The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened existing inequalities, putting a spotlight on the various economic and social effects that the poorest and most vulnerable communities bear the brunt of. The gap between the wealthiest members of society and the poorest increased during the pandemic, exacerbating the fact that the poorest are the ones left behind.
Inequalities worsen the living situations of the most vulnerable communities first. Discrimination based on income, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, class, ethnicity, religion, and opportunity continues to persist across the world. Inclusion is not possible without disaggregated data that can help understand the inequities faced by marginalized communities. Through inclusive data, we can help bring prosperity to everyone- regardless of gender, race, or disability.
As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.
— Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa