Understanding Poverty

poverty is about more than money

It is linked to isolation and exclusion.
Extreme poverty means hunger, instability, and greater risk. It is fueled by discrimination based on gender, heritage and disability that endures over generations.

650 million people live in extreme poverty in the world today, defined by the World Bank as those living on $2.15/day or less.

Extreme poverty is multi-dimensional. It exists at the intersection of global economic volatility, climate change, and marginalization.

Powered by exclusion and discrimination often based on gender, social group, and disability, and reinforced over generations, extreme poverty is a cycle that’s hard to break.

Women interrupt the cycle of poverty by investing in their families and communities.

Extreme poverty is multi-dimensional. It exists at the intersection of global economic volatility, climate change, and marginalization.

Powered by exclusion and discrimination often based on gender, social group, and disability, and reinforced over generations, extreme poverty is a cycle that’s hard to break.

Over the past 45 years, we have learned about the different layers that keep people in poverty. We have also been able to witness how when women have assets and agency, they regularly invest them back into food, education, and health, benefitting their families and their communities. 

By tackling the isolation that comes with poverty through savings groups, market access groups, and solidarity groups, women collectively build their skills, livelihoods, savings, and confidence to invest in the future.

WE KNOW THAT OPPORTUNITY CAN BE THE FIRST STEP TO TRANSFORMING A LIFE, A FAMILY, A COMMUNITY.

Women can do everything if they get the chance.

Pinky Besra

Farmer & Leader, West Bengal, India