What i understood from our module : Tackling Inequalities

What i understood from our module : Tackling Inequalities (Image from https://ideas4development.org/)

From 12 to 21 June, we were in Berlin as part of the African German Leadership Academy programme to talk about inequalities and how to tackle them.

At the end of the module, here’s what I understood from the module, but also some points that I haven’t yet understood and that I still need to research.

The Multidimensional Inequality Framework (MIF)

We kicked off with a great session presented by Irene Bucelli and Pedro Mendes Loureiro on a multidimensional framework for measuring inequalities, their causes and policy options: the Multidimensional Inequality Framework.

The Multidimensional Inequality Framework (MIF)

Why is the MIF important

I understood that the MIF is an important and interesting framework because it helps in analyzing inequality in a multidimensional way, considering various dimensions of human life. It recognizes that individuals face various forms of inequality, such as income, education, health, gender, and access to basic services.

The MIF offers a holistic approach, integrating measures, multidimensional mapping techniques, and in-depth analyses to assess disparities between groups and populations. It aims to identify vulnerable and marginalized groups, develop targeted public policies, and consider contextual, cultural, and structural differences.

The Global Drivers of Inequalities (MIF)

The global drivers of inequalities are important not only because they directly affect different forms of inequality, but also because they can affect the ability and ownership of countries to act at the national level to reduce inequality. For example, trade rules related to intellectual property rights can limit countries’ access to affordable medicines.

Here are the ten global drivers of inequalities :

1. Dominant narratives, and corresponding policies, that justify and perpetuate inequality
2. Values, norms, practices and structures that perpetuate discrimination and intolerance, especially discrimination against women
3. Financialisation, the power of capital and global elites
4. The rise and power of global corporations and the lack of effective regulation
5. Lack of financial transparency and ineffective global tax governance
6. Skewed structure of global trade
7. Climate change and environmental degradation
8. Conflict, global displacement and international migration policies
9. Skewed technological development, scientific progress and innovation
10. Lack of effective global governance

Financial security and decent work

On the following day, we spoke with Annamarie K. Kiaga from the ILO about formalising the informal economy.
She began by showing us a video about the ILO mission and role but also decent work according to the ILO :

She reminds how work is important and is a SUSTAINABLE way out of poverty because it sustains us. It is how we meet our material needs and build decent lives ... gives us a sense of identity, belonging and purpose.

Background: Some definitions of informality

Informal economy — All economic activities by workers and economic units that are — in law or in practice — not covered or insufficiently covered by formal arrangements. It does not cover illicit activities

Informal employment: “All informal jobs, whether carried out in formal sector enterprises, informal sector enterprises, or households

Reducing Decent Work Deficits

Formalization of the informal economy consists of processes of not only reducing decent work deficits in the informal economy, for both workers and economic units, but also creating an environment that facilitates transition from the informal to the formal economy by making it desirable, affordable and profitable.

Here are the decent work deficits:

1. Lack of employment opportunities
2. Inadequate earnings and unproductive work
3. Indecent hours
4. Inability to combine work, family and personal life
5. Engaged in work that should be abolished
6. Lack of stability and security of work
7. Unequal opportunity and treatment in employment
8. Unsafe work environment
9. Lack of social safety nets

10. No voice: failing workers’ and employers’ representation

Formalization of the Informal Economy

To achieve the formalization of the Informal Economy, there is a need for an integrated policy approach and understand the drivers of informality.

The ILO has identified these drivers of informality :

1. Macro economic context : Inability of the economy to create enough formal jobs, Economic crisis and economic restructuring, flexibilization of formal jobs as the results globalization pressures
2. Micro level determinants : Low educated and qualified workforce, low mobility from informal to formal jobs, discrimination
3. Regulatory frameworks, public institutions and enforcements mechanisms : Regulatory framework inadequate or lacking, Lack of transparency & accountability of public institutions, Lack of trust, Lack of communication, lack of awareness, Lack of adequate social benefits to secure income,
4. Attractiveness of informal activities : Evasion of tax.contributions,Work family balance

Clear processes has been identified for formalization :

1. Existing economic units moving towards full formality or becoming fully formal: e.g. extending the scope of the laws, registration/increased compliance under commercial acts, with tax, labour and social security authorities).
2. Existing jobs moving towards full formality or becoming fully formal e.g. extending coverage of labour regulation; extending coverage of social security; establishment of a contract to reflect an existing employment relationship; registration of unregistered employment relations.
3. Transitions that result in jobs and economic units being destroyed in the informal economy and created in the formal economy.
4. Prevention of informalization of formal employment

7 Dimensions of Decent Work

After the formalization of the informal economy, Isabelle Eberz then took us through the 7 dimensions of decent work. I liked this session because we were able to use a tool to measure the decency of our respective jobs and the results were quite interesting because many of us realised that our jobs were not as decent as they seemed.

Here are the 7 dimensions of decent work :

1. Fundamental principles and values at work ​

• At my work, there is trust among people.​
• At my work, I am accepted for who I am (regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, religion, political orientation, etc.).​
• Decision-making processes are fair.

2. Adequate working time and workload ​

• My work/job allows me to have time for my family/personal life.​
• The work pace is appropriate (not overwhelming, but also not on pause)

3. Fulfilling and productive work ​

• My work contributes to ensuring the success of future generations.​
• I create value for others through my work. ​

4. Meaningful remuneration for the exercise of citizenship​

• The payment is fair and allows me to live a life with dignity. ​
• I earn enough to provide for people that depend on me.

5. Social protection​

• I believe that I will have a retirement without financial worries (government or private pension system). ​
• I feel that I am protected if I become unemployed (unemployment insurance, government/social benefits, social programmes, etc.).​

6. Opportunities​

• I have choices in the work I do (to be self-employed, to work for others, etc.)​
• I can develop myself professionally.

7. Health and safety​

• At my work, I am protected from risks to my physical health. ​
• The work environment is safe and acceptable (noise, temperature, risks, etc.)

Participation in decision-making, influence and voice

On 15 June 2023, in the morning, we met Armand Zorn, a young MP of Cameroonian origin, with whom we discussed the meaning of his commitment to politics, the challenges of digital transformation and how, as a young man from a migrant background, he was able to overcome all the obstacles to win his seat in the Bundestag. He represents this young generation that is trying to make its voice heard in order to participate in the decision-making process at the highest level.

With this in mind, we had the opportunity to follow the session on the participation of young people in parliaments, and their representation and influence in the parliaments of different countries. This session was presented by Nana Kurashvili of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

We have seen the extent to which having a good representation of young people in parliaments can have a real impact on the fight against inequality. Research has shown that the more young people are represented, the more women there are in parliaments. Young people bring with them their energy and their innovative spirit, even though in most countries they face many obstacles to gaining a place in politics. In fact, in many countries, people don’t have much confidence in young people because they have no experience, but young people also don’t have enough resources to carry out their political activities.

We were able to use the data on https://data.ipu.org/ to see various statistics on the representation of young people, for example in the parliaments of each country, but also the percentage of women parliamentarians. Most countries have a lot to do to ensure that young people are well represented.

A feminist approach towards inequality

This is the session in which things seemed the least clear to me, because we started with the history of slavery and colonisation in Africa and their consequences for African development. But also how Western countries developed and industrialised through slavery and colonisation. I think that this first part was to set the scene and set the story. We then talked about Pan-Africanism, the role of women in the economy and Pan-Africanist feminism.

It is on this part of feminism’s approach to toward inequalities that I need to do a little more research to better understand the subject and understand what pan-Africanist feminism is. I will be happy to have your opinions and clarifications on this subject if you have any ideas.

Living Library

We finished the module by the Living Library in which I had the opportunity to be a Book. I will do a specific article on my experience as a Book during the Living Library, and I already tell you that it was a wonderful experience.