing poverty in Colombia is the System for Identifying Potential Beneficiaries of Social Programs (SISBÉN). It is a multidimensional classification system that evaluates households based on income, housing, health and education conditions. Its goal is to help social investment reach the most vulnerable populations.

SISBÉN IV, the latest version, classifies households into groups A through D, with Group A representing extreme poverty and Group D being nonvulnerable. The system shifts focus away from strata and toward individual vulnerability. It does not directly distribute aid, but it enables institutions like Prosperidad Social, ICBF and housing programs to allocate support more equitably. By relying on updated, verifiable data, SISBÉN improves targeting and reduces misclassification, helping ensure that those most in need are prioritized for public assistance.

Universal Income Registry: Replacing the Strata System

To modernize social policy, Colombia is preparing to launch the Universal Income Registry (RUI) in 2026. This system will eventually replace SISBÉN and the outdated strata model. Built on the Social Household Registry (RSH), the RUI will assess household vulnerability based on income, employment, education, housing conditions and health status. This reform will expand the national social registry from 35 million to up to 57 million people, creating a more accurate and unified platform for distributing subsidies.

The RUI aims to:

  • Identify subsidy-eligible families more accurately
  • Maintain Colombia’s principle of social solidarity
  • Reduce exclusion errors through real-time data
  • Improve transparency and efficiency in public spending

This shift toward income-based classification marks a fundamental departure from geographic indicators like strata.

Housing Reform: Mi Casa Ya

The Mi Casa Ya program is Colombia’s primary housing subsidy initiative. It provides down-payment and interest subsidies to first-time homebuyers from vulnerable populations, based on their SISBÉN group rather than strata.

Recent reforms have expanded the program’s reach beyond major cities to include rural and Indigenous communities. In addition to income requirements, applicants must:

  • Not own a home
  • Not have received prior housing subsidies
  • Meet minimum SISBÉN vulnerability thresholds

By using data to prioritize need, Mi Casa Ya makes homeownership more accessible and equitable for lower-income families.

A More Equitable Path

While Colombia’s stratification system has long reinforced inequality, reforms like SISBÉN IV, the Universal Income Registry and programs like Mi Casa Ya reflect growing efforts to reframe how the country defines vulnerability. These reforms reflect a shift in understanding and addressing poverty in Colombia, moving from geographic assumptions to individual need. By using data-driven tools, the country is working toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

– Jacobo L. Esteban

Jacobo is based in Cali, Colombia and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education in Cambodia: Addresses Inequalities

Education in CambodiaCambodia’s education system has undergone significant changes over the years. Education in Cambodia initially centered around Buddhist teachings, taught to boys by local monks. In the mid-1860s, a second system emerged, introducing subjects like math, science and history, taught by trained teachers. However, during the mid to late 1970s, the education system collapsed. While Cambodia’s education system has since recovered and continues to improve, challenges persist. Vulnerable populations face significant barriers to accessing and attending school, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Deep-rooted cultural beliefs and attitudes regarding education for marginalized groups worsen these challenges.

Types of Inequality in Education

  • Gender Inequality. Chbab Srey and Chbab Proh, ancient Cambodian texts, outline gender roles and emphasize subservience for women. Chbab Proh positions men as breadwinners and decision-makers, while Chbab Srey dictates that women maintain the household, speak softly and obey their husbands. These traditional ideologies remain deeply ingrained in Cambodian culture. As a result, many families remove girls from school to prioritize household duties. This limited access to education significantly impacts their opportunities, perpetuating poverty for women and their families.
  • Child Inequality. Children in Cambodia face numerous forms of exploitation, preventing them from receiving education. Forced labor, human trafficking and other abuses disrupt their ability to attend school. According to the Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), Cambodia leads in child labor violations, with many children used as debt payments or forced into labor. High rates of institutionalization further exacerbate these issues, as children placed in residential care become more vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The lack of education for children under these conditions deepens inequality.
  • Inequality for Persons with Disabilities. A joint assessment by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute and UNESCO found that 24% of Cambodia’s population lives with a disability. UNICEF reports that children with disabilities face three times the risk of missing school compared to those without disabilities. Cultural stigma against disabilities isolates individuals and prevents their participation in social and educational activities. This exclusion increases the likelihood of poverty among people with disabilities, further entrenching inequality.

Educational Programs Tackling Inequality

Cambodia has initiated several programs to address inequality through education:

  • Inclusive Education Action Plan (2024–2028). This plan, a partnership between UNICEF and Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), aims to improve access to education for students with disabilities. It identifies necessary technologies and services while addressing societal stigma.
  • Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2024–2028. A collaboration between the Royal Government of Cambodia, the NGO Education Partnership and MoEYS, this initiative focuses on ensuring high-quality, inclusive education for all students.
  • National Social Protection Policy Framework (2016–2025). Jointly developed by UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Affairs, this framework addresses violence against children and promotes child well-being. It also seeks to reduce reliance on residential care facilities and improve child protection services.
  • USAID Collaboration. USAID has worked with MoEYS to improve child protection services and prevent family separation. By promoting alternative care and strengthening child welfare systems, this collaboration ensures that children remain with their families whenever possible.
  • U.N.-CEDAW Initiative. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) urged Cambodia to remove Chbab Srey from schools. Although the text remains part of literature and social studies courses, this reform reduces the reinforcement of outdated gender norms.

Moving Forward

Cambodia’s efforts to address inequality through education reflect a commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. With women representing more than 51% of the population, adolescents and children making up 35% and 20% of the population living on just over $2 a day, addressing these disparities remains critical. Programs like the Inclusive Education Action Plan and the Education Strategic Plan demonstrate Cambodia’s determination to tackle inequality. Collaborative efforts between the Cambodian government, NGOs and international organizations continue to drive progress. By investing in education and addressing systemic inequalities, Cambodia builds a stronger foundation for future generations.

– Kelly Chalupnik

Kelly is based in Kirkland, WA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gender Wage Gap in Ethiopia

Gender Wage Gap in EthiopiaEthiopia, like many other countries across the world, faces a gender wage gap despite many measures being taken when it comes to economic growth and gender equality measures. The gender wage gap is the disparity in pay between men and women. It reflects systemic inequalities in opportunity and representation.

Root Causes of Ethiopia’s Gender Wage Gap

The gender wage gap in Ethiopia stems from women being concentrated in low-paying informal sectors and traditional societal norms that undervalue their economic contributions. These roles lack stability and benefits, leaving women with limited income and fewer opportunities to build financial security. Cultural expectations exacerbate the problem and reinforce a cycle where unpaid domestic labor and caregiving take more importance over professional development for women. Ethiopia’s gender gap reflects structural inequalities that restrict women’s participation and potential. Women face barriers such as limited education and norms in society, which undervalue their contributions.

Women in Ethiopia also face many challenges when accessing loans and financial services due to limited financial literacy.  The 2024 article: “Transforming the Lives of Women and Girls in Eastern and Southern Africa” states that women have “lower access to productive resources.” Overall, Ethiopian women have less access to vocational and training programs important for securing employment in higher-paying sectors like construction and technology. Current training programs fail to accommodate women’s dual work and caregiving responsibilities, which excludes them further.

Government and Organizational Efforts

The Ethiopian government is aware of the gender pay gap. Therefore, the government has been taking correct measures to help reduce gender inequality. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a Gender Equality Strategy (GES) has been developed to “guide the country office on mainstreaming gender equality and women empowerment.” This gender strategy identifies priority areas and supports national efforts to get results. The government plans to build upon previous strategies to add to the policies the country already has in place. Current efforts to promote women’s education, access to credit and representation in decision-making are underway but require scaling up to achieve maximum impact. Local organizations and networks have also made many efforts to decrease the gender pay gap in Ethiopia. 

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) is one organization that is doing fantastic work. EWLA is a nonprofit organization founded by a group of Ethiopian female lawyers to promote Ethiopian women’s legal, economic, social and political rights. EWLA has provided legal assistance to more than 200,000 women (2023). More than five million women have benefitted from EWLA collaborative efforts until 2020.  EWLA has also been important in revising Ethiopian laws, such as family law and criminal codes, to align with women’s rights. The organization has also lobbied for gender-sensitive policies at governmental levels​. Furthermore, the organization works with grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to address challenges such as gender-based violence, particularly in regions like Amhara and Afar​. EWLA’s priorities include finding sustainable funding and strengthening partnerships with other women’s organizations in the country. 

Opportunities for Improvement

The gender wage gap in Ethiopia reflects the gender wage gap across Africa. Factors such as cultural norms, education gaps and smaller economies play significant roles. However, reducing Ethiopia’s gender wage gap requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding access to girls’ education can help break cycles of poverty and inequality.  Additionally, engaging communities to challenge stereotypes and fostering inclusive training programs can help women balance work and caregiving responsibilities. By implementing these strategies and building upon existing efforts, Ethiopia could make significant progress toward closing the gender wage gap and fostering economic growth.

– Ayat Aslam

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

Photo: Flickr

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Namibian Politics: First Female President Tackles Inequality

Namibian Politics: First Female President Tackles Inequality Namibia has made significant progress in reducing poverty over the past three decades, cutting its poverty rate by more than half between 1993 and 2016. However, major challenges remain. The 2021 Namibian Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) reveals that more than 43.3% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty, which considers factors beyond income, such as education and access to basic infrastructure. While 17.4% of Namibians live on less than $2.15 a day, the MPI highlights a broader reality: nearly half the population experiences poverty when measured by multiple indicators of well-being.

Inequality in Namibia

Namibia experiences some of the highest levels of inequality in the world, with a Gini Index of 59.1 in 2015, a measure of wealth distribution across the population. By 2024, Namibia ranked second globally for income inequality, behind only South Africa. This disparity disproportionately affects rural communities, women and children. Addressing these ongoing challenges requires strong and effective political action to drive meaningful change.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

At the time of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s birth in 1952, Namibia was known as South West Africa and was under South African occupation. According to the BBC, during her teenage years, she joined Swapo, a group resisting South Africa’s white-minority rule. While in high school, a crackdown on Swapo activities led to her arrest and prosecution. Following her release, Nandi-Ndaitwah decided to leave South West Africa and joined other Swapo activists in exile. She continued her activism in Zambia and Tanzania before moving to the United Kingdom (U.K.) to study International Relations. After Namibia gained independence in 1988, Nandi-Ndaitwah returned home and joined the then-Swapo-led government. Throughout her political career in Namibian politics, she has been a figurehead for women’s rights in Namibia.

A Vision for Reducing Inequality

Through her efforts, the Combating of Domestic Violence Act passed the National Assembly in 2002. She has steadily advanced in Namibia’s male-dominated political arena and, in February 2024, became the country’s vice president. By December 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president, securing more than 57% of the vote. Although she has yet to outline specific plans, the president-elect has promised significant change, stating, “We must have radical shifts in addressing the plight of our people.” In her victory speech, according to Reuters, she highlighted the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and land reforms to address disparities between Namibia’s social groups.

Looking Forward

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president marks a historic milestone for Namibian politics and its marginalized communities. Her leadership represents a long-awaited opportunity to tackle systemic poverty and inequality that have persisted since the era of white-minority rule.

As she prepares to take office, expectations are high for land reforms, equitable wealth distribution and improved access to education and health services. Her decades-long advocacy for women and vulnerable populations provides hope for actionable change.

While Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election is cause for celebration, her success will ultimately be measured by her ability to transform promises into policies that address Namibia’s deepest inequalities and ensure that underrepresented groups have the opportunity to thrive.

– William Pickering

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

Photo: Flickr