Gospel for Asia

Education is critical to everyone—boys and girls. However, in many cultures, girls’ access to education is lacking. This is true in the region of South Asia. UNICEF reports, “Of the region’s out-of-school girls, 81 percent are unlikely to ever start school, compared to 42 percent of out-of-school boys.” 1 There are many reasons why girl child education is important in developing countries. Here are some of those reasons: Education is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty. A GFA World special report said, “Worldwide, entire villages with increasing levels of literacy are making social and economic gains when even just a small percentage of the villagers learn to read and write. Much data … gives good cause to make the assumption that learning to read and write is one of the ‘great miracle cures.’” 2 This means that when a girl who has been educated grows up and has a family of her own, she will have access to more income to meet the needs of her family. Girls who are educated typi...

Even though there is great economic growth in South Asia, many are still asking, “Why is gender inequality a problem in South Asia?” Each year, the Global Gender Gap Report measures the gender gap in four areas: health, education, economy and politics. According to the 2021 report, “South Asia is the third-worst performer in the region, having closed 62.5 percent of its gap. Because of its large population, South Asia’s performance has a substantial impact on the region’s overall performance.” 1 What drives this gender inequality? Here are some factors: Death Rates – “Globally, girls have higher survival rates at birth, are more likely to be developmentally on track, and just as likely to participate in preschool, but South Asia is the only large country where more girls die than boys. Girls are also more likely to drop out of school.” 2 Preference for Sons – In South Asian culture, there is an ingrained preference for sons. Several things contribute to this preference, including the...

Literacy has been labeled a great miracle cure for women in poverty. According to a GFA World special report, “Worldwide, entire villages with increasing levels of literacy are making social and economic gains when even just a small percentage of the villagers learn to read and write. Much data … gives good cause to make the assumption that learning to read and write is one of the ‘great miracle cures.’” 1 GFA World offers literacy classes for women in Asia. In just one year, GFA missionaries taught 61,880 women how to read and write. 2 Prior to these classes, the participants couldn’t read warning labels, contracts, street signs, maps or God’s Word. In GFA literacy classes, women learn to read and write. They also learn basic math skills so they can understand prices in the market and will be less likely to be taken advantage of. Once these women are literate, they are able to provide for their families in ways they couldn’t before. With their newfound literacy skills, they are quali...

In some communities in Asia, gender bias has a strong influence on children from the moment a child is born. This bias appears in many areas of life, especially in school and at home. Gender inequality in school in South Asia generally impacts females more than males. Among primary school age children, 5.9 million girls are not in school, compared to 5.5 million boys. 1 UNICEF reports, “Of the region’s out-of-school girls, 81 percent are unlikely to ever start school, compared to 42 percent of out-of-school boys.” 2 The United Nations’ ESCAP shares an important aspect of the issue: “Equitable opportunities for education are a fundamental human right. Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Articles 13 and 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights each enshrine this right.” 3 Many factors contribute to the gender inequality in school among the poorest communities in Asia, i...

Modern slavery persists in various forms around the world, with millions of adults and children trapped in forced labor. This article sheds light on the prevalence of this global crisis, focusing on the disproportionate impact on women and girls and the alarming numbers in the Asia-Pacific region. By examining specific cases and recurring patterns of forced labor and slavery, we aim to highlight the urgency of addressing this grave violation of human rights. Forced Labor and Modern Slavery: A Global Challenge According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 40 million people worldwide are currently living in some form of slavery. This shocking statistic reveals the extent of human suffering and exploitation that persists in our modern society. Among these victims, Asia and the Pacific region account for 25 million individuals, illustrating the gravity of the problem in this part of the world. Furthermore, forced sexual exploitation affects a staggering 73 percent of all v...

Poverty and modern-day slavery continue to afflict millions of people worldwide, posing significant challenges to human rights, social justice, and ending poverty injustice. This article examines the persistent issues of extreme poverty and child labor, shedding light on the current state of affairs and the need for concerted efforts to bring about lasting change. The Persistence of Poverty In recent decades, there have been notable strides in reducing extreme poverty, but the rate of decline has slowed. According to the World Bank, between 1990 and 2015, there was a 35-percentage point decline in extreme poverty. However, the South Asia region saw only an 8 percent decrease in individuals living on less than $3.20 a day, with over 80 percent still below the $5.50 threshold. Furthermore, access to electricity and adequate sanitation remains a pressing issue for many households. [1] World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim emphasized the need for increased investment, particularly in bui...

Wealth inequality and poverty are pressing global issues that require urgent attention to uphold human rights and promote social justice. This article delves into the challenges posed by addressing wealth disparities, the persistence of extreme poverty, and the need for fair employment and rights at work. By exploring these issues, we can strive for a more equitable and just society for all. Wealth Inequality and Global Poverty According to recent data, the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is staggering. A report by Credit Suisse revealed that the top 1 percent of the world’s richest individuals control 50 percent of global wealth, while the top 10 percent control 88 percent. [1] This alarming inequality poses significant challenges to social justice and economic stability. Despite progress in some regions, extreme poverty remains unacceptably high worldwide. The World Bank’s “Poverty Puzzle” report introduced additional poverty thresholds, such as $3.20 and $5.50 per day...

In 2019, the United States took a significant step by blocking Chinese-made baby pajamas from entering Costco warehouses. Contrary to trade tensions, this action was driven by concerns of forced labor and human rights violations. [1] It highlighted the urgent need to address such issues, combating poverty and inequality, and promote social justice on a global scale. Allegations of Forced Labor: Halting Imports and Exposing Exploitation Customs officials seized the opportunity to halt importation of goods from five countries, shedding light on disturbing practices. One Malaysian manufacturer faced accusations of staffing factories with migrants from Bangladesh, Nepal, and other countries, subjecting them to exorbitant recruitment fees. Charcoal from Brazil, diamonds from Zimbabwe, and gold from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were also among the imports stopped, further unveiling the prevalence of exploitation. [2] In a shocking turn of events, the assessor of Arizona’s larges...

Abuse, neglect and exploitation are all forms of human rights violations. No matter the age of the perpetrator or the victim and no matter the relationship between them, anything that deprives someone of life, liberty and security of person, or any action that results in slavery, servitude, inhumane treatment or punishment, is violating that person’s rights as a human being. 1 Human rights violations can come in the form of sexual or physical abuse, human trafficking, violence, child neglect, prostitution, debt bondage and much more. No one feels safe or cared for in any of these scenarios. The long-lasting effects of ensuring any one of these include mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, self-harm and the inability to create or maintain healthy relationships. Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (NKJV). Each human on this planet is a reflection of the good and kind Father in heaven...

The National Center of Sexual Exploitation (NCSE) includes these areas in defining what is sexual exploitation: 1 Child abuse Pornography Sex Trafficking Demand Prostitution Sexual violence Technology and social media have increased the means by which these happen. NCSE highlights how grooming works, where predators look for vulnerable pre-teens, teens and young women and manipulate them with words and rewards. These methods are how girls can get tricked into a life of prostitution or pornography. Sexual exploitation can happen using any form of social media, as well as online video games and websites. 2 A21, a human trafficking organization, reports that high-profile sports events, such as the Super Bowl in the USA, lead to increases in human trafficking, though it is not the only source by any means. This also shows that this issue is worldwide and is not limited to certain socio-economic areas. A21 recently helped secure a major victory in a United States court against traffickers: ...

To ask “what is child exploitation” is to irretrievably open our hearts and minds to one of our world’s greatest evils. Child exploitation ranges from child labor to sex trafficking. It is anything that deprives a child of the needed growth, nurturing and education that sets them up for the best chance at a productive life. Articles 3, 4 and 5 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights read 1 : Article 3: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. Article 4: No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms. Article 5: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Psalm 127:3-4 tells us, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth” (NKJV). These gifts from God are not always treated as they should be as rewards from our God in ...

What is exploitation? Exploitation includes any form of slavery or abuse that denies human dignity to the individual, such as child labor, child marriage, human trafficking, sexual abuse, sex trafficking and indentured servitude. The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads, in part, “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms,” and, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” 1 Any action against any human who does not conform to this standard is a violation of basic human rights worldwide. This answers our question of what is exploitation. How do we stop this atrocity against children and the vulnerable? All of us must ask these questions as our global economy becomes more and more intertwined between countries. Slavery is not a concept of the past. It still exists all over the world and can happen in both developed and developing countries. Slavery is an...