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Voices are rising in the fight against inequalities
The fight against extreme inequality is a major battle of our time. Although world leaders have committed to reducing inequality both within and among countries, unjust global economic systems, combined with the impacts of crises like the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and conflict, are driving the world toward further imbalance.
Those on the frontline of battles against inequality bear its consequences most severely and are raising their voices against the injustices that oppress them. It’s time to listen to these voices and tackle some of the root causes of inequalities: from global tax systems to deep-rooted localised systems of discrimination. A more just and balanced world is possible.
Global inequalities and tax justice
Despite improvements in economic conditions in many countries in recent decades, deep inequalities between countries remain, and the gap between the rich and poor globally is as high as it was during the peak of colonialism. Contributing greatly to these global inequalities are economic systems which work in the favour of a small group of countries while putting the rest of the world at a disadvantage, and which allow the world’s wealthiest individuals to take advantage of loopholes. In particular, the rules of the existing international tax system play a key role in perpetuating inequalities around the world.
Inequalities within countries and tackling discrimination
Inequality within countries is currently at a historic high. With a lack of sufficient public revenue to pay for social protections and public services, many countries struggle to effectively address inequalities at the national level. But even where financial resources are available, inequality will continue if the available resources fail to reach those who are most disadvantaged due to discriminatory attitudes and policies. As the examples of India and Indonesia show, without tackling discriminations such as gender and caste, inequalities will persist.
India
From the excluded margins of Indian society, people from the lowest caste who are traditionally expected to clean latrines, septic tanks and sewers by hand for little pay, are saying “enough is enough”. Trapped by discriminatory practices for generations, they are now demanding opportunities to participate fairly in India’s economy.
Indonesia
From fisherwomen to plantation workers and street vendors, women in Indonesia are raising their voices against the gender discrimination that keeps them at an economic disadvantage. From unequal pay, to unrecognised care work, to taxes that overburden women, it’s time to re-balance Indonesia’s economy.
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This website was created and maintained with co-funding from the European Union and Norad. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the partners involved in this project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and Norad.
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Civil Society Financing for Development (FfD) Mechanism
An international network of organisations engaged in the UN process on Financing for Development. The group works together to promote democratic global economic governance that works in the interest of people and the planet.