February 20 is World Day of Social Justice. Around the globe, the majority of people accept that some have less while others have more. How does that play out?
A woman holds a sign looking for a job in front of a Gucci store. (Illustration by News Decoder)
On 20 February, the United Nations marks World Day of Social Justice. But what is social justice?
It is a call for people and governments to take concrete action to close the gap between rich and poor, and ensure that everyone has equal access to food and education and wages they can raise their families on. It means achieving full employment and decent work, gender equality and equal justice that is independent of race, religion or nationality.
This year, the theme of World Social Justice Day is “Social Protection and Decent Work for All.” To explore the ways we can look at social justice and help bring it about, we present 10 News Decoder stories on the concept of social inequity and equal employment.
The rich are getting richer. How can we reduce inequality?
The gap between rich and poor in many nations is widening. But stock markets are not the culprit. Here’s what can be done to curb economic inequality.
In Africa, rising youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb
One out of three young Africans is unemployed, and the youth population will double by 2050. How can Africa create jobs for the young and avoid unrest?
Kenya tackles youth unemployment with education shift
Soaring youth unemployment has forced Kenya to reform its education system. Now, it’s focused on providing technical training. Will it work?
With an economy in crisis, Sri Lankans migrate out for jobs
An historic number of workers are seeking work in other countries, many of them professionals. Should a nation depend on the export of its human capital?
When that dream job turns into a nightmare
Victims of fake job offers in South Asia find themselves far from home, forced to work digital fraud scams with high ransoms demanded for their freedom.
As fans flock to women’s football, pay stays out of play
Almost 16 million girls play organized football around the world. Yet most professional players have yet to earn a living wage.
The United States: So rich, and yet so poor
The United States is the richest nation in the world with many millions of poor. I’m baffled more has not been done to spread this extraordinary wealth.
Too many people, too few homes
Obstacles to building housing have created a homeless crisis in California. Can the “Golden State” find a way to house the people living on its streets?
Decoder: Vulnerable nations to press rich at climate summit
At next month’s climate summit in Egypt, poorer nations coping with disasters will press wealthier states for a fund to help them ride out catastrophes.
Jordan needs reforms to include women in its economy
Jordan ranks among the world’s worst countries for women’s economic participation. A former cabinet minister speaks out on what must change.
