by mse47 | Nov 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
Lebanon has been ranked as one of the top countries with severe negative GDP growth. As shown in the below graph, Lebanon’s GDP growth is also lower than that of its neighboring countries, including Syria which has been facing a war since 2011.
In order to check for potential causes of this severe negative GDP growth, Lebanon was compared with other countries on the level of economic indicators. What is found interesting is that Lebanon has the highest external debt (expressed as % of GNI) compared to other countries, as the below figure shows.
Let’s dig deeper into the relationship between external debt and GDP growth in Lebanon. As the below figure shows, when Lebanon’s external debt made a big jump and increased by 130% (from 147% to 277.9%), GDP growth had a severe decline of 15.5% (from -4.2% to 19.7%).
This relation is validated by a study performed by The Monetary Fund that states that external debt shocks have a negative impact on GDP in both, the short- and medium-terms. This is further shown in bellow screenshot taken from the study (The Monetary Fund,2022).
For this reason, The Monetary Fund, in collaboration with the World Bank, has developed The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative that provides debt relief for qualifying countries if these countries develop a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) to show how this relief would help them re-increase there GDP.
by rmr34 | Nov 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
Education:
Education is the cornerstone of development, unlocking doors to a brighter future. Education plays an essential role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The persistent challenge of education in African countries, particularly for adolescents, has always been an obstacle, contributing to the developmental lag experienced of these nations.
Adolescents out of school in 2012:
In 2012, a large percentage of adolescents were out of schools. Reasons vary but they can be summarized in
- Inadequate educational infrastructure
- Social disparities especially marriage
- Barriers to access in rural areas
- Shortage of qualified teachers
- Limited access to modern teaching materials
Adolescents-out-of-school rate in African Countries:
The map assures visually and represents educational challenge with larger red circles denote higher percentages where the adolescents-out-of-school rate is really high in comparison to other countries.
Early Marriage
The high marriage rates in often limit access to formal learning opportunities. The social expectations surrounding marriage can act as a barrier, particularly for young girls, impeding their ability to complete their education. However, fast forward to 2022, a shift in the educational landscape had occurred. In 2016, marriage rates for girls under 15 stood at a shocking 93%. However, a line chart traced a journey of change from 2016 to 2017, witnessing a substantial drop to 62%. The trend continued into the years 2020 and 2021, where the marriage rate further decreased to a promising 29%.
Now, this shows the rate of out-of-school adolescents that had fallen. Hope began to blossom becoming an inspiration of progress in the (SDGs).
Correlation between Marriage and School enrollment:
The story unfolded with a realization – the decline in early marriages played a key role in fostering educational empowerment with a correlation between decrease in marriage rates and increase in school enrollment. Yet, a small number is still beyond the ideas of education.
Urgent Call for action:
- Community Engagement and Awareness
- Investment in Infrastructure
- Government Policy Reforms
- Teacher Training and Support
- Partnerships with NGOs and Corporations
- Monitoring and Evaluation
The tale of progress in African education reminds the world that transformation is possible when communities unite, prioritize education, and nurture the dreams of their youth…
by rei04 | Nov 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
In our global journey towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), closely examining reproductive trends offers a window into the successes and ongoing challenges of public health initiatives. This post presents an updated analysis of birth rates over the decades and current adolescent fertility rates in key nations.
Our line graph traces the paths of birth rates in countries like Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Yemen from the 1960s onward. While there is a shared downward trajectory, each country’s journey reflects unique socio-economic and healthcare factors influencing these rates.
Complementing the long-term view, the bar graph presents a snapshot of the current state of adolescent fertility rates. This data is critical as it highlights the fertility patterns among young women, which is a key indicator of access to education and reproductive health services. Madagascar and Cameroon exhibit the highest rates, signaling areas where interventions may be most needed.
Together, these visuals offer a comprehensive perspective on reproductive health. The historical data of birth rates inform us of overarching progress, while the adolescent fertility rates give us a focused understanding of where additional efforts are necessary, particularly in empowering young women.
These reproductive trends are intimately linked to SDGs 3, 4, and 5, which emphasize health, education, and gender equality. High adolescent fertility rates can hinder progress in these areas by affecting education completion rates for young women and impacting their health and economic prospects.
To address these complex issues, data-driven strategies are essential. Promoting comprehensive sexual education, enhancing healthcare access, and empowering young women with choices can lead to healthier societies and further progress in reducing birth rates in line with our sustainable development aspirations.
As we analyze these visuals, we’re reminded of the power of data to shape our understanding and our actions. Let’s use these insights to foster a world where every young person is equipped with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
by gne05 | Nov 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
African countries face a critical water situation, with millions lacking access to clean and safe water sources
According to the United Nations, about 40% of the world’s population lack access to the least basic water needs and with the global temperatures on the rise this number is expected to further increase. In line with its vision for the year 2030, the United Nations is developing a series of targets such as eliminating water sources pollution and increasing international cooperation, however until today not much has done to ensure that this goal will be met by year 2030.
African countries have the highest mortality rates related to unsafe water sanitation
As shown in the above heatmap, the highest mortality rates related to unsafe water in year 2019 belonged to countries from the African continent solely with Lesotho and Chad leading the way with 108.1 and 99.2 deaths coming from unsafe water sources respectively. In addition, as displayed in the above map, the African continent is clearly in a critical situation with less than half of the population receiving access to basic water services in most of its countries.
Increasing international cooperation can improve the African water situation
To address the critical water situation, a multifaceted solution involves improving water infrastructure, implementing sustainable water management practices, raise awareness and avoid water pollution. However, as known for its weak economic situation, most of the African countries are not currently capable to develop such infrastructural expansions, highlighting the need of an international cooperation to solve the critical water situation in Africa.
Integrated programs can scale and validate the proposed solutions to solve the current situation
Series of programs led and initiated by international partners can be used to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solutions, including the sustainable water usage and pollution control to restore the ecosystems in Africa and ensure that the whole population is receiving access to the least basic water services. In addition, the programs will ensure the global collaboration discussed above.
All stakeholders should proceed immediately
As mentioned above, the United nation clearly stated that much has to be done to be in line with the SDG goals of year 2030. In this regard, we recommended to focus on clear policies that call for an immediate action plan to ensure those goals. But most importantly, we recommend all stakeholders to proceed immediately as the African continent is in a desperate water situation while mortality rates are going through the roof.
For more info, read the following articles:
https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/sustainable-development-goals/why-do-sustainable-development-goals-matter/goal-6
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/sustainable-development-goal-6-clean-water-and-sanitation/
https://www.unwater.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/UN-Water_SDG6_SynthesisReport_2023.pdf
#SDG #SDG6 #Africa #Water #WaterSanity #Danger #Resources #HumanRights #UnitedNations #UN #Equality #UNEP #UNWater
by amm82 | Nov 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
Shadows of Inequality : The Gender Gap in Mali’s Labor Force:
In Africa, the disparity in employment between genders is a significant issue, and this is particularly severe in Mali. Mali holds the record for the lowest average percentage of female employment globally, at just 0.235%.
by nea17 | Nov 18, 2023 | Uncategorized
Crisis Unveiled: The Stark Reality of Gender Literacy Disparity in Chad
Across Africa, gender literacy disparity is a significant issue, but in Chad, this gap is particularly alarming. The country has one of the highest gender literacy gaps globally, with a drastic difference in literacy rates between men and women.
Alarming Evidence: The Bleak Figures of Gender Inequality
According to the visualizations, the problem evidence is:
- The proportion of literate young males to females is 2:1 (Gender Literacy Disparity Ratio of 0.4985) which is the worst in Africa, and the world.
- Despite progress leading up to 2003 due to the Millenium Development Goals, Chad’s political tensions, including tensions due to political rebel groups, have hindered female youth literacy, which is now fluctuating due to post-conflict tension relief and Covid-19 impact, however, still is yet to go above the 2003 High.
- Less than one in three young females are literate in 2021.
This disparity is further highlighted by the socio-economic and political challenges unique to Chad. Women’s literacy is severely impacted by their involvement in vulnerable employment, increased domestic responsibilities, and societal norms that prioritize early marriage over education. These factors contribute to a widening gender literacy gap, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ray of Hope: Envisioning a Path to Literacy Equality
Potential Solution
Cultural and Educational Reform to Enhance Female Literacy in Chad
- A dual approach focusing on changing societal norms about female education and improving educational access and quality for young females.
- Programs to shift perceptions about female education at the community level, while also improving educational facilities and content.
Turning the Tide: Innovative Solutions in the Shadow of Despair
Solution Details:
- Community Sensitization Programs: Launching programs aimed at changing societal attitudes towards female education. These should involve community dialogues, awareness campaigns, and involvement of influential community figures to advocate for the importance of educating girls.
- Policy Advocacy for Gender Equality in Education: Working with government and local authorities to push for policies that prioritize and protect girls’ education rights, including mandatory education laws that are gender-neutral.
- Female-Focused Educational Infrastructure: Developing schools that cater specifically to girls, with facilities and environments that respect cultural norms while providing a safe space for girls to learn.
- Curriculum that Challenges Gender Stereotypes: Designing educational content that challenges traditional gender roles and promotes gender equality, helping to shift perceptions from a young age
Triumph Amidst Turmoil: Validating the Beacon of Change
To validate these solutions:
- Community Feedback and Participation: Collecting feedback from community members to ensure initiatives align with cultural sensitivities and actual needs.
- Measuring Shift in Perceptions: Conducting surveys to assess changes in community attitudes towards female education over time.
- Monitoring Educational Outcomes: Tracking enrollment, literacy rates, and retention of girls in schools to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented solutions.
Urgent Call to Action: Recommendations to Break the Chains of Illiteracy
Findings/Recommendations:
- Critical Need for Cultural Change: Research highlights the need to alter societal norms and attitudes towards female education in Chad.
- Integrated Approach for Meaningful Progress: Combining educational reform with cultural transformation is essential for improving female literacy.
- Long-Term Commitment and Strategy: Addressing deep-rooted societal beliefs requires long-term, strategic planning with sustained effort from all involved parties.
- Collaboration is Key: Emphasizing the importance of cooperation between local communities, government, and international partners to drive change.
- Empowerment Through Education: Recognizing that educating girls extends beyond literacy; it empowers them to become active, equal participants in society.
In Chad, the gender literacy gap is alarmingly high, with young women facing significant educational disadvantages due to socio-economic and cultural barriers, including political instability. Addressing this requires a multifaceted approach involving community sensitization to shift attitudes towards female education, policy advocacy for gender equality, the establishment of female-focused schools, and curriculum reforms challenging traditional gender roles. Success hinges on collaborative, long-term strategies and monitoring educational outcomes to empower women as equal participants in society.
SDG Goals Involved:
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- SDG 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
- SDG 4.5.1: Measures the proportion of students in primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary education who have access to education without discrimination based on gender, disability, or other factors.
- SDG 4.5.2: Focuses on the elimination of disparities in participation rates in organized learning (one year before the official primary entry age), by gender and other demographic factors.
- SDG 4.5.3: Addresses disparities in tertiary education, measuring the participation rate by sex, socioeconomic status, and other factors.
- SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- SDG 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
- SDG 5.6.1: Tracks the proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.
- SDG 5.6.2: Measures the number of countries with laws and regulations that guarantee women aged 15-49 years access to sexual and reproductive health care, information, and education.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Reduce inequality within and among countries.
- SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices.
- SDG 10.3.1: Focuses on the proportion of the population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed within the last 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
- SDG 17.18: Enhance capacity-building support to developing countries to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely, and reliable data.
- SDG 17.18.1: Tracks the number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics.
