Usawa: A Paradox
During Fight Inequality Week, we explore the idea of Usawa, which means equality in Swahili. But in many rural areas, equality is a big problem. This inequality comes from how the government spends money, especially hurting poor communities.
Rural places often don't get enough money from the government. They face unequal treatment in budgets, which means they lack resources for things like schools, hospitals, and roads. Haven't we noticed how school's like Demesi Secondary, where we host today's event and others grapple with academic excellence? And the same can be said about the local dispensary at Nadanya as well as the market center the event shall take place.
This disproportionate allocation of resources has struck a huge challenge for livelihood within rural communities. People, mostly the youth and and women, cannot access fair opportunities to progress. We should not look away from these damning realities.
Since poverty is high, the taxation burden makes the unfairness more real. Poor people pay more taxes per shilling than the rich and that is the truth. They may not recognise it but hey the excise duty on airtime purchase, the VAT on the bread and milk and even direct taxes for small holder businesses by local government. All this while they receive less in public service per shilling compared to those who can be called rich.
The problem runs deep in how the system works. When rural areas don't get enough support, people there can't get good education, healthcare, or build better lives. It's tough for them to move up in society when they face these challenges.
Forezava wants to change this. We believe in fair government policies and budgets that help everyone, especially those in rural areas. By speaking up against unfair taxes and pushing for better resources, we want to make equality real for everyone, no matter where they live.
But not just through empty talk we are running initiatives that embolden our vision. Working with youth and women to create opportunities through Climate Smart Agriculture as well running a #Sports4Climate Scholarship program to support vulnerable youth in our rural village access education and sports for community well being.
Join us in making a difference. Let's work together for a world where Usawa isn't just a word but a reality for everyone.
Forezava is a YALI T-Fund, a USAID funded & Kenyatta University implemented initiative, awardee Community Climate Action initiative that works to reinforce the commitment to Nature Based Climate action solutions with a focus on riparian land protection, rehabilitation and conservation mainly along River Ezava in Vihiga County.
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