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Improving Health With Clean Water Projects in Zambia

Clean Water Projects in ZambiaAccess to clean water and sanitation plays a vital role in reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities. Across Zambia, the government and international organizations invest in clean water projects that help communities build healthier, more sustainable futures.

Many Zambian families continue to face challenges accessing safe water and sanitation, particularly those living in rural and low-income communities. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that 27% of households lack basic water access, while 63% lack basic sanitation and 82% do not have basic hygiene facilities. Among the poorest fifth of households, that gap widens further, with 60% lacking access to even a basic water service. Families without reliable water often spend hours collecting it each day, reducing time for work and income-generating activities while increasing the risk of preventable diseases that place additional financial strain on households. These barriers can make it more difficult for families to escape poverty.

The government of Zambia has made improving water and sanitation a national priority through partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF. These collaborations focus on expanding water infrastructure, strengthening sanitation services and improving hygiene practices to support healthier communities and long-term economic development.

The Lusaka Sanitation Project

One of the country’s largest initiatives, the World Bank-supported Lusaka Sanitation Project, has delivered measurable improvements. Between 2015 and 2024, the project benefited more than 345,000 people, surpassing its original target of 305,000 beneficiaries. The project also ensured that women accounted for 50% of those served, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development.

The project expanded access to sanitation through significant infrastructure improvements. It constructed more than 2,200 new household sewer connections, rehabilitated and built 117 kilometers of sewer lines and provided more than 81,000 people with improved sanitation facilities. Nearly 264,000 additional residents gained access to improved fecal sludge management services, helping reduce exposure to waterborne diseases while creating cleaner neighborhoods.

These improvements also support economic growth by reducing the financial burden that preventable diseases place on families and businesses. Healthier communities experience fewer illnesses, allowing adults to spend more time working and earning an income instead of caring for sick family members. The World Bank estimates that inadequate sanitation previously cost Zambia approximately 1.3% of its gross domestic product each year, demonstrating how investments in modern sanitation infrastructure can improve both public health and economic productivity.

UNICEF and WaterAid Contributions

UNICEF continues to complement infrastructure investments by supporting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs across Zambia. The organization works with the government and local partners to improve access to safe water in health facilities and schools while promoting hygiene education that helps prevent diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. UNICEF also supports climate-resilient water systems and emergency WASH responses that help vulnerable communities maintain access to safe water during disease outbreaks and extreme weather events. These efforts strengthen the long-term impact of new infrastructure while helping communities stay healthy.

WaterAid has worked in Zambia since 1994 to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in underserved communities. The organization partners with local governments and community leaders to develop sustainable water systems, strengthen sanitation services and promote hygiene education. Alongside infrastructure improvements, WaterAid helps communities manage and maintain new water systems so they continue serving families long after construction finishes. By reducing the time people spend collecting water and improving public health, these projects create more opportunities for education, employment and long-term economic development.

Conclusion

Clean water projects are doing more than improving public health across Zambia. Investments from the government of Zambia, the World Bank, UNICEF, WaterAid and local utilities are creating healthier communities while supporting economic opportunity and reducing poverty. As these partnerships continue expanding access to safe water and sanitation, Zambia is building a stronger foundation for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

– Archie Monton-Black

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

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Guyana and the Impact of the Oil Boom

Priests baptizing people in a river, highlighting cultural aspects amid poverty in Guyana.Despite the rapidly growing economy, poverty in Guyana remains a serious challenge. Since the beginning of massive oil production, Guyana’s economy has experienced unprecedented growth and transformation. According to the latest data from the World Bank, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 43.8% by 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. However, the benefits of this growth did not accrue equally to all communities. Guyana still faces significant problems with poverty, unemployment rates and insufficient infrastructure, especially in rural areas.

Poverty in Guyana and Regional Inequality

The World Bank reports that Guyana reduced its poverty rate from 58.6% in 2006 to 43.4% in 2017. Despite this progress, poverty remained twice as high as the average of 23% for the Latin American and Caribbean region and even higher than the average of 20% for upper-middle-income countries. The World Bank noted that poverty is concentrated in rural and hinterland regions, particularly among Indigenous populations who often have less access to economic opportunities and public services.

Geography contributes significantly to these disparities. Around 70% of Guyana’s population lives in rural areas, where communities are often far from the country’s main economic centers and public services. As a result, many rural residents have not directly benefited from the oil-driven economic growth. They continue to face limited investment in infrastructure, transportation and essential services compared with people living in coastal and urban areas.

Unemployment and Infrastructure Challenges

Poor infrastructure remains one of the main obstacles to fighting poverty in Guyana. According to the World Bank, the country’s transportation network is mainly concentrated along the coastline, leaving many interior and rural areas physically isolated from main economic centers. Additionally, Guyana’s road density is just 0.024, significantly lower than the Latin America and Caribbean average of 0.462. As a result, many residents face difficulties accessing markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential public services.

Infrastructure challenges extend beyond transportation. Many hinterland communities continue to face limited access to reliable electricity and digital connectivity, reducing access to education, financial services and economic opportunities. These deficits make it more difficult for rural residents to participate in the country’s rapidly growing economy and benefit from the opportunities created by the oil boom.

Poor infrastructure also limits economic opportunities for the people. Weak transportation networks, high electricity prices and limited access to digital connectivity increase the cost of delivering goods and connecting businesses with consumers. These make it harder to attract investment and create jobs, especially in rural areas. These challenges are reflected in Guyana’s labor market, where unemployment rose from 11.6% in 2010 to 15.4% in 2020. The country returned to its previous unemployment level only in 2022, and this figure has remained unchanged at 12% for the third consecutive year.

Infrastructure deficits have also contributed to long-term migration trends, as many Guyanese leave in search of better economic opportunities abroad. According to the World Bank, approximately 39% of Guyanese citizens live abroad, while nearly half of all Guyanese with tertiary education have emigrated to the United States. Together, inadequate infrastructure, limited employment opportunities and sustained brain drain continue to reinforce poverty and regional inequality, particularly in the country’s interior regions.

Governmental and International Initiatives

Recognizing these challenges, the government of Guyana has sought to use oil revenues to support long-term development through the Natural Resource Fund and the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. According to the government of Guyana, these initiatives aim to channel resource revenues into investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, renewable energy and community development. With this strategy, the government founded the Amerindian Development Fund and implemented Community Development Plans in more than 180 villages.

International organizations have also partnered with Guyana to support inclusive growth. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) have implemented agricultural development programs that help farmers adopt climate-smart practices and improve food security. Thanks to these programs, 77 farmers in Guyana were trained to use new farming techniques to increase their harvests while reducing the negative effects on the environment. As a result, Guyana is becoming a leader in the Caribbean region in terms of food security.

The WFP’s Home-Grown School Feeding Program supports local farmers while providing nutritious meals to schoolchildren. This program feeds 2,600 children using the production of 75 local farmers, 28 of whom are women. It created great opportunities for local businesses and improved the nutrition of schoolchildren.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported the expansion of information and communication technology infrastructure in underserved regions, helping communities gain better access to digital services, education, and economic opportunities. By improving connectivity and establishing 200 ICT hubs, these programs can make it easier for residents of more than 200 Indigenous communities in remote areas to access government services, participate in online learning, and connect with broader markets.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has worked with the government to strengthen healthcare delivery systems, improve immunization coverage, and expand access to essential medical services in remote communities. These initiatives are especially important in areas where distance, limited infrastructure, and shortages of trained personnel have historically made it difficult for families to receive consistent care.

Moving Forward

Guyana’s oil boom presents a historic opportunity to accelerate poverty reduction and improve living standards. However, economic growth alone does not guarantee inclusive development. Continued investment in infrastructure, education, and public institutions will be essential to sustaining long-term prosperity. Through targeted government spending and partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank, UNDP, FAO, WFP, and UNICEF, Guyana is working to ensure that the benefits of its economic transformation reach all citizens. If these efforts succeed, the country’s oil wealth could become a powerful tool for reducing poverty and creating more equitable economic opportunities.

– Dias Assan

Dias is based in Rome, Italy and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Digital Skills in Cabo Verde: Remote Work for Youth

Digital Skills in Cabo VerdeFor many young people in Cabo Verde, finding stable work can be difficult. The country consists of small islands with limited local job markets. Tourism, services and migration have shaped many opportunities, but not every young person can access a steady job through those paths. In 2026, the government launched Skodji Digital, a national program focused on digital skills in Cabo Verde. The program aims to help young Cabo Verdeans learn practical digital skills, prepare for remote work and take part in the global gig economy.

Why Youth Employment Matters

Youth unemployment and lack of training remain important issues in Cabo Verde. According to the U.N. Global Accelerator, 27% of young people in Cabo Verde are not in education, employment or training (NEET). This means many young people are outside school and the labor market at the same time. For families living with low income, this can make poverty harder to escape. Young people may not have the skills, job contacts or work experience needed to earn regular income. The connection to poverty is still clear in the country’s recent data. The World Bank reported that poverty in Cabo Verde dropped from 53.8% in 2024 to 51.2% in 2025. That figure uses the upper-middle-income poverty line of $8.30 per day. The same report said youth unemployment remained above 15%, even though the national unemployment rate fell to 6.2%. This shows that economic growth has helped Cabo Verde, but many low-income families and young people still need better access to stable jobs.

Cabo Verde has made progress in reducing poverty, but many households still depend on informal work and have limited access to social protection. The ILO reported that social protection coverage reached 60.3% in 2023, compared with 43.6% in 2016. However, the same source says Cabo Verde is still trying to expand coverage by connecting social protection with the formalization of the economy. During COVID-19, the government created a solidarity grant for informal workers. It also provided food assistance for 22,500 families and emergency income support for 14,000 of the poorest families. These examples show why job training matters, because some families still depend on informal or unstable work and need better paths toward formal income. In this situation, job training is not only about education. It can also become a path for income, stability and more independence for young people.

What Skodji Digital Does

The government of Cabo Verde launched Skodji Digital on Jan. 27, 2026. The program’s first phase opened 1,050 places. Its eventual goal is to benefit up to 3,000 young Cabo Verdeans by training them in skills connected to the global digital labor market. It also promotes access to remote work, the gig economy and digital micro-businesses. The program’s training phase lasts between two and six months, depending on the path each participant chooses. According to Special Projects Management Unit (UGPE), the program offers structured digital skills training and access to international digital work platforms. It also provides career paths in emerging digital sectors and support for digital entrepreneurship. This makes the program different from regular training because it connects learning with ways young people may earn money online.

Skodji Digital also fits into Cabo Verde’s larger digital plans. The program operates under the Digital Cabo Verde Project and has support from the World Bank. The goal is to build skills that match today’s labor market. That marks a shift from only preparing young people for local jobs that may not exist in large numbers. Through digital skills in Cabo Verde, young people can learn tools that may help them work with clients and companies outside their own island or country.

Connecting Training to Poverty Reduction

Digital training can help young people build more flexible income opportunities. Remote work can be especially useful in island countries because it does not always require a person to move to a larger city or leave the country. A young person with digital skills may find work in areas such as online services, digital marketing, data tasks, customer support, design or small online businesses. These jobs still require strong training and internet access, but they can open doors beyond the local economy.

The World Bank also announced the SIRA program in 2026, which will support Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea. In Cabo Verde, the program will help youth ages 15 to 35 gain job-relevant skills and improve access to certification. It also aims to expand employment opportunities in growth sectors. The World Bank expects the Cabo Verde part of SIRA to directly benefit about 50,000 young women and men. This shows that Skodji Digital is part of a bigger push to connect youth training with real jobs.

A Larger National Effort

Other programs also support Cabo Verde’s focus on jobs and poverty reduction. The Joint Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Fund supports a program that helps Cabo Verde prepare a roadmap to reduce extreme poverty through decent jobs and social protection. The program focuses on vulnerable groups, especially women and youth who are not in education, employment or training. It also aims to reach 12,000 households living in extreme poverty. Another Joint SDG Fund program focuses directly on economic inclusion for extremely poor households, especially women heads of households and NEET youth. It also supports rural micro-businesses, self-employment activities and micro businesses in the informal sector so they can move toward formal work. This connects well with Skodji Digital because both efforts focus on giving vulnerable people skills that can lead to income.

These efforts show how the government and international partners are trying to connect poverty reduction with employment. Cash support and social protection can help families survive difficult periods, but skills and jobs can help families move toward long-term stability. By focusing on digital skills in Cabo Verde, Skodji Digital gives young people another option in a changing economy.

Looking Ahead

Skodji Digital does not solve every barrier young people face. Internet access, equipment, language skills and job placement support still matter. However, the program gives Cabo Verde a modern way to respond to youth unemployment. Instead of only depending on traditional jobs, young people can prepare for work that reaches beyond the islands.

The program’s goal of training up to 3,000 young people is a strong step toward more digital inclusion. Skodji Digital could help more young Cabo Verdeans participate in the global economy while supporting poverty reduction at home, if it continues to connect training with real income. For a small island country with big ambitions, digital skills may become one of the most important tools for youth opportunity.

– Mateo Alcocer

Mateo is based in West Hills, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Sahel Solution: Girls’ Education and Conflict Prevention

girls’ education and conflict preventionThe links between girls’ education and conflict prevention are well documented. By addressing the root causes of instability, education builds resilience against radicalization and economic despair. Girls’ education and conflict prevention are key pathways to bringing peace in the Sahel by tackling socio‑economic and governance drivers of violence.

The Education-Poverty-Conflict Nexus

The Sahel is a large, semi-arid area of West Africa facing overlapping crises of armed conflict, climate change and poverty. In Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, insurgent violence has forced millions to flee, devastated livelihoods and undermined national economies. More than 40% of people in the Central Sahel live in extreme poverty, and many families survive on less than $1.90 per day, which makes the direct and indirect costs of schooling difficult to afford, according to UNDP and World Bank data. Poverty pushes parents to keep girls at home to work, marry early or migrate for survival income rather than continue their education. In Burkina Faso alone, schools are frequently targeted by armed groups; thousands have closed due to chronic insecurity, and more than 1 million children have seen their education disrupted. In this context, girls’ education becomes a crucial strategy for building social cohesion and resilience.

Girls’ education, poverty reduction and stability are deeply connected. According to a 2018 World Bank study, barriers to girls’ education result in a global loss of $15 trillion to $30 trillion in productivity. Educated girls are more likely to delay marriage, earn higher incomes and invest in their children’s health and education. For example, in many low-income countries, women with secondary education earn nearly twice as much as those with no schooling, and their children are significantly less likely to be malnourished, according to World Bank data. These pathways show how expanding access to education helps counter poverty, demographic pressure and social exclusion, three drivers closely tied to instability in the region.

When girls miss out on education, the cost is exceptionally high in fragile regions. Girls out of school face greater risks of child marriage, exploitation by armed groups and entrapment in cycles of poverty that fuel future conflict. This illustrates why scaling up girls’ education across the region is essential for reducing recruitment into armed groups and weakening violent extremist narratives.

The Sahel’s Challenges

The Sahel’s triple burden of conflict, severe climate shocks, such as droughts that destroy crop yields, and poverty threatens girls’ ability to attend school. Before the  COVID-19 pandemic, about 54% of girls in Niger were out of school, and child marriage rates ranked among the highest in the world. In Burkina Faso, more than 6,000 schools have closed recently, affecting 1 million children and leaving many girls without safe learning spaces. These compounding pressures show how fragile the conditions are for sustaining girls’ access to education, especially for the poorest households that struggle to cover school fees, supplies and transportation.

In Niger, disruptions are acute in regions like Tillabéry and Diffa, where insecurity and displacement prevent basic education access. Across the Central Sahel, nearly 7.5 million children are in urgent need of assistance, primarily displaced women and children. This level of need means that education services must also provide food, psychosocial support and protection to ensure that girls from extremely poor families can attend and stay in school.

Evidence-Based Interventions

Initiatives like cash incentives, safe transport and school feeding programs deliver measurable results. The World Bank reports that targeted cash transfers and education grants boost attendance and completion while drastically reducing early marriage and pregnancy among girls. In practice, these programs ease the financial burden on low-income families, making it possible for girls to remain in class instead of marrying early or working to supplement household income.

Other effective measures include providing uniforms, creating safe, girl-friendly schools and supporting girls’ clubs that offer life skills and mentoring. These tools keep girls in school and reduce pressures pushing families toward harmful coping strategies like forced marriage. They also show practical ways to operationalize these strategies through concrete, scalable policy instruments that directly benefit communities living in poverty.

Multilateral Efforts and U.S. Support

Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the United Nations global fund for education in emergencies, focuses on the Sahel, aiming to maintain education in conflict zones. In Burkina Faso, ECW provided $11.1 million in seed funding to mobilize an additional $48 million, reaching more than 800,000 children, 60% of whom are girls. These investments help restore learning for children in areas where conflict and poverty have closed schools and cut off opportunities.

In Niger, ECW investments increase enrollment for children impacted by conflict and climate shocks by covering fees and expanding secure classrooms. United States foreign assistance, including USAID, complements these efforts by promoting girls’ education as a pillar of regional stability and poverty reduction, supporting teacher training, community-based schools and scholarships that target low-income and displaced girls.

Looking Ahead

Girls’ education in the Sahel is not merely a moral duty but a strategic investment in conflict prevention and poverty reduction. Schools that keep girls learning, protect them from violence and equip them with skills break cycles of poverty and conflict. When girls attend school, communities benefit: earnings rise, maternal and child health improves and foundations of peaceful, more prosperous societies are built. Investing in girls’ education across the Sahel therefore represents a powerful pathway for donors and policymakers to support both human development and lasting stability in one of the world’s most fragile regions.

– Charles Bakar

Charles is based in Montréal, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Rising Incomes in Vietnam: New Businesses Opportunities

investment opportunities in VietnamEconomic growth in Vietnam has lifted millions of people out of poverty over several decades. As household incomes rise and the country’s middle class expands, consumer demand for goods and services continues to increase. These changes are creating new opportunities for international trade and investment, including U.S. companies seeking access to one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

Rising Incomes in Vietnam

Vietnam reduced the share of its population living in extreme poverty from more than 70% in the early 1990s to less than 1% in recent years, a feat widely recognized as one of the world’s “development miracles.” Strong export growth, industrial development and investment in education have contributed to rising living standards across the country. As more Vietnamese households gain purchasing power, businesses around the world are benefiting from a larger consumer market.

Vietnam’s middle class has grown rapidly alongside the country’s economic development. The World Bank projects that the middle class will expand from approximately 13% of the population to roughly 26% by 2026, making it the fastest-growing middle class in Southeast Asia. Rising incomes in Vietnam have increased demand for consumer goods, health care services, technology products and educational opportunities.

This shift has transformed Vietnam from a low-income economy into an increasingly important consumer market. Families that once focused primarily on basic necessities are now spending more on electronics, household products, travel and financial services. As a result, companies from the United States and other countries have expanded their presence in Vietnam to meet growing demand.

The growth of the middle class also supports broader economic stability. Increased consumer spending helps create jobs, encourages entrepreneurship and strengthens domestic markets. These trends contribute to continued poverty reduction while attracting foreign investment. However, challenges remain: nearly 40% of middle-class individuals have fallen back into lower income brackets within just two years, and housing costs remain a significant burden.

Growing Opportunities for US Businesses

The United States and Vietnam have strengthened economic ties in recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, bilateral trade between the two countries has increased significantly over the past decade, making Vietnam one of America’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia. In Hai Phong alone, a major port city, exports to the U.S. reached approximately $2.14 billion in the first five months of 2026, a 23.20% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

U.S. companies have invested in a variety of sectors including technology, renewable energy, health care and consumer products. Vietnam’s growing population and expanding middle class provide opportunities for American businesses to reach new customers while supporting jobs in the United States. As of June 2026, U.S. investors had 35 active FDI projects in Hai Phong alone, totaling over $965.34 million in registered capital.

Technology companies, for example, have benefited from increased demand for smartphones, software and digital services. U.S. agricultural exporters have also gained access to a larger market as rising incomes increase demand for higher-quality food products. The Vietnamese government has specifically encouraged U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech, innovation and semiconductor industries.

Investment Supports Long-Term Growth

Foreign investment continues to play an important role in Vietnam’s development. International companies contribute capital, technology and expertise that support economic expansion and job creation. In turn, a stronger Vietnamese economy creates additional opportunities for trade and investment.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with Vietnam since 1991, investing in programs that have improved the lives of approximately 1 million persons with disabilities, spurred over $300 million in solar and wind investments, and helped modernize higher education. USAID has also supported Vietnam’s Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), which encourages provinces to improve governance and economic competitiveness.

Vietnam has also invested heavily in infrastructure, education and workforce development. Improvements in transportation networks, digital connectivity and manufacturing capacity have helped attract multinational companies seeking reliable production and distribution hubs. The World Bank projects Vietnam’s economy will continue growing at 7% to 8% annually, considerably higher than other ASEAN economies.

These investments support Sustainable Development Goal 1 by creating employment opportunities and increasing household incomes. They also help build a larger consumer base that can participate more actively in the global economy.

Looking Ahead

Vietnam’s progress in reducing poverty demonstrates how economic development can create mutual benefits for countries around the world. Rising incomes have improved living standards for millions of Vietnamese citizens while opening new markets for international businesses. A recent upgrade to upper-middle-income status reflects this remarkable transformation and rising incomes in Vietnam.

As Vietnam’s middle class continues to expand, opportunities for U.S. companies are likely to grow as well. The U.S. private sector, which spends nearly $1 trillion annually on research and development, is well-positioned to partner with Vietnam on technology, energy and digital infrastructure. Increased trade, investment and consumer demand highlight the connection between poverty reduction and economic opportunity. By supporting development and economic growth, countries can help create stronger markets that benefit businesses, workers and communities on both sides of the partnership.

– Angela Qi

Angela is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Unpaid Care Work in Jamaica Shapes Economic Opportunity

unpaid care work in JamaicaWhen conversations turn to economic growth, discussions often center on job creation, trade or investment. However, one of the most significant contributors to a nation’s economy rarely appears in economic statistics: unpaid caregiving. Every day, millions of workers spend hours caring for children, older adults and family members without compensation. One of the most overlooked limitations of economic growth, like in many countries, is the unpaid care work in Jamaica. In particular, women shoulder the majority of this work due to unfair and dated gender norms, limiting their ability to participate fully in the labor force and affecting the country’s broader economic development.

Understanding Unpaid Caregiving

Unpaid caregiving includes raising children, preparing meals, cleaning the home and caring for elderly or sick relatives. While these responsibilities are essential to families and communities, they can be taxing for the caregivers themselves. Interviews conducted with unpaid family caregivers have highlighted the financial and emotional burden of balancing caregiving with work. Some caregivers reported reducing their work hours or leaving employment altogether to care for relatives, while others described the stress of managing caregiving responsibilities with little outside support. Their experiences illustrate how unpaid care can shape economic opportunity in everyday life.

The burden of unpaid care work falls especially heavily on low-income households. According to the World Bank’s 2025 Jamaica Poverty Assessment, persistent gender norms continue to limit women’s economic participation, making it harder for many families to escape poverty.

Impact on Women

For many Jamaican women, the challenges are not simply theoretical. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 80% of unpaid caregivers were women. The responsibilities of unpaid caregiving often come at the expense of women’s educational and professional opportunities. Time spent providing care is time that cannot be spent earning an income, pursuing additional training or advancing in a career.

The gender imbalance is strikingly consistent in Jamaica. According to the World Bank’s Jamaica Gender Assessment, Jamaican women spend 18.1% of each day on unpaid household and care work, compared with 8.2% for men. This disparity limits women’s time for paid employment, career advancement and income generation. These unequal caregiving responsibilities contribute to lower labor force participation among women, fewer opportunities for full-time employment and persistent gender gaps in earnings.

Broader Economic Consequences

The consequences of unpaid care work in Jamaica extend far beyond individual households. When women face barriers to employment because of caregiving responsibilities, families lose income, businesses lose skilled workers and the country loses productive economic potential. The International Labour Organization has emphasized that reducing unequal unpaid care responsibilities can increase women’s participation in the workforce and promote more inclusive economic growth.

These findings are echoed across the Caribbean. Researchers have found that women throughout the region continue to perform the vast majority of unpaid domestic work, despite increasing participation in education and the workforce. As a result, many women experience what experts describe as a “double burden,” balancing paid employment with extensive unpaid responsibilities at home, usually unaided by their male counterparts or other members of the household.

Shifting Perspectives

While statistics demonstrate the broader economic effects of unpaid caregiving, lived experiences are constantly shifting, hopefully toward improvement. In an interview with the International Women’s Forum, First Global Bank President Maureen Hayden-Cater reflected on gender equality, saying progress “happens when women and men have access to the same opportunities to be successful.” She added that while gender bias has not disappeared entirely, she believes the next generation, including her own daughters, will face a lower barrier than she did.

Policy and Development

Recognizing the value of unpaid care work in Jamaica is becoming an increasingly important part of development policy. International organizations, including the World Bank, the International Labour Organization and UN Women, argue that investments in affordable childcare, paid family leave and flexible work arrangements can help reduce barriers to women’s employment. Expanding access to quality childcare, for example, benefits working parents. It also strengthens labor markets and supports long-term economic growth because aiding parents with childcare allows them to participate more fully in the workforce.

Jamaica has already taken steps toward promoting gender equality through national gender policies and programs designed to improve women’s economic participation. However, experts note that continued investment in caregiving infrastructure and social support services could help more women enter or remain in the workforce while reducing poverty among families.

The World Bank, in partnership with the Government of Jamaica and the Government of Canada, launched the Jamaica Gender Assessment to identify barriers to women’s economic participation. The report highlights unequal unpaid care responsibilities and recommends actionable steps like expanding childcare services and workplace policies that enable more women to participate in the labor force.

Experts also emphasize that unpaid caregiving should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue. Care work sustains households, enables children to learn and allows older adults and people with disabilities to receive essential support. Recognizing its economic value can help policymakers design more effective labor, education and social protection policies that benefit entire communities.

Future Opportunities

As the country continues pursuing sustainable and inclusive economic growth, addressing unpaid care work in Jamaica will remain an important part of expanding opportunity. By recognizing care work, investing in services that support caregivers and creating policies that make it easier for women to balance family and employment responsibilities, Jamaica can unlock economic potential that has long gone unrecognized. Supporting caregivers is not only a matter of equality, though that is more than enough of a reason, but also an investment in sustainable development and economic growth.

Momentum is already building. As Jamaica continues expanding gender equality initiatives and international organizations increase support for childcare, labor protections and social services, policymakers have growing opportunities to reduce unpaid care burdens while strengthening economic resilience. Continued investment in caregivers could help thousands more women participate fully in the workforce while reducing poverty for families across the country.

– Gia Sen

Gia is based in Mansfield, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Gender Wage Gap in the Marshall Islands

Gender Wage Gap in the Marshall IslandsLocated between the Philippines and Hawaii, the Marshall Islands have a matrilineal tradition where women have historically inherited land and held important social status. Yet, women continue to face the gender wage gap in the Marshall Islands.

About the Gender Wage Gap in the Marshall Islands

The gender wage gap is most evident when looking at the facts. Women working in similar occupations earn about 14% less per year than men. This is due to various factors: limited workplace protections, limited education and high unemployment rates among women. Many of these disparities are rooted in traditional social structures.

The Constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands helps protect traditions and customs, granting protection to laws that contribute to discrimination against women. While women still inherit the land, discrimination against women is still present in various ways.

Traditional customs do not grant women chiefly positions; consequently, only 12 women serve on the Council of Iroji. Although it is not prohibited, the council has just started to promote it.

Additionally, women have the highest unemployment rate compared to men; in part, this is due to the low labor force that women comprise, but it’s also due to the lack of opportunities. When employers hire women for paid employment, they often receive fewer hours than men.

How the Marshall Islands Is Addressing the Gender Wage Gap

The government has recently begun implementing solutions to bridge the gender wage gap. While these initial efforts represent an important step forward, further policies and reforms are needed to achieve meaningful progress. The following section outlines three key solutions that could help reduce the gender wage gap in the Marshall Islands.

1. Strengthening the Gender Equality Act 

Since 2019, the Gender Equality Act  in place in the Marshall Islands, making this part of national law. However, due to traditions, what the act represents tends to clash with cultural values. 

The Marshall Islands government has begun taking steps to strengthen nationwide implementation of the Gender Equality Act. Expanding enforcement mechanisms and ensuring employers comply with the legislation could further reduce gender discrimination in employment by requiring equal treatment between men and women and equal pay.

2. Ratify the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention No.100

The ILO Equal Remuneration Convention is an international treaty adopted by the International Labor Organization (ILO). It is an agreement in which countries commit to meeting international standards on equal pay for work of equal value. 

Although the Marshall Islands has not yet ratified the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention No. 100, doing so would build on its existing commitment to gender equality by bridging domestic and international law through the alignment of domestic legislation with international labor standards.  

Ratifying the ILO Equal Remuneration Convention would strengthen the Marshall Islands’ commitment to internationally recognized standards of equal pay and encourage further reforms to continue to reduce the gender wage gap in the Marshall Islands.

3. Strengthening Workplace Protection

The Marshall Islands has already begun addressing gender inequality through legal reforms. In 2022, the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law report identified development opportunities, stating that “When it comes to laws affecting women’s decisions to work, laws affecting women’s work after having children, gender differences in property and inheritance, and laws affecting the size of a woman’s pension, the Marshall Islands could consider reforms to improve legal equality for women.”

The World Bank recommends workplace protections such as maternity protection, paid parental leave, protection from discrimination and harassment and improvement in working conditions.

These policies help women not only remain in the workforce but also progress into higher-paying roles, which would increase the number of women in high-paying positions by reducing career interruptions that contribute to the gender wage gap in the Marshall Islands.

Looking Ahead

While the gender wage gap remains a persistent challenge in the Marshall Islands, a combination of policies and targeted initiatives could help reduce inequality. The country’s recent efforts to strengthen gender equality represent promising first steps toward more equitable economic opportunities for women. 

– Clara Iglesias Romero

Clara is based in Galicia, Spain, and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Solar Energy in Malawi Is Creating Economic Opportunity

Solar Energy in MalawiReliable electricity can transform a community by creating new business opportunities and improving access to essential services. Across Malawi, government agencies and international organizations are using solar energy and expanded electricity access to help reduce poverty and strengthen local economies.

Expanding Electricity Access

Malawi has made significant progress in expanding electricity access, yet many rural communities still rely on traditional energy sources. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity remains essential for supporting economic development and reducing poverty across the country.

The Government of Malawi has prioritized universal energy access through national policies that encourage investment in renewable energy and off-grid solutions. The Ministry of Energy works with development partners and private companies to expand electricity access while promoting sustainable economic growth and greater resilience for rural communities.

Major Initiatives

One of the country’s largest initiatives, the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP), brought together the Government of Malawi, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), and the World Bank to expand both national grid connections and solar home systems. The project exceeded its original goals, providing electricity access to nearly 2 million people and supporting the installation of nearly 257,000 solar home systems.

Solar energy has also created new economic opportunities through the Off-Grid Market Development fund, known locally as the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee fund. The initiative has partnered with private solar companies to make renewable energy systems more affordable for low-income households and reached its initial goal of electrifying 200,000 households ahead of schedule. The program helps families and small businesses benefit from reliable electricity without waiting for national grid expansion.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Reliable electricity creates opportunities for entrepreneurship by allowing businesses to extend operating hours and adopt new technologies. Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) identifies decentralized renewable energy as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural communities where access to affordable electricity can support small enterprises and create new sources of income.

Women have also benefited from expanded energy access. According to the World Bank, female-headed households received 41% of the off-grid solar systems distributed through MEAP, exceeding the project’s original gender target. Access to electricity has enabled many women to establish phone-charging businesses and other small enterprises that generate additional household income.

Future Projects

Malawi continues to build on this progress through the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) project. ESCOM and the Government of Malawi are implementing the initiative with World Bank support to increase national electricity access from 25.9% to 50% by 2030 while expanding clean and affordable energy solutions for households and businesses.

Solar energy is doing more than powering homes across Malawi. Investments from the Government of Malawi, the World Bank, ESCOM, SEforALL, and private-sector partners are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and helping improve quality of life. As renewable energy initiatives continue to expand, Malawi is building a more sustainable future where greater electricity access can help reduce poverty and support long-term economic growth.

– Archie Monton-Black

Archie is based in Bedford, UK and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Rawpixel

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Updates on SDG 3 in Indonesia

SDG 3 in IndonesiaThe United Nations’ third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3) focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for everyone. This includes initiatives like reducing maternal and child mortality, improving disease prevention and providing universal health coverage.

These ambitions are closely connected to the fight against global poverty and have prompted many low and middle-income countries to take action. Among them, Indonesia stands out for its planning, financing and unique ability to overcome population challenges. These updates on SDG 3 in Indonesia demonstrate how the country is expanding equitable healthcare access.

Poverty in Indonesia 

It’s important to first recognize the state of poverty in Indonesia. While significant growth over the past two decades has allowed the country to achieve middle-income status, 5.4% of citizens remain in extreme poverty. While this figure may not sound daunting on its own, it does when one recognizes that Indonesia is home to nearly 286 million people and that means that 5.4% equal more than 15 million Indonesians living in extreme poverty. This manifests into real-world effects, such as:

  • Low wages 
  • Job insecurity
  • Lack of infrastructure (i.e. electricity, roads, clean water and more) 
  • Underfunded education systems
  • Poor health and unequal access to healthcare

That last effect is particularly noteworthy. The intersection of extreme poverty and the world’s fourth-largest population has made expanding healthcare access in Indonesia an uphill battle.

Why Population Matters 

How many people live in a country may determine how well the nation’s government is able to respond to the health needs of its citizens. For example, a large population introduces a daunting logistical strain in developing countries with fewer resources. Such nations often lack the infrastructure necessary to provide equitable access to healthcare for their entire population.

India is a key example of a large population impeding the health progress of a developing country. Despite attempts to improve health services, India continues to lack easily accessible healthcare and remains behind on SDG 3 initiatives. A major reason for these gaps is the nation’s status as the most populated country in the world, with more than 1.4 billion citizens.

While having a large population certainly makes it more difficult to improve healthcare access, it does not make it impossible. Indonesia’s recent successes show that the population problem can be overcome through global partnerships, government planning and strategic financing.

How Indonesia is Working Toward SDG 3

Since the Ministry of Health first launched the Health System Transformation Agenda (HSTA) in 2022, Indonesia has undergone sweeping health reforms. This has included efforts to enhance the resilience, workforce and technology of Indonesia’s healthcare system.

Specifically, Indonesia’s government has partnered with organizations like the World Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank to finance the HSTA’s goals. With these investments, Indonesia has managed to:

  • Bring nearly 90% of the population under national health insurance coverage 
  • Increase the amount of high-quality, low-cost community health centers in Eastern Indonesia by 60% 
  • Invest more than $1 billion in nutrition, early child development, and family planning 
  • Expand access to medical equipment in both urban and rural public health facilities 
  • Foster innovations in medical procurement and development

Through these initiatives, the government has vastly improved the state of public health in Indonesia. Prior to the HSTA, financial barriers prevented many citizens from seeking care, with catastrophic health expenditure rates as high as 4.5%. Now, these rates have dropped to 2%, and the national insurance plan covered more than 260 million people.

Vertical Hospitals 

Aside from blanket reforms, Indonesia has also created specialized medical facilities to target specific problems that the HSTA seeks to address. These hubs are known as “vertical” hospitals, and have been strategically constructed across the country to address the needs of both urban and rural populations. Programs offered at these facilities are expansive, including cancer treatment, infectious diseases and even mental health.

In addition to immediate improvements in quality of life, making healthcare more accessible and effective has had a sizable impact on reducing poverty by: 

  • Decreasing the direct cost of treatment 
  • Limiting transportation costs to receive care from distant facilities 
  • Preventing debilitating illnesses that impede one’s ability to work and earn a living

Looking Ahead

While more work is necessary to improve healthcare access around the world, updates on SDG 3 in Indonesia show that significant progress is being made. By leveraging international investments towards better infrastructure, upgraded technology and national healthcare coverage, Indonesia has improved access to high-quality medicine and treatment. 

As Indonesia continues to expand these initiatives, better health may enable citizens to save funds that would have previously gone towards expensive and ineffective healthcare. Improved wellbeing may also allow individuals to work more frequently, earn higher wages and improve their socioeconomic status.

– Brogan Jones

Brogan Jones is based in Norman, OK, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Yemen’s Economic Recovery

Yemen's Economic RecoveryThe World Bank recently approved a new 5-year framework aimed at supporting Yemen’s economic recovery through investments in jobs, infrastructure and essential services. The plan comes after a decade of conflict that has severely damaged Yemen’s economy and infrastructure.

More Than a Decade of War

Civil war has affected Yemen for more than a decade as conflict between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government continues to drive one of the world’s worst humanitarian and economic crises.

Yemen’s economy has faced severe strain due to policy decisions on both sides, including the relocation of the Central Bank of Yemen from Sanaa to Aden and the printing of trillions of rials in new banknotes without sufficient foreign reserves. These actions have contributed to currency depreciation and rising inflation.

One of the country’s biggest challenges is the existence of two separate financial systems. In 2019, authorities in Sanaa stopped accepting government-issued banknotes, further dividing monetary policy between the two areas.

The collapse of oil exports and reduced foreign currency inflows further weakened government revenues, accelerating economic decline. Combined with disruptions to trade and infrastructure, these pressures deepened Yemen’s overall economic crisis.

The Human Cost of Conflict

Even before the war, Yemen had one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world and ranked among the most vulnerable countries in the Middle East. Nearly half of the population lived in poverty and lacked access to safe water.

Today, food insecurity affects 17 million people, while 18 million lack access to safe water and sanitation. Additionally, 80% of the population lives below the poverty line, while displacement remains widespread across the country. Women and children account for 80% of Yemen’s 4.5 million internally displaced people. Women and girls face heightened risks of gender-based violence, exploitation and early marriage as conflict and economic hardship place additional pressures on families.

Better Livelihoods and More Jobs Amid Fragility

In response to these challenges, the World Bank’s new framework aims to support Yemen’s long-term recovery through investments in health care, infrastructure, water access and economic development.

Under the theme “Better Livelihoods and More Jobs Amid Fragility,” the new Partnership Framework aims to improve nutrition, expand access to electricity and strengthen agriculture and fisheries businesses. The framework also seeks to increase women’s participation in the economy by expanding access to jobs, resources and economic opportunities.

To support these goals, the World Bank approved four projects focused on health care, water access, infrastructure and institutional development.

One of the largest investments targets health and water security. A $94 million health, nutrition and water and sanitation project will expand access to essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The initiative will strengthen disease monitoring systems, improve health infrastructure and provide outpatient services to more than 6 million people.

Another $153.6 million project addresses Yemen’s ongoing water crisis by restoring irrigation systems, rehabilitating water infrastructure and introducing digital tools to manage water resources more efficiently. By 2030, the project aims to expand access to water, sanitation and hygiene services to 6.4 million people.

The framework also invests in urban infrastructure. A $21 million project will restore roads, electricity and water systems in selected cities, improving access to essential services for up to 1.75 million people.

In addition to rebuilding infrastructure, the World Bank plans to strengthen public institutions. A $20 million governance project will improve financial management and statistical systems, helping rebuild government capacity and support Yemen’s economic recovery.

Looking Ahead

While Yemen continues to face economic and humanitarian hardships, the new framework offers renewed support for a country working toward recovery. Stéphane Guimbert, World Bank Division Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti, said Yemen’s future “has to be built now,” adding that the goal is to create real opportunities for Yemenis, especially women, while strengthening the institutions that will carry the country forward. Although recovery will take time, the framework aims to lay the foundation for a more stable future.

– Isabella Pedroza

Isabella is based in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels