WESTBURY, New York — Pathfinder International is a global nonprofit organization that works in more than 20 countries across the world. Though Pathfinder International’s main mission is to promote the advancement of “sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide,” the organization also focuses on global issues such as maternal and infant health, gender inequality and HIV/AIDS. By addressing these issues, Pathfinder International significantly contributes to the fight against global poverty. The Borgen Project spoke with Laurel Lundstrom, Pathfinder International’s communications director, to learn more about the organization’s efforts to empower impoverished communities globally. Gender Inequality and Gender-based Violence Although the…
Author: Lynsey Alexander
YARDLEY, Pennsylvania — After 20 years, the longest war in American history finally came to an end earlier this year under the direction of President Joe Biden. However, many do not consider the ending a victory since the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan is virtually erasing visible progress. Consequently, the origins of this decades-long intervention are muddied or unknown to many who have lost sight of the conflict’s beginnings back in late 2001. How It All Began: A Timeline of 2001 Just two days before al Qaeda struck the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon…
PALATINE, Illinois — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, also known as UNESCO, is one of the leading organizations fighting global poverty. However, unlike most anti-poverty organizations that provide humanitarian aid exclusively, UNESCO takes a different approach to eliminating global poverty. By seeking to improve peace and education through international cooperation, UNESCO’s approach to ending poverty notes tremendous results, helping millions of people across the globe. UNESCO’s Background In the wake of World War II, European governments sought ways “to reconstruct their systems of education once peace was restored.” Thus, the governments of several countries met in the…
PALATINE, Illinois — Jute, perhaps better known in the United States as burlap, is a humble yet promising fabric. Characterized by its coarse, dark brown threads, jute is among the most robust fabrics that natural fibers produce. Uses include reusable packaging, packing material or food storage. More than 50% of the world’s jute supply comes from the Indian textile industry. Manufacturing begins from farming jute plants to weaving threads together to form the fabric. Jute Mandates Most recently, the government of India issued “a mandate that all grains and 20% of sugar should be packed in jute sacks.” This mandate is a…
SAN DIEGO, California — The world is currently experiencing a shortage of one of its most valuable geological resources – sand. After water, sand is the most internationally consumed resource because of its essentiality to glass manufacturing, urban construction and other material production. While the world has massive deserts full of sand, it is unusable due to the fact that wind-eroded sand is smoother and therefore much harder to bind together for concrete. As a result, mining or dredging for coarser sand from the bottom of lakes and rivers is now an expansive practice. Unfortunately, its environmental effects are very…
SAN DIEGO, California — The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative is a cultural exchange program that former U.S. President Barack Obama created. It could become permanent if Congress passes the H.R.4213 – YSEALI Act, which in recent months has found its way to Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation subcommittee. If signed into law, it could insure funding for YSEALI programs. This would inherently secure a more promising future for these Southeast Asian developing nations by implementing educational programs and workshops, improving foreign relations and giving future leaders the tools to better the living conditions for millions. What is YSEALI…
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — In 2019, roughly 78% of South Africans surveyed by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) viewed entrepreneurship as a good career path. However, 49.8% of South African adults did not pursue entrepreneurship out of fear of their businesses failing. With a high unemployment rate of 29.1%, working for oneself seems like a desirable path in South Africa. Entrepreneurship in South Africa has the potential to empower impoverished South Africans to rise out of poverty and contribute to the economy. Educational Barriers to Entrepreneurship in South Africa The greater the number of years that an aspiring entrepreneur remains in…
VASHON, Washington — According to the World Bank, “Africa is the only continent” in the world where teaching is a male-dominated profession. Men in Africa often have better access to education and career opportunities than women, therefore, more men end up in the teaching profession. However, an increased presence of female teachers is impactful as female teachers empower girls to stay in school and develop careers, breaking long-standing stereotypes and promoting gender equality in developing countries. Representation in Education Female teachers act as positive role models for young girls, especially in areas where women are underrepresented in the workforce. When…
GLASGOW, United Kingdom — Studies on the prevalence of mental health problems in African girls and women reveal a growing concern for women’s mental health. Many African women develop mental health issues as a consequence of facing sexual abuse, unemployment, crime, lack of education, poverty, the burden of care responsibilities, violence, hunger and so forth. Impact of Unemployment on African Women’s Mental Health Unemployment hinders women’s mental health. The unemployment rate in Africa varies from country to country. In South Africa, it was 30.5% in 2019. Unemployed women often rely on their role as a housewife as their identity, experiencing a…
MEDWAY, Massachusetts — Extreme political ideologies such as communism and fascism have a longstanding history with poverty due to their authoritarian and often dictatorial policies. Everything in life requires moderation, and the government is no exception. Moving too far left or right can have dire consequences for citizens. Historically, Nazi Germany, Mussolini’s Italy, Mao’s China and the Soviet Union have demonstrated the death and destruction these ideologies create when combined with tyrannical leaders. This kind of corruption is still taking place today, most notably under communist dictator Kim Jong-un in North Korea. Thus, it is important to expose the economic…