The (Un)equal World

The quest for an equal world has been going on since the advent of humanity, perhaps, but still, we see Unequal World.

Different models have been tried (e.g. in recent memory – communism, democracy) but have they achieved their goal of equality?

Even today, the chances of a rich man surviving the lockdown or getting the treatment when needed were much higher than a poor one.

Is this one of those goals that are too noble to be abandoned, but practically impossible to achieve because in today’s world Wealth is rewarded to those who are wealthy, rarely any chances are given to talent and hard work. An article by the World Economic Forum reports 82% of the wealth created last year went to only 1% of rich people. The world population is approximately 7.8 billion by current census report so only 1% enjoys all the fortune.

The poorest half of the world saw no increase in their wealth last year. So it won’t be untrue mentioning the world belongs to wealthy. Talking about India the same condition or even worse have been created. Here Corporation are driving down the wages and working conditions across the globe to maximize return from shareholders. And not to surprise, our governments don’t just let this happen, they actively facilitate it. In a frenzied drive for GDP growth, they slash corporate taxes and strip away the rights and protections of majority working class.

The government is using its power and influence to ensure the rules align with their interests and benefits overlooking the middle and poorer society creating an Unequal World.

And to it result? Men and Women in hot or cold condition working toward the prosperity of the nation and still not able to get a minimum wage for their balanced living. Why this inequality and unjust done to them. Why our government just passes the minimum respectable wage which is not executed practically in the world we live? Why are all the rules just in files? These questions have been raised several times and still no hope to get the answer.

But in boardrooms, far removed from this suffering and indignity, things are better than ever. Shareholders and corporate bosses are enjoying record profits and vacationing in Tuscany with a glass of Vine. The world’s political and business elites are meeting in all elite places to look for a solution on how to eradicate this inequality, but the irony is in those meeting only in that span of time only, these world’s billionaires will see their fortunes swell by an estimated $8 billion in those few days of meetings.

Breaking it down another way. While nine out of every 10 billionaires is a man, and woman who are most often found in the poorest paid and least secure jobs. And the ones who actually lead the country to prosperity which is our workers around the world but they are still struggling to live a manageable life. The countries prosperity is build on their backs.

The World Inequality published says World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics proves government action can significantly reduce inequality. Forward-thinking politicians around the globe are already showing what is possible.

Iceland introduced a law making it illegal for firms to pay women less than men as part of government plans to eradicate the gender wage gap by 2020.

In 2010 Ecuador introduced a minimum ‘dignity wage’ that covers the basic costs of living. This has benefited hundreds of thousands of workers and broken the myth that there is a trade-off between decent wages and jobs. Ecuador has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Latin America.

Meanwhile, South Africa has introduced progressive tax policies to raise funds to expand public services such as healthcare and education.

In the UK, the governments can ensure workers’ rights are protected in the technological revolution when a court ruled that drivers working for the taxi app Uber are employees are not considered self-employed thus they must be entitled to holiday pay, paid rest breaks, and the national minimum wage.

 Also, we need business leaders who see the benefits of a well-paid workforce as it is directly linked to the well-functioning society, as decades ago, Henry Ford acknowledged the fact that the long-term health of his businesses was best served only by paying his workers enough to afford the cars they make. We need more business leaders like him.

These examples, among others, show there is no shortage of solutions. What is lacking is political will to put these into action in our country.

Still, we don’t have to lose hope and faith, and we don’t want to tell young girls and boys that the odds are stacked against them from the start. Instead, we could tell them that with passion, conviction, and determination we can build a better future for everyone, and it could be possible by redesigning our economy to truly reward hard work, innovation, and talent rather than only supporting wealthier people.

Also read, Poverty.

One Life. Live Boundless