On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Women Democracy Network (WDN) Zimbabwe Gender Champions issue a collective call to action. We urge state and non-state actors to prioritize the empowerment of women in all their diversity, promoting gender-responsive policies and initiatives that accelerate poverty eradication at household, community and national levels.
As we strive for a more equitable society, WDN Zimbabwe Gender Champions recognize the disproportionate impact of poverty on women. We emphasize the critical need for inclusive and transformative solutions that address the intersectional challenges faced by women, particularly those marginalized by poverty, disability and social exclusion.
Women remain on the margins of the economy, lacking access to essential resources such as information, land, education, employment, finance, markets, skills and social support services, perpetuating their poverty. Furthermore, they are underrepresented in leadership and decision-making processes and vulnerable to violence, discrimination and marginalization.
Today, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we pause to reflect, take stock and explore opportunities to address these disparities and empower women to break the cycle of poverty.
Poverty perpetuates violations of women’s and girls’ rights, fostering impunity, exploitation and harmful gender norms and practices. It also renders women vulnerable, limiting their access to justice and essential social services when their rights are violated. This perpetuates the intergenerational cycle of poverty.
Consequently, over half of the population is excluded from participating in the development process, resulting in widespread poverty at household, community, national, and global levels
Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) calls on us to end poverty in all its forms, everywhere. Learn more about SDG 1 heremhttps://www.globalgoals.org/goals/1-no-poverty/ and action you can take here https://www.globalgoals.org/take-action/
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is commemorated annually on October 17 since 1992, raising awareness about poverty-related challenges and advocating for meaningful change.
WDN Zimbabwe Gender Champions reaffirm their commitment to advocating for gender-responsive policymaking, contributing to an enabling legal and protective environment where women can assert and enjoy their rights https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty and take action to play your part in ending poverty at all levels – individual, family, community, national, and international. To commemorate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, consider the following meaningful ways to get involved.
- Raise Awareness: Share information on social media, blogs, or within your community about the significance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and poverty-related issues.
- Support Anti-Poverty Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations fighting poverty, providing essential services, and empowering marginalized communities.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Advocate for policies addressing poverty’s root causes, including access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- Participate in Events: Attend local or virtual events, conferences, and workshops focused on poverty eradication and social justice.
- Engage in Community Outreach: Join or organize community-based initiatives supporting those in need, such as food drives or assistance programs.
- Education and Empowerment: Support educational programs empowering individuals and communities to break the poverty cycle.
Together, let us mobilize efforts to create a poverty-free Zimbabwe, where women’s rights are realized, and their contributions valued.
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