Author: Staff Reports

New York, NEW YORK — In 2003, Liberia celebrated the end of a 14-year-long civil war that left the country in a state of social, political and economic tragedy. “Peacemaking efforts” were largely not inclusive of women though women significantly suffered during the war. In 2005, Africa finally witnessed its first female president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf transform Liberia’s view of gender-inclusivity and peacemaking efforts. Mothers, sisters and daughters from all regions came together to form the leadership beside the continent’s first woman as head of state. Here are seven women-led advancements Liberia has made since 2005. 7 Notable Women-Led Advancements…

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — On June 29, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2021 (TSCTP), also called H.R. 567. Sponsored by Rep. Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), the act addresses terrorism “in the Sahel and Maghreb regions of Africa.” By recognizing “the root causes of terrorism,” the TSCTP will help stabilize governments in these regions and provide resources to vulnerable communities in Sahel and Maghreb. Why H.R. 567 is Necessary Sahel and Maghreb are located in the northwestern region of Africa. The Sahel is one of the most impoverished Muslim regions in Africa…

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — While the Olympics may still be dominated by countries like the United States, China and Great Britain, throughout the multi-week tournament, many countries, big and small, impoverished and wealthy, have a chance to showcase their talents in all sorts of events. Throughout the Tokyo Olympics, many smaller, lesser-known, lower-income countries made history, earning their first medals in sports across the athletic spectrum. In weight lifting, Filipino Hidilyn Diaz won her country’s first-ever gold medal. In fencing, Edgar Cheung Ka-long earned Hong Kong’s first-ever gold medal. Exciting and inspiring wins like these can do more than invigorate a…

MACUNGIE, Pennsylvania — Poverty is much more than a lack of material possessions, yet the act of donating handmade items can make a significant difference in a person’s life, significantly benefitting children in particular. In 2020, the World Bank Group and UNICEF reported a finding from a pre-pandemic study indicating that one out of every six children were living in extreme poverty. Young children in the developing world are particularly affected, with 20% of children under the age of 5 living in extreme poverty. Crafting for a Cause The World Bank and UNICEF state that “the ongoing COVID-19 crisis will…

ATHENS, Georgia — Polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that causes paralysis, typically in children, is close to complete eradication with a 99.9% decline in cases since 1988. With a goal of complete global polio eradication by 2023, in 2015, the world saw the complete eradication of type 2 wild poliovirus along with the eradication of type 3 in 2018. Afghanistan and Pakistan are now the only two countries in the world with incidences of polio. Complete eradication is possible, which would make polio potentially the “second infectious disease” to see eradication, behind smallpox. Women play an integral role in polio eradication…

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Agriculture is the primary source of income for the estimated three-quarters of the global poor that live in rural communities. Any aspirations of poverty eradication are essentially dependent on these communities. The longstanding tradition of agriculture cooperatives, in which small farms pool resources, might be able to offset the effects of endemic poverty in agrarian economies. A Moment In the Sun In 2012, three branches of the United Nations launched the International Year of Cooperatives. The initiative aimed to highlight the financial disadvantages of small farms. It also highlighted the potential for inter-community economic unions…

DUBLIN, Ohio — One of the highlights of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was Yusra Mardini’s story: the participation of refugee, who became an Olympian whose skill was born from necessity. After escaping war-torn Syria six years ago, Mardini competed in the Olympics to show refugees everywhere that they too can accomplish their dreams. Yusra Mardini’s story serves as a source of inspiration, bringing hope to refugees worldwide. Mardini’s Story Mardini fled Syria in 2015, four years after the Syrian civil war tore apart the only home she had ever known. Ezzat, her father, was a nationally ranked swimmer in Syria…

Middletown, Connecticut — Healthcare in Tanzania has a range of issues, such as a lack of health infrastructure, an increased risk for vector-borne diseases and HIV/AIDS. However, Empower Tanzania Inc. is working tirelessly to change that. According to Denise Edwards, a volunteer nurse and mental health specialist at the organization, they completely changed the healthcare landscape in Tanzania. Additionally, they improved healthcare and resources for pregnant mothers and working with AIDS patients. Diseases Impacting Tanzania As of Aug. 6, 2021, the adult prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania was 4.7%, with particular regions reaching up to 15.4%. With limited resources, this is…

DOWNINGTOWN, Pennsylvania — Period poverty is a global problem, spanning across borders. It is often described as a lack of access to sanitary products due to financial or cultural burdens. In India, nearly 71% of adolescent girls do not know what menstruation is, until it occurs for them. Period poverty in India has detrimental effects on women and girls. According to a study conducted by Dasra, a charity that works on adolescent health, every year, nearly 23 million girls in India drop out of school once they start their period. Many of them face acute health issues afterward. Women who…

CHICAGO, Illinois — The tea industry is rapidly growing. Tea plantations in Kenya, China, India and Sri Lanka account for the bulk of tea leaves. Despite the ever-growing demand, many laborers responsible for its success still face poor working conditions and decreased wages. Various organizations and hopeful startups strive to ensure that every cup is brewed fairly to bridge the gap. The Bitter Reali-tea Tea is the second most popular beverage behind water. People brew 70,000 cups of tea around the world every second. Furthermore, demand is rising by 5% annually. The global network of the modern tea industry is…