The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was marked on the 17th October. This day is a part of the Anti-Poverty week 2012, running from 14th to 20th October. This is a day than the United Nations General Assembly has designated to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.
This year's Day for
the Eradication of Poverty was the twentieth ever, and the focus of the day in
the country was on Australia's aid program towards the important Millennium
Development Goal (MDG) number one - eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. The
aim is to cut by half the global number of the people living under such
conditions.
The theme for this
year's day was 'Working together out of
poverty', which highlights the need for a truly global anti-poverty
alliance. There are different ways of lifting people out of extreme poverty.
Some examples are to train farmers in more efficient agriculture, microfinance
and financial services to secure poor families' income, provide health services
to poor communities, and provide primary education to more children worldwide.
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| For Anti-Poverty Week, and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty our lovely RESULTS supporters at Elanora Heights Public School Ella, Sienna (pictured) and Edita celebrated by educating their school friends about poverty and getting all pupils in year six and many teachers performing a fabulous flashmob dance to a cheering school crowd. They also managed to raise over $700 for RESULTS' ongoing education and advocacy work. Fantastic effort girls, we are so proud of you! |
The importance of
education was also being emphasised on the International Day of the Girl Child, of which the very first
was marked on Thursday 11 October 2012. This day, that is to be celebrated
every year on 11 October, is a day to recognise the importance of girls
globally, and focus on their rights. The focus of this day's first celebration
was to end child marriage.
Child marriage is a
fundamental human rights violation in itself. In addition, many more rights are
ignored and violated when girls are forced to marry at a young age.
Consequently, she is denied a childhood, and her education is most likely
disrupted, which limits her opportunities in life, and prevents her in reaching
her full potential. Conversely, girls
with little or no education are more likely to be married early.
Early and unwanted
pregnancies also very often follow child marriage. This poses life-threatening
risks for girls, especially considering that pregnancy-related complications
are the leading cause of death for girls in developing countries aged 15-19. Child
marriage is a major obstacle for reaching the MDGs, such as improved maternal
health, universal education, promoted gender equality, as well as eradicate
extreme poverty.
When looking at the
age group 20-24, on a global basis today, every third girl was first married
before her 18th birthday. The connection between child marriage and education
is vital. In developing countries one in four girls does not attend school at
all. Also, the drop-out rate of primary school is quite high. There are various
reasons for this in addition to child marriage, for example that the family
cannot afford to pay the tuition fees, or the family prioritises the boys over
the girls. Some girls are taken out of school by their parents because the
schools do not have separate toilets for boys and girls.
When a girl receives
education of seven years (or more), she will marry four years later and have two
less children, than in the case of no education or if she is dropping out during
primary schooling. If she receives secondary schooling, she is up to six times
less likely to be married before the age of 18.
As the problems of
child marriage have so many solutions in education, as well as education has so
many repercussions, it is important to continue to focus on primary education in the
struggle to reach the MDGs.
In addition to
emphasising the importance of education, there are other focus areas that has
proven effective to better and prolong the lives of girls and women. It is
vital to continue and expand the work of immunisation of children worldwide.
GAVI is doing remarkable work in this area, as the organisation is providing a
great part of vaccines to children at risk in developing countries.
Microfinance has also proven
to be an effective way of protecting girls and women. But also for this a
certain level of schooling is necessary, to learn how to manage a business and
money, and to secure work and income. When a mother's income increases, it will
have impacts on the whole family. For example, her daughters (as well as boys)
will most likely stay in school longer, develop their potential further, and be
more responsible. This will also benefit the society, not only the people directly
involved.
It is important to remind
the world and state leaders about the unfair inequalities and problems that
exist in the world today. Occasions like the Day for the Eradication of poverty
and the International Day of the Girl Child are great opportunities for this,
and important in the fight of poverty and protection of girls' rights, which
are closely related.
Have a look these fantastic animations - great for kids and adults.
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