End Inequalities
Voices are rising in the fight against inequalities
The fight against extreme inequalities is a major battle around the globe. Although world leaders have committed to reducing inequalities 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 towards greater imbalance.
People on the frontline of these battles against inequalities are feeling the consequences most deeply. Now they are raising their voices against these injustices. It’s time to listen to their concerns 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. The time to stand up against these injustices is now.
Global inequalities and tax justice
Despite improvements in economic conditions in many countries over recent decades, deep inequalities between countries remain. The gap between rich and poor countries is as wide as it was in the early 20th century. Economic systems that are stacked in favour of a small group of countries while putting the rest of the world at a disadvantage are contributing greatly to these global inequalities, allowing the world’s wealthiest individuals and corporations to take advantage of loopholes. In particular, the rules of the existing international tax system are playing 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 shortage of public funds to pay for social protections and public services, many countries are struggling to address inequalities effectively 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 these examples from India and Indonesia show, without tackling discriminations such as gender and caste, inequalities will persist.
Inequalities in India
In India, people engaged in manual scavenging are saying “enough is enough”. From the excluded margins of society, some among the Dalit community are expected to clean latrines, septic tanks and sewers by hand for very little pay. Dalits are traditionally positioned at the bottom of the social hierarchy according to the caste system. Trapped by discriminatory practices for generations, they are now demanding their rights and equal opportunities.
Inequalities in Indonesia
From fisherwomen to plantation workers, street vendors and informal workers, 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 inequalities in Indonesia.
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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.