Global meltdown and its impact on women and children!
by Fadzie | November 10, 2009 at 2:51 AM
Thinking about the financial crisis that crumbled the global economy especially in the USA, EU and other developed nations, made me realise that its negative effects are greatly felt in the Global South than anywhere in the world, especially in Africa.Already funding for HIV & AIDS and Health related issues has dropped since the developed nations are focusing on rescuscitating their economies
Southern Africa has been severely hit by the crisis. Talk about the fall of prices in the copper mines in Zambia, many workers in many industries in Botswana, South Africa, Mozambique,Lesotho,Malawi among others being retrenched is also part of the tragedy. With Zimbabwe recovering from its crisis, it never gets better, but just to point that Zimbabwe had already gone through its worst period, thus this was just one of 'those days'!
It even makes it worse for women and children, as most donors would have to provide less financial aid to many countries in the Global South , especially in the field of education, health, water and sanitation.......
Alternatives do exist around us that will ensure that the world will not find itself in such a mess.. Free market economics no longer address the bread and butter issues as highlighted in the global meltdown of 2008.
Macro economic policies should , at the end of the day, be able to address societal concerns, especially those of women and children in a context where about 52% of Sub Saharan Africa's population comprises of women!!!
Comments
Thank you
Thank you for adding your voice to this, to point out the important factors. In the midst of panic we too often focus on self-preservation, without seeing the greater good, the bigger picture. It's so important to hear the voices from the places most affected. Thank you for sharing - and I'd encourage you to check out the My Story: Land guidelines (http://www.worldpulse.com/pulsewire/programs/mystory), to write about what the word "land" means to you. I'd love to read it.
Best,
Rebecca
Inputs on Land
Thanks Becky for the positive comments and will ensure that I send to you my thoughts around the subject area of Land
Cheers
Fadzie