A Day to Reflect on Inequality

World Day of the Poor is observed annually on the 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time. In 2025, this falls this Sunday. Established by Pope Francis in 2017, the day encourages reflection on the experiences of those living in poverty and the call to action for solidarity and support.

Pope Francis has emphasised that the poor bear witness to hope amid uncertainty, instability and marginalisation. He notes that their hope cannot rely on material security and that it must be sought elsewhere. Poverty is a daily reality for millions of people worldwide, yet it is often invisible, especially the experiences of women and girls who face compounded challenges due to gender, race and social marginalisation.

The Reality of Poverty for Women

Poverty is not only a lack of money. It touches every part of life, from access to healthcare and education to safety and opportunities. For women, particularly Black and minoritised women, poverty intersects with abuse, discrimination and systemic barriers. These compounded difficulties make it harder to escape cycles of poverty and violence.

Women who head households often face additional burdens. They are frequently excluded from decision-making, marginalised in policy discussions and left to navigate multiple responsibilities with limited support. Financial insecurity is often accompanied by emotional and social isolation, leaving women without the resources or networks to rebuild their lives. Small acts of support — practical, emotional or social — can make a significant difference. Listening, validating and offering guidance can restore confidence and open doors to safety and independence.

Statistics That Matter

1 in 10 women worldwide lives in extreme poverty.

60% of chronically hungry people are women and girls.

676 million women and girls live in or near conflict zones, facing heightened vulnerabilities.

Nearly 80% of the world’s multidimensionally poor people live in areas exposed to at least one major climate hazard: high heat, drought, floods or air pollution.

These figures underline the scale of the challenges and the urgency of meaningful intervention. Poverty is rarely isolated — it compounds other inequalities and systemic injustices, making targeted support essential.

What This Means for Communities

Even small acts of solidarity can have a profound effect. Listening without judgment, providing guidance, or offering practical resources can create pathways to safety and opportunity. These gestures, repeated across communities, generate cultures of care, trust and resilience. Encouraging women to have a voice, make decisions and access opportunities is a radical act of compassion. Communities thrive when kindness, support and empowerment are part of everyday life, not just an occasional effort.

Poverty, Empowerment and Anah Project

At Anah Project, we witness daily the intersection of poverty, abuse and marginalisation. Supporting women requires more than immediate assistance; it demands long-term solutions, advocacy and empowerment. Our services range from safe spaces and counselling to skills development and legal guidance. Every step taken with a woman to support her autonomy is a step towards dismantling structural inequality.

Our work demonstrates that consistent care, compassion and advocacy are transformative. Women we support show extraordinary resilience, leadership and the capacity to thrive despite adversity. Poverty does not define worth. Compassion in action nurtures dignity, strengthens communities and creates opportunities for change.

An Invitation to Act

This 16 November, reflect on the role you can play in addressing poverty. Volunteer your time, support initiatives that empower women, donate resources or raise awareness. Even small gestures — a conversation, a listening ear, encouragement — can have far-reaching effects. Consider how your actions might contribute to building safer, more supportive communities. Encourage friends, family and colleagues to act with empathy. Recognise the strength and potential of every woman and girl. Each gesture, when repeated, contributes to a larger culture of care and resilience. Together, compassion can create meaningful change and foster justice for all.