Social spending floors sit in IMF programmes as indicative targets, so they carry no consequence when they break. Across Africa the adjustment lands on unpaid care work.
Last week I wrote about the nurse in Manchester who wires her sister’s school fees to Harare every month. Look closer at what her money buys. School fees. A grandmother’s blood pressure tablets. Crèche fees so a cousin can keep her market stall. The wire
Every month, a nurse in Manchester wires her sister’s school fees to Harare. A driver in Houston sends rent money to his mother in Lagos. A teacher in Johannesburg pays a cousin’s hospital bill in Bulawayo. None of them call this development finance. They call
It has been some months since I last wrote here. One question pulled me back: as the world scrambles for Africa’s critical minerals, who carries the cost, and who captures the value? Africa is setting new terms Something is shifting across the continent. In February
Last week, as we marked International Women’s Day, we reflected on the persistent structural inequalities that continue to shape women’s economic realities. This week, I am especially honored to dedicate this blog to the incredible work of EverJoice (EJ) Win, whose advocacy and tireless efforts
As the global community commemorates International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” it is imperative to direct attention toward the frequently overlooked yet essential contributions of women human rights defenders and care workers throughout southern Africa. These individuals occupy the
In the dusty streets of Soweto, South Africa, Mama Thandi rises before dawn. By 5 AM, she has prepared meals for her elderly mother, three children, and two grandchildren. By 6 AM, she boards the first of two taxis for her two-hour journey to care
As we marked International Day of Care on October 29th, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contribution of caregivers worldwide, I found myself reflecting deeply on my own journey as a caregiver. My story is not unique, but it illuminates the critical gaps in