Evening Is the Whole Day

SDG 1: No Poverty

Justification: Chellam’s life in Evening Is the Whole Day is a harrowing portrait of persistent poverty. She is a young woman burdened by the weight of generational poverty, which forces her into a life of servitude. Her family's impoverished conditions—represented by her sparse possessions and lack of access to basic needs—demonstrate how poverty limits individual freedom and restricts opportunities. Addressing SDG 1 would mean tackling systemic factors that keep individuals like Chellam trapped in a cycle of poverty, highlighting the urgent need for policies and resources that provide economic stability and independence for marginalized communities.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Justification: Chellam’s interactions with the Big House family illustrate Malaysia's deep-rooted social inequalities, where wealth and status determine an individual’s value and opportunities. SDG 10 emphasizes reducing inequality by promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all. Chellam's story highlights how poverty and lower social standing create barriers to upward mobility, reinforcing cycles of discrimination and inequality. Addressing SDG 10 in this context means advocating for inclusive policies that bridge socioeconomic divides, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have fair access to resources, rights, and opportunities.