A person taking visual notes. In their drawing te thext "Wlaking the Talk" is visible.

Research Project

Photo: Holland Park Media

How can Debt2Health initiatives be optimised to effectively promote gender equality and empower feminist movements in East Africa?

Key information

Research track: Track 1 – Show us the public money
Regions: East Africa
Researchers: Stellah Bosire and Memory Kachambwa

Summary

 The Debt2Health- 4 Gender Equality initiative offers a transformative approach to addressing unsustainable debt while promoting gender equality and supporting feminist movements in low- and middle-income countries. By converting debt repayments into investments in public health and gender-focused programs, this initiative not only alleviates financial burdens on debtor countries but also fosters social and economic development through gender equality. Effective advocacy for this initiative requires a strong emphasis on securing commitments from creditor nations, prioritizing gender equality in public health investments, and ensuring direct support for feminist organizations.

There are 6 cartoons that collectively illustrate how Debt2Health can positively impact public health and gender equality practices, as follows: Image 1: Two kids are playing on the see-saw, one representing the Global North, and the other one the Global South. The Global North is up, being supported by the Global South, who is tired of carrying all the weight ( debt, colonialism, violence, inequality) Image 2: There is a box, representing debt. When that box goes through the Debt2Health 'factory' , it transforms into public health and gender equality focused institutions. Image 3: A becoming writer, a filmmaker, a doctor and a football player, all showcasing the benefits that investing in gender equality can bring to the economy, as well as to communities. Image 4: A group of feminists protesting for gender equality and tax justice, illustrating how important it is to support these movements to drive possible change. Image 5: Two feminist women are doing desk research, ensuring that policies fit the specific needs of the communities, and that resources reach the organizations wo need them. Image 6: A flower pot, representing Debt2Health, where a healthy, strong flower is growing tall, represented by gender equality and long-term development.
To showcase the research projects in a creative way, a unique cartoon has been designed for each. This research proposal is illustrated by Mariana Lorenzo.

Advocacy Asks

  • Increased Commitment to Gender-Focused Debt Conversion: Urge creditor nations and international financial institutions to expand the scope of the Debt2Health initiative, ensuring that debt conversion agreements explicitly include commitments to gender equality and support for feminist movements. This can be achieved through targeted advocacy with global bodies such as the G20, UN agencies, and other multilateral platforms;
  • Prioritization of Gender Equality in Public Health Investments: Advocate for the allocation of converted debt resources to public health programs that prioritize gender equality- reproductive health, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence;
  • Support for Feminist Organizations: Ensure that a significant portion of Debt2Health funds is channeled to grassroots feminist organizations through the establishment of mechanisms that allow these organizations to access funding directly, bypassing bureaucratic barriers that often limit their reach.

Methodology

Secondary Research-Analysis of Previous Debt Conversion Programs:

  • Examining the outcomes and lessons learned from past debt conversion initiatives, particularly those that have integrated gender equality and public health objectives.

Semi-Structured Interviews:

  • Insights on Debt Conversion: Gathering perspectives on the feasibility, challenges, and potential impacts of using debt conversion as a tool for promoting gender equality
  • Identifying Barriers and Enablers: Understanding the specific barriers to gender-focused investments in public health and how these can be overcome through policy, advocacy, and program design


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