CHICAGO, Illinois — The World Bank estimates that 385 million children worldwide live in poverty, with an estimated 22,000 children dying daily, 3.1 million of whom are dying annually from a lack of nutritious food. Poverty stunts a child’s physical development and leads to multiple health problems. Poverty denies children opportunities, leading to a vicious cycle of socioeconomic immobility. Many singers use their fame and status to advocate against child poverty and work with charities actively ending child poverty worldwide. Four of them are Shakira, Camila Cabello, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin. Shakira The world-famous singer Shakira is passionate about helping the…
Author: The Borgen Project
LONDON, the United Kingdom — Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) contribute to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contained therein. According to the United Nations, MSMEs “help to reduce levels of poverty through job creation and economic growth [as] they are the key drivers of employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship for women, youth and groups in vulnerable situations.” Yet, around the world, MSMEs face several barriers that hinder their growth and potential for poverty reduction. The Forum of MSMEs in Nigeria looks “To be a catalyst for the eventual transformation…
BATUMI, Georgia — More than a year has passed since Russia invaded Ukraine and the ongoing conflict has resulted in a minimum of 500,000 and as many as 1 million people fleeing the country. Shortly after the onset of the conflict, several organizations and volunteer centers developed to respond to the needs of Ukrainians. The country of Georgia saw 60,000 Ukrainian refugees seeking safety and refuge. Fortunately, volunteer centers in Georgia are providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees amid the war. Emigration for Action Russian activists and immigrants Katerina Kiltau and Evgeny Lyamin created Emigration for Action in April 2022. It…
MADRID, Spain — Asha Ismail, 54, is a human rights activist and founder of Save a Girl Save a Generation. She was born in Garissa, Kenya, but now lives in Spain and runs her own NGO. The organization, which operates out of Madrid, focuses on upholding the human rights of women in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Ismail has years of history working on issues related to women’s rights, specifically genital mutilation and forced marriage. Through her organization Save a Girl Save a Generation, Ismail also prioritizes empowering women through education. Powering Up Girls Through Education Ismail was featured in…
UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland — It was not every day that then medical student Arnaud Pourredon shifted through dozens of boxes in search of medications to aid survivors of Nepal’s earthquake. Yet, in 2015, he did exactly that, searching high and low for authentic medicines until he could find a solution for the pains many Nepalis felt. However, what he found was startling. Drugs, ranging from over-the-counter to prescribed, were adulterated and falsely manufactured. Unfortunately, this issue is not uncommon in many developing countries where one of every 10 drugs in circulation is counterfeit or substandard. African market accounts for 42%…
ANAMOSA, Iowa — Globally, one out of every 10 people does not have access to clean water. This amounts to 785 million people around the world who struggle to meet their most basic human need: water. In developing countries such as Uganda, people lack sufficient water for drinking, hygiene and crop irrigation. Typically, sanitary restrooms are nonexistent and people are forced to defecate in the open, which is not only dehumanizing but also unsanitary. All of these circumstances together are a breeding ground for disease. People in water-scarce areas often contract deadly waterborne diseases from the consumption of contaminated water,…
CULLOMPTON, United Kingdom — Britain has a crucial role in the fight against global poverty. In 2015, the U.K. Government committed to the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to reduce poverty, inequality and the impacts of climate change by 2030. Its Official Development Assistance (ODA) aids the development of low to middle-income countries; it “delivers programs that promote economic development and welfare in these countries which contribute to building friendly knowledge and understanding with the U.K.” In an interview with The Borgen Project, the long-standing MP for Exeter, Ben Bradshaw spoke about Britain’s role in fighting extreme poverty. Who…
BATH, United Kingdom — One may know Richarlison de Andrade (known mononymously as Richarlison) as the eccentric dribbling diva whose flamboyant football skills and pigeon dance celebrations drum up no shortage of controversy in the Premier League. However, outside of his football fame, Richarlison’s charity work highlights his commitment to contributing to the fight against poverty. Whether he is dancing on the pitch or advocating for change on the global stage, Richarlison is not afraid of rustling a few feathers. Rising Star of Nova Venécia Richarlison hails from Nova Venécia, a municipality in the southeastern state of Espírito Santo. Unlike other…
CHICAGO, Illinois — In Coahuila, Mexico, before the introduction of the Piso Firme program in 2000, ill health and poverty plagued the community. Poverty and Ill Health A significant cause of ill health is unsanitary living conditions and improper housing, such as houses with dirt floors. According to the World Bank, replacing a dirt floor with an adequate alternative, such as cement flooring, reduces the incidence of diarrheal disease and parasitic infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that diarrhea is the number one cause of malnutrition among children under 5. The communicable disease is the second most significant cause…
NEW DELHI, India — India is a source, transit and destination country of human trafficking. The U.S. Department of State cites a study estimating a minimum of 8 million human trafficking victims in India. Human trafficking has become the easiest and most profitable trade for traffickers who lure, kidnap and abduct disadvantaged people for exploitation. Lack of education and awareness makes women and men from low-earning and less privileged backgrounds vulnerable to human trafficking in India while children are easy to prey on. India recognized a 27.7% increase in the cases of trafficking, a rise from 1,714 cases in 2020…