Every year, 17 October marks the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, recognising the billions of people around the world who live in poverty. Aiming to raise awareness of the need to eradicate poverty in all countries, the day encourages the global community to join together to do just that.
This year has the theme From Poverty to Sustainability: People at the Centre of Inclusive Development, highlighting the importance of poverty eradication for building sustainable futures for all. Today, people living in poverty face increasingly difficult challenges as climate change, environmental degradation and rising food prices threaten their livelihoods and survival. 17 October provides a platform for their voices to be heard.
Working in developing countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and India where poverty levels are as high as some 75% of the population, Opportunity empowers poor families by giving them a hand up not a hand-out so that they too can benefit from secure livelihoods and have the capacity to build a sustainable future.
In honour of the occasion, Opportunity is aiming to empower 3,500 women in India with small loans, allowing them to start a small business, earn an income and afford proper food, shelter and an education for their children. If you would like to make a significant difference in honour of 17 October, click here to give a hand up not a hand-out to 3,500 women who desperately need your help.
Sources: http://www.un.org/depts/dhl/poverty/, http://social.un.org/index/Poverty/InternationalDayfortheEradicationofPoverty/2011.aspx
0 Comments