THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN ADDRESSING INEQUALITIES AND DISCRIMINATIONS Charles N. Mbugua, Regional Vice-President for Africa International Federation of Social Workers. Tours,France Tuesday July 2,2008

1. Introduction inequality” is descriptive - distribution system in which some obtain more than others inequality” is descriptive - distribution system in which some obtain more than others “discrimination” is normative “discrimination” is normative -distribution is unequal, unfair, unjust, deliberated and intentional Inclusiveness promotes; balanced and sustainable social development Inclusiveness promotes; balanced and sustainable social development, addresses; inequalities and discriminations Inequalities exists in the world – access to services, poverty e.t.c.“ Inequalities exists in the world – access to services, poverty e.t.c.“

2. Conceptual Global Framework World inequalities now more glaring no access to services and opportunities. Most victims of discrimination and inequalities do not know their rights Most victims of discrimination and inequalities do not know their rights Victims of inequalities and discriminations thnic minorities, displaced person, immigrant worker refugees and asylum seekers Victims of inequalities and discriminations - ethnic minorities, displaced person, immigrant worker refugees and asylum seekers – They lack economic means, live in deprived neighbourhoods

3. 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 Globalization Discriminating forces Discriminating 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 vulnerable groups Globalization – blind to the needs poor and vulnerable 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