The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is dedicated to recognizing poverty and finding ways to eradicate it.
Celebrated annually on October 17, the day brings together global communities through events, summits and campaigns. This year's theme is “Ending social and institutional abuse by ensuring respectful and effective support for families.” The United Nations says the day is dedicated to ending social and institutional abuse by ensuring families are respected and effectively supported, with the clear goal of “leaving those furthest behind first and building institutions that help families stay together, thrive and shape their own future.”
However, global anti-poverty initiatives focus on developed countries, and this bias is influenced by historical imbalances, economic power, and control of resources. The media tends to prioritize politically sensitive issues over the complexities of global poverty, often portraying it as a tragedy that leads people to believe that nothing can be done. Although poverty will never be completely eradicated, its existence can be significantly reduced.
Heather Cimbalisti checks inventory at the milk cooler at the Samaritan House Ministries building in downtown Brandon. Poverty is not a distant problem: it exists in our own backyard. (File)
Extreme poverty is common in developing countries due to their large populations. However, the day is significant for many reasons in developed countries, where inequality and wide gaps between social classes continue to perpetuate hardship. The observance of this day focuses not only on income-related poverty, but also on health, education, justice and political power. (Source: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UFCW Canada, no date specified)
In developing countries, poverty is a serious global problem caused by lack of income, basic resources and opportunities. Discussions on this topic overlook or emphasize the global dimensions that follow, often blaming poor governance or infrastructure for widespread poverty. While these factors play a role, they are not the entire cause. Solving these problems requires moving from compassion to systematic action.
Even in developed countries like Canada, cities like Brandon face barriers to providing community support and employment, social inclusion, and fair access to housing and basic services, demonstrating that poverty is not a distant problem—it exists in our own backyard.
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty should not only draw attention to the problems of developed countries, but also amplify the voices of small communities and developing countries. Instead of assuming that poverty is due to poor governance, we must dig deeper to find what can be done to bring about lasting change. This day should inspire us to replace ignorance with understanding. Poverty may look different around the world, but poverty exists everywhere, in some places more than others.
» Chidinma Emeka-Ogumka is a Grade 10 student at Nilin Secondary School.
