Inequality
We seek to reduce inequalities by cooperating with communities with lived experiences of inequalities and by implementing an intersectional approach in our work.
The Situation
Dimensions
Causes
Effects
Our Vision
Reducing inequalities is a challenging goal that requires long-term and major social efforts by various stakeholders. Our vision is a world where all people can live in dignity, are free to decide for themselves and are able to realize their full potential. All individuals are recognized as equals, can cover their needs, and exercise their rights. Every person is informed and empowered to decide for themselves, for example, what they want to study, if they want to move somewhere else, or which role they want to play in society. In addition, individuals who have been historically marginalized and continue to be marginalized are centered in the design of solutions to reduce inequalities. They also see their rights recognized and respected, which benefits the entire society.
Our Strategy
The collective ability to act for a change towards less inequality as well as the inclusive design of political processes are at the center of our strategy. We seek to reduce inequalities through an intersectional approach and by focusing on cooperating with individuals and communities with lived experiences of inequalities. This includes – but is not limited to – People of colour, people from migrant and refugee communities, women, individuals with diverse gender and sexual orientations, people with disabilities and individuals from low-income backgrounds. In addition, our approach recognizes how the interplay of different social identities come to create unique experiences of privilege and disadvantage for each individual. Read more about our work on intersectionality in our e-booklet. As a foundation, we aim to use our position to increase the flow of resources and opportunities to communities with firsthand experiences of inequalities; to build bridges between different groups, organizations, and institutions; and to create understanding and cooperation. We support actions from movement support and community organizing to work with privileged actors, such as politicians or private foundations.
Our Theoretical Framework
The approach pursued by the foundation in the field of inequality is underpinned by the so-called “3-R of social justice”, a theory which indicates that inequalities need to be overcome in three dimensions: recognition, representation and redistribution. For our strategy, this is how we understand the three aspects of the theory:
Strategic Streams
Supporting communities to build people power
Designing inclusive political processes and practices
Our Priorities
Within our work in these two strategic streams, we have chosen to start with two priorities. Firstly, we support initiatives that challenges the inequalities experienced by persons with disabilities by supporting the disability movement and its advocacy. Global funding on disability is very small, especially when compared to the 15 percent of the world population living with a disability. That is why we support four organizations in the disability rights movement as part of our “Support for the disability movement” program. Secondly, we want to support organizations that advocate for economic justice as part of the new “Building Power for Economic Justice" funding program.
