Lessons in innovative financing for creating employment in the Middle East and North Africa

Ahmed Elassal Livelihoods, Women's Economic Empowerment, Youth employment

Background Emerging market economies face a significant credit gap and access to finance is considered the biggest obstacle for enterprises. Banks have been the traditional source of funding, but the financial crisis has led banks to be even more reluctant, which is creating an active debate about the importance of broadening the range of funding options available beyond banks. Such …

Majandra’s Journey: Climate, Covid and Care

Power in the Pandemic Podcast Active citizenship, Climate Change, Gender

“From an ecofeminist perspective, we understand that the sustainability of life should be at the front and center of our economic system, instead of profit and competition. That means valuing care work. It means valuing low-carbon jobs. It means valuing the sustainability of all life.” – Majandra Rodríguez Acha. This is the fourth episode of a  mini-series, in collaboration with …

Top Resources for Global Handwashing Day

Beth Donkin Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Global Handwashing Day takes place on the 15th of October. This year it comes with added prominence in our calendar. Coronavirus has heightened the importance of handwashing across the world. In the humanitarian and development sector, handwashing has long been central to disease prevention and programme design.   In this blog, we’ve compiled some of our most popular resources on everything handwashing. From tools …

People can’t afford to pay for health care in a pandemic. Why isn’t the World Bank doing more to help?

Anna Marriott Health, Inequality

As the World Bank’s Annual Meetings kick-off virtually this week, the COVID-19 pandemic is still surging in many countries, killing people, destroying livelihoods and deepening inequalities. The World Bank’s health response has been lightning-fast (by donor standards) and important, with $6 billion in initial funding to help countries coping with the health impacts of the outbreak through its COVID-19 Fast …

What really influences our behaviours?

Ruth Mayne Influencing, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

We are re-running this blog in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It was originally published in 2019. The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance of individuals adopting particular behaviours for the benefit of everyone in society. Emphasis has been placed on regular handwashing, social distancing, and on wearing face masks. But what is it that really hits home and ensures …

Using technology to enhance youth employment in the Middle East and North Africa

Ahmed Elassal Youth employment, Youth Participation

Challenges in context According to an Oxfam report, half a billion people could be pushed into poverty by COVID-19. The International Labour Organisation (ILO), warned that the crisis is expected to wipe out 6.7%  of working hours globally in the second quarter of 2020. The situation has directly hit the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region. Export, travel, transportation …

Podcast – Maggie’s Journey: Climate, COVID and Care

Power in the Pandemic Podcast Climate Change, Gender

“I think, African voices and the voices of black African women are very much missing when it comes to the discourse around climate the climate crisis” – Maggie MaponderaThis is the second episode of a new mini-series, in collaboration with the Climate, Covid, and Care: Feminist Journeys zine which launched on the 24th of August, 2020. This publication is a collection of …

Podcast – Hindou’s Journey: Climate, COVID and Care

Power in the Pandemic Podcast Climate Change, Indigenous People

“You can’t speak about us, without us” –  Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim This is the first episode of a new mini-series, in collaboration with the Climate, COVID, and Care: Feminist Journeys zine which launched on the 24th of August, 2020. This publication is a collection of journeys, stories, and ideas from five feminist activists working at the intersection of gender and climate justice. …