BIG Coalition to host #MarchToEndPoverty
On Saturday, 15 June, the Basic Income Grant Coalition will host a march to highlight a universal and unconditional basic income grant (BIG) as a possible solution to Namibia's high poverty, unemployment and inequality rates.
The coalition has proposed a BIG of N$500 per person aged 59 and younger per month.
According to a media statement, the march will begin at the Katutura Youth Complex at 08:00 and will continue to Zoo Park via Independence Avenue, where the organisation will handover petitions from across Namibia to gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare minister Doreen Sioka to make a direct plea to government for the implementation of a BIG.
After handing over the petitions, there will be an open mic and entertainment show open to the public, as well as a jumping castle for children to enjoy the day with their families.
Brutal consequences
The coalition noted that Namibia endures continuing social injustice, endangering people’s lives. This while the country is the second most unequal nation in the world, with about 1.5 million Namibians facing starvation, it said, quoting figures from the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Furthermore, Namibia has the world’s second highest unemployment rate and the highest youth unemployment rate in the Southern African Development Community, it said, adding that according to the United Nations Development Index, 75% of Namibians earn N$1 500 or less per month.
"These are dehumanising conditions with brutal consequences. All these have led to the decay of Namibia’s social/moral fabric, which is a threat to our country’s peace, security and stability, as evident in the wave of crime engulfing our country,” the coalition said.
“For the past 19 years, the BIG Coalition has been advocating for the introduction of a universal and unconditional BIG as one of the most efficient ways through which to reduce poverty, without any leader listening to the plight of the Namibian people. We are tired of living in poverty!”
“The coalition urges all Namibians to rally behind us in the fight against poverty and to demand an unconditional BIG as an economic right by taking part in the march," the group added.
The coalition has proposed a BIG of N$500 per person aged 59 and younger per month.
According to a media statement, the march will begin at the Katutura Youth Complex at 08:00 and will continue to Zoo Park via Independence Avenue, where the organisation will handover petitions from across Namibia to gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare minister Doreen Sioka to make a direct plea to government for the implementation of a BIG.
After handing over the petitions, there will be an open mic and entertainment show open to the public, as well as a jumping castle for children to enjoy the day with their families.
Brutal consequences
The coalition noted that Namibia endures continuing social injustice, endangering people’s lives. This while the country is the second most unequal nation in the world, with about 1.5 million Namibians facing starvation, it said, quoting figures from the World Bank and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Furthermore, Namibia has the world’s second highest unemployment rate and the highest youth unemployment rate in the Southern African Development Community, it said, adding that according to the United Nations Development Index, 75% of Namibians earn N$1 500 or less per month.
"These are dehumanising conditions with brutal consequences. All these have led to the decay of Namibia’s social/moral fabric, which is a threat to our country’s peace, security and stability, as evident in the wave of crime engulfing our country,” the coalition said.
“For the past 19 years, the BIG Coalition has been advocating for the introduction of a universal and unconditional BIG as one of the most efficient ways through which to reduce poverty, without any leader listening to the plight of the Namibian people. We are tired of living in poverty!”
“The coalition urges all Namibians to rally behind us in the fight against poverty and to demand an unconditional BIG as an economic right by taking part in the march," the group added.
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