scholarly journals Exacerbated inequalities: Implications of COVID-19 for the socio-economic rights of women and children in South Sudan

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Geng Akech
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
South Sudan ◽  
Policy Decisions ◽  
National Unity ◽  
Economic Rights ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
The Government ◽  
Vulnerable Households ◽  
Integrated Food Security

This article critically examines measures adopted by the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) in South Sudan to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyses the implications of such measures on constitutionalism and socio-economic rights of women and children. In so doing, it reveals that policy decisions adopted by the RTGoNU exclusively focused on fighting the Coronavirus at the expense of the socio-economic rights of zol meskin (common person). In particular, the decisions lack supportive social protection packages to cushion the low-income households that depend on daily hustling, impacted by the measures adopted. This led to a disproportionate impact on women and children whose rights to livelihoods and education are more adversely affected. Such policy decisions could deepen poverty margins that already exist in South Sudanese society. As schools remain closed, with the exception of primary eight and senior four candidates,1 the hope of more than 2.2 million children who are already out of the education system hangs in the balance.2 In sum, the article demonstrates that the fight against COVID-19 appears to have been won but at a cost of losing the fight against already-rampant socio-economic inequalities. This in part is due to the fact that, on the one hand, measures adopted to fight the pandemic appear to be successful at flattening the curve as revealed by the cumulative numbers of patients and deaths but, on the other, such policies have arguably exacerbated the socio-economic conditions of the poor who already live on the brink of famine as warned by the United Nations agencies in keeping with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reports.3 The article thus recommends that the government and policy makers should consider three critical lessons for the future: (a) strengthening social welfare sector to protect vulnerable households from sudden onsets; (b) enhance disaster risk and preparedness capacities to effectively deal with pandemics in a way that protects the most vulnerable people; and (c) strengthen democratic governance and rule of law as catalysts for well-managed emergency responses.

Extending social protection to persons with disabilities: Exploring the accessibility and the impact of the Disability Fund on the lives of persons with disabilities in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxwell Peprah Opoku ◽  
William Nketsia ◽  
Elvis Agyei-Okyere ◽  
Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Political Units ◽  
The Impact

In many low-income countries, persons with disabilities are consistently denied access to essential services, contributing to a high incidence of poverty among them. The Goal 1 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) exhorts countries to develop appropriate social protection to serve as a springboard to alleviate poverty among all persons. The government of Ghana has introduced Disability Fund to provide one-off financial support to persons with disabilities through its decentralised political units. This is to enable persons with disability to participate in socio-economic activities. However, after a decade of the establishment of the fund, anecdotal evidence still shows that many persons with disabilities continue to live in deplorable conditions. Therefore, the main aim of this qualitative study was to explore the beneficial impact of the fund on the lives of persons with disabilities in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from 48 participants, comprising 20 males and 28 females with disabilities. The narratives from the participants revealed that only a few were able to access the fund. In their quest to access the fund, participants encountered barriers, such as lack of information, delays in disbursement and insufficient funds. The findings underscore the need for re-evaluation of the administration of Disability Fund and its disbursement processes. The implications of the findings for policy reform are extensively discussed.

Healthy Start: The Use of Welfare Food Vouchers by Low-Income Parents in England

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia J Lucas ◽  
Tricia Jessiman ◽  
Ailsa Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Healthy Start ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Additional Protection ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Self Service ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Social Security Benefits

The Healthy Start scheme provides food welfare to pregnant women and children under four years old in the UK. The Government provides vouchers to families living on a low income that can be exchanged for infant formula, plain cow's milk and fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables. This article reports on a qualitative study of parents using Healthy Start in England. Interviews were conducted with 107 parents from thirteen areas in England. Most found the scheme easy to use, but some vulnerable groups were unable to access the scheme. The vouchers provided a vital source of food at times of crisis, and put purchase of fruit and vegetables within reach for some. Parents reduced stigma by using self-service tills and by only visiting retailers known to accept the vouchers. Healthy Start provides additional protection by sitting outside of other social security benefits. To continue to provide this essential protection, their value should be reviewed and increased.

The COVID-19 Pandemic: Key Factors in Canada’s Social Policy Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Maria Solyanova
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Social Dimensions ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
The Government ◽  
Near Future

Many studies focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, response mechanisms and response design. At the same time, it becomes more and more obvious that not only the study of economic policy and decisions made by the government in connection with the pandemic is acquiring relevance. As the spread of the disease continues, social problems and difficulties that political elites will have to deal with are exposed in Canadian society. Despite the fact that the government has taken unprecedented measures to expand assistance and social protection to the most vulnerable groups – low-income families, women, senior citizens, young people and children, low-skilled workers, self-employed, people with disabilities, etc. – the pandemic, however, has had a profound impact on society. The government will be forced to adapt its policies in the field of social protection and labor relations, in the field of health and education. This article seeks to explore the key social dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as factors that can influence the political decisions of the Canadian elite in the near future.

Promoting Sustainable Goals in Nigeria through the Kaleidoscope of the Social Protection Floor Initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 574-595
Author(s):  
Edith O. Nwosu ◽  
Edwin E. Arum ◽  
Oluchukwu P. Obioma
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Economic Rights ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
The Social ◽  
Important Means ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Masses

Improving national social protection systems is a major task for all governments. This they can do through an effective implementation of the sustainable goals also called the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main purpose of social protection is to reduce poverty, economic shocks and vulnerability. This article examines the extent Nigeria has gone to in order to promote sustainable goals through the Social Protection Floor Initiative. The article also delves into the justiciability of socio-economic rights in Nigeria and in other jurisdictions like UK, India and South Africa which are commonwealth countries like Nigeria. It further recommends ways by which Nigeria can, through the Social Protection Floor Initiative, fulfil its obligations towards the attainment of the SDGs. A major conclusion of this article is that the Social Protection Floor Initiative is an important means for the government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and an important aspect of this is ensuring the enforcement of socio-economic rights. Without implementing the Social Protection Floor Initiative, the Sustainable Development Goals mantra will be restricted just to TVs in Nigerian homes without any corresponding impact on the masses.

scholarly journals Structural Equation Analysis of Microinsurance Dimensions

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 228-236
Author(s):  
Antonio Jr Estrada Etrata ◽  
Fernando L Trinidad
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Good Tool ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
The Government

The objective of this research is centered on determining different microinsurance dimensions towards promoting the sustainability of the marginalized. This central objective leads to the assumption that microinsurance is a good tool to supplement the lack of or the unavailability of social protection programs intended for those who are socially excluded. Over the years, there have been increased calls among governments all over the world to end poverty.  The call puts to order the use of all available means to attain the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  As a background, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States.  It encompasses 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is an urgent call for action for all developed and developing countries to form a global partnership in promoting peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. The very heart of this framework recognizes that ending poverty and other deprivations must have effective and efficient strategies. The research made use of purely quantitative methods to achieve its objectives. There were 600 questionnaires distributed all over the Philippines but only 422 questionnaires were retrieved. The indicators of microinsurance were factor analyzed using the principal axis method with varimax rotation to determine the underlying dimensions. Since its introduction to the market, microinsurance has been a tool that enables low-income households to become resilient against adversities. In fact, it has been found in various literature that microinsurance has functioned as a social protection mechanism when social services are inadequate or not available. It can be further concluded that microinsurance with its unprecedented growth is eyed as a primary contributor to achieving the majority of the SDG 2030. This monumental role of microinsurance calls for the support of various sectors.  As indicated in the results, financial literacy has to increase among the marginalized to embrace the concept of insurance.  The government likewise has to intervene in promoting microinsurance particularly in areas that are neglected by social services for whatever reasons.

scholarly journals Social protection response to the COVID-19 crisis: options for developing countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S281-S296 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Gerard ◽  
Clément Imbert ◽  
Kate Orkin
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Social Insurance ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Social Insurance System ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Vulnerable Households

Abstract The public health response to COVID-19 in many countries has involved strict restrictions on movement and economic activity which threaten the livelihoods of economically vulnerable households. In response, governments are adopting emergency economic measures to provide households with some safety net. We provide an overview of the policies that could form a comprehensive social protection strategy in low-income and middle-income countries, with examples of specific policies that have been adopted. Our core argument is that these countries can cast an emergency safety net with extensive coverage if they use a broader patchwork of solutions than higher-income countries. These strategies could include expanding their social insurance system, building on existing social assistance programmes, and involving local governments and non-state institutions to identify and assist vulnerable groups who are otherwise harder to reach.

scholarly journals Hereditary Slavery Shackles Mauritania

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Shaul M. Gabbay
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Educational Opportunity ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Educational Facilities ◽  
Modern Times ◽  
The Face ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Foreign Governments ◽  
The Government ◽  
Decisive Action

This paper exposes the scourge of slavery that continues to thrive in the country of Mauritania in modern times. Though the practice is formally abolished and illegal, and the government continues to claim slavery has been eradicated, the truth lies elsewhere. 90,000 dark-skinned slaves, often referred to as Black Moors, continue to live deplorable lives in servitude to their lighter-skinned masters. The Mauritanian government is helping the scourge of slavery endure by denying its existence and providing it cover. Their task is made easier as the face of slavery changes and becomes hidden in the throes of modern commerce, making it more difficult for an outsider to differentiate between a low-income wage earner and a slave. Other situations are painfully identifiable, such as conducting human trafficking for purposes of prostitution. In all situations, women and children make up the vast majority of indentured servants. Due to a forced dearth of educational opportunity, slaves are often illiterate and therefore largely unable to emancipate themselves without outside help. Deeply entrenched belief systems, practices, and governmental and societal structures that exist in Mauritania secure an environment that allows slavery to continue to thrive. In addition to the Mauritanian government, businesses, educational facilities, NGO’s, and members of society at every level must take decisive action to eradicate the practice and change the beliefs that hold it in place. Foreign governments and businesses hold great power in their willingness to engage with Mauritanian leaders. By withholding financial aid and business deals international players have the opportunity to hasten the eradication of slavery in Mauritania This paper examines the depth of the slavery problem and recommends multiple steps for its elimination.

Relationship of Scabies With Pioderma: As a Risk Factor

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42
Author(s):  
Yulia Farida Yahya ◽  
Fifa Argentina ◽  
Rusmawardiana Rusmawardiana
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Group A Streptococcus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government ◽  
Scabies Infestation

Scabies is a parasitic infestation of the skin, that is affecting on the low income and crowded community in many tropical countries, especially developing countries such as Indonesia. Scabies infestation increases the incidence of secondary pyoderma include impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis, ecthyma, abscess. Secondary pyoderma is a skin infection disease mainly caused by     group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Pyoderma is a risk factor for the glomerulonephritis infection, rheumatic diseases, which significantly increases morbidity and mortality, causing the government burden. The aim of this study is  determining the etiology and correlation of pyoderma infection in scabies patient. To determine sosio-demographic included sex, age in pediatric patients in primary schools (SD) in the district of Kertapati Palembang. The study design was cross sectional, and study samples were new scabies patients in the elementary school (age 6-14-year-old) with or without pyoderma. Clinical findings included history, physical examination and diagnostic procedure, which was investigation of skin scraping specimen material (SSB = skin surface biopsy) in confirmation with dermoscopic polar examination (DS) to show Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Microbiological examination with Gram stain identified the etiology of pyoderma.  Results of this study shows that there was a significance relationship between scabies infestation and pyoderma in children in elementary school. Staphylococcus aureus dan GAS are the most common caused of pyoderma in pediatric patients with scabies. Conclusion is there is a significant correlation between scabies and pyoderma. There is  a need to provide scabies and pyoderma medication at primary care health center as well as counseling for prevention in Palembang area with crowded population periodically.  

Living on a low income as a systemic impediment to socio-economic development of Ukraine

2020 ◽  
pp. 99-109
Author(s):  
NATALIIA TOLSTYKH
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Social Welfare ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Human Potential ◽  
Subsistence Level ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
The Government

The article sheds light on various approaches that seek to determine how widespread poverty and life on a low income are in Ukraine nowadays. As a social phenomenon, poverty has traditionally been associated with destitution and living below the subsistence level set by the government. However, the author holds the view that life on a low income not only means living near or below the poverty line. There is another part of Ukraine’s population that should also be considered needy — those whose income is less than twice as the subsistence level, and most of them are also subject to socio-economic deprivation. Drawing upon the findings of a social survey conducted by the Institute of Sociology of the NAS of Ukraine in 2019, the paper analyses the standard of living among different income groups. Particular attention is given to consumption patterns and social well-being of respondents in the lower income brackets. From the data, it can be inferred that living conditions of many Ukrainians are inadequate to sustain and develop human potential; furthermore, the low-income households have literally to struggle every day to make ends meet. The author brings into focus the main macroeconomic factors contributing to this situation and its adverse effect on the nation’s social potential. Some of the most common social consequences of living on a low income have been identified, such as limited consumption, a person’s dissatisfaction with life and his/her position in society. The above-mentioned survey also provides the estimates of how much the current subsistence level (with regard to Ukraine) should be. Having been made by different socio-demographic and occupational groups of Ukraine’s population, these estimates are a useful source of information — given that subsistence level is considered the basic social standard. According to the survey, all these figures are at variance with the official subsistence level, which is noticeably lower, and this indicates that the current subsistence level needs an upward revision. Today, the overall socio-economic situation in Ukraine is unfavourable for neoliberal economic reforms initiated by the government. Since these policies are primarily designed to reduce the role of state in managing the economy and implementing social welfare programmes, following this path will inevitably result in the entrenchment of mass poverty and in a major loss of Ukraine’s human potential, as well as labour force. The author argues that tackling the country’s chronic low income problem is only possible if a new strategy for socio-economic development is adopted, where social welfare is prioritised.

The national question, identity and the crisis in South Sudan

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan Yanano Mangani ◽  
Richard Rachidi Molapo
Keyword(s):  
Political Identity ◽  
South Sudan ◽  
Nation Building ◽  
Political Control ◽  
Social Patterns ◽  
Political Landscape ◽  
Liberation Movement ◽  
Nation States ◽  
National Question ◽  
The Government

The crisis in South Sudan that broke out on the 15th of December 2013 has been the gravest political debacle in the five years of the country’s independence. This crisis typifies the general political and social patterns of post-independence politics of nation-states that are borne out of armed struggles in Africa. Not only does the crisis expose a reluctance by the nationalist leaders to continue with nation-building initiatives, the situation suggests the struggle for political control at the echelons of power within the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement.  This struggle has been marred by the manufacturing of political identity and political demonization that seem to illuminate the current political landscape in South Sudan. Be that as it may, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) hurriedly intervened to find a lasting solution however supportive of the government of President Salva Kirr and this has suggested interest based motives on the part of the regional body and has since exacerbated an already fragile situation. As such, this article uses the Fanonian discourse of post-independence politics in Africa to expose the fact that the SPLM has degenerated into lethargy and this is at the heart of the crisis.

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