Who doesn’t like to have a joyful life? The ways of spending such a life may differ from person to person because when one person needs a luxurious house to achieve his happiness, another person may like to travel around the world to be happy. Also, some people get their eyes wet with tears of happiness, by getting something to stay off their hunger. Is it because they don’t like to travel around the world or live in a luxurious house? The answer is “no”. As we all know, one of our main needs is having food. When they can’t even stave off their hunger, what dreams about traveling?   Reluctantly though, it must tell, there are millions of people in the world who can’t even fulfill their fundamental needs. So, this situation is called “Poverty”. It’s a complex and global issue that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, gender, or nationality. The United Nations’ commitment to eradicate poverty is enshrined in its Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of addressing this pressing issue. In this article, we will explore the significance of this day, the root causes of poverty, and the collective efforts required to eradicate it.

On the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, celebrated on October 17^th each year, we are reminded of the stark and troubling reality that millions of people around the world continue to live in poverty. This day is an opportunity to recognize the struggles faced by those living in poverty and to renew our commitment to addressing this issue. The day was established by the United Nations in 1992 and has since been observed by governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide. Its significance lies in raising awareness, mobilizing action, and promoting the idea that poverty is not inevitable and can be eradicated.

To effectively combat poverty, we must first understand its root causes. As I mentioned before, Poverty is a complex issue with various contributing factors. So, Economic Inequality can be identified as a main a significant driver of poverty. This means the unequal distribution of wealth and resources among the people. When the gap between the rich and the poor continues, it is making it difficult for marginalized populations to access opportunities for growth and development and it’s difficult to solve this problem around the world. Unemployment and underemployment can also be considered as a reason for this poverty. Unemployment is a state in which individuals who are capable and willing to work cannot find suitable employment opportunities. It is an economic condition characterized by the absence of paid work for individuals who are actively seeking employment. Underemployment occurs when individuals are working, but their jobs do not provide them with sufficient income to meet their basic needs. That means they work in low-paying, unstable jobs. The combined effects of unemployment and underemployment create a precarious economic situation for individuals and their families, often resulting in a vicious cycle of poverty. Accessing education, healthcare, or saving for the future is challenging when daily survival is a struggle. Discrimination and Social Exclusion can be a reason for poverty as well. Discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, or other factors can limit people’s opportunities and lead to economic and social exclusion.

After overlooking those points, it can be identified eradicating poverty is a multifaceted challenge that requires actions not only from one government or one organization, but also a collective action from governments, civil society, and individuals. So, as an effective action, job creation and decent work are critical strategies in the fight against poverty. These initiatives focus on both generating employment opportunities and improving the quality of jobs available to individuals. Job creation is closely tied to overall economic growth. A growing economy tends to create more employment opportunities as businesses expand and new enterprises emerge. This economic expansion can help reduce unemployment and poverty rates. And establishing effective social safety nets can provide a buffer for those most vulnerable to poverty. Programs like food assistance and affordable housing initiatives can make a significant impact. Also, Organizations and individuals can play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes, volunteering, and raising awareness about poverty-related issues.

So, poverty is not an unsolvable problem. It is a matter of political will, social responsibility, and collective effort. By understanding the root causes of poverty and working together to implement solutions, we can take meaningful steps toward a world where everyone can live a life free from the constraints of poverty. Let us remember on this day that a poverty-free world is not a distant dream, but an achievable goal if we work together to perpetuate it.

Written by: Rtr. Nidarsha Amarathunga

Graphic design by: Rtr. Keshani Weerasekara