Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

The final lecture in the 2024–25 Vincentian Chair of Social Justice series at St. John’s University highlighted the intricate connections between poverty, education, and gender disparities in the developing world. Delivered by Dr. Sabina Alkire, a notable figure in the study of poverty, the event offered key insights into these enduring issues.

Dr. Alkire, a professor and director of the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, shared insights into how limited educational opportunities in regions like Africa and South Asia perpetuate gender-based poverty. She stated, "Sixty-three percent of people in Nigeria are poor. Of those, 96 percent are deprived of education, where no one in their household has completed six years of schooling."

As a world-renowned expert, Dr. Alkire co-developed the Alkire-Foster Method, integral to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), to pinpoint poverty through multiple deprivations. Her fourth lecture, "Poverty and Gender: Why is the Multidimensional Poverty Index Necessary?" discussed underlying forces of poverty and revisited gender stereotypes among impoverished groups.

The lecture was attended by nearly 100 people at the D’Angelo Center ballroom, with Dr. Alkire stressing, "The data say various things, and we must be curious about the data." She emphasized the complex dynamics of gender and education, noting disparities where boys can have higher dropout rates than girls in certain contexts.

Dr. Alkire’s series of lectures also delved into poverty measurement and policy challenges in a changing global landscape. Her final talk sparked engaging discussions with students, notably during a lunch with first-year Ozanam Scholars led by Dr. Alana L. Glaser.

Student Isabel Cuffari reflected, “There are people in the world who go through things we cannot imagine. People going through those things often feel as if their voices are not heard.” Another student, Reilly Green, remarked, “In poor environments, sometimes people just need that one person to help them.”

Concluding the event, Rev. Patrick J. Griffin, Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society, praised Dr. Alkire for personalizing poverty issues throughout her lectures. He commented, “We know Dr. Alkire is at the United Nations often. Now and then, I am sure we are going to find a topic that we think is worthwhile for her to share some thoughts with us.”