A Path Forward - Curbing Poverty and Sharing Responsibilities
The world observes 17 October as the International Day for Eradication of Poverty. The aim is to
raise awareness about the people living below the poverty line. United Nations acknowledges the
day as a chance to understand the struggles and strife of those living impoverished lives. It
provides these people a chance to talk about their concerns and recognise their fight against
poverty.
The UN general assembly adopted a resolution on 22 December 1992, formally declaring 17
October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This initiative by the United
Nations invited all nations to promote activities to eradicate poverty and destitution.
The world has jointly taken significant steps in overcoming global poverty.
As per the World Bank, more than 1.2 billion people have risen out of extreme poverty since
1990. About 9.2% of the world survives on less than USD 1.90 daily. This number was a
staggering 36% in 1990.
The pandemic and its effects threaten to reverse all the years of progress against global poverty
and economic inequalities. It also puts at risk the future of many children. It is no surprise that
children and youth account for two-thirds of the world's poor, and women represent a majority
globally. About 70% of people older than 15 living in extreme poverty have no schooling or only
some primary education.
Theme and Significance
Dignity for All in Practice is the theme for 2022. The theme encompasses the importance of
dignity and how it is a fundamental right for all human beings. It is not an abstract concept. It is
something that belongs to everyone. People living in poverty have been denied their dignity,
rights and respect time and again.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed social protection system gaps and failures. It also highlighted
the structural inequalities and diverse forms of discrimination that deepen and perpetuate
poverty. Climate change and its effects are also responsible for adding up to poverty. These
impoverished communities have borne the brunt of natural disasters and environmental
degradation much more than anyone else, destroying their homes, crops and livelihoods. The
issues plaguing include dangerous work conditions, lack of nutrition, housing facilities,
vocational training and access to healthcare.
The Roadmap to curbing poverty
2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. As an
organisation, YVO recognises the challenges that millions of people suffer and make serious
efforts to do its bit by providing aid to those in need.
Women play a crucial role in building a society and empowering them will help make all the
difference. Women with adequate skills, resources and help will not just manage situations better
but will chart out a better future for the next generation.
Government and Non-Governmental Organisations have many programs chalked out to help
curb poverty. The major poverty alleviation schemes in India aimed at rural development help
people find sustainable opportunities and the financial aid required to generate a stable income.
As per the Human Development Report 2021-22, India ranks #132 in 2022 compared to #130 in
2020 on the Human Development Index (HDI) in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. These
statistics can improve by adequately implementing the government's poverty-alleviating
schemes. India can cut down poverty by empowering the rural poor with optimal use and
management of resources. These schemes target the multi-dimensional deprivations the poor face
by providing them with food security, employment, housing and wages. These schemes aim to
create sustainable mechanisms leading to rural development.
How can society help curb poverty?
As a responsible society, we can help curb poverty in several ways.
As Individuals
As individuals, people can partner with several Non-Governmental organisations and do their bit
by donating or volunteering with them. NGOs support several causes that aim to empower the
less privileged by training them with skills that will help them build sustainable incomes and
provide them the opportunities. NGOs need volunteers and donations from time to time to keep
their initiatives going.
As Corporates and Businesses
Businesses, Corporates and Conglomerates can play a part by contributing to these causes. This
contribution is not just in the form of donations but also in the form of volunteers, guidance and
advice. These contributions can help NGOs provide the necessary aid in infrastructure,
equipment, or employment support and also manage the whole project seamlessly.
NGOs
Non Governmental Organisations play a significant role in helping society. They are the bridge
that connects those in need with those who can help. India has several NGOs that strive to uplift
people and give them a purpose and opportunity. This help is provided through education and
vocational training to empower everyone. Donations are the fuel that powers any cause and
NGOs go all out to reach out to people and get them to be a part of their initiatives and support
their causes.
As a Community
Government and Non Governmental agencies have joint programs aimed at helping people.
Together, these two entities, along with responsible citizens, can work on providing food, water,
sanitation, healthcare, education and economic opportunities. Through such shared
responsibility, we can help these communities develop and flourish in whatever way we can.
Reference: https://blogs.worldbank.org/opendata/updated-estimates-impact-covid-19-globalpoverty-turning-corner-pandemic-2021
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/human-development-indexindia-china-world-explained-8145550/