Ending Extreme Poverty in the Congo

Who's Out of Place?

At a birthday party, I saw one of the best dressed little Congolese boy that I have ever seen.  He was about 5 years.   He was dressed in navy blue pin-striped suit.  He worn an open collar white shirt.  He had black dress shoe, too.  He looked out of place.

In the mist of poverty conditions, even at a birthday party, you do not expected a young suited boy.  You expect to see Congolese boys running in dirt short pants and a dirter t-shirt.  And they are not wearing shoes.  Actually, I think these boys are the ones out of place. 

The Poor Women and Girls Phenomenon

 
The population of Congolese children are equally divided between girls and boys.  But when you in a village, you will see mostly boys.  So, where are the girls?

This phenomenal is same for men and women.  It is probably the same for most African and developing countries.  You can call it the "Poor Women and Girls Phenomenon."  Women and girls living in poverty are the domestic and agricultural workers. 

Girls and women are typically working in the fields performing farm duties.  Also, they gathering water and firewood.