17 October – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
When Facing Poverty, Solidarity is Resistance
Poverty remains a persistent structural and systemic reality across Europe, while social protection, civic space and public investment continue to face growing pressure.
In this context, the 17 October campaign is a moment to strengthen solidarity, renew hope and highlight the power of collective action.
Poverty, shame and isolation can weaken people’s ability to participate and act for change. But solidarity can reconnect people, strengthen communities and build collective power.Civil society and grassroots organisations play a vital role in creating spaces for participation, mutual support and collective action.
At the same time, governments and public institutions must be held accountable for tackling poverty, protecting rights, ensuring adequate social protection and upholding dignity for all.Democracy cannot exist without participation. By connecting people’s lived experiences with collective action and political decision-making, we can build a Europe where everyone has the power to participate and where no one is left behind.
National Networks
Czech Republic
As part of the European Anti-Poverty Network, EAPN Czech Republic is organising a series of activities around the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Presentation of the Czech Poverty Watch
The Czech national chapter of the Poverty Watch will be presented on 20 October, highlighting key findings and concerns around poverty and social exclusion in the Czech Republic.It will also be distributed to members of parliament, senators and ministry staff, bringing the report and its recommendations directly to national decision-makers.
Press conference and press release
The same 20 October, a press conference will take place addressing poverty and the need for continued action to eradicate it.
Social media campaign
EAPN Czech Republic will publish content on social media to mark 17 October and raise awareness of poverty and social exclusion. Members of the Czech EAPN network will also share relevant content and links through their own websites and social media channels.
Portugal
EAPN Portugal and its partners will promote more than 250 activities driven by local territories and diverse forms of participation. The national programme key highlights are:
Report and Infographic Launch
The release of the Report and Infographic on Poverty and Social Exclusion in Portugal, presenting the most recent data on how poverty has evolved in the country.
XVIII National Forum for the Fight Against Poverty and Social Exclusion – 15–16 October
Taking place in Porto, the forum will focus on the theme “Human Rights and Social Cohesion: Fighting poverty with ethics, dignity, and inclusion.”
The forum will create a space for debate and active participation for people who experience or have experienced poverty and/or social exclusion. It advocates for rights-centred action and multilevel governance to replace welfare-dependent models, considering the fight against poverty as a strategic national priority.
IX “Analysing Poverty in the Press” Journalism Prize
The IX “Analysing Poverty in the Press” Journalism Prize will honour media coverage that promotes human dignity and challenges social stereotypes.
National Campaign for 17 October
EAPN Portugal will also launch its national campaign for 17 October under the slogan “A life in poverty is the cheapest on the market”. More details will be shared soon.
On 17 October, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, EAPN Portugal and its partners will join a nationwide mobilisation to remind everyone that poverty is a violation of human rights, and that overcoming it is a collective responsibility for the whole of society.
For more information and the full programme, visit www.eapn.pt.
