10 Actionable Solutions to Combat Alleviating Extreme Poverty and Achieve U.N. Goals
Extreme poverty is a harsh reality for millions around the world. Research by the World Bank reveals that 9.2% of the global population survives on less than $1.90 per day. Moreover, 85% of people live on less than $30 daily. As the cost of living continues to rise, more people are plunging into alleviating extreme poverty, making this issue even more urgent. The Covid-19 pandemic increased the number of children in poverty by 1.2 billion, worsening the crisis.
While these paint a grim picture, there is hope. The United Nations' "No Poverty, Zero Hunger" goal is within reach, with less than ten years to achieve it.
Together, we'll look into the solutions to poverty and how communities and organizations help to eradicate it.
Eliminating Poverty by Creating New Jobs
Eliminating poverty starts with creating well-paying jobs. However, as per McKinsey, 21 million new jobs are needed to return to pre-recession employment levels. Addressing this challenge requires a strong commitment to job creation. Strategic investments that stimulate economic growth and workforce opportunities are essential. The federal government can drive job growth by investing in rebuilding infrastructure.
It can also support the development of renewable energy sources, refurbishing abandoned housing, and revitalizing neighborhoods. Besides, proven subsidized employment models can help long-term unemployed and marginalized individuals re-enter the workforce.
Boosting the national economy and prioritizing common-sense investments will create sustainable job opportunities. This approach will also help reduce poverty nationwide.
Eradicating Poverty by Raising the Minimum Wage
Raising the minimum wage is crucial in eradicating poverty. The rising cost of living continues to push more people into financial hardship. In the late 1960s, full-time minimum-wage workers could support a family of three. It provides economic stability that is no longer possible. Adjusting the minimum wage from the 1960s for inflation would set it at $10.86 per hour.
This amount is significantly higher than the current federal rate of $7.25. According to PBS, raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour would lift millions of U.S. citizens out of poverty and allow hundreds of thousands of children to see their parents earn a livable income.
Higher wages would also lead to increased consumer spending, stimulating economic growth. Ensuring fair pay for all workers is essential for building a more just and equitable society.
Reducing Poverty by Educating People
Education plays a crucial role in reducing poverty. Over 171 million people in low-income communities could escape poverty by acquiring essential reading and writing skills. Completing secondary education can reduce poverty rates by more than half. Education empowers individuals, particularly women, by helping them develop skills and reduce risks.
It also addresses disparities caused by marginalization. Ensuring access to education requires breaking down barriers that limit learning opportunities. Establishing schools in remote areas expands educational opportunities. Providing support for teachers helps them deliver quality education.
Making education accessible fosters economic and social mobility in developing and developed countries.
Decreasing Poverty by Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit
Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a powerful tool for reducing poverty. The EITC lifted 6.5 million people out of poverty, including 3.3 million children. Beyond providing financial relief, it is a long-term investment that pays dividends by improving economic stability and upward mobility.
Children who benefit from the EITC tend to perform better in school, have higher graduation rates, and enjoy greater earning potential in adulthood. Strengthening the EITC also stimulates local economies by increasing spending power for low-income families. It, in turn, supports small businesses and job growth.
However, childless workers often miss out on these advantages, as their maximum EITC is less than one-tenth of what those with two children receive. Expanding the EITC or pairing it with a higher minimum wage would effectively reduce poverty.
Ensuring more individuals qualify for these benefits would promote greater financial security across all demographics. A stronger EITC program creates a pathway for economic mobility, ultimately leading to a more resilient and equitable society.
Lessening Poverty by Gender Equality
The U.N. Development Programme stresses that women need equal access to education to fight poverty. Their role in business and economic decisions also creates growth and stability. Empowering women in these areas strengthens economies, promotes sustainable growth, and creates pathways for financial independence. Beyond access, eliminating gender biases and stereotypes is crucial.
These barriers prevent girls and women from pursuing education and careers, limiting their opportunities and well-being. Breaking these barriers improves current economic conditions. It also helps reduce poverty for future generations, creating a more equitable and prosperous society.
When women thrive, communities flourish, and economies become more resilient. Ensuring gender equality is not just a social issue but a crucial economic strategy for long-term progress.
Eliminating Poverty by Ending Hunger and Thirst
Eliminating poverty starts with ensuring access to nutritious food and clean water. Regular meals provide the energy needed for work. Contaminated food and water can lead to chronic illnesses, further deepening the cycle of poverty. Without proper nutrition, individuals struggle to be productive, limiting their ability to improve their financial situation.
Providing clean, hygienic water is a crucial first step in lifting rural communities out of poverty. Further, affordable healthcare options and medical plans are essential to maintaining public health.
Governments must offer basic social protections and services to safeguard citizens' well-being. This support creates a foundation for economic stability and growth.
Halting Poverty Through Peace
Peace is fundamental in reducing poverty by creating stable environments where economies can thrive. Conflict and violence push 76.5 million people into extreme poverty worldwide. War-torn regions experience economic collapse. It forcing businesses to shut down and displacing millions of families. 70% of the world's poorest people live in fragile and conflict-affected areas, where access to jobs, healthcare, and education is severely limited.
Stability allows societies to focus on economic development rather than mere survival. Investing in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and diplomacy fosters long-term economic growth. Every $1 invested in peacebuilding can save $16 in potential conflict-related costs. Shifting military funds to education, infrastructure, and healthcare boosts economic growth and reduces poverty.
Countries with lasting peace often experience rapid GDP growth and job creation. Post-conflict economies like Rwanda and Colombia have shown significant improvements in living standards.
Alleviating Poverty by Providing Paid Leaves and Sick Days
The U.S. remains the only developed country without mandatory paid family leave and sick days, making it difficult for many American families to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This lack of support reduces both job satisfaction and overall well-being. Paid leave is a crucial component of an effective anti-poverty policy, as the financial burden of having a child can be overwhelming.
American Progress says 32 million people in the U.S. lack access to paid sick days, and four out of five workers do not have paid family leave. It forces many to choose between their income and caring for their families.
Without these protections, employees often face the impossible decision of sacrificing their wages or even their jobs to care for a sick child or recover from illness. Implementing the Family Act would ensure paid leave for workers who need time off to maintain their health or care for a loved one.
Also, it grants employees the right to earn seven job-protected sick days yearly. It provides essential security for millions of workers and helps to alleviate poverty.
Combating Poverty by Making Work Schedules that Work
Most low-wage and hourly jobs have unpredictable and unstable work schedules, leading to an erratic work-life balance. Constantly shifting schedules make it difficult for employees to secure child care, plan their finances, and maintain stability in their daily lives. The lack of consistency in work hours creates unnecessary stress and uncertainty for workers trying to meet their responsibilities.
Unpredictable schedules also make it challenging to handle essential personal matters. Scheduling a doctor's appointment can become nearly impossible. Arriving on time for a parent-teacher conference or supporting a child's school performance is also challenging. Without a reliable schedule, workers must navigate last-minute changes that disrupt their ability to balance work and personal life.
Employers must provide at least two weeks advance notice of work schedules. This policy allows employees to request schedule changes and ensures guaranteed pay for shortened or cancelled shifts.
Giving workers a voice in their scheduling improves job stability and allows for better work-life management.
Poverty by Creating Transparency in the Government's Spending
Ensuring transparency in government spending is a powerful tool for reducing corruption and improving accountability. When financial decisions are open to public scrutiny, leaders are more likely to act responsibly and allocate resources effectively. Clear oversight lets citizens track expenditures and know how the government manages public funds.
Holding the government accountable for its actions, or lack thereof, empowers citizens to evaluate the efficiency of leadership. Transparency fosters trust between the government and the people. It ensures fair and effective implementation of poverty reduction policies. Additionally, greater openness allows citizens to determine whether funds designated for poverty reduction are making a real impact.
Closely monitoring spending increases the likelihood of financial resources reaching those in need.
This approach also reduces the chances of funds ending up in the hands of corrupt officials.
Actions Taken to Eliminate Extreme Poverty and Hunger
Efforts to tackle extreme poverty and hunger are crucial for improving the quality of life worldwide. Governments, NGOs, and local communities are implementing innovative solutions to address these issues. From sustainable agricultural practices to economic empowerment and international aid, these actions aim to create lasting change and ensure a better future for all.
Look at some essential efforts made to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger -
Food and Agriculture Organization
Despite decades of efforts, world hunger rates remain unacceptably high. While the world produces more than enough food to meet the global population's needs, over 829 million people still face hunger crises. More than 10% of the world's population suffers from chronic hunger today. This widespread issue calls for immediate and effective interventions to ensure no one is left behind.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) focuses on promoting better nutritional practices. It improves agricultural productivity and increases incomes to combat hunger. By implementing health-focused programs, the FAO aims to ensure immediate access to nutritious food for those in need. This multi-pronged approach tackles hunger from various angles, striving to alleviate hunger and prevent it from reoccurring.
The FAO also supports developing countries by promoting sustainable agricultural, forestry, and fishery practices. The FAO helps communities manage natural resources, boost local economies, and address hunger.
With over 194 member nations, the FAO works in 130 countries, spearheading initiatives like the Zero Hunger Challenge. Through coordinated global efforts and regional strategies, the FAO is committed to eradicating hunger.
This mission focuses on Africa, Asia, and Latin America by 2030.
The World Bank
Key components include fostering a stable economy with jobs and fair wages. It also supports a government that provides access to essential services like schools, hospitals, and energy. Further, promoting the health and well-being of individuals is crucial for driving economic growth. These efforts aim to build a sustainable foundation for poverty reduction.
From 2003 to 2013, the World Bank provided nutrition services to over 211 million women and children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization delivered vaccines to over 400,000 people across 10 islands. It demonstrated its agility and commitment in times of crisis. These efforts showcase the World Bank's commitment to improving lives.
With 189 countries and 130 offices, the World Bank leads global efforts against hunger and poverty. The institution has focused on enhancing Tonga's resilience to natural disasters. It has also promoted affordable solar energy in Yemen. Further, it has supported mothers and children in Bangladesh.
Its dual goals of eliminating poverty and ensuring prosperity are central to its work. The organization continues progressing toward a more equitable world.
1 Billion Acts
Global hunger and poverty are complex challenges, but efforts are underway to make a significant impact. The 1 Billion Acts movement unites Nobel Peace Prize Winners and driven youth. Individuals unite to address poverty, hunger, and other global issues. Together, they work towards significantly impacting the fight against these challenges.
With participants from over 171 countries, 1 Billion Acts empowers individuals to launch campaigns. These campaigns unite communities in the fight against critical issues. In 2014, during PeaceJam's 10th Anniversary, over 3,000 PeaceJam Youth gathered. 10 Nobel Peace Laureates joined it to collaborate and work toward global change.
Launched with the support of Google, the program equips young people with valuable skills to create meaningful change. Youth are empowered to make a real difference in their communities, helping to build a more sustainable future for all.
Bring It All Together!
Extreme poverty remains a significant global issue. However, addressing its root causes and implementing actionable solutions can pave the way to a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.
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