Hidden Poverty: Working and Poor

17 October – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Quick Recap – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty & Theme Introduction

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed on 17 October, was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1992. It traces its origins to 17 October 1987, when more than 100,000 people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris — the birthplace of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — to honour victims of poverty and affirm that poverty is a violation of human rights.

Since then, this day has become a global call to listen to those living in poverty and to promote dignity, equality, and justice for all. Our theme, “The Hidden Poverty: Working and Poor,” highlights the growing number of people who, despite being employed, struggle to afford basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. These are the workers who keep our societies running — cleaners, caregivers, security guards, teachers, delivery drivers — yet remain trapped in cycles of insecurity.

Understanding “The Working Poor”

When we talk about poverty, many people immediately imagine those who are unemployed or homeless. But poverty takes many forms — and one of the most invisible, yet widespread, is working poverty. These are the people who wake up every morning, go to work, and still cannot earn enough to meet their most basic needs.

The working poor are not lazy, unskilled, or unwilling — they are the foundation of our societies. They are the cleaners, security guards, farmworkers, teachers, shop assistants, caregivers, drivers, and informal traders who keep everything moving. Yet despite their effort and contribution, their pay-checks often fall short of covering life’s essentials — food, rent, transport, healthcare, and education.

Who Are the Working Poor?

The term “working poor” refers to individuals who are employed but whose income remains below the poverty line. In other words, having a job is no longer a guarantee of escaping poverty.

This reality affects millions of people worldwide — from those in informal work with no benefits or contracts, to those in full-time formal jobs that pay below a living wage. Women, migrants, and young people are especially vulnerable, often concentrated in low-paid and insecure sectors such as domestic work, retail, agriculture, and hospitality.

In our own communities, we can see the working poor every day — the people who provide essential services but can barely afford the very comforts they help others enjoy.

How Do Low Wages, Unstable Work, and High Living Costs Intersect?

Working poverty is not caused by a single factor; it is the intersection of low income, high expenses, and lack of stability.

Low wages: Many workers earn below a living wage — enough to survive, but not to live with dignity. Even when they work overtime or multiple jobs, their income does not keep pace with inflation or the rising cost of living.

Unstable work: Temporary, casual, or informal jobs provide no benefits, no job security, and no voice in the workplace. One unexpected illness or missed day can push families into crisis.

High living costs: Housing, transport, food, and healthcare continue to rise — often faster than wages. So, even as people work harder, they find themselves falling further behind.

This combination creates a cycle of insecurity: people work to survive, not to progress. They cannot save, invest in education, or build a future beyond daily survival.

Why Is Poverty Among Workers Often Hidden or Ignored?

Working poverty is sometimes called “invisible poverty” because, on the surface, those affected appear to be doing fine. They have jobs, uniforms, and daily routines — signs that society usually associates with stability and success.

But behind those appearances lie quiet struggles: choosing between paying rent or buying food, skipping healthcare to afford school fees, or taking on debt to make ends meet.

This invisibility can make working poverty socially acceptable, even though it represents a serious injustice. It allows societies and employers to feel that “at least people have jobs,” without questioning whether those jobs truly offer dignity, security, and hope.

Understanding the working poor means challenging our assumptions about poverty and success. It reminds us that work alone is not enough — what matters is fair pay, respect, and opportunity.