Our key partner Oxfam International wanted to thank you for taking part in Blog Action Day and focusing the world's attention on Inequality on October 16th. Below is a message from the Executive Director of Oxfam International, Winnie Byanyima.
Dear friends,
On behalf of Oxfam International I’d like to say thank you for taking part in Blog Action Day 2014.
By sharing your stories and experiences, you joined an important global discussion about why and how to tackle the inequality that is doing so much damage to our societies.
I was amazed by the range of different entries from all over the world. From school classes, to women’s networks, to international financial institutions, a huge diversity of participants took part in the global
#inequality discussion on an equal footing.
A few of my highlights were:
* English language blog on gender inequality in the workplace,
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20141016032403-2893498-gender-inequality-at-work* French blog on the causes of and solutions to inequality
http://genmorency.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/les-inegalites/*Spanish blog on inequality and employment.
http://alvillamo.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/desigualdad-y-empleo/ And we’ve posted many more highlights on our Storify.
http://www.oxfam.org/en/action/lets-talk-about-inequality-join-blog-action-day-2014As of 12GMT on October 17, we know that 1760 bloggers took part in the day from over 116 countries, showing that tackling extreme inequality is an issue that unites us all.
The winner of our competition will be announced next week on our Blog Action Day page. It’s going to be a very difficult decision as there were so many inspiring blogs posted!
http://www.oxfam.org/en/action/lets-talk-about-inequality-join-blog-action-day-2014The issue of inequality is very close to my heart. I have seen with my own eyes the enormous progress that many of the poorest countries have made in the struggle against poverty. But this progress is being threatened by rising inequality, which allows the wealthiest to bend the rules in their favour – rules that are keeping people in poverty.
Oxfam knows that extreme inequality isn’t inevitable – it’s the result of political and economic choices. We also know the policy solutions and actions that can reverse it, from free public health and education services that help everyone, to progressive taxation so that the rich pay their fair share.
Later this month, we will launch a world-wide campaign to expose the impact of rising and extreme inequality, and demand action from governments, companies and the public to reverse it. You can help us get the campaign off to a flying start by joining our Thunderclap that will go live on the day of our launch.
As we begin this journey, please stay in touch with us and continue helping to spread the message about this vitally important issue.
Oxfam was proud to act as a key partner for Blog Action Day 2014 and to have shared this day with you. Thanks again for being part of it and for joining the growing global movement to end extreme inequality.
Winnie Byanyima
