ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | WORLD NEWS
Article Published on: 16TH OCT 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Every year on October 17, the world observes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP), a day dedicated to raising awareness about the devastating effects of poverty and the urgent need for global cooperation to eliminate it. Established by the United Nations in 1992, this day serves as a reminder that poverty is not just about lacking income—it is a complex issue affecting people's dignity, human rights, and access to essential resources like education, healthcare, and housing. As poverty continues to impact millions of people worldwide, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty brings global attention to the causes of poverty and the actions we can take to end it.
The Origins of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
The roots of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty trace back to the efforts of Joseph Wresinski, a French social activist and founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World. In 1987, Wresinski brought together over 100,000 people in Paris to honor victims of poverty, hunger, and violence, calling for the eradication of poverty. His belief in the need for dignity, equality, and justice for all people, particularly the most vulnerable, inspired the United Nations to formally recognize October 17 as a day to mobilize efforts to eliminate poverty worldwide.
The UN's adoption of IDEP in 1992 solidified global recognition of poverty as a violation of human rights. Since then, the day has been observed annually, creating a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to collaborate and share strategies to combat poverty in all its forms.
Understanding Poverty in a Global Context
Poverty is a multidimensional issue that goes far beyond the lack of financial resources. It affects people's access to basic services, their ability to participate in society, and their sense of security and dignity. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $2.15 a day, but this narrow measure does not capture the full scope of the problem.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), poverty also encompasses deprivations in areas like healthcare, education, housing, and clean water. It traps individuals and families in a cycle of disadvantage, where lack of access to one basic service often reinforces the lack of others. Children born into poverty are less likely to receive quality education, which limits their future economic opportunities. Poor health, inadequate nutrition, and lack of access to clean water can lead to further economic strain, as families struggle to afford treatment or work in secure jobs. The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), developed by UNDP and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, reveals that over 1.2 billion people live in multidimensional poverty, experiencing deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
The Global Effort to Eradicate Poverty
The global community has long recognized the eradication of poverty as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. In 2000, world leaders committed to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), with the first goal aiming to halve extreme poverty by 2015. Significant progress was made: by 2015, the number of people living in extreme poverty had been reduced from nearly 1.9 billion in 1990 to about 836 million. However, while these achievements were remarkable, the fight was far from over.
In 2015, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 goals that aim to end poverty in all its forms by 2030. The first of these goals, SDG 1, calls for the complete eradication of extreme poverty and the reduction of at least half of the population living in poverty by other measures, both globally and nationally. Achieving this goal requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses economic growth, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.
Key strategies to eradicate poverty include:
Economic growth and decent work: Ensuring that economic development benefits everyone, particularly the most marginalized populations, is crucial. This requires creating decent jobs, improving wages, and providing social safety nets to protect against economic shocks.
Access to education and healthcare: Quality education and healthcare are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty. Ensuring that all children, especially girls, have access to education equips them with the skills needed to secure stable employment and contribute to their communities. Likewise, access to affordable healthcare ensures that families can live healthier, more productive lives.
Social protection and policies: Governments can implement social protection measures like unemployment benefits, pensions, and healthcare subsidies to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. Public policies must also address systemic inequalities, such as gender discrimination and racism, that perpetuate poverty.
Empowerment and participation: Empowering marginalized communities to participate in decision-making processes allows for more inclusive policies that reflect the needs of the poor. Supporting grassroots movements and organizations working directly with affected populations can amplify their voices in national and international discussions on poverty.
Challenges in Eradicating Poverty
While considerable progress has been made in reducing poverty over the past few decades, there are still significant challenges to overcome. Poverty is exacerbated by global crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, and economic downturns. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, reversed years of progress in poverty reduction. According to the World Bank, the pandemic pushed an additional 97 million people into extreme poverty in 2020 alone. The most affected were vulnerable populations such as women, children, and those working in informal sectors.
Climate change is another growing challenge. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect the poor, who are often the least equipped to adapt to changing conditions. Droughts, floods, and other climate-related disasters destroy livelihoods and push millions into poverty each year. Without urgent action to address climate change, poverty eradication efforts will be significantly hindered.
Moreover, persistent inequality continues to fuel poverty. Marginalized groups—including women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities—are often excluded from economic opportunities, public services, and decision-making processes. Gender inequality, in particular, remains a major barrier to poverty eradication, with women more likely than men to live in poverty due to wage disparities, unpaid caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to education.
The Role of Individuals in Fighting Poverty
While governments and international organizations play a crucial role in poverty eradication, individuals also have the power to make a difference. Here are some ways you can contribute to the fight against poverty:
Support organizations fighting poverty: Donate to or volunteer with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that work to reduce poverty locally or globally. Organizations like Oxfam, UNICEF, and Save the Children focus on addressing the root causes of poverty and providing assistance to those in need.
Advocate for fair policies: Engage in advocacy efforts that promote policies aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. This can include supporting living wage campaigns, advocating for gender equality, or calling for climate action to protect vulnerable communities.
Raise awareness: Educate yourself and others about the complexities of poverty and its impact on people’s lives. Sharing stories, statistics, and solutions on social media or in your community can help raise awareness and encourage action.
Photo by Arno Senoner | Source: www.pexels.com Conclusion
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a powerful reminder that ending poverty is not only a moral imperative but also a necessity for global peace, stability, and justice. As we mark this day each year, it serves as both a reflection of the progress made and a call to action for continued efforts. Ending poverty is within our reach, but it requires sustained commitment, collaboration, and the recognition that every individual deserves dignity, equality, and the opportunity to thrive.