The incidence of non-communicable diseases is growing worldwide, but particularly among the poor and marginalized, and particularly in the less developed countries of Africa and South Asia. Access to quality health services is more problematic outside capital cities. All of these inequalities are leading to differences in living standards and opportunities between rural and urban populations, or between men and women, and contributing to the exclusion of some ethnic and other groups. The Inequalities consultation stressed that the empowerment and advancement of women and girls is crucial to eliminating inequalities, and that investing in women and girls’ education, health and participation and ensuring their equal rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, is a ‘fast track’ to development and inclusive economic growth. For example, the national consultation in Jamaica highlighted the situation of illiterate, poor women in rural areas, where the intersection of inequalities experienced due to gender, poverty, unequal access to education and rural residence combine to limit the choices and opportunities of those affected. The kinds of inequalities that are mentioned most frequently are those between men and women, between rural areas and urban areas (or in many cases between capital cities and the rest of the country) and between rich and poor people. The latter is often connected to the experience of exclusion from employment. However, inequalities and discrimination facing people with disabilities and
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Apart from the children, women suffer the most from inequality. Because when I go up the hills into some communities some of them cyaan [cannot] read and write; cyaan hold a job. The only thing she can do is have some babies. The only thing in her mind is to get some money; I must get a young baby for him. What happen to fi har [her] children? Them grow up on sugar and water.
Male participant, national consultation, Jamaica
ethnic minorities, and inter-generational inequalities are also mentioned frequently. Refugees, internally displaced and stateless people face almost insurmountable challenges in realizing their rights. Inequalities compounded by growing insecurities
The consultations showed how inequalities are compounded by many and varying kinds of insecurities. Economic and job insecurities are among the most prevalent types of insecurity mentioned. A lack of job opportunities for youth means that in many countries a whole new generation is facing an uncertain future with little hope of improving their situation. Lack of decent employment opportunities is forcing people all over the world to accept precarious and
mamacita! Here, in Monte Plata, there is a gap Due to political factors, conscience and discrimination.
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Representative from women’s rights organization, Dominican Republic
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sometimes unsafe work, even in countries experiencing relatively high growth rates. Those who find a way out through migration often face discrimination, criminalization and lack of social security and other rights. Attempts to address income security come at the cost of facing other securities. Unplanned migration puts pressure on urban centres, with migrants often finding housing solutions with unsafe or unsanitary conditions. A lack of access to well-functioning systems of justice and protection means that people are more vulnerable to violence and threats to their personal security. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to violence and fear of violence, including in their own homes. Some aspects of insecurity, such as violent crime and social conflict, affect all — rich and poor people in rich and poor countries alike. However, poor people are less well equipped to adapt. Development that does not take into account already fragile ecosystems makes the risk of being affected by disasters even greater for those least able to cope. The effects of climate change, especially extreme weather events and ecosystem degradation, threaten the livelihoods of many, increasing insecurities particularly
A Million Voices: The World We Want | A Sus tain able Fu t ure with Digni t y f o r A l l 19