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Poetry in Somalia: Using an Age-Old Art Form to Build Peace

Poetry in SomaliaSomalia, the easternmost country of Africa, is also referred to as a “Nation of Poets” or “Nation of Bards” for the Somali people’s deep appreciation for and proficiency with poetry. This form of storytelling has been used in Somali culture as early as storytelling has existed. The earliest poetry in Somalia is from the 18th century; a meditation by Sheekh Cali Cabduraxmaan. This ancient tradition has inspired a newer group that has surfaced just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Somali Storytellers

The Somali Storytellers is a group of young poets who have banded together in hopes of reaching the people of Somalia, particularly the younger generations who will be shaping the future of the country. The group produces influential works of art and performances that bring out the nation’s history and ancient culture but also get a touch of modernity.

The UNDP founded a Digital Storytelling Bootcamp that took 20 young Somalis and trained them on how to share their meaningful stories around the world using whatever technology they had available such as smartphones or computers. After the training, the poets went on a field trip to Mogadishu where they could record and create stories in public with their community.

Zahra Abdihagi

There were 400 candidates, including Zahra Abdihagi. Although she faced fierce competition from other applicants, her remarkable accomplishments as a writer and storyteller, along with her efforts to promote social change, helped her to rise to the top.

Zahra received a high school education in Canada, and before she had even graduated, she had succeeded in publishing a book of short stories. Since graduating and returning to her home, she has won several awards for her poetry writing. In her efforts to write poetry in Somalia, she has won awards such as placing third in a Somali-language international poetry competition.

After she and the other 20 applicants went through a six-week course on the introduction of storytelling creation using smart technology, Zahra is now a part of other creative workshops, aiding in training 30 other young Somali people in the art of fables. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everyone became isolated, she encouraged the youth to express themselves and share messages with the people to stay safe.

Digital Shelter

In 2020, Digital Shelter asked the women of Somalia to share their stories about these incidents which became a story and a media-driven campaign called the Without Fear project. In 2021, on International Women’s Day, Digital Shelter launched The Cabsi La’aan – The Without Fear Project. Zahra wrote a story that ended up across social media worldwide, reaching also thousands of women in Somalia.

Her poem speaks to the issues she and other Somali women experience online and in their communities. Every day online, women receive attacks on several different fronts including account hacking, blackmailing and various other forms of online bullying. By creating this poetry in Somalia, women can fight back against cyber attacks.

The Somali Storytellers are currently in the process of forming their own company as well. Zahra said, “I see a great future for us. Lots of young people are already asking how they can become storytellers themselves.” Many people are also donating to their cause via their website.

The Future of Poetry in Somalia

Many young Somali Storytellers are currently making their debut as filmmakers. They have recently screened a digital story collection called “Me and My Somalia,” a series highlighting the innovation, resilience, and challenges that Somali communities face. In their ideal future, digital storytelling will be widely available, Somali culture will be accurately portrayed and the media will be crucial in fostering constructive community transformation.

– Taylor Naquin

Taylor is based in Gilbert, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Nonprofits Are Helping Deliver Medical Supplies to Kiribati

Medical Supplies to Kiribati Kiribati is a stretch of 33 islands within the Pacific Ocean, 21 of those being populated. The country is unique in that these islands are spread apart— across 3.5 million square kilometers, to be exact. This presents a unique challenge amidst denizens of the atolls and transportation of medical supplies in Kiribati.

Background

While it is true that Kiribati has struggled to transport medical supplies to all of its atolls and islands, the health issues of the country go far deeper than a lack of supplies. Droughts and flooding have left the region struggling to maintain access to clean water, which in turn creates the perfect conditions for diseases like tuberculosis to flourish. Poor nutrition and poverty further exacerbate these health issues. Due to this, more than 25% of adults older than 24 in Kiribati have Type 2 Diabetes.

With the dire health conditions in Kiribati, the lack of medical supplies in Kiribati remains an important topic within the government. The sheer remoteness of the islands is the first issue. Getting ships to and from the islands is a challenge all by itself, as Kiribati is one of the most dispersed countries in the world, according to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) South Asia.

Medical supplies in Kiribati arrive by boat or plane and often arrive too late and too infrequently for those who need them. At times, the supplies have taken so long to arrive that the valuable medicine inside the shipments expires long before they can make their way to Kiribati’s shores, MSF reports. When the supplies arrive, they are often expensive due to difficulties in sourcing them.

A Silver Lining

While sourcing medical supplies in Kiribati has proven itself to be a consistent challenge for the country, many organizations have recently taken up the initiative to help Kiribati source medical supplies for its people. Specifically, The World Bank is helping improve supply chains so that the more remote islands of Kiribati can keep their clinics stocked with the important medicines locals need to stay healthy.

Prevention is also one of the key factors in the plan to tackle the issues with medical supplies in Kiribati. COVID-19, while difficult to navigate in the region, ended up proving to be a learning opportunity on how to navigate widespread disease. Closing ports early on allowed Kiribati to get a head start on combating the disease, which inspired officials to use that same caution moving forward. With help from UNICEF and the India-UNDP fund Kiribati was able to create the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Committee in early 2021. This committee focuses on catching diseases that could become larger threats early on to avoid communities being taken by surprise. This committee has been instrumental in the continued fight against COVID-19 and other major diseases since then.

Thanks to the India-UNDP fund, Kiribati was able to secure funding for the purchase and transport of medical supplies in Kiribati for the committee. The collaboration helped establish 34 health centers across the country, each with the goal of community outreach by making home visits and leading dialogues about disease prevention. In the end, these facilities have been extremely important in the prevention of diseases and promotion of health amongst Kiribati’s more remote populations.

Moving Forward

While the lack of medical supplies in Kiribati continues to be an uphill battle, support from outside organizations like UNICEF and The World Bank has eased the burden of this struggle. While there is still plenty of work necessary from both officials and community leaders to make sure that the population has access to medical supplies, Kiribati is on the path to success.

– Mackenzie Scott

Mackenzie is based in Indianapolis, IN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Disability and Poverty in Uzbekistan

Disability and Poverty in UzbekistanUzbekistan is a country in Central Asia neighbored by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the south, Tajikistan to the southeast and Turkmenistan to the southwest. It is one of only two countries in the world that is doubly landlocked, or surrounded by other countries that are also landlocked. Disability and poverty in Uzbekistan often go together, with people having a tougher time participating in society. In recent years, the nation has made a concerted effort to improve the conditions of disabled people within its borders. Here are five facts you need to know about disability and poverty in Uzbekistan.

5 Facts About Disability and Poverty in Uzbekistan

  1. Disabled people make up about 2.5% of the population. In 2022, it was reported by KUN that 845,000 people were officially recognized by Uzbekistan as being disabled. More than half of people over the age of 60 have some kind of disability. Most disabled people live in rural communities across Uzbekistan, though a few live in cities like Tashkent. The largest region, Navoiy, also has the highest rate of disability in the nation, at 3.6%.
  2. Employment is difficult to come by for those with disabilities in Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, people with disabilities are 4.3 times less likely to have a full-time job than people without disabilities. Additionally, people with disabilities make just 74% the monthly wage of people without disabilities. Disability:IN reported that people with disabilities made 612,000 UZS per month ($47.55). In comparison, in 2019, people without disabilities made 827,000 UZS per month ($64.26).
  3. Some welfare is provided to those with disabilities in Uzbekistan. The World Bank reported that almost 700,000 people with disabilities in Uzbekistan were given pensions and other social benefits in 2019. However, many of those people survive only on those pensions because they find it difficult to gain full-time employment.
  4. There are organizations that are helping disabled people. Some organizations, like the Gulbahor Nurli Kelajak LLC, provide much-needed employment in the tailoring industry for disabled people. Gulbahor Nurli Kelajak has employed more than 50 disabled people, mostly women, since its founding in Termez, Uzbekistan in 2021. Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in Uzbekistan, with one of its goals being to alleviate disability and poverty concerns in the country.
  5. Laws are in place to protect people with disabilities in Uzbekistan. In 2020, Uzbekistan passed its first comprehensive law, “On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”. The law aims to provide more opportunities and better conditions for people with disabilities. In 2021, the country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, further enshrining protections.

Other Considerations

Alongside these five facts about disability and poverty in Uzbekistan, the country has recently been doing more to protect and give more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in life. Universities give admission preference to students with disabilities. This is starting to show signs of improving disability and poverty in the country, with students having more opportunities than before.

However, activists across the country are disgruntled with the slow adoption of the law. Many wish more could be done to change the culture of pity toward people with disabilities. The infrastructure for equal facilities for people with disabilities is not yet in place and people still feel stigmatized from participating in events like elections or festivals. Although the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated like a holiday, activists in the country believe the day should be more about educating people about disabilities. 

Looking Ahead

Together, these five facts about disability and poverty in Uzbekistan paint a picture of a country that is trying to bring reforms that bridge the gap between people with disabilities and people without disabilities. Although the reforms have happened within the last five years, Uzbekistan has shown willingness to improve conditions for its people.

– Julius Millan

Julius is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Things to Know About Haiti’s Gender Wage Gap

haiti's gender wage gapRanked 163rd out of 170 countries on the UNDP’s Gender Inequality Index in 2021, Haiti’s gender wage gap is categorized as the largest of any Latin American or African state. Many factors interact to maintain this level of income inequality, with traditional ideas around a woman’s role, gender-based violence and a disproportionate number of female workers in the informal sector reinforcing this harmful cycle. There are several attempts to eradicate these gender inequalities in the labor market, but more work is still necessary.

Haiti’s Gender Wage Gap and Unemployment

On average, female salaries are around 32% lower than their male counterparts in Haiti. About a third of this wage difference “can be explained by factors such as age, number of children, education, and industry of employment,” according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the rest of Haiti’s gender wage gap has no explanation, pointing towards a culture of gender discrimination. In rural areas, this manifests itself as more women living in poverty; households headed by women are more likely to live below the poverty line (62% compared to 54% of male-led households).

In 2017, women in Haiti were 20 percentage points more likely to be out of work than their male equivalents This was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with women more likely to be unemployed or leave their positions, “reflecting a pattern of low labor market attachment among women that was already present and that expanded during the pandemic.” Although female unemployment has reduced slightly in the post-lockdown era, it still stood at 17.78% in 2023, compared to 11.79% for men.

Women and the Informal Sector

The informal sector contributes around 60% of Haiti’s GDP. Haitian women tend to dominate in this informal economy, partially due to a lack of opportunities or education, but also because Haitian women have “traditionally carried the brunt of family responsibilities” and the society sees them as “poto-mitan” – or backbone- of their families and wider communities. Thus, many women become informal merchants to earn money and juggle domestic responsibilities, contributing to Haiti’s gender wage gap. Women tend to work more in this informal sector which “small production units with low-profit margins” define, including a lack of protections and security for workers (10), which further disadvantages women in terms of pensions and rights, making job progression more difficult.

Traditional Gender Roles and Violence

Around half of Haitian homes, according to the May-June 2020 Haiti Gender Assessment, claimed that chores like cooking, cleaning and child-rearing were a woman’s responsibility in the home. This significant domestic burden inevitably places women at a disadvantage when looking for employment in comparison to men, who tend to have fewer if any domestic tasks.

Also, women have much less access to “productive resources” like land and financial tools, with only 8% of women in rural Haiti owning their own land, compared to 20% of rural men, according to the World Bank. Although only a third of Haitians have a bank account, the gender gap is around 5 percentage points, with much less women having access to these services.

An acute problem with gender-based violence could also be contributing to the persistence of Haiti’s gender wage gaps, given that violence against women “has profound implications for women’s [labor] market participation, driving economic and workplace barriers that erode financial independence and restrict access to meaningful employment opportunities.” In just the first quarter of 2024, there were 1,793 reports of GBV 94% of which came from women and girls, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Combatting chauvinist ideas and domestic violence towards women is key to empowering and integrating them into the workplace.

Education Gap Reversing

Despite a lack of progress regarding women’s involvement in the workforce, there has been progress in improving female education and attendance rates. Gender gaps have “closed or even reversed at the secondary and tertiary levels” with more girls between 15-24 years attending school than boys in rural areas, the World Bank reports.

However, gender gaps persist in lower stages of the education system, and men are still more likely to have graduated from secondary and higher education institutions than their female counterparts. This persisting gender gap in higher education attainment is inevitably worsening this gender pay gap, given that many women in Haiti have not been provided with the same level and quality of education as their male peers.

Solving Haiti’s Gender Wage Gap

The Haitian government has tried to make progress regarding the country’s marked gender wage gap, signing international accords addressing women and gender equality. It also has a Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights (MCFDF) and a Gender Equality Office for the Parliament, established in 2013, “to foster gender equality on the legislative level and women’s participation in formal politics.”

However, implementation has been slow, considering institutional weakness, political instability and a lack of funding for the MCFDF. Quotas for female representation in government have not had major success within these bodies, with women making up less than the constitutional requirement in both houses of the Haitian Parliament (less than 30%). Compared to its neighbors, Haiti is underperforming regarding the promotion of gender quality and equal opportunities, according to the World Bank.

USAID has also attempted to empower women and girls and combat Haiti’s gender wage gap. They have focused on programs intermingling economic factors and improvements to health and sanitation provision with measures to reduce poverty and gender-based violence. USAID initiatives to reduce poverty and stimulate growth have created 27,000 permanent jobs since 2011, 53% of which employed women, in sectors like construction and manufacturing.

Final Notes

Haiti is a country with a young population and much potential but has suffered at the hands of dictators, natural disasters, and political instability. The country’s gender pay gap has been fed by and worsened female participation in the labor market and the lack of employment opportunities for women. Despite great efforts by the Haitian government and USAID, the 32% gender wage gap persists, and women still find themselves without work, or limited to employment within more informal sectors without workplace protections.

– Ciara Howard

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

Photo: Flickr

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Water and Sanitation in Indonesia

water and sanitation in indonesiaIndonesia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and warm hospitality, which draws millions of visitors annually. However, beyond its scenic allure lies a pressing challenge: inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. This issue severely impacts public health and disproportionately affects impoverished communities, where limited resources hinder access to essential health care services. Tackling this crisis is critical to breaking Indonesia’s cycle of poverty and fostering sustainable development.

Poverty and Indonesia’s Water and Sanitation Crisis

In Indonesia, where 9.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, approximately 192 million people lack access to safe water and 14 million do not have access to safe toilets. UNICEF report reveals that nearly 25 million Indonesians practice open defecation and 89% of water sources are contaminated by faecal bacteria. Shockingly, only 7% of wastewater is treated.

This improper disposal and untreated sewage worsen water pollution, leading to unsafe water consumption. Exacerbated by poverty, these factors create a breeding ground for waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and cholera. For children, unsafe water and poor sanitation lead to chronic illnesses and stunt growth. Regarding this, 21 out of every 1,000 children in Indonesia die before their fifth birthday, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The water and sanitation crisis in Indonesia is not only a public health issue but also an environmental one. Improper waste disposal leads to severe pollution of rivers and lakes, many of which serve as primary water sources for local communities. Regarding this, four of Indonesia’s rivers, Brantas, Ciliwung, Citarum and Progo, rank among the 20 most polluted rivers in the world. This widespread pollution undermines biodiversity and poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, further exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.

International Help

Addressing these issues requires investment in infrastructure such as wastewater treatment facilities and clean water distribution systems. Several NGOs are working to address the root causes of poor sanitation and improve access to clean water in Indonesia.

Since 2014, Water.org has empowered more than 5.1 million Indonesians access to safe water and sanitation through innovative partnerships and financing solutions, according to its website. Its WaterCredit initiative collaborates with local financial institutions and community organizations to expand water and sanitation infrastructure. Water.org also strengthens local water utilities, offering technical assistance and cost-efficient solutions to expand sustainable services. These initiatives not only improve health and hygiene but also support Indonesia’s broader economic and developmental goals.

Indonesia and the UAE have partnered to address the pollution in Indonesia rivers, formalizing the agreement through Clean Rivers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Over the next three years, the initiative aims to clean up 5,000 tons of waste from five river areas, this project aims to prevent waste leaks into the ocean and promote sustainable water management practices. It also supports Indonesia’s goals to reduce marine waste by 70% by 2025 through collaboration with local governments and environmental organizations.

Additionally, the U.N. has facilitated $1.7 billion in financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 6, which ensures access to clean water and sanitation in Indonesia. This support plays a crucial role in advancing water and sanitation efforts across the country.

A Call to Action

Addressing water and sanitation in Indonesia is not just a public health issue, it is a path to breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking the country’s full potential. Expanding wastewater treatment facilities, improving access to clean water and addressing open defecation are critical steps.

“We must ensure the U.N.’s collaboration with Indonesia continually promotes responsive and resilient policies and initiatives in the face of global crises,” says Suharso Monoarfa, Minister of National Development Planning and Head of Bappenas. Therefore, supporting organizations that improve water quality and sanitation infrastructure in Indonesia can ensure a healthier and safer future for its people.

– Nour Mostafa

Nour is based in Gloucester, UK and focuses on Good Newsand Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Disability and Poverty in Georgia 

Disability and Poverty in Georgia According to a 2022 UNDP report, disability and poverty in Georgia are still affecting the country, with improvements to such situations only beginning recently. During the Soviet period, Georgia handled those with disabilities and those suffering from poverty because of their disabilities, with a mindset and a practice of “exclusion and institutionalization.” Reformations to this mindset and the subsequent practices are going through implementation and amendments to help people with disabilities lead to a better quality of life.

Background on Disability and Poverty in Georgia

In 2021, the Social Service Agency registered about 128,285 people with disabilities living in Georgia. This number could be greater due to the lack of statistical data on people with disabilities in the country, according to a 2022 UNDP report. The types of disabilities that one may encounter within the country are those with physical, mental, sensory or intellectual long-term impairments, UNDP reports.

Life for those with disabilities within Georgia is incredibly difficult. They often face discrimination due to their impairments and they live out their days in boarding houses and institutions for an indefinite amount of time, according to UNDP. Those with disabilities are more likely to be a part of the impoverished population of Georgia as the society sees them as not being capable of contributing to the workforce within Georgia’s economy, with the right to employment being one of the biggest issues that people with disabilities face within the country, according to UNDP.

The general poverty rate within Georgia stood at 4.3% as of 2022. In 2023, the total population of Georgia is around 3,760,365 people. Given the Social Service Agency of Georgia’s registered amount of people with disabilities in 2022, of 128,285 people, one can assume that the general poverty rate of people with disabilities could be at around 29.3%.

Georgian Young Lawyers Association

To help aid those suffering from disabilities and poverty in Georgia, several NGOs are helping to fight for people with disabilities to have rights in Georgia. One of which is the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA).

GYLA has been fighting for human rights since its establishment in 1994. It set out to protect human rights, strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and create fair governance by promoting transparency and governance accountability within the country. So far, GYLA has helped to provide Georgia with a Legal Aid Program that has helped to provide Georgians with 1.3 million consultations in free legal aid assistance. The Legal Aid Program that GYLA has established focuses on offering its assistance to those with disabilities, representatives of minorities, women and children, and those that face discrimination, by providing them with lawyer services both in local and international courts.

Organizations such as GYLA, as well as other companies and their consumers, are also helping to fight poverty in Georgia and have been able to see drastic results early this year. Specifically, companies like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that develop year-long contracts to help provide the country with a more sustainable economy have helped to decrease Georgia’s unemployment rate by 14% in 2024, alone. With the increase in domestic consumption of goods and services within the economy by consumers, it is projected that the GDP will continue to increase in 2025, by about 7%.

Results

The country is not only working to reduce poverty, it is also working toward providing people with disabilities with personal agency. In 2014, Georgia ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities. This ratification would allow them to make reforms to policies and legislation that would enable people with disabilities to be better represented within the country, as well as within their own families and communities. More recently, the country passed a 2020 Law on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities. This law would further allow for people with disabilities to be on an equal basis with their peers, by encouraging deinstitutionalization and essentially shifting the mindset of the country’s views towards people with disabilities to be that of a more inclusive one. 

Conclusion

Not only is Georgia beautiful to visit, but it has also been steadily and successfully addressing disability and poverty in Georgia. Georgia has been fighting against poverty since the early 2000s and has managed to increase GDP and monetary circulation throughout the economy. Overall, it would seem Georgia is headed for a bright future with the consistent fulfillment of the country’s SDG goals for the elimination of poverty and providing rights to those with disabilities and poverty within the country.

– Sadie Treadwell

Sadie is based in Grovetown, GA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovation and Development in Armenia: Success and Optimism

Development in ArmeniaIn 1991, Armenia experienced transformation into an independent democratic state from a once Soviet Socialist Republic. Despite impressive reductions in poverty, the country has faced difficult times throughout its turbulent history. Most of the recent news out of the mountainous nation has centered around its troubling conflict with Azerbaijan, greatly neglecting the sucessful development in Armenia.

Background

The current situation in Armenia is complicated: although the nation has seen its Human Development Index increase by more than 20% since 1991, more than a quarter of Armenians were still living below the poverty line in 2019 and every third child is currently living in poverty. These consequences can be partially attributed to the trend of over-reliance on a few sources of prosperity, such as the export of commodity goods, tourism and financial services, which has restricted the opportunities available in the country to working-age individuals and their children.

Furthermore, Armenia had the largest agriculture sector as a proportion of GDP among  Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus (EESC) countries at 11% in 2021. The need for modernization and diversification is key to Armenia’s development success and the nation has solid foundations for continued poverty alleviation to be achieved. Armenians can look within for inspiration, with exciting, high-value industries such as the ICT sector proving to be catalysts for new growth and innovation. This highlights the importance of sustained innovation, education, opportunity creation, creativity and modernization for the ongoing development success of Armenia.

Government Initiatives

The Ministry of High-Tech Industry seeks to capitalize on Armenia’s high-tech potential by improving education in the sector. This initiative aims to attract influence from foreign high-tech specialists and establish a National Venture Fund to provide grants and support for startups in the country.

Armenia typically struggles with high outmigration. So, supporting bright young prospects as soon as they enter the labor force may lead to further innovations and the growth of new markets in the country. Furthermore, the arrival of tech specialists from Russia has “opened up new opportunities, with the potential to positively affect start-up creation, investment and growth of the ICT sector.”

The Ministry is also planning to increase the digital literacy of the general population through digital education programs and the widespread expansion of high-tech communication services. This is to ensure public digital literacy, improve accessibility to digital services for persons with disabilities and ensure the availability of a fixed internet connection.

Armenia has a legacy of “entrepreneurial culture and pockets of innovation excellence, such as the information and communication technology service exports sector.” Therefore, “strengthening innovation will play a central role in ensuring the country’s sustainable development, building a solid foundation for its transition to a knowledge-based economy.” New sources of growth for Armenia’s economy will inevitably bring some relief to the worst off in society, as the nation will be able to move away from things such as remittances from Russia to boost GDP, which usually only benefit the better-off.

NGO and International Efforts

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development laid out its priorities in its 2019-2024 country plan for Armenia. It is prioritizing increasing the ability of small- and medium-sized enterprises to grow and add value, broadening access to finance, in particular for underserved segments and improving economic governance and greater competition. It will aim to achieve these goals by providing direct financing to SMEs, supporting the introduction of innovative technologies, bringing together and working with various financial interest groups and improving the quality of legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks that competition authorities can tackle monopolies.

Furthermore, The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been doing great work in Armenia. This includes investing in small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting local start-up initiatives and tourism development. The program is actively boosting entrepreneurism, developing a future-proof labor market and improving preparedness for shocks in rural communities. Through the promotion of technology-based education, re/up-skilling and upgraded public service models, the livelihoods of nearly 30,000 people have been strengthened to date.

Conclusion

While Armenia continues to work through difficult circumstances, the country is full of exciting initiatives seeking to push it far beyond simple subsistence. 

– Arshiya Eslamdoust
Photo: Unsplash

Mental Health Challenges Among Young People in Lao PDR

Young People in LaoOf the 6.5 million people living in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), 60% are below the age of 25, and one in four suffer mental health challenges. The region, which spends just 0.3% of its health budget on mental health care and treatment facilities, must soon reconsider its prioritization of mental health care. This younger generation is expected to carry the burden of alleviating Lao PDR’s national debt, which is currently 70% greater than their GDP. Here is information about the mental health challenges young people in Lao PDR face and what some are doing about it.

The Region

For the last 20 years, the economy of Lao PDR has grown by more than 7%, but in spite of being one of the fastest-growing nations in Southeast Asia, 18% of the population lives in poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the economic struggles of the nation, which originated from large-scale borrowing of funds used for modernization. The kip lost half its value against the U.S. dollar, and from 2021 to 2023, inflation rose more than 40% per year. The government prioritized amending its economy, dismissing the social sector, investments in education, and infrastructure necessary to support a growing mental health epidemic in the region.

Young People in Lao PDR

A third of the population in Lao PDR are 10-24 years old, making the nation one of the youngest in Southeast Asia. However, close to 40% of those are not in education or registered as employed. School and business closures during the COVID-19 pandemic forced two in seven young people out of school and one in six into hazardous self-employed environments in order to provide for their families. Mental health challenges that young people in Lao PDR endured have consequently risen, and aid services are often inaccessible.

Mental Health Challenges in Lao PDR

Between the hopelessness that comes with being forced to leave school and the financial stresses produced by a weakened economy, it is easy to understand the root of mental health challenges that young people face in Lao PDR. With 75% of the young population living in rural areas with no access to mental health support, substance abuse is becoming an increasing issue in the nation. The majority of those struggling with mental health are from vulnerable populations — ethnic minorities, migrants and those with disabilities.

Taking Steps Toward Limiting Mental Health Challenges

The demand for mental health services in Lao PDR requires improvements in infrastructure. The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages prioritizing improving young people’s mental health through the establishment of aid programs. These efforts include: 

All of these provide a pathway that leads toward reducing the mental health challenges of young people in Lao PDR.

Community Programs

Village health volunteers in Lao PDR are predominantly male, which complicates administering health care to pregnant women and adolescents. However, recent community programs aimed at creating professional gender equality in the nation have invited female village health volunteers into the community health care network. The programs pair a male and a female village health volunteer, especially for the reduction of postnatal depression rates in Lao PDR. Putting women at the forefront of mental health care support has proved to be effective in reducing postnatal depression rates.

Support from UNFPA

UNFPA offers support for anxiety arising from a lack of reproductive health knowledge, including funding training courses for counselors in Lao PDR. Many mental health workers across the nation have adopted these courses, and prompted multiple improvements to the nation’s social message on supporting young people’s mental health. Hotlines exclusively catering to the support of mental health challenges have been established and social media is being used nationwide as an informational platform, educating the younger generation on issues of psychological health.

Aid from USAID 

USAID reinforces the importance of mental health professions and improves the efficacy of treatments by rewarding research and development. In addition to encouraging mental health careers and research, USAID has pledged to create the necessary medical spaces for practitioners.

Restoring the Next Generation in Lao PDR

Emerging from the COVID-19 years into massive national debt, the young people of Lao PDR have increased rates of mental health challenges. However, they are receiving attention with local and international aid, as well as social reform. The next decade will prove whether or not this aid has been effective in supporting the mental health of young Laotians, but providing it is a critical step toward restoring Lao PDR as one of the most promising emerging markets in Southeast Asia. 

– Joseph Wray
Photo: Flickr

4 Ways Nepal’s Community Forestry Impacts Poverty Alleviation

Community Forestry 
Having endured earthquakes in April 2015 while being one of the world’s youngest democracies, Nepal’s population has been struggling to lift themselves out of poverty. Nevertheless, a transformative light has emerged over the last 40 years through pioneering community forestry initiatives. Beyond empowering local communities, these endeavors present promising avenues for alleviating poverty’s grip. 

What is Community Forestry?

Community forestry is a participatory approach to natural resource management where local communities are empowered to collectively manage and make decisions about nearby forest resources. This practice involves sustainable utilization, conservation and regeneration of forests to meet both environmental and socioeconomic goals, offering communities opportunities for income generation, livelihood diversification and a stake in preserving their ecosystem. Here are four ways Nepal’s community forestry impacts poverty alleviation.

1. Empowerment for Economic Upliftment

Nepal’s community forestry model focuses on empowering local communities to manage their nearby forests. This approach opens avenues for sustainable resource utilization, creating income streams that can uplift communities from poverty. The village of Fulbari, nestled in Nepal’s Siwalik hill range, has become a powerful testament to the potential of community forestry in uplifting impoverished communities. With the backdrop of Nepal’s forest cover at 26%, Fulbari’s landscape shines as a living example of the success of such initiatives. 

The village, primarily comprised of the Tamang caste, faced considerable challenges, including displacement due to floods and limited resources. In 2003, Fulbari was established on public land to resettle those affected by natural disasters. The on-site Grass cultivation significantly supported livestock farming, offering a readily available source of feed, and freeing up time for other income-generating activities. The villagers embraced alternative crops like turmeric and ginger, diversifying their income streams. Financially, this transition was profound, with farmers experiencing improved economic conditions and even establishing internal funds for various needs.

2. Breaking Agrarian Chains

Nepal’s heavy dependence on agriculture has perpetuated poverty in rural pockets. Community forestry introduces an alternative avenue, offering livelihoods less vulnerable to climate shifts. According to a study in 2017 investigating the rural regions of central Nepal, it was found that small-scale farmers have shifted their primary livelihood focus from subsistence farming towards alternative non-farm endeavors, such as remittance-based income and wage labor. Additionally, the research highlighted that the trend of diversifying livelihoods through non-farm activities is prevalent among a significant portion of rural households.

3. Women’s Rise To Empowerment

Community forestry initiatives have ignited a positive ripple effect on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Women’s involvement in decision-making and income-generating pursuits is on the rise. As of 2009, the Community Forestry Guidelines were amended so that 50% of community forestry user group executive committee members would comprise women and 35% of user-group income would be used for pro-poor intervention. The Dolakha Community Forest underscores this trend with women-led endeavors such as herb cultivation and apiculture, leading to not only poverty reduction but also a shift in societal dynamics.

4. Scaling Impact for a Brighter Future

Community-managed forests now account for more than a third of Nepal’s forest cover, which has grown by about 22% since 1988, according to government data. Independent studies also confirm that greenery in Nepal has sprung back, with forests now covering 45% of the country’s land. Thus, Nepal’s achievements are garnering attention far beyond their borders. Government bodies and international organizations are amplifying these initiatives to replicate success stories. Supported by funding and expertise from entities like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the expansion of community forestry continues to broaden opportunities for poverty alleviation.

Looking Forward

Nepal’s community forestry undertakings offer a glimmer of hope in the global struggle against poverty. Through local empowerment, livelihood diversification and gender-inclusive strategies, these programs present a blueprint for sustainable poverty alleviation. As Nepal’s journey unfolds, its lessons resonate globally, prompting us to explore innovative pathways that can uplift vulnerable communities and lead us closer to a world free from the shackles of poverty.

– Miriam Schuller
Photo: Flickr

The Effects of Air Pollution in Iraq

Air Pollution in Iraq
Air pollution in Iraq is one of many environmental issues the country faces. As of 2022, it ranked second in having the worst air quality in the world, only behind Chad. That quality has continued as Iraqi oil fields grow, tainting the air around them and making Iraq the most polluted country in the Middle East.

The Environmental Protection Agency defines small inhalable particles as particulate matter and any particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less are expressed as PM 2.5. Using this measurement sets a standard of what is breathable and what is harmful to the human body. Iraq’s national average is nearly two times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. These particles are small enough to get into the lungs and bloodstream, which can have disastrous impacts on major organs.

Air pollution in Iraq is affecting those struggling in poverty the most, which is nearly 25% of the population. They are more likely to live near industrial regions, including oil fields where air quality is at its worst, and have less access to affordable health care when compared to higher-income homes.

Steps are being taken to right the ship, and at the start of 2023, Iraq implemented a tree-planting initiative aiming to plant 5 million trees throughout the country that will clean up the air and combat desertification. It will also improve soil fertility and increase the availability of clean water, which is massively beneficial considering how prone Iraq is to droughts.

The Oil Boom

The main contributors to air pollution in Iraq are its massive oil fields in both the North and South. Oil operations in the country account for “95% of foreign exchange earnings,” according to the Iraqi Embassy in Washington, D.C. It produces slightly less than 4 million barrels per day as of now, but the Iraqi parliament has agreed on a plan to raise that number above 5 million barrels per day. It is the fifth largest producer of crude oil in the world, and while this has positive effects on Iraq’s economy, those who live near the oil fields see a very different reality.

Gas flaring describes the burning of excess methane gas when drilling for oil. In countries with strong infrastructure, this excess gas can be reused for further oil production or be processed and consumed for power generation; not so in Iraq. Gas flaring creates huge flames that release toxic gasses like benzene, which, when humans are exposed, causes cells not to work as they should. Exposure can lead to the loss of white blood cells and even death when ingested at high levels. The gas is so dangerous that Iraqi laws prohibit any oil and gas infrastructure from being closer than 10 kilometers from residential areas — but enforcement of those laws is insufficient. 

The Oil Field in Rumaila

In the southern city of Rumaila sits the third largest oil field in the world, which happens to be less than five kilometers away from residential housing, where almost 50% of residents live in poverty. The government has agreed to end what they call routine flaring, even going as far as signing a plan designed by the World Bank to find better uses for the excess gas.

Iraq is finding other ways it can improve its air quality and climate effects as a whole. With the help of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Environment revised multiple policies that address the country’s greenhouse emissions in the oil and gas sectors and also in agriculture, which will improve air quality. The 2021 commitment will see Iraq use excess methane in electricity production and have better control over crops that produce methane in higher numbers. The goal behind the changes taking place is for Iraq to lower usual greenhouse admissions by 15% by 2035.

Effects on Children

Air pollution in Iraq can be attributed to Western oil companies just as much as to Iraq itself. Oil giant BP practices flaring near Basra at the Rumaila oil field. Higher rates of cancer have been noticed, and many of them have been children. It has gotten so bad that Jassem al-Falahi, Iraqi Environmental Minister, had to admit a link between the two does exist, yet the Minister of Oil continues to deny all connections between air pollution and cancer rates.

Multidimensional poverty describes households that find themselves deprived of needs like education and basic infrastructure services. It is a unit of measure beyond monetary poverty and one in two Iraqi children face this obstacle. Living in poverty means less resilience to climate-related changes including air pollution.

Air pollution in Iraq is a problem that can be improved if those in high government positions can see eye to eye. Gas flaring affects the air quality, and there is a clear link between rising cancer rates and the burning of chemicals like benzene. The chemicals burned can be reused and be beneficial for Iraqis, especially those in poverty. It can be used for more oil production or to generate power in a country where middle-income homes rely on generators for 10 hours per day for power. Those in poverty do not have access to the funds needed to power generators so reusing oil byproducts solves multiple issues. 

– Benett Crim
Photo: Flickr