We all like favors when they fall on our laps. It might be meeting a homie who now serves as a security guard and he makes you skip the line. Or it might be your cousin working in a coffee shop who will whip up your order before you even pay. We all like these favors. However, have you ever thought of the inequalities that come with such favors?
As crazy as it may seem, inequalities based on gender, age, ethnicity, class, race, sexuality and religion continue to be one of the world’s most persistent problems. Women living in rural areas are three times more likely to die of childbirth than those living in urban centers.
One of the things that beats me when I look at inequalities within the countries is how women are paid less for the same job that their male counterparts are doing. I mean, what is that? Does gender justify a higher salary?
For some reason, leaving Africa to go to any other continent is regarded as ‘ going to greener pastures’. So does this mean that African is not good enough? Does this mean youth will only achieve their life goal by leaving their countries? Why is there an inequality between countries’ opportunities for the youth?
Even if we are to look within ourselves as African, some countries find it easy to get visas into specific countries. Others do not even need visas. Certain countries have their players ‘jamming ball’ in the English Premier League whilst some countries have never seen such at their end.
So why does this happen? Why is it that some countries seem to be ‘better’ than others? Are we all not human beings? How do we get this pandemic of inequalities a vaccine? What can be done to reduce inequalities within and among countries?
Well, the answer is simple. The answer is the first double digit Sustainable Development Goal.
That’s right, the answer is SDG 10. In description, this SGD aims to ‘Reduce inequality within and among countries’. Some of its key indicators that could benefit the young are:
By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
Ensure enhanced representation and voice for developing countries in decision-making in global international economic and financial institutions in order to deliver more effective, credible, accountable and legitimate institutions
If, for whatever reason, people keep being excluded from opportunities, services and the chance at a better life, sustainable development will not be achieved.
However, reducing inequalities is possible and it requires a transformative change. Countries need to promote inclusive social and economic growth, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices; and this is something way bigger than ourselves, but, nonetheless, there are other things that we, as young people, can do to help. For example:
Speak up against any form of discrimination in Rwanda and let everyone know that oppotunities should be equal to all youth regardless of race, gender, sexuality, social background and physical abilities.
In your community, be inclusive and understanding of those who are different than yourself. Support policies that promote social enocomic inclusion.
These are just few ‘little’ things but important nonetheless, that you can put into practice in order to give your contribution as youth to end inequalities.
