Eradicating Poverty by Tackling Economic Inequality
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International delivers annual David Morrison Lecture in International Development
"We can have a world that is free of poverty, where everyone lives a life of dignity; but to do that we must tackle rising economic inequality," said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, prior to delivering the David Morrison Lecture in International Development, Tuesday, October 20.
Ms. Byanyima who is globally-recognized for her work on women's rights, social equality, democratic governance, and peace-building, said she was "truly honoured to be invited to give the David Morrison Lecture at Trent University, which houses the oldest, and very distinguished, department of international development in Canada."
The public lecture, entitled Rising Inequality and the Need for an Economy that Works for All, took place at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough to an audience of students, faculty, and community members that included newly-elected Member of Parliament and Trent alumna, Mary Monsef.
Noting Ms. Monsef's presence, Ms. Byanyima said "Maryam Monsef is a migrant from Afghanistan and in less than twenty years she's your representative in the parliament of your country and that speaks volumes about who you are, how open you are, how embracing you are."
Pointing out that 80 people have as much wealth as the poorest half of the planet, Ms. Byanyima stressed that we need to end economic inequality, particularly gender inequality, in order to eradicate poverty. She spoke of Canada's obligation, as part of the United Nations, to help create a world that is peaceful and stable by tackling the issue of rising inequality within countries and between countries.
"Inequality is the result of public policy choices," she said "but we can reverse it through other public policy choices."
Ms. Byanyima called for the building of a more human economy that is underpinned and funded by a fair global tax system, that is focused on redistributing wealth through investment in health, education and social protection, and which values all contributors including women.
Rachel Kuzmich, a third year international development studies and geography student who attended the lecture, indicated that events like these are an essential part of her education. "They are critical because not only are you learning about different topics from an array of people, you are also connecting with others and building meaningful connections in your community and for your future professional career," she said.