Page 27 - Economy_Fair Trade International Trade

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Extreme inequality and essential services

Extreme inequality, in a world in which since 2015 the richest that represent 1% has owned more wealth
than the rest of the world, having more than the twice as much wealth as 6.9 billion people. Many
communities and people suffer from poverty, are denied of the basic rights, and do not have access to the
basic needs, and it represents half of the world’s population (living with less than $5.50 a day). Another
problem is that this gap is growing even more and exacerbates the already existing inequalities as well as
creating more. Oxfam International describes our economy as broken, considering that a large part of the
problem are the personal income and corporate taxes. For instance, many governments are giving special
treatment to organizations and are under-taxing them and wealthy individuals, which have effects on the
society and its members (Oxfam International, 2019).

Oxfam International is working to reduce the inequalities making sure the most needed get share of power
and resources in order to reduce poverty and inequalities. The organization is working on budget, tax and
social accountability that advance people’s rights. The inequality in a society is the result of political and
economic decisions and choices.

- The organization follows a key approach to reduce the inequalities:
- Support of civil societies and hold governments accountable.
- Investment in tax justice and advocation of fairer pro-poor taxation policies.
- Support of health and education campaigns.

Food, climate, and natural resources

The climate crisis, unfair access to resources, the injustice in food production and access, and the increase
of corporate power in food production increased the inequality and injustice, having a conscience on the
increase of poverty. The issue is not related to scarcity of recourses, it is related to inequal distribution of
resources and wealth.

Oxfam International is aiming a fairer and sustainable global food chain and system, being the right of
people living in poverty as a main core. The objective of the organization is to enable women and
communities to respond against hunger causes by climate conditions in be more resilient and productive,
and to secure access to lands (Oxfam International, 2019).

- Support small-scale farmers and workers.
- Build resilience to and campaign to fight the climate crisis.
- Protect land rights and natural resources.

Gender justice and women’s rights

Women are a vulnerable part of the society because a woman face discrimination and inequality every day
and everywhere in the world, just because of being a woman. Women face violence, inequality treatment
and abuse in different fields or areas affecting the opportunities for education, prosperity, development;
opportunities to learn, earn and lead. Gender equality is a driver of poverty and fight for women rights.