SDG 10

Reduced Inequalities

A Future Where Everyone Belongs

Inequality shrinks dreams. Justice expands them. This is not charity — it is the foundation of human dignity and progress.

The Cost of Inequality

• In India, the richest 10% hold over 70% of the country’s wealth.

• Caste, gender, and disability continue to limit opportunities for millions.

• Inequalities reduce trust, fuel unrest, and waste human potential.

💬 “Inequality is not only unjust — it is inefficient. A nation cannot win when so many are left behind.”

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

• Expanding financial inclusion (Jan Dhan Yojana, UPI) bringing millions into the system.

• Rising awareness and activism around gender, caste, disability rights.

• Growing social enterprises focused on inclusive hiring and services.

• Challenges: entrenched bias, digital divide, unequal access to education and healthcare.

• Opportunity: Using innovation, policy, and leadership to level the field.

💬 “An equal India is not just fairer — it is stronger.”

From Awareness to Action

• Awakening (14–18 years): Learn about inequality through debates, volunteer with NGOs, explore stories of resilience.

• Becoming (19–24 years): Join social innovation projects, research policy, internships in organizations focused on inclusivity.

💬 “Leadership is not about being first in line. It is about making sure the line is open for everyone.”

• Impacting (25–40 years): Lead enterprises that hire inclusively, advocate policy changes, build systems that open doors for all.

Stories of Courage and Inclusion

• 🧩 Journey 1: Ritu, 17 — “Awakening to Inequality”
  📍 Patna | School Student

  • Cause: Unequal access to education for girls in her village

  • Action: Tutored 10 younger girls after school hours

  • Next Step: Started a girls’ club promoting education
    💬 “I realized change begins with one hour, one child, one book at a time.”

• 🧩 Journey 2: Aman, 22 — “Becoming an Advocate”
  📍 Delhi | B.A. Sociology

  • Cause: Disability inclusion

  • Action: Created a campaign on campus for accessible facilities

  • Next Step: Interning with a policy think-tank
    💬 “Inequality is invisible until you choose to see it. Once seen, you can’t look away.”

• 🧩 Journey 3: Meera, 35 — “Impacting Through Enterprise”
  📍 Bangalore | Social Entrepreneur

  • Cause: Employment gaps for marginalized communities

  • Action: Built a textile startup employing 200 women from disadvantaged backgrounds

  Impact: Transformed family incomes, gave women leadership roles
  💬 “Equality is not about giving chances. It is about removing barriers.”

Inclusion Strengthens Every Pillar

• People: Every person deserves dignity and fair opportunity.

• Planet: Environmental crises affect the vulnerable most.

• Prosperity: Economies thrive when inequality shrinks.

• Peace: Societies with justice and equity are more stable.

• Partnership: Inclusive partnerships ensure all voices matter.

💬 “Inequality is humanity’s unfinished business. Equality is its greatest opportunity.”

Beyond Careers — Everyday Acts of Equality

• Mentor someone with fewer resources.

• Advocate for inclusivity in your college, workplace, or community.

• Support businesses and startups that hire inclusively.

• Speak up against bias — silence fuels inequality.

💬 “Every choice you make can either widen or close a gap.”

A Level Playing Field Is a National Priority

• Governments: Invest in education, healthcare, and social protection for marginalized groups.

• Private Sector: Create inclusive hiring practices, accessibility standards, and pay equity.

• Both Together: Build an India where every citizen can rise — not despite their identity, but with it.

💬 “Great nations are not measured by skyscrapers, but by how high they lift their lowest citizens.”

Reduced Inequalities Is Not Just a Goal. It Is a Promise.

The promise that no dream will be too small, and no barrier too high. The future of fairness in India could begin with you.