SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities - Sustainable Development Goals

Why is Equality Important to Sustainability?

Equality is fundamental to a stable, just, prosperous, and peaceful society.

At the heart of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is the hope and ambition to make certain that no one is left behind, a vision which can only be achieved by addressing the quality of life of the most vulnerable of today’s society.

Sustainability is wholly incompatible with inequality.

How can we be affected by Inequality?

Inequalities based on age, income, sex, disability, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, access to services and opportunity continue to exist across the globe. This threatens long-term social and economic development and reduces people’s sense of fulfilment and self-worth.

1. Intergenerational Poverty/ Inequality

‘Inequality starts with the lottery of birth’ – where are you born and your parent’s circumstances. A person’s opportunities in life can very much depend on social and economic factors in their early life.

Discrimination, which is based on factors such as age, gender, ethnic group, disability status, sexual orientation, migratory status, residence or other circumstances, disadvantage individuals in many different and often invisible ways, throughout their lives. These patterns of inequality get passed on from generation to generation.

Attaining Reduced Inequalities and other SDGs may require an intentional strategy which begins by reaching the furthest behind.

2. Gender

Often, with lower income and fewer assets than men, women, particularly single mothers, are more likely to live their lives below 50 percent of median income. ‘Evidence suggests that inequality between women and men in a household is a strong contributing factor to overall income inequality in society.’ For women, gender inequalities, effects their health and education as well as income, have a strong impact on overall well- being.

Lack of equality across countries, often results in disadvantaged countries lacking in financial resources or trade opportunities to bring about policies which can achieve gender equality and other aspects of inclusion.

Within countries, economic and social policies need to be explicitly geared towards reducing gender inequalities.

3. Income

The global problem of income inequality has been widening between the rich and the poor since the 1990s. At present, just 8 men possess the same wealth as half of the world. Wealth is continuing to increase for a small percentage of the population while little is changing for the poorest. This is a terrifying representation of the global inequalities we are facing today.

Addition from Raquel if you like to include it but you don’t have to: But inequality in income is not only related to the richest and the poorest in the world. If we look at income inequality close to home, how many organisations have pay scales that vary vastly from employees to boards of directors? Or simply employees and managers? Yes, this is a truth hard to read for many, but the reality is that wealth inequality is present in our everyday jobs, and increases the chance of the most vulnerable being left behind.

4. Global scale

There is a crucial need for better representation of developing countries on key global platforms, to improve the possibility of solutions being found to macro level challenges around the world.

Even though some positive signs are evident, inequality is growing for more than 70% of the population, increasing risks of further divisions and straining chances of economic and social development.

Progressing SDG 10

Realising the goal of reducing inequalities on a global scale demands transformative change, this will involve eliminating all discriminatory laws and practices.

Unfortunately, Covid 19 has further increased existing inequalities and hampered progress.

As we try to progress the goal of global equality, the plant can only improve for the better if no one is left behind and excluded for a chance to better their lives.

‘Political, economic and social policies need to be universal and to pay close attention to disadvantaged and marginalised communities.’

What the world would look like if SDG 10 was realised?

A world with complete equality would mean everyone has shelter, healthcare, food and time to invest in their wellbeing as well as work.

It would mean no one is excluded or discriminated based on their identity, sex, or skin colour. The call for universal public health services would be seen as crucial. Climate change would be realised as an issue that affects everyone equally.

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda writes in the 2017 Peace Proposal: “Even if there is a sense of comfort felt by people when they are surrounded by others who share the same culture or ethnic group, we must remain vigilant against the danger that this group consciousness will metamorphose into violent discrimination or antagonism directed at other groups at times of heightened social tension…To categorize and discriminate against individuals on the basis of a single attribute is wrong; it is a source of division that undermines society as a whole."

Growing inequality of course impacts the poorest and most disadvantaged areas of society but also negatively effects society as a whole, impacting all people. Any type of inequality serves to hamper and strain long term social and economic development. This affects individuals sense of wellbeing and fulfilment in life and can result in environmental degradation, crime and disease.

‘There can be no sustainable development if people are excluded from the chance to lead a better life.’ 

What can governments do for SDG 10?

• Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all. Safeguard social spending.
• Eliminate laws, policies and practices that discriminate against any group of people.
• Take responsibility to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of their employees, customers, service users and everyone affected by their policies and plans. 

What can organisations and businesses do?

• Audit and review the distribution of economic value across stakeholder groups and implement policies and approaches to make it more equal.
• Establish and grow social protection at a national level.
• Bring about policies and approaches which support equality of opportunity, treatment and outcome for all across your operations and your supply chain.
• Design products, services and business ,models that target the needs of disadvantaged and marginalised populations.

What we can do as individuals:

 Today, you can:

• Review & reflect on any preconceived biases, judgements and behaviours you engage in towards others.
• Educate yourself further on inequalities and spread awareness of how they exist and impact our society.

• Invest your time or money in health, education, and social protection of the vulnerable and marginalized communities.
• Are you in a position where you can provide jobs for vulnerable people or those discriminated against such as migrants, refugees, members of minority groups? Then do it!
• If you witness any discriminatory practices in your daily life, speak up about them.
• Support local vendors and businesses in your community
• Notice whether you are respecting the opinions of others even if you do not agree.

Empower Change Through Education

If we want a more equitable future, we need to teach it - not just hope for it.

So where do you start?

• Explore our courses to learn how to bring sustainability, peace and social responsibility into your work or classroom.
• Book a call with our team to see how you can support your organisation or school.
• Or, if you're just getting started, listen to our podcast series for chaotic, but insightful discussions about everything sustainability.

Whether you're an educator, a business, or simply someone who wants to try, there's a way for you to be a part of the change. 

Building a better world shouldn't feel overwhelming, it should feel possible. 

Thank you for reading, 

The Fifty Shades Greener Team 💚