María Jiménez * is determined to put an end to corruption in Peru. The 26-year old economist monitors public works and files reports on irregularities. This can lead to complaints and penalties for construction firms that commit violations. María is participating in a monitoring program called Citizen Control Monitors, comprised of hundreds of volunteers who, like her, have … [Read more...] about Citizen Monitoring is Combating Corruption in Peru
Community Participation: The Key to Confronting Natural Disasters in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador
On October 30, 1998 Hurricane Mitch caused hundreds of rock and debris-filled landsides, brought about by the erosion of riverbanks in the most vulnerable neighborhoods on the outskirts of the cities of Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela. The most devastating landslide originated below the hilltop of what is today called the Cerro El Berrinche. It was an event of biblical … [Read more...] about Community Participation: The Key to Confronting Natural Disasters in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador
Empowering mothers while enhancing early childhood development
In developing countries, empowering women and enhancing early childhood development are often pursued as separate policy initiatives. This is partly because female empowerment and child development can be perceived as potentially at odds with each other, as some believe a greater participation of women in the labor force stands in the way of child development, since children … [Read more...] about Empowering mothers while enhancing early childhood development
The Race Is On: Sprinting Towards Transparency in Development
There is no doubt that in the Digital Era, the world is moving progressively towards the ideal of perfect information. Technology opens up endless possibilities for information sharing, and as information consumers we naturally crave more and more of it as rapidly as possible. A key focus of the IDB Group’s Institutional Strategy recognizes an important aspect of this trend. … [Read more...] about The Race Is On: Sprinting Towards Transparency in Development
Evidence-based purchasing in times of COVID-19: Lessons from Argentina
During this unprecedented global health crisis, a rapid and effective government response is crucial to minimize the negative impact of COVID-19. Clearly, having a solid health system and qualified personnel in charge is key. But efficient and transparent electronic-public purchasing policies are also important. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) works with national … [Read more...] about Evidence-based purchasing in times of COVID-19: Lessons from Argentina