Creating Equitable and Inclusive Society: A V...

Creating Equitable and Inclusive Society: A Vision

Author Name : Prem Lata

ABSTRACT A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. The World Summit for Social Development, held at Copenhagen in March 1995, established the concept social integration to form an inclusive society, “a society for all”. Social inclusion means that all people have the best opportunities to enjoy life and do well in the society; and to ensure that no one is left out or excluded. It is the basic human right that everyone can be able to participate in society and to be free from discrimination and disadvantage. To achieve social integration and social inclusion, voices of people and their needs and concerns, need to be heard. As inequality and exclusion are produced systematically, they can be tackled. It is necessary to distinguish inequality from being different. While we can be different, we all need to be provided with equal opportunities and access. There is evidence that gender equality can promote economic growth with positive impact on macro-level growth, human capital and labour agriculture productivity. Accommodating people with different backgrounds and working together to build a common future is a core value of an equitable and inclusive society.