THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERSTHE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

IN ADDRESSING IN ADDRESSING

INEQUALITIES AND DISCRIMINATIONSINEQUALITIES AND DISCRIMINATIONS

Charles N. Mbugua, Regional Vice-President for Africa Charles N. Mbugua, Regional Vice-President for Africa International Federation of Social Workers.International Federation of Social Workers.

Tours ,France Tuesday July 2,2008Tours ,France Tuesday July 2,2008

1. Introduction1. Introduction inequality”inequality” is descriptive - distribution is descriptive - distribution

system in which some obtain more than system in which some obtain more than othersothers

““discrimination”discrimination” is normative is normative -distribution is unequal, unfair, unjust, deliberated and intentional

Inclusiveness promotes; balanced and Inclusiveness promotes; balanced and sustainable social developmentsustainable social development , addresses; inequalities and discriminations

Inequalities exists in the world – access to Inequalities exists in the world – access to services, poverty e.t.c.services, poverty e.t.c.““

2. Conceptual Global Framework2. Conceptual Global Framework

World inequalities now more glaring no access to services and opportunities.

Most victims of discrimination and inequalities Most victims of discrimination and inequalities do not know their rightsdo not know their rights

Victims of inequalities and discriminationsVictims of inequalities and discriminations -ethnic minorities, displaced person, immigrant thnic minorities, displaced person, immigrant worker refugees and asylum seekersworker refugees and asylum seekers –

They lack economic means, live in deprived neighbourhoods

3. Modes and Aspects3. Modes and Aspects

Feminization of poverty – global forces, customs, culture and religion.

The poor lack access to services – roads, sanitation

Women – victims of assault, rape, exclusion and exploitation

Girls – Victims of sexual abuse, early marriages and forced labour

Vulnerable face discrimination - employment and access to medical insurance and treatment

Political representation and participation – some social groups disenfranchised

4. Inequalities, Discrimination and 4. Inequalities, Discrimination and

GlobalizationGlobalization Discriminating forcesDiscriminating forces of globalization -

marketisation, technology, internationalization, unequal playing field

Process of globalization - not consultative, not inclusive, has no welfare package

Globalization – blind to the needs poor and Globalization – blind to the needs poor and vulnerable groupsvulnerable groups

It violates the rights of the poor It succumbs to the interest of volatile,

evasive and untrustworthy global capital.

5. Effects of Inequalities and Discrimination

Inequality - wasteful, discrimination is divisive and demoralizing

Hurts economically and socially - loss of productivity, misallocation of resources e.t.c

Leads to deprivation , skewed distribution and exclusion

Increases the likelihood of social conflict – promotes crime.

6. Social Work Interventions Builders – peace, capacity, broken hearts and

bridges (links) Design and implementation of neighborhood

improvement programs Social policy design, review and analysis Advocating for equitable tax distribution systems Advocate for good governance, transparency,

accountability Empowering affected social groups and addressing

the power imbalance END