Transforming hardship to hope

As featured in our 2020 Annual Report Sustaining Social Justice

By Amanda Dale, Chairperson, Inter Pares Board of Directors

Reflecting on this past year gives me immense pause. While most were ready to say goodbye to 2020, I remain captivated by the light that COVID-19 shone on the world’s disparities.

Our counterparts worldwide have told us clearly: COVID-19 has exacerbated the inequalities of those who had the least to start with. Women and girls have been disproportionately impacted by these inequalities.

Yet I have hope for what is to come. Hope that is fueled by the expertise and actions of Inter Pares’ counterparts and allies, deeply rooted in relationships of mutual trust.

As it will become clear to you reading this report, our counterparts have rolled up their sleeves and done what they always do: work tirelessly to make the world a more just and equal place. From India to Burma to Sudan, counterparts provided urgent food support to migrant workers stranded in rural areas; health services and information to those unable to travel to clinics; and legal services for women experiencing increased levels of violence. Worldwide, counterparts addressed immediate needs while still tackling more complex, long-term issues.

I also find great hope in you, our community of supporters. You remained alongside us  through this challenging year. Your kind words and support made a difficult time a time of renewal and hope.

Now, we find ourselves with a rare opportunity: to make this brush with an historic disaster, propel us to an historic transformation. It is the hour when the solid foundations built through Inter Pares’ years of solidarity can knit back an example of global equality. I find great comfort in knowing that our counterparts are leading the way to this transformation, as they always have.

So, while everyone else is saying good riddance to 2020, I will be hanging onto its every lesson. I hope we all stare into the glare of this spotlight just a little longer.