Grant Writers from Developing Countries Equal Opportunities to Earn on Substack
Grant Writers from Developing Countries Equal Opportunities to Earn on Substack
The Issue
I am one of countless writers from Africa, specifically Nigeria, seeking a viable income through my creativity and hard work on Substack. Having recently graduated from university, I now join millions of unemployed individuals in a country where unemployment is at an all-time high, the economy struggles, and inflation is unrelenting. My parents, earning less than $200 monthly, are burdened by this harsh reality. A year ago, I turned to Substack with the hope of earning from my skills. Yet, like many others, I remain disillusioned, as Substack's system does not reward all contributors equally.
Writers from Africa, the Caribbean, India, and other developing regions pour their hearts and hours into creating meaningful content, enriching Substack’s global community. However, because Substack relies solely on Stripe—a payment system that excludes our regions—we are left unpaid.
Substack has publicly emphasized its commitment to free speech, aiming to provide a platform where writers can express themselves freely. This commitment is undermined by maintaining financial barriers for writers in developing countries.
If this disparity continues, countless talented voices will be forced to leave the platform, silencing perspectives that the global audience deserves to hear. But if Substack introduces alternative payment solutions or pushes Stripe to expand its reach, these barriers can be removed, Substack can empower thousands of writers to not only earn fairly for their efforts but also express their unique perspectives and contribute meaningfully to global conversations.
The urgency to act cannot be overstated. In regions like Nigeria, where inflation erodes earnings and job opportunities are scarce, platforms like Substack offer a lifeline for writers to survive and thrive. Substack has the chance to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity by addressing this inequity now. Every moment of delay deepens the divide, silencing voices that deserve to be heard. It’s time for Substack to ensure that writers from all corners of the world can reap the rewards of their creativity and hard work.
Sign this petition to urge Substack to stop excluding writers from developing countries from earning on the platform.
81
The Issue
I am one of countless writers from Africa, specifically Nigeria, seeking a viable income through my creativity and hard work on Substack. Having recently graduated from university, I now join millions of unemployed individuals in a country where unemployment is at an all-time high, the economy struggles, and inflation is unrelenting. My parents, earning less than $200 monthly, are burdened by this harsh reality. A year ago, I turned to Substack with the hope of earning from my skills. Yet, like many others, I remain disillusioned, as Substack's system does not reward all contributors equally.
Writers from Africa, the Caribbean, India, and other developing regions pour their hearts and hours into creating meaningful content, enriching Substack’s global community. However, because Substack relies solely on Stripe—a payment system that excludes our regions—we are left unpaid.
Substack has publicly emphasized its commitment to free speech, aiming to provide a platform where writers can express themselves freely. This commitment is undermined by maintaining financial barriers for writers in developing countries.
If this disparity continues, countless talented voices will be forced to leave the platform, silencing perspectives that the global audience deserves to hear. But if Substack introduces alternative payment solutions or pushes Stripe to expand its reach, these barriers can be removed, Substack can empower thousands of writers to not only earn fairly for their efforts but also express their unique perspectives and contribute meaningfully to global conversations.
The urgency to act cannot be overstated. In regions like Nigeria, where inflation erodes earnings and job opportunities are scarce, platforms like Substack offer a lifeline for writers to survive and thrive. Substack has the chance to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity by addressing this inequity now. Every moment of delay deepens the divide, silencing voices that deserve to be heard. It’s time for Substack to ensure that writers from all corners of the world can reap the rewards of their creativity and hard work.
Sign this petition to urge Substack to stop excluding writers from developing countries from earning on the platform.
81
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 23 November 2024