Hi everyone,
I've recently started working with a small non-profit organisation which works with women and children in slums in some of the developing countries in the region. It's a relatively new organisation - in its very early stages - which means that those of us involved with this organisation are all quite actively involved in shaping the future direction and policies of the organisation. Which I find very exciting, but also entirely nerve-wracking.
The main philosophy behind this organisation's work is to address the problem of the vulnerability of women and children living in poverty. Many young girls are burdened with family debts and poverty and are vulnerable to abuse and forced prostitution. The organisation aims to improve the economic position of women through microfinance loans, which empowers them to make real choices (including being able to keep their children - especially daughters- in schools) for themselves.
Here's the thing.
I think the work the organisation has done so far is wonderful, but I am worried that there are blind spots, if that makes any sense.
For example, one of my concerns when I first started with this organisation was that in addressing the problems of sexual exploitation of young girls and forced prostitution, the policies adopted by the organisation might in some way (even indirectly) make things worse for women who ARE in the sex trade. I should clarify that, so far, my fears have been unfounded and that the organisation seems to be aware of putting the real needs of women before anything else. But like I said, I worry that there might (in the future, at least) be blind spots.
Another concern I had was with the whole issue of protective policies having the effect of limiting a woman's agency. This is a theme I've come across a fair bit, in my studies as a law student, and something I understand completely in a theoretical/legal context, but a concept I struggle with when thinking about policy and practical issues.
I've tried to educate myself as much as possible, but like I've said, this organisation is in its early stages and I would hate to think back on it 5 years from now and realise that I'd COMPLETELY missed something, so I'm picking the brains of the Feministing Community: As a feminist interested in improving the situation of women who live in poverty and are disenfranchised and vulnerable to many of the dangers associated with this, what are the dangers/pitfalls you might forsee in trying to help?
Thanks!
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I think programs that extend micro loans, training and support to women who want to start their own businesses is an important part of the equation in addressing poverty for both women and children. And from the sound of it, I'm sure your organization is doing some great work. However, it would be helpful if you could give some specific examples as to what policies this organization has instituted that you feel might potentially harm women in the sex trade. Without some more specifics I can't really give a good educated opinion. Thanks.
Hey, thanks so much for commenting.
To be honest, I can't really think of any specific policies that I think are harmful. I made this post basically because I'm afraid I've missed something/haven't thought of something and wanted to form some sort of checklist based on people's thoughts/experience etc.
The whole idea seems to based on providing education to keep young girls in schools, micro loans to mothers/families alleviate the financial burdens that make it hard for young girls to stay in schools, job skills training for women, and long-term psychological support for victims of abuse/trafficking. That's about it. I know that's not very specific, but I'm working on finding out exactly what happens on the ground, myself.
I suppose the long-term psychological support is something that has me a bit worried, because I don't know the details of what it really involves, so am looking into that right now, but any thoughts in general? (Sorry to remain so vague!)
Really appreciate your help :)
I did this fun paper on efficacy of MCI's and what they needed to be long term and sustainable, and the research encourages good mental health services among other things. If you'd like, I'll dig it up for you. It's been a while, so I don't have it all stored in the forebrain. :P
It might be a little dry, but I can highlight the important stuff.
Chelsa, that would be AWESOME. Thank you so much!
Do you have an e-mail or somewhere I can send you the paper when I find it?
sevenblackittens@gmail.com
(Yes, one k.)
Thanks :)
The big thing to watch out for is if they ever deny aid or allocate resources in a way that disenfranchises women that are taking part in "risk-taking" behavior (like the sex trade). Aid organizations are not parents, and they shouldn't be. Aid should be equally dispensed to all, not just people that the organization views as "good investments." Apparently even Mother Theresa did that though, so maybe I'm being too idealistic.
That was definitely one of my concerns, considering that so many of the women we work with are involved in the sex industry. So far I haven't seen any policies that single them out etc and in my conversations with the people who started the organisation, the approach seems to be "We provide what they need" and not "Well let's withhold this because we shouldn't be encouraging activity that is ultimately bad for them" or anything like that.
But that having been said, what IS a good basis for how you channel limited resources? (Again, doesn't seem to have been an issue but I can definitely see it coming up. Also, I am shamelessly trying to get your thoughts on as broad an area as possible, can you tell? :P)
hey, check out this paper:
http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/0/3/3/3/pages103333/p103333-1.php
i think it touches on a lot of the risks we run into as westerners approaching issues of poverty and development, even within the realm of feminism.
good luck. it's a grand a noble plight...