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Closing the Gender Wage Gap in Uzbekistan

Gender Wage Gap in UzbekistanWith a population of around 37.2 million people, Uzbekistan is a country located in Central Asia which covers around 448,000 square kilometers. As one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies, the country is transforming how it educates, employs and empowers its citizens. Among its most ambitious goals is advancing gender equality and closing the gender wage gap in Uzbekistan.

On average, women in Uzbekistan earn about one-third less than their male counterparts, a disparity that occupational divides, cultural expectations and limited access to higher-paying sectors have largely shaped. These reasons largely demonstrate the complexities faced when trying to close the gender wage gap, even in a country determined to move forward.

Over the past few years, the government has taken significant steps to strengthen women’s participation in the workforce and promote fair pay. Legal changes, like the 2022 labor code, mark an important milestone in Uzbekistan’s journey towards a more inclusive economy, one that values skill over gender.

Education as a Foundation for Change

In classrooms, Uzbekistan’s gender story looks like a success; with literacy and school enrolment rates to be nearing almost level between the genders.  More young women are enrolling in universities and vocational programs than ever before, many entering fields that men once dominated. Government scholarships and training initiatives are encouraging women to pursue studies in science, technology and engineering, which are sectors critical to Uzbekistan’s growing economy. With programs like Technovation Girls Uzbekistan and the UniSat International Education Program for Girls, women from 8-24 are receiving encouragement to participate in things like skills workshops and social entrepreneurship, and they are promoting the breaking of gender stereotypes within STEM. Starting with a cohort of around 250 girls, the career ladder for young girls is increasingly expanding.

Yet, as more women graduate, ensuring this education translates into equal earnings remains a challenge. Women are heavily represented in the teaching and health care sectors, professions that are socially valued but financially undervalued. But, the shift is underway: women are increasingly going into more leadership roles in STEM.

Reform To Open Doors

Legal and policy reforms are driving the country’s shift to close the gap. In 2022, the country adopted a new labor code that explicitly prohibits wage discrimination and removes many outdated job restrictions. Alongside this, around 66.7% of Uzbek legal frameworks aim to focus on working towards achieving gender equality under the SDG indicator (including a focus on reducing violence towards women).

Uzbekistan’s National Gender Strategy aims to boost women’s economic participation and ensure their pay and promotion is based on merit. It is based in legal and institutional reform to instigate concrete actions. Uzbekistan created a national commission on gender equality in parliament with a separate ‘gender expertise’ requirement to ensure new policies are regulated to have a positive gender impact. Similarly, gender-responsive budgeting and quota restrictions aim to integrate gender-responsive budgeting into national and local planning while also setting targets for women to undergo successful employment. It is reported that the share of women in leadership roles has increased to 27% from just 7% in 2016, proof that Uzbekistan’s strategies to close the gender wage gap are working.

Partnerships with organizations like the World Bank or the UNDP aim to create pathways for women through entrepreneurship programs and public leadership. With more companies adopting these initiatives, conversations about closing the gap have entered mainstream public life. A partnership between the UNDP and the Hamroh company created the Women’s Entrepreneurship Support Programme. Additionally, financial support via preferential loans and bank-driven programs have supported more than 130,000 Uzbek women with their entrepreneurial initiatives, showing Uzbekistan’s commitment to improving gender equality and reducing the gender wage gap in the job sector in Uzbekistan.

Shifting Social Attitudes

While policy opens doors, social change is integral to keeping them open. With attitudes towards women’s work and leadership evolving across Uzbekistan; professionals are now challenging traditional gender roles. The government has also launched campaigns to spread the benefits of gender equality, not just for women but for the economy as a whole. According to the World Bank, closing the pay gap and increasing women’s labor participation could lift more than 700,000 people out of poverty and raise national income by nearly 30%. Not only would this change be good for women, but for Uzbekistan’s future.

While cultural expectations still influence women’s career paths, specifically in rural areas, women are continually balancing their professional ambitions with domestic duties. It is predicted that Uzbek women spend 22% of their time on household duties versus 9% in the case of men. If Uzbekistan continues to close its gender wage gap and lessen the domestic burden on women, earned income can increase while poverty reduces. As Uzbekistan continues to help relieve women of these pressures, women can continue to stay and thrive in the workplace.

Looking Forward

Uzbekistan’s journey towards closing the gap is still a work in progress, but the direction is clear. The foundations have been laid in education, reforms and societal growth, but Uzbekistan’s main challenge is now to turn equality on paper into practice. Bridging the gap will take time, but doing so could unleash the potential of half the country’s workforce, redefining what progress means for the nation.

– Megan Burrows

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Renewable Energy in Benin

Renewable Energy in BeninBenin, a small West African country, is making significant strides towards a sustainable, energy-secure future. With only 57% of its population currently having access to electricity, Benin ranks low in energy consumption among African nations. The country is at a critical point in its energy development and transition; strategies implemented now will determine whether the country can progress sustainably and guarantee nearly half of its citizens a way out of energy poverty. Fortunately, Benin has demonstrated considerable progress and commitment to utilizing renewable energy resources, particularly through solar power.

A National Investment in Solar Power

Renewable energy in Benin is rapidly expanding with the government aiming to increase its share of renewables in the energy mix to 31% by 2030 and achieve 100% energy independence by 2050. Currently, much of the population’s energy is imported from neighboring nations such as Ghana and Nigeria in the form of fossil fuels. As these imports become more of a cost burden, the government is investing in locally generated energy sources. Benin’s recently enacted National Renewable Energy Development Policy (PONADER) supports various projects and strategies aimed at increasing energy security through renewable resources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. This includes new investments in the private solar energy sector with Axian Energy and Sika Capital currently developing four large-scale solar power plants. These plants will fuel Benin’s centralized power grid; as a result, project developers expect 50,000 urban households to gain access to decarbonized power.

Electrifying Rural Areas

Rural populations often face numerous challenges that keep them in a cycle of impoverishment. However, energy security addresses many of these issues. Initiatives to increase energy access help communities build capacity by powering schools, health facilities, homes and businesses. In turn, this positively impacts educational, health and economic outcomes, all important determinants of poverty.

Bringing decentralized energy to Benin’s underserved rural areas, where only 17.4% of the population has access to electricity, has become a main focus in local government policy. Grid extensions and importing energy sources remain expensive, making local energy production more economically viable. Renewable energy in Benin expands further on the potential of solar power with the government establishing the Africa Minigrids Program. Implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility, this program aims to bring clean energy to communities not connected to the central power grid using solar mini-grids. Such a program will help reduce existing energy inequalities in Benin, with current large disparities between urban and rural populations.

This program reinforces the work that private solar energy providers are already doing in rural Benin. The company ENGIE Energy Access, in partnership with the Beninese government, implemented Benin’s first solar mini-grid in 2024 and is in the process of building several more across the country. This project is anticipated to bring electricity to 30,000 people living in rural areas. ENGIE is also one of the main providers of in-home solar systems in West Africa, providing households with affordable and reliable access to electricity. Without this resource, people are currently depending on biomass to power their homes, a technique that is inefficient and produces pollutants.

Job Creation

Job creation and reducing underemployment will play a large role in poverty reduction in Benin. The World Bank found that in 2022, 72% of Benin’s workforce struggled with underemployment, while 90.1% worked jobs in the informal economy. Those who work in the informal sector or have inconsistent employment often see lower wages at irregular intervals, making job security difficult to achieve. These factors contribute to monetary poverty and a lack of access to basic necessities, highlighting a need for increased job opportunities. 

Energy access is highly associated with economic growth and prosperity, empowering individuals to start businesses, diversify incomes and increase productivity. While electricity access enables individuals to engage in new income-generating activities, they will also be able to build upon existing ones. In developing countries like Benin, many rely on subsistence agriculture as a main source of income and to meet personal needs. With improved energy security, Benin’s farmers and the agricultural sector will benefit from more efficient farming practices.

Solar Electric Light Fund

Many communities are already seeing these benefits, with the nonprofit Solar Electric Light Fund establishing solar gardens across 10 villages in rural Benin. These gardens use solar power to operate water pumps and drip irrigation, making food production possible even during the long dry seasons. With a reliable harvest, these farmers generate consistent incomes and increase food security, contributing to their well-being and that of their families and communities.

An Increase in Green Jobs

There is also a rapidly growing demand for green jobs in Benin, as well as for the rest of Africa. These demands are beginning to be met in Benin through newly emerging programs that provide training and mentorship in renewable energy fields. Operating under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and financed by the World Bank, the Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) is facilitating the growth of small-scale solar energy businesses and entrepreneurs in West Africa. Participants receive training in solar PV installation, maintenance and technology development, equipping them with the technical skills necessary to join the formal solar energy workforce. They are also trained in financial management and business strategies, helping them create startups and contribute to ongoing solar projects. ROGEAP also focuses on supporting youth and women-led enterprises, addressing gender inequality in the region.

A Future To Look Forward to in Benin

Renewable energy in Benin offers hope for its populations still living in energy poverty. Indeed, through the implementation of programs designed to increase energy security and strategic partnerships between the Beninese government and private solar power providers, the future for Benin’s energy sector looks bright. Building upon the capabilities of solar power will aid in the country’s prospective transition to energy independence and reduction of fossil fuel use. 

– Quinlan Bohannon

Quinlan is based in Portland, OR, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Moldova

Innovations in Poverty Eradication in MoldovaMoldova is undertaking a wide, yet quiet approach toward transforming its delivery of care and support to its most vulnerable by going digital. UNICEF, the UNDP and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection worked in collaboration to create the project, which aims to create a digital and unified social protection program to improve access to the services, as well as transparency and long-term stability of the infrastructure. These innovations in poverty eradication in Moldova mark a critical shift in the country: from fragmented paper-based services toward a human-centered, data-driven welfare system which puts equity, inclusion and efficiency at the core of Moldovan social protection systems.

Moldova’s Financial and Social Challenges

Moldova, considered Europe’s poorest country, faces deep economic fragility and rising poverty. In 2024, 33.6 % of its people lived in absolute poverty and 15.4% in extreme poverty. Rural areas suffer disproportionately with inflation worsening inequality, energy price shocks and spillover from the war in Ukraine. Reliance on remittances and outdated welfare mechanisms leaves many without timely support. Fragmented, paper-based assistance systems struggle to protect vulnerable families. Strengthening and unifying social protection is essential—not only to reduce poverty but to improve resilience against economic shocks, safeguard children and ensure inclusive growth.

From a Fragmented System to Integrated Support

Until recently, the Moldovan government distributed social assistance programs across more than 60 disconnected initiatives. For citizens, especially those in low-income or remote areas, these systems were largely inaccessible. Meanwhile, social workers on the frontline were also constrained by these circumstances, relying upon manual processes to track cases.

To address these systemic issues, in 2025, Moldova, through the Ministry of Labor and Social protection and with the support of UNDP, launched eSocial. This new digital system is a unified digital platform which aims to centralize access to welfare benefits, child protection, disability support and other critical services. Alongside this rollout, the country established the Digital Centre for Social Innovation, a hub which supports system design, piloting and workforce training.

Unifying Services onto One Platform

The digital innovations in poverty eradication currently underway in Moldova spans multiple agencies, with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection spearheading changes across social services (RESTART), the National Employment Agency, the State Labor Inspectorate and the National Council for Determination of Disability and Work Capacity.

The Digital Transformation of Social Protection Project, supported by UNDP, is the binding force. It ensures that digital tools improve efficiency and coordination across all reforms, linking social benefits, employment programs and energy subsidies into a single accessible framework.

To complete the digital shift, the project also plans to redesign up to two regional social offices, creating physical one-stop-shops to mirror the streamlined experience online. Together, these changes aim to make Moldova’s welfare system not only modern, but also more human-focused and integrated.

Empowering Workers, Supporting Families

One of the most visible changes has been in the day-to-day lives of Moldova’s social workers. In 2024, UNICEF distributed more than 1,900 digital devices among staff, enabling them to manage cases in real time, coordinate services across agencies and spend more time working directly with families.

Beyond equipment, the reform focuses on system-wide functionality, such as digital referrals, case tracking and early warning indications. This allows social workers to shift from reactive crisis response to preventive, individually-focused care. 

UNICEF’s design approach emphasizes the need for simplicity, accessibility and inclusion. Families with children, those with disabilities and elderly individuals now face fewer bureaucratic hurdles when seeking access to social protection and care. The program and its developers are creating and implementing digital tools for users, ensuring that even those with low digital literacy can participate.

Inclusion at its Core

The decision to digitize social protection is as much about values as it is about infrastructure. UNICEF and UNDP are embedding human rights principles into every facet of the system: ensuring service equity, targeting rural-urban disparities and focusing on those whom the system previously excluded, especially children in institutional care and families living within extreme poverty. 

The shift toward proactive service delivery means identifying vulnerable groups and responding prior to escalation. This not only improves outcomes but also reduces long-term costs for the state. 

As UNICEF stated in a press release from 2024, its decision to digitize is an effort to strengthen the social protection system, not only empowering the frontline workers, but also preventing and addressing urgent risks faced by children in a more efficient way.

A Blueprint for Welfare in the Digital Age

The innovations in poverty eradication in Moldova, a move toward a digitized social protection system, signals a quiet yet profound shift in how the state supports its people. What began as a technical reform is quickly becoming a reimagining of care, one rooted in access, accountability and modern infrastructure. As the country continues to roll out new systems and strengthen its frontline services, its experience could serve as a blueprint for other nations navigating similar challenges. For now, Moldova is still progressing the digital welfare reformation, however, the path forward is clearer and more unified than ever before.

– Elizabeth Occleston

Elizabeth is based in Southport, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Conflict and Addressing Poverty in the DRC

Addressing poverty in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ranks among the poorest countries in the world. Decades of armed conflict have worsened poverty despite the nation’s wealth in natural resources. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), more than 70% of people in the country live in poverty. Long-running armed conflict, displacement and limited access to essential services have deepened humanitarian needs and slowed development efforts.

Decades of Conflict and Instability

Since the mid-1990s, the DRC has experienced near-continuous violence. The First Congo War began in 1996, followed by the Second Congo War in 1998, which involved multiple neighboring countries. While formal hostilities ended in 2003, armed groups continue to operate in eastern provinces such as North Kivu, Ituri and South Kivu.

Recent updates from the International Crisis Group highlight a resurgence in violence by the M23 rebel group and other militias. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 20 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in the DRC, with many in this situation for multiple years. Human Rights Watch reported in June 2025 that the M23 has forcibly transferred civilians and targeted local populations, worsening instability in North Kivu.

Poverty Deepens as Communities Are Displaced

Displacement due to violence has had severe economic consequences. The World Bank notes that instability has made it difficult for people to maintain steady incomes or access critical services such as education, health care and clean water. In rural areas, insecurity prevents farmers from cultivating land, disrupting food production and increasing hunger. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that around 28 million people in the DRC currently face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity.

In areas like North Kivu, attacks on communities have forced families to abandon farms, livestock and livelihoods. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that more than 1 million people have been displaced. Conflict also weakens infrastructure and governance. In its latest country overview, the World Bank stated that public investments are limited, with many road networks and hospitals either damaged or inaccessible. Corruption and lack of coordination further slow efforts to rebuild after conflicts. 

Organizations Working Toward Solutions

Despite immense challenges, several humanitarian and development organizations are making progress in addressing poverty in the DRC. These initiatives focus on long-term recovery, livelihood development and local empowerment. Concern Worldwide has been operating in the DRC since 1994.

In recent years, it has implemented community-based programs in Tanganyika and North Kivu provinces. These efforts combine emergency nutrition support with clean water access, agricultural training and local peacebuilding. According to Concern Worldwide, its 2023 program has supported more than 100,000 people, helping communities recover from displacement and return to farming.

  • FINCA. FINCA Democratic Republic of Congo offers small-scale financial services that help low-income entrepreneurs start and expand businesses. Operating since 2003, FINCA provides loans, savings accounts and digital banking tools across all 11 provinces. By the end of 2022, FINCA had served more than 1.2 million clients in the DRC, with 70% of loan recipients being women. These services help individuals gain income stability, especially in areas underserved by traditional banks.
  • Oxfam International. Oxfam’s response in the DRC focuses on both emergency relief and addressing the structural causes of poverty. In 2023, the organization provided safe drinking water, food assistance and hygiene support to at least 600,000 people. Oxfam also works with local leaders to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and development planning, ensuring that aid is inclusive and sustainable.
  • UNDP. The UNDP is also supporting long-term strategies to reduce poverty in conflict-affected regions. In a 2023 field initiative, UNDP trained youth in solar energy installation and supported the rehabilitation of health clinics in Kasai Province. Its programs also promote job creation and digital access, particularly for young people and women. By March 2024, these projects had already directly benefited more than 50,000 people.

Looking Ahead

Although the challenges are substantial, progress is underway. Local communities are increasingly involved in shaping solutions. Cash-transfer programs led by UNICEF in 2024 reached 14,000 vulnerable children and their families, allowing them to access food, clothing and shelter during emergencies. These interventions not only meet urgent needs but also build trust and agency within communities.

Addressing poverty in the DRC requires both humanitarian aid and long-term development strategies. By combining financial access, local governance support and community-driven recovery, organizations are helping the Congolese population rebuild from decades of disruption. As these programs expand and receive sustained support, more families will gain access to income, education and stability, which are vital tools for escaping the cycle of poverty.

– Charlie Wood

Charlie is based in West Yorkshire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Poverty in Barbados

Poverty in BarbadosBarbados is a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Lesser Antilles region of the West Indies, being neighbors with Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados became a free country in 1966, moving to a commonwealth realm, then to a republic in 2021. The level of poverty in Barbados is well below the average, making for a well-off country. Despite that, there are still some issues that arise due to poverty. Here is everything to know about poverty in Barbados.

Where Poverty Lies

Poverty in Barbados, in contrast with the average poverty rate of 29% for Latin American and Caribbean countries, is at roughly one-third of the average, with 11.1% of Barbadians living below the international upper middle-income country poverty line of $6.85 as of 2016. Some of these causes lie within economic dependency, race, income and gender inequalities and limited access to the justice system. This has been detrimental to people who have been in poverty for many years, with some instances stemming from before Barbados was a free nation.

One such way things have improved is in regards to people in Barbados seeing poverty as less of an issue today, with an estimated 9.2% of Barbadians living below the poverty line, even as COVID-19 rolled through globally. Barbados’s Gini index, or the measure of income inequality for a nation, is at 34.1%. This number is one of the lowest figures for Latin American and Caribbean countries, and is well below the threshold for high inequality of 40%. One issue lies within this figure, however.

There are some differences in population groups, with poverty being more prevalent among women and girls, and even more so in regards to female-led households. The level of multidimensional poverty, or poverty that takes in monetary state, education and basic infrastructure is also critically low, only coming in at 0.3%. Still, 4.1% of the population lacked access to basic sanitation, and 3% lacked access to electricity. Life in poverty means not having access to basic necessities. There have been instances of people needing to move to homeless shelters out of rundown houses due to a lack of income. These people end up needing clothes, food and even counselling in some cases.

Solutions

There has been significant improvement regarding poverty in Barbados. As of 2025, out of 184 countries, Barbados is 36th in regards to economic freedom, putting them at a moderately free status, and putting them above the world average. Despite the poverty that Barbados is facing, it is quite well off as a whole, boasting one of the Caribbean’s highest incomes per capita.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) took a vested interest in helping Barbados with the issues they face regarding poverty, and under this umbrella, the UN’s Multi-Country Office got to work in regards to poverty, establishing the Poverty and Governance cluster in 2020. This cluster works with the intent to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that each country sets out to achieve, implementing programs intended to help countries and keeping track of support that countries may need. Poverty reduction is a key point for this cluster.

There are a few projects that are at the forefront for Barbados. One such example of this is the PACE Justice project, which is the improvement of the justice system as a whole, elevating the system itself from being devoid of resources to process criminal proceedings to being able to increase the efficiency of the justice system as a whole. Another project that Barbados is taking part in is the Universal Adaptive Social Protection – SDG Fund Joint Program. This program began in 2020, and aims to protect the society of Barbados by improving institutional capacities, developing financial strategies for sustainability, and mitigating risk alongside utilizing social protection for vulnerable populations in need. As recent as the end of 2021, the implementation of these goals was at 84%.

Looking Ahead

Barbados, despite still struggling with some poverty issues, is in a very good spot as a result of the United Nations and the programs that it participates in. These programs aim to lessen the blow of poverty, and help the development of the country in the long term. Barbados is also in a good spot due to the economic freedom that they have developed over time. This all combines into a country that is not without its issues in facing poverty, but is well off in the long run with how they handle poverty.

– Amari Jennings

Amari is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Examining the Gender Wage Gap in Yemen

Gender Wage Gap in YemenYemen, a country located in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia, is known as the poorest country in the region. In 2021, a study that The UN Development Program and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative conducted indicated that 82.7% of Yemen were residing in multidimensional poverty. Over the last decade of violence infiltrating Yemen, war has shattered Yemen’s current economic status and further exacerbated gender inequality. In 2021, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranked Yemen 155 out of 156 in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap index, roughly a rate of 49% signifying major disparities among men and women. Here is what to know about the gender wage gap in Yemen.

Yemen’s 2014 Civil War

Yemen’s civil war, a conflict that began in 2014, occurred when the Houthi rebels, a Shiite group, seized the capital of Yemen, demanding economic reforms and political change. This invasion escalated into a civil war, in which regional powers such as a Saudi-led coalition became involved, leading into a decade-long civil war that is currently ongoing. This continuous turmoil has left Yemen unstable and has led the international community to declare Yemen as “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis,” as more than 21 million Yemenis face dire need for assistance due to famine and disease.

This conflict has devastated poverty levels and caused a health decline due to inaccessible health services, affecting the citizens in Yemen, particularly women. With limited access to education and employment, women often face exclusion from formal income opportunities, widening Yemen’s gender wage gap.

The Outcome of Yemen’s Civil War

A sociological survey released in 2024 by UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung in Indonesia revealed that 47% of Yemeni women experience gender discrimination at work. This discrimination further hinders job prospects for women and decreases workforce participation, therefore increasing the rate of the gender wage gap in Yemen and exposing the disproportionate hardships women face.

Due to widespread poverty from lack of resources, women face fewer job opportunities when compared to their male counterparts. Consequently, only 55% of women are unemployed, while men have a rate of only 25%, as stated by a labor force survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2015.

However, despite the damage the conflict has inflicted on women’s position in society and in the workforce, U.N. Women indicated significant increases in women’s presence in the public sphere, as they have become more active in public life and have sought employment, improving the overall status of women.

The Government’s Efforts To Diminish Inequality

While the current state of Yemen has caused a large economic disparity for women, efforts remain in place to improve such disparities. The Government of Yemen has approved initiatives to develop women’s health and strategies to diminish Yemen’s wage gap, such as ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1984 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1991.

CEDAW is an international treaty that defines what is deemed as discriminatory against women and sets an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. Since its establishment, CEDAW has encouraged a reconsideration of Yemeni’s laws, such as early marriage, child labor and women’s political participation, allowing for the engagement of women not only in the workforce, but to uphold a greater position in society.

The CRC is an international human rights treaty, providing rights for children and guaranteeing education and health care that support the well being of children. It has encouraged education among the youth, especially girls, which increases the likelihood of their involvement in the workforce, decreasing the unemployment rate for women. The CRC aims to decrease gender inequality, which in return supports women’s involvement in the workforce.

The UNDP Strategic Plan

Alongside governmental intervention, UNDP has initiated forward-looking efforts, such as the UNDP Strategic Plan effective through 2023-2025, aiming to assist a variety of countries, including Yemen. UNDP has outlined several strategic approaches including:

  • Providing three signature solutions to support gender equality and strengthen the economic and structural framework for women in society such as signature solution 6, which promotes equal rights for women and girls.
  • Tackling the disparities between women and men through gender equality initiatives, such as implementing policies and programs focusing on women’s leadership, humans rights and access to justice.
  • Developing a wide range of communication materials to effectively promote and integrate gender equality into mainstream aid efforts.
  • Supporting the Women, Peace and Security agenda, ensuring that all conflict prevention is directly affiliated with addressing gender inequality.

Looking Ahead

Although war has undeniably damaged the nation and its citizens, continued support from organizations and international efforts remains imperative to begin building a more equitable society, shrinking the gender wage gap in Yemen, presenting expanded resources and providing essential opportunities without excluding women.

– Lojine Goumaa

Lojine is based in Fayetteville, NC, USA and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Ecuador

Poverty Eradication in EcuadorPoverty eradication in Ecuador remains a significant challenge. As of mid‑2023, approximately 27% of the population lived below the poverty line (earning less than $89.29 per month), with 10.8% in extreme poverty (under $50.32/month). In rural provinces, those numbers climb sharply—46% live in poverty and 22.6% in extreme poverty. Furthermore, Ecuador’s poverty disproportionately affects Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian communities, with Indigenous children experiencing poverty rates as high as 67% and Afro-Ecuadorians more than 45%.

Life for those in poverty often involves insecure employment, inadequate housing, poor sanitation and higher rates of child malnutrition. Informal employment is widespread, with 58% of workers lacking formal protections, and access to health care and education remains limited in rural areas. Women, Indigenous peoples and youth are especially vulnerable. These systemic inequalities highlight the urgent need for targeted innovations in poverty eradication. 

Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment

One prominent example of impact-driven entrepreneurship is Salinerito, a collective enterprise based in Salinas de Guaranda. Since the 1970s, this network of more than 20 cooperatives has generated sustainable income by producing cheese, chocolate and alpaca wool textiles. What sets Salinerito apart is its commitment to reinvesting profits in community services, such as funding schools, health clinics and microfinance programs, to uplift entire local economies and foster a solidarity-based growth model.

Another success is the Bio Warmi initiative, a women-led cooperative based in the Napo province of Ecuador’s Amazon region. Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Bio Warmi empowers Indigenous Kichwa women to grow native medicinal plants and transform them into certified organic cosmetic and wellness products. The initiative forms part of Ecuador’s broader transition to a green and inclusive economy. By leveraging Ecuador’s national “green loans” strategy to support environmentally sustainable microenterprises, Bio Warmi has generated consistent income for its members while promoting the conservation of biodiversity and ancestral knowledge. Notably, this initiative contributes to a nationwide policy effort that has mobilized more than $800 million in small-business financing tied to nature-based solutions and community resilience.

Community-Based Economic Resilience

In parallel, Ecuador’s ECOSIMIA stands as a compelling and resilient model of a non-monetary, community-based economy. Originating in 1992 under the name SINTRAL, it was developed within the Fundación Educativa Pestalozzi, an alternative educational project in Tumbaco. This system was inspired by the Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) framework and introduced barter-based markets where members exchanged goods and services without money, using a mutual credit system. Each transaction was assigned a numerical value purely for recordkeeping, with no monetary or debt-based implications. By the early 2000s, as Ecuador’s economic conditions deteriorated following dollarization, SINTRAL evolved into a broader, decentralized trading network. Under the guidance of educator and activist Mauricio Wild, the initiative expanded rapidly in rural areas, where communities sought autonomy from unstable monetary systems and limited access to formal markets.

In 2006, during a national gathering of participating groups, the network formally adopted the name ECOSIMIA, an acronym for “El Ecosistema es Responsabilidad Mía” (“The Ecosystem is My Responsibility”), emphasizing its ecological and communal values. Today, ECOSIMIA links more than 140 local groups across 13 provinces, forming a dynamic network of grassroots economies. These groups organize regular barter markets and coordinate exchanges at both the local and regional levels. ECOSIMIA not only facilitates access to essential goods and services without reliance on cash, but it also strengthens social ties, preserves ancestral knowledge and promotes economic resilience in marginalized and remote communities.

Government and International Collaboration

The Ecuadorian government, in collaboration with international partners, is modernizing its social protection systems to better reach vulnerable populations. In 2024, the “Innovating for Equality: Transforming local social protection mechanisms through digitalization” initiative, a joint project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), allocated approximately $864,000 to strengthen local social assistance frameworks. The project focuses on digitizing beneficiary registries and creating interoperable digital platforms that link various government services. By improving data accuracy and coordination, the initiative ensures that critical services, such as food aid, cash transfers and employment support, are delivered more efficiently to informal workers, youth and Indigenous communities, who often fall through the cracks of traditional safety nets. This digital transformation reduces bureaucratic delays, expands the reach of social programs and helps lift underserved populations out of poverty by making support more timely, accessible and inclusive.

Furthermore, in early 2025, the World Bank approved an additional $110 million to reinforce Ecuador’s social safety net by integrating climate vulnerability, enhancing child development services and supporting refugee-inclusive cash transfers. Strengthened social protection is crucial for addressing structural poverty and preventing chronic malnutrition among young children.

A Holistic Path Toward Poverty Eradication in Ecuador

From solidarity-based cooperatives and barter networks to digital inclusion programs and eco-entrepreneurship, Ecuador’s efforts show that poverty eradication in Ecuador is most effective when rooted in community strengths, inclusive finance and smart public policy. By empowering women, youth and Indigenous peoples through innovative social enterprises and digitized safety nets, Ecuador is fostering a resilient, equitable path forward, demonstrating that poverty reduction can be achieved when innovation meets community.

– Tu Anh Ha

Tu is based in Hanoi, Vietnam and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Positive Progress for Renewable Energy in Mauritius

Renewable Energy in MauritiusRenewable energy in Mauritius faces major advancements in the coming years. The island is located off the East coast of the African continent, and is home to 1.2 million people. Of those people, more than 80% agree on the negative effects that energy gained from burning fossil fuels has on their quality of life. Transitioning to renewable energy will combat these negative effects.

Fossil Fuels Worsen Quality of Life for Mauritians 

More than 80% of the country’s energy comes from imported fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases become trapped in the atmosphere through burning fossil fuel, and affect weather patterns. Mauritius feels this through flooding, tropical storms, coastline erosion, changing tides and rising temperatures. Natural disasters and drastic changes to weather patterns affect low-income communities more drastically than others. These individuals typically do not have the resources to prepare for or recover from these disasters as they occur. The average monthly salary is $1,013, with the lowest-earning Mauritians living off of about $250. Many work in tourism-related professions and outsourcing roles such as IT support and the manufacturing industry. The downside is the unpredictable demand for these jobs and the resulting unreliable income.

Energy Poverty

Steep costs for basic necessities like heat and electricity for cooking exacerbate the struggles of those already experiencing energy poverty. Energy poverty describes a situation in which someone does not have access to reliable, safe and affordable energy to meet their daily needs. A $250 monthly budget does not leave much room for expensive electric bills. The cost of importing fossil fuels to Mauritius drives up the price of power for consumers. The price of electricity for residential areas is MUR 6.140 per kWh, or 0.135. That is about 6% more than the average price of electricity in Africa.

Government Plans Pave the Way for Renewable Energy Use

As of 2019, the Ministry of Public Utilities enacted the Renewable Energy Roadmap 2030. It contains plans and proposals for various renewable energy programs, as well as objectives for total renewable energy use for the entire country. The Renewable Energy Roadmap strives for renewable energy in Mauritius to be 35% of the country’s total power source by 2025. They are on track to meet this goal at the end of the year.

The Roadmap also includes goals of severing reliance on burning coal by 2027, as well as 60% of Mauritius’ energy coming from renewable sources by 2030. Strategies such as investing in solar energy and biomass projects are outlined, as well as careful coordination to ensure this energy will be accessible on all levels: households, commercial and industrial use.

Mauritius is well underway with its renewable energy goals. In 2021, a 14-Megawatt Grid-Scale Battery Energy Storage System funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) finished construction. The $5 million storage system is equipped to stabilize the electrical grid frequency, furthering the capabilities of renewable energy in Mauritius.

Solar Energy Helps Mauritius Reach Energy Goal and Provides Jobs

The hot climate and reliable sunlight make solar energy an ideal candidate for renewable energy in Mauritius. About 10,000 rooftop solar systems have been approved by the Central Electricity Board and the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities. The installation prevented 15,000 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Not only do the solar systems provide tangible progress towards the Renewable Energy Roadmap goal, but offer reduced electricity bills for the Mauritians who have participated in the project. This allows them to spend more of their hard-earned money on food and other necessities. The renewable energy efforts will create 7,000 jobs, stimulating the economy and providing employment opportunities for Mauritians.

Renewable Energy Is the Future

Mauritius’ steady advancements towards renewable energy demonstrate the government’s dedication to contributing to a greener planet and access to affordable power. The country is on track to meet its renewable energy goals for the coming years. Each additional project will continue to improve the lives of Mauritians.

– Sydney Uhl

Sydney is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything to Know About Renewable Energy in Djibouti

Renewable Energy in DjiboutiThe development of renewable energy in Djibouti has become a national priority as the country aims to achieve 100% energy generation from renewable sources. Situated in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti currently relies heavily on energy imports to meet domestic demand. As energy needs rise and climate risks intensify, the government has launched major renewable energy projects to promote energy independence and long-term economic growth.

Why Djibouti Needs Renewable Energy

Djibouti faces high electricity prices due to its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The country also experiences power shortages that hinder industrial growth and daily life. According to the World Bank, only 65% of the population had access to electricity in 2022—and in rural areas, that number drops below 20%. This limited access disproportionately affects poor and remote communities, where families are forced to rely on expensive diesel generators or go without electricity entirely.

Without reliable power, small businesses struggle to operate, students are unable to study after dark and health clinics face life-threatening service disruptions. In fact, 50% of Djiboutians lack reliable electricity, contributing to significantly higher infant mortality and economic instability in off-grid regions. Djibouti’s overall poverty rate remains high, with more than 17% of the population living below the national poverty line.

To reduce costs and improve access, Djibouti’s government created the National Energy Strategy, which aims for 100% renewable electricity production by 2035. Launched in 2020, the initiative focuses on geothermal, solar and wind energy projects supported by international investors and development organizations.

Major Projects Advancing Renewable Energy in Djibouti

Several large-scale energy projects have transformed renewable energy in Djibouti from a goal into a reality:

  1. Ghoubet Wind Power Plant: In 2023, the 58.9 MW Ghoubet Wind Power Plant became Djibouti’s first utility-scale wind energy facility. Developed by Africa Finance Corporation, Climate Fund Managers and Great Horn Investment Holding, it marked the country’s first privately financed independent power project. Taking advantage of the highest annual wind speeds in Africa, the plant significantly boosts Djibouti’s renewable energy generation and decreases its reliance on imported electricity from Ethiopia. The $122 million project was completed in just 24 months and supplies power at a competitive rate of $0.07–$0.08 per kWh. It is expected to improve supply reliability, strengthen the business environment and mobilize additional foreign investment. The project also supports job creation and climate resilience by avoiding the emission of approximately 154,526 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year—contributing to long-term economic and environmental gains for Djibouti’s young population.
  2. Fiale Geothermal Project: Located in the Lake Assal region, the Fiale Geothermal Project has received funding from the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The project aims to generate 50 MW of geothermal power and will eventually serve more than 300,000 people. Djibouti’s geothermal resources, among the best in East Africa, have the potential to support continuous, low-cost energy production.
  3. Grand Bara Solar Plant: In 2021, the government partnered with Engie and the Djiboutian Office of Development and Energy Efficiency to begin construction on a 25 MW solar facility in the Grand Bara Desert. The plant includes battery storage systems to ensure an uninterrupted supply and has already started providing clean power to underserved rural areas. Indeed, full completion is expected by late 2025, with plans to expand capacity as demand grows.

Key Benefits of Renewable Energy in Djibouti

Key benefits of renewable energy in Djibouti are:

  • Increased Energy Independence: Reduces reliance on energy imports from Ethiopia
  • Lower Energy Costs: Renewable energy projects will decrease electricity tariffs over time
  • Job Creation: New facilities have created hundreds of construction and maintenance jobs
  • Climate Resilience: Clean energy reduces emissions and environmental damage

Ongoing Challenges and Solutions

While renewable energy in Djibouti continues to expand, the country faces obstacles. These include limited technical expertise, underdeveloped grid infrastructure and high upfront costs. To address these issues, Djibouti has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to train local engineers and expand grid connectivity to rural communities.

Additionally, the African Development Bank (ADB) launched the Desert to Power initiative in Djibouti to improve solar access across the region. Since 2022, it has funded mini-grid projects reaching more than 50,000 residents in remote areas.

Djibouti’s commitment to renewable energy has placed the country on a path toward energy security, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Through targeted investment and international cooperation, renewable energy in Djibouti is no longer a distant goal, but a rapidly growing reality.

– Hayden Chedid

Hayden is based in Parker, CO, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Renewable Energy in Vanuatu

Renewable Energy in VanuatuRenewable energy in Vanuatu is becoming an important pathway towards the reduction of poverty, influx in energy access and the creation of local opportunities. The Pacific Island nation faces energy poverty with more than 70% of its population lacking reliable grid electricity, along with 80% of rural residents remaining off grid. Implementing renewable energy solutions is transforming, improving and empowering communities. 

1. Community Owned Mini Grids

Hybrid solar-hydro mini grids are bringing electricity to dozens of villages in Vanuatu. In Loltong, Pentecost Island, a system now powers hundreds of households, schools, clinics and shops. That mini grid alone is offering more than 300 people stable electricity that lowers household costs and improves quality of life. This is creating a strong example of how renewable energy in Vanuatu is linked to the broadening of energy and economic opportunity for rural communities in need.

2. Pico-Hydro for Remote Villages

Three pico-hydro stations are being installed in Pentecost Island under the Japan-funded Pacific Green Transformation Project. These will directly benefit more than 2,366 residents and create green sector job opportunities for the community. These small hydro-powered units will not only expand energy access but also create employment opportunities, helping to reduce poverty through sustainable, community based infrastructure.

3. Solar Kits for Households and Schools

The National Green Energy Fund has funded dozens of solar-powered energy kits for schools, co-ops and local governments, resulting in lighting classrooms, providing refrigeration and allowing for more communication. With half of Vanuatu’s households off grid, affordable solar kits allow for kids’ success in schooling and financial gain through replacing kerosene lamps, actively alleviating poverty.

4. Energy Access Through Rural Electrification Programs 

Projects supported by the World Bank have subsidized home solar systems for nearly 9,000 homes and 37 public buildings, granting renewable energy access to 45,000 people. These programs are significantly raising energy accessibility for lower income communities, leading to a reduction in poverty through enabling refrigeration, powering lighting and allowing cell phone usage.

5. Empowering Youth and Women

Renewable energy in Vanuatu is also contributing to social change. Youth, especially women, are receiving green skills training and leadership roles in energy planning through a regional program with UNDP. Aditionally, cooperatives led by women manage energy systems, earn income and increase community well being, boosting both gender equity and local prosperity.

6. Increased Support from Private Sectors

Donor support has allowed for a lot of progress in Vanuatu. Although the future growth will succeed with focus on private sector investment. The government backed the National Green Energy Fund ,which provides support for things like mini power grids, battery storage and energy-saving appliances. Additionally, with the government and support from World Bank, they are working with private firms to set up systems through its Rural Electrification Project (VREP I & II). These partnerships will help bring clean energy faster and support local jobs and the green economy.

Looking Ahead

Vanuatu ranks high in Pacific nations in regard to rural energy poverty and climate vulnerability. Indeed, through the increase in renewable energy in Vanuatu the country is improving in electricity access. Additionally, health standards, education, and economic opportunities also benefit. These smaller scale renewable energy initiatives are poverty alleviating and inspiring a pathway for other small developing communities. Vanuatu’s clean energy future is looking bright. By focusing on community needs, supporting youth leadership, and expanding access to new technologies, the country is setting an example for others to follow. Small island nations have the power to lead the way in sustainable development.

– Kyra Cribbs

Kyra is based in Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons