SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
Sustainable Development Goal 8 is focussed on providing decent work for all and continued global economic growth. According to the report of the UN Secretary-General, access to finance is on the rise globally. Access to finance means access to opportunities, this is why micro-finance is transforming lives.
Micro-finance, which in this case refers to small scale loans, are giving people across Africa the ability to develop and grow their own businesses without being exploited. Organisations like Opportunity International recognise that there are many people in developing countries who have the skill and determination to make a success of their own business but lack access to any form of finance.
One of the first and most important steps, to boost economic growth and break the cycle of poverty, is to empower people to start their own businesses. As these businesses grow, so too will employment opportunities and as a result access to formal employment for everyone.
We worked with Opportunity International on the Saving Circles Project, which provided small loans to farmers in Mozambique, enabling them to purchase inputs that can increase their production. Our team of photojournalists were tasked with capturing the farmer’s stories and showing the transformational impact this project was having. Our images were subsequently used in an appeal by Opportunity International, raising over £6 million.
In the run up to the first UN summit on the SDGs on 24th and 25th September, we are publishing a daily blog on how we help organisations to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Check out our blogs here.
