Launch of European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

The European Commission and Spanish EU Presidency has launched the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, under the slogan 'Stop Poverty Now!'. The project's key objectives are to raise public awareness about these issues and renew the political commitment of the EU and its Member States to combat poverty and social exclusion.

Living in poverty may result in a variety of problems for those affected, from not having sufficient money to spend on food and clothes, to suffering poor housing conditions and even homelessness. The guiding principle of the 2010 Year is to give a voice to those who have to live with poverty and social exclusion, and to inspire every European citizen to engagement. This Year also aims to challenge stereotypes and collective perceptions of poverty.

In 20 of the 27 Member States, young people (-17) are more at risk of poverty than the rest of the population. In 2008, the at-risk-of-poverty rate for those aged up to 17 years was 20% in the EU27, compared to 17% for the total population. The European Youth Forum, the Social Platform and the European Women’s Lobby are part of the coalition of European NGO networks that have come together for 2010 to ensure an active participation of social NGOs in the year and to advocate for a strong political legacy from the year.  

Why is this important for Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting?

The eradication of poverty is the underlying aim of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals – which is the focus of WAGGGS Global Action Theme.  Girl Guides and Girl Scouts also fight social exclusion by reaching out to marginalized and disadvantaged young people with special projects and programmes. 

The fight against poverty and hunger was the main theme for World Thinking Day but there are other ways in which you can get involved during this European Year:

Find out and get involved in the events taking place in your country as part of the European Year – national focus weeks have been developed in each EU member state during which events on the theme of poverty and social exclusion will be taking place - more information is available on the coalition website

Stand Up against Poverty between 17 – 19 September and make a big noise to show Heads of State meeting at the Millennium Summit from 20^th-22^nd September, the importance of taking action to ensure the MDGs are achieved – more information is available here

Visit the special pages on the WAGGGS website to learn more about the issues and find other ways you can get involved.

Contact the Europe Office and let us know if you are planning to take part in any of these campaigns