Understanding Poverty

Picture this: Poverty isn't a straight line; it's more like a wild maze. It's not just about a lack of money; it's about missed opportunities, social dynamics, and our choices as a society. It's like a Rubik's Cube of challenges we need to solve, one twist at a time.

PBN Politics & Policy Group held a lively virtual round table on poverty. This session gathered some remarkable voices, including our enthusiastic moderators, Bola L. and Simi Olusola , along with a cast of insightful contributors. PBN is a dynamic community of go-getters who aren't just in it for the bottom line, but in a mission to make their communities better through innovation and entrepreneurship. The poverty discussion is just one example of the exciting conversations happening in this vibrant network.

At the peak of the discussion, Simi Olusola , one of the moderators, hit us with some food for thought when she said, "Poverty is about a lack of options you don't know how to reach for."

From a policy perspective, poverty isn't just a problem; it's a test of our commitment to creating a fair society. It's about ensuring everyone has a shot at long-term employment, wages that can lift them out of poverty, and, most importantly, a chance to dream big.

You might be wondering, "How do governments measure poverty?" Well, it's not all about naira, dollars and cents. Income levels play a role, but it's also about access to essentials like food, shelter, education, and healthcare. Poverty is when making progress in life feels like trying to run in quicksand.

Governments have all sorts of metrics to measure poverty, but remember, it's not just about numbers—it's about real people with real struggles.

Here's a twist—poverty isn't just that abject condition you might picture. It's not confined to a tiny fraction of society. It's nuanced. It's about folks who might seem well-off but are one emergency away from the brink. And guess what? Poverty can be a choice, though it's a complex one. Some people opt for a simpler life, but it's not the same as the involuntary poverty so many face.

Poverty isn't just a national issue; it's a worldwide challenge. Every country has its unique blend of geopolitical, cultural, and economic factors that shape how poverty is experienced and addressed. While material needs are essential, let's not underestimate the emotional toll it takes on individuals and communities.

Governments worldwide are tackling poverty head-on, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Each country has its own approach, influenced by its unique context. But, hey, learning from success stories in places like India can give us fantastic insights into how to fight poverty effectively.

Below are punches from some of the contributors:

• "Poverty is deeper than a lack or absence of financial resources. It's about a mental entrapment. You look around and need help finding a way forward to basic indices. You can't get access to health, a job, money, human resources, etc." - Abisade ADENUBI
• "Even with the available resources, it's a way of life for some people. So much so that even when a 'helping hand comes in, you can't see/take the way out" - Adebayo Adeleke
• "Poverty is sometimes a socio-cultural and policy tool to keep some sectors marginalized" - Rachel A. Aron
• "Poverty is a systematic beating down of passion capacity because there are too many case studies of failure and zero to little success. There's no opportunity to grow. There's a poverty mindset such that they don't expect things to last, and that's the discontent that's hard to overcome. How people respond is the effect that makes it difficult for people to think beyond their capacity." Irene Nwaukwa

As we reflect on the wisdom shared during PBN Politics & Policy Group's virtual round table on poverty, we're reminded that poverty is a complex tapestry of individual struggles, societal dynamics, policy choices, and cultural influences. We need empathy, an open mind, and collaboration to combat poverty.

This session underscored the importance of platforms like PBN, where diverse voices can converge to tackle pressing societal challenges. It also highlighted the need for multifaceted solutions that address poverty's personal and systemic aspects.

Poverty affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. It's a collective responsibility to engage in these meaningful discussions, challenge our assumptions, and work together on innovative solutions. Remember, when society thrives, we create a brighter future for everyone.

A big thank you to the moderators, contributors, and the PBN Politics & Policy Group for fostering a space where these essential conversations can flourish.