2. See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkFTZcUPjBg&sns=em
Now:
a) use the concepts you learned from Nicholas Kristoff's work to describe the universality in Memory Banda and her friends' struggle for women's human rights.
b) imagine that you were airlifted into Memory Banda's village as a global social worker. What principles and actions would you carry out to support her? Use principles you have learned from the readings and class discussions.
a)
ReplyDeleteWomen around the world are victims of vicious abuses cause by gender inequality. In his work, Nicholas Kristoff describes the many injustices faced by women around the world from the Middle East, to the United States, to Africa. Memory Banda and her friends’ struggle is one that is all too common around the world. Many societies to this day are patriarchal in nature. Women aren’t valued as more than sex objects, baby makers, and men pleasers. Women are denied rights to education and are economically held down by the systems that are put in place. For these reasons and many more, Memory Banda’s struggle is not her struggle alone. Injustice and inequality amongst women isn’t only a Malawi problem, it is a world problem. Kristoff’s research points to the social and economic benefit of gender equality. In societies where women are educated and held to a higher esteem, economies grow and are better off. In societies where women are involved in the government and are seen as equal to men, social structures and systems are beneficial to the people (Kristoff & Wudun, 2010).
b)
If I were airlifted into Memory Banda’s village. I would immediately make her a partner of mine. I believe that a part of why Memory was so successful was because she could relate to the girls in her community. Being from the community made it easier for her friends to trust her and relate to the cause. As an outsider coming in, I wouldn’t have this ability. I couldn’t possibly understand what it must be like for the women in this community and they might even take offense to my thoughts. After all, who am I to come in and tell them that a cultural practice that they have been experiencing for generations is wrong? It is Memory’s self-determination and the self-determination of her friends that made her so successful in changing the laws of her community. In class, we talk a lot about the power of education. Education is so powerful and shouldn’t be discounted in situations like this. Memory used education to mobilize her friends and to reach her lawmakers. A good knowledge of policy and policy planning would be useful to bring to the table. I would support Memory by empowering her and other’s in the community like her to take a stand for what they believe in. I would utilize the resources that they see fit and use the power of education to help with the cause.
Reference:
Kristof, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
ReplyDeletea) I will not cite text from Nicholas D. Kristof book "Half the Sky," but I will try to express my understanding which are close to Kristof's approach.
As personalities we have formed in different countries, cultures and different social environment. Even in the same culture can exist completely different understanding of the universal social phenomena; respect for the person, to the woman.
In the same culture very differently can be seen the understanding of marriage, family status or attitude towards self-realization, personality development. This is normal, because culture is not uniform monolith - stone. Culture segmented. It is a complex structure with many layers and spaces. Each cultural space (or layer) forms distinctive approach to those social phenomena, whose understanding depends from influence of education, personal experiences, opportunities to develop as a personality. The more we have access to diverse information from the environment (knowledge through education) that expands our horizons, the better we understand our personality, our abilities. With the knowledge and emerging opportunities rises critical thinking to help assess the current situation. The broader approach helps to compare the different images of the world, as pictures placed together, and help ask ourselves: what is with one of the pictures wrong, what with our understanding is wrong? Why we are not satisfied with our life and what changes we would like?
It is also important sense of community, to organize groups uniting their approach as a single idea. For the group of people to bring idea into the world is always better than one. We have a saying: one soldier in field - not a warrior. Only support, grouping to organizations make to hear new ideas, provide an opportunity for them to be considered.
Memory Banda well understood these ideas. She understood that only education and possibility to choice will give African women a chance to a better life. Because until then, they did not had such a possibility. They lived under the rules created by someone, without even realizing that in life there are other alternatives. Even if sometimes they thought about different alternatives: what one person can do against the established tradition, when culturally for women is not given the opportunity to choose? In such a culture she has its own mission formed by someone else, but not have formed by herself.
I always for opportunity to choose. I will respect and accept the decisions if person finds his vocation. But finding a vocation, first of all, you need to see wide range of possibilities from which can choose.
b) In response to the second part of the question I would refer on Principles of social work on Human Rights and Human dignity.
ReplyDeleteHere I will quote them because they complement my way of thinking and Kristof's thoughts.
Social work is based on respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all people, and the rights that follow from this. Social workers should uphold and defend each person’s physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual integrity and well-being. This means:
1. Respecting the right to self-determination – Social workers should respect and promote people’s right to make their own choices and decisions, irrespective of their values and life choices, provided this does not threaten the rights and legitimate interests of others.
2. Promoting the right to participation – Social workers should promote the full involvement and participation of people using their services in ways that enable them to be empowered in all aspects of decisions and actions affecting their lives.
3. Treating each person as a whole – Social workers should be concerned with the whole person, within the family, community, societal and natural environments, and should seek to recognise all aspects of a person’s life.
4. Identifying and developing strengths – Social workers should focus on the strengths of all individuals, groups and communities and thus promote their empowerment. (http://ifsw.org/policies/statement-of-ethical-principles/)
It is in this situation for the social worker the work with that group of people makes easier formed consciousness, the idea and the desire to move forward, to make the change. My mission as a social workers is to protect this idea and awareness to prevent it from eclipse. Also very important educate people and support them.
I really like how you answered this question, Marius. is is very important in social work to work according to these principles.
DeleteMemory Banda and her friends' struggle for women's human rights. This is a great presentation and a plea for help that everyone can respect. Girls issues are important and should be addressed. Memory Banda are a good inspiration for the African girl child. In Africa girls are in danger may get pregnant, emotionally scarred, abused. Memory Banda is good advocate. She want make a change for others in her community ant to make this happen. I think this is a great achievement that marriage can only at the age of 18 years. She emphasized how much more work there is to do worldwide to prevent child marriages and to encourage communities to educate their girls and more importantly, to support girls to have the courage to assert their human rights even in the face of powerful tradition– which is often enforced by both tradition-bound males and females.
ReplyDeleteb)Aspects of international social work practice can include: advocate of the African girl child, practitioner with them and their families, community of village, consultant and educator.
ReplyDeleteI see a more need to educate parents. Even under the best of circumstances, parents may genuinely feel that their daughter will be safer and better off with a regular male guardian. Child marriage then becomes a way of ensuring that a wife is ‘protected’ by placing her firmly under male control. Another impetus for marrying girls off at an early age is that it helps prevent premarital sex. In the private sphere particularly, women and girls are often considered a burden. They are essentially regarded as the ‘property’ of others – of their parents as girls and of their partners later in life. Thus, there is the urge to pass on the burden as soon as possible.
Next step are advocate the girls child, to recognize and guarantee the rights of women and the girl child, to encourage women to stay in school, combating sexual abuse of girls in schools.The discrimination they suffer as children and young adults can have irreparable consequences, establishing a course in life for which there is no turning back. Conversely, fulfilling the rights of adolescent girls – to health, education and protection from violence and abuse – is the best way to ensure that they achieve their physical, emotional and social potential, and go on to become empowered women.
I think, it is very important empowering young girl and women to participate fully in economic, cultural and otherlife, improve the quality of life for women and their families. Empowered women who enjoy the rights as their husbands or partners are important role models and are more likely to safeguard their daughters’ rights. Typically, it is economic, social and cultural subordination within the family that inhibits many women from claiming even their most basic civil and political rights. Thus, the importance of eliminating discrimination against women is paramount, especially in the private sphere of the home.
In brief, the most important Principles are:
Treat all women fairly at work—respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination
Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women
Promote education, training and professional development for women
Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
Programmes that are holistic and integrated can more successfully address the multiple challenges faced by adolescent girls in realizing their rights. Such programmes focus on enabling adolescents to develop their full capacities – physical, psychological, spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive and cultural – within a safe and positive environment that guarantees fulfilment of their rights.
I see the need to understand the international human rights framework in broader terms, particularly in respect to how women's rights and children's rights are necessarily linked. Very important are to promote the rights of girls and women throughout the life cycle, from protection at birth, through childhood, motherhood and beyond.
References:
Kristof, N.D.,WuDunn S.(2010) Thunder from the East:Portrait of a Rising Asia.
Memory and Malala-Girls Rising for Cange (2015),
https://curatedeclectica.wordpress.com/2015/07/07/memory-and-malala-girls-rising-for-change/
Women‘s and children‘s rights: making the connection (2010),
https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/Women-Children_final.pdf
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ReplyDeleteI would first like to thank everyone for their posts as they are all well thought out and insightful. Marius brings up a good point in mentioning the role of culture in how women are viewed in different societies. Everyone's perspective on the treatment of women around the world is influenced by culture, bias, and that person's world view. I agree that culture is complex and is something that global social workers should educate themselves about before attempting to foster change in a community other than theirs. The principles of human rights and dignity are most useful when faced with ethical dilemmas that involve such a strong cultural component. We can turn to these principles to help us make ethical decisions that are complicated by cultural beliefs that encourage what many societies have come together and have agreed are violations of human rights. Social workers should always keep these principles in mind when questioning their own intentions and goals.
ReplyDeleteThe best way for social workers to limit the risk of coming into a community and playing the "my culture is right, your culture is wrong" game is to find partners in the community and work with them on what THEY agree is an issue. Involving the community in social change is essential to being successful in creating lasting change. Inga, I loved what you said about education. Education is such a strong way to foster social change in communities that are struggling with issues of gender inequality. Education is a way to empower women while also teaching them and male allies how useful it is to have successful women participating in the economy of a country. In Memory Banda's case, we see the value of education and how it can empower women to foster change for themselves. In her case, an international social worker would only need to be there as a means of support and advocacy. The community was able to foster change on their own.
Fatima, thanks for your comments!
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DeleteI really appreciate the emphasis you took here on the idea of partnership, and the importance of working alongside Memory Banda rather than for her. As we speak of in class, we are often so quick to want to help that we forget that we are going into a situation with our own experiences and own viewpoints. Not only does that foster a sense of entitlement and egocentrism, but as you so gracefully explained, it also creates a sense of mistrust between ourselves and the community.
DeleteGoing off of what you said in regards to partnership, I also think if possible it would be best if as the global social worker we could spend ample time within the community before any work or initiative took place. Not only do I think it is of utmost importance to better understand the culture, but also for community members to visually see the effort we as foreigners are putting in to assimilate with the community, rather than distance ourselves from it. As I think we have all learned through various personal or professional experiences, or from personal or scholarly reading, at the end of the day, no matter how different two cultures may be, they are always made up of humans, and humans can always, in my mind, relate.
Couldn't agree more!
Delete"... it would be best if as the global social worker we could spend ample time within the community before any work or initiative took place."
Even in parts of Chicagoland, I find it difficult (logically and ethically) to work in neighborhoods that I am not from or that I have no connection to.
a) Women’s rights are not an isolated issue. Our world is facing a universal problem in the lack of opportunity available to all women. Nicholas Kristoff and his wife Sheryl WuDunn chronicle some of these problems in their book, Half the Sky. Sex trafficking, honor killings, lack of proper medical care, and lack of education are all major issues affecting the rights of women around the world. Memory Banda and her friend’s in Malawi are focused on changing laws regarding the marriage age in Malawi and other African countries. When young girls are forced to marry at an early age, they often become pregnant before they are able to go through proper schooling. This perpetuates the cycle of gender inequality because women grow up without any formal education and are forced to rely on a man to provide for them while they take care of the family.
ReplyDeleteI was happy to hear Memory Banda’s call to men to help address the issues that women face. She called for a collective fight, because that is the only way we can conquer these issues. Her call to action goes beyond the borders of Malawi and to young women forced to marry too early all over the world. Much like the universality that Kristoff and WuDunn speak of, women’s rights is not just a “women’s problem”, it is a human problem. And as a collective human group, we all share a responsibility to fight the structural violence that keeps women in positions of servitude and ignorance.
b) My first action would be to speak with her and find out where I can help. Because this issue is so deeply rooted in the culture of her community, understanding the context is of utmost importance in order to enact any real change. An area that I might be able to help out with is relating Memory’s experience to the male population of the community in order to help them understand why her story is so important. Men often hold leadership positions within the community and it is imperative that they understand the effects their cultural practices can have on their young women.
ReplyDeleteRichard Hugman, Mehmoona Moosa-Mitha and Otrude Moyo advocate for change through transformation rather than transcendence (Hugman, R., M. Moosa-Mitha, 2010).This is an important distinction in the world of international social work. In the case of Memory and her community, as an outsider coming in, my work would have to focus on transforming the male’s ideas of what it means to be a woman and what rights young girls deserve. If I storm into the town in an effort to transcend their understanding and instil a “right” way of belief, I will be less effective. Transformation is a sustainable model of change because it does not force anything upon an individual. Its goal is to meet them where they are and build up their understanding. In this context, a transformative approach would be more successful in enacting change.
I would also address the stigma associated with young girls who do not chose to marry and have children at a young age. As Memory described in the video, she was called all sorts of names and looked down upon by the women in her community because of her choice to not marry. Arachu Castro and Paul Farmer discuss the role stigmas can play as a deterrent to social change (Castro, Arachu PhD, MPH; Farmer, Paul MD, PhD. 2005). Stigmas are difficult to eradicate because they are intertwined with the social structures that facilitate them. The system that forces young women to get married at young ages and keep them from educating themselves creates the stigma that anyone who doesn’t follow this path is an outcast. In order for the new marriage laws to actually be followed, the stigma surrounding unmarried young girls must be reversed.
Keenan,
DeleteI love your approach. It's so thoughtful and grounded. I think we'll make a social worker out of you yet.
Child marriage is a human rights violation, often following from and leading to further human rights violations. It is a violent and abusive practice that stems from and sustains discrimination against women and girls. It not only excludes girls from decisions regarding the timing of marriage and the choice of spouse and is an abrupt and violent initiation into sexual relations. This problem is not peculiar to Malawi alone but many African countries and well as other nations in the world at large as described in Nicholas Kristoff's work. It is obvious that culture played a key role in the in the violation of rights of the little girls and the pervasive violence and discrimination against women and girls in Malawi. Child marriage could have been seen by families in the community as a way of protecting young girls against prostitution; however, the physical, psychological and other risks to the girl herself is increased. Another antecedent of child marriage could have been as a result of gender inequality where the women and girls as viewed as been dependent and also as an object of sex and to make babies.
ReplyDeleteOver the years, there have been unaccustomed gender challenges in many economic activities of in different part of the world especially the right of women participating in different areas. However Kristoff's pointed out the economic benefits of gender equality but these benefits are yet to be harnessed by the Malawian government as there is still a war to be won against the discrimination against women.
Given the opportunity to work alongside with Banda, we would work together in finding an appropriate means to convince the government as the government has a major role to play. Although they have pass the bill that child marriage is illegal, we would continue to raise awareness about child marriage and that it is illegal till it is fully abolished. Addressing child marriage in isolation will not be as successful as developing a range of strategies to combat other discriminatory practices and to undertake comprehensive law reform. A comprehensive, joined-up approach linking the justice sector with healthcare, education, community and other leaders is imperative in addressing child marriage and the underlying discrimination and violence against women and girls. We would make efforts using community sensitization by carrying out rallies in Banda’s community and other communities nearby, to increase girls’ opportunities for equal education and non-exploitative work. Also, the press and the local TV stations will also be encouraged to view and broadcast the rallies. I believe these are essential as they provide girls with the power and resources to make decisions for themselves. Without such structural frameworks women and girls will remain vulnerable to child marriage and sexual abuse, have limited access to justice and lack the support they need to seek social change.
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ReplyDeletea) The book “Half a Sky: of Kristof Wudunn reveals many isues that women faces all over the world. The main cause of this may be cultural background that formatted approach to a women from generation to generation. Consequently many women human rights are exposed in worldwide level. This includes: human trafficking, abuse, they are not allowed to get good education, proper social care if it is needed and can’t express their opinion . The extension of the problem depends on specific countries traditional attitude to woman. For example Western countries looks free to womens rights, women are still tend to be as sexual objects in media. As in eastern and African countries there are way more struggles in defending human’s rights. Memory Banda’s example shows the importance of talking about local problems in public. Because of her voice that she showed with her friends she have made big difference in her own community. I believe that the global context of women human rights gave Banda gave her clear direction of her aims.
ReplyDeleteb) If I were airlifted into Memory Bada village as a social worker. Firstly I would study everyday living of this community to know better what is important to community what are it strengths and weaknesses of it. Also I would try to participate actively in Memory Banda’s activities and build relationship with members of community. It would be very important to work on planning further steps to change social policy of country. I strongly believe that working only with girls is not enough in this situation. The help and consultations for families are needed to build support and understanding of girls decisions . Other important work in this community to ensure that as many as possible girls have opportunity to get education and could be empowered to make their own decisions and destinies.
Dovile, I love how you mentioned that working with girls is only part of the solution. In order to transform a belief that is so strong in a community, it is important to gather partners from all areas of the community. People have to understand that a lack of female empowerment, especially in young girls, is not just a girl problem, it is an issue that affects the whole community. The community must take a sense of ownership for the harmful practices affecting any of their own.
DeleteUsing Bandas village memory from video and idea from poem , That girl will marry when she want , and anyone can’t force her to marry, even they beat her . And it is said about marriage that they are marrying in young age about 12-13 years old , then girls are just Kids and become pregnant. It’s the problem of old customs of some communities or cities or countries. As the global social worker I would build community counseling center in this type of city to teach and change understanding, by social work practice and UN human rights convention, because, those girls lose their dignity by marrying in young age and being pregnant by old customs, in new ages it also has to be implemented new policies and new laws that protects girls from marrying in young age. This kind of counseling and changing attitudes and customs that girls also can finish schools, can go to universities or colleges and whenever they will marry. This Kind of problem is related with Roma people with some poorest Africa’s countries and also , this also related with India or Arabian some countries. Later unwell educated women ,living in poor also with few or much more kids and even bad situation , because maybe first or all marriages went wrong, and now women left alone with kids. Nicholas Kristoff's book Half the sky say: About rape victims in South Africa age 15 , and basically gender based violence against women, those problem came in poorest countries and also colonial countries. This defines that a global social worker should be also involved not also by advocating, teaching, changing but also watching issues of that society. This question also relates with first question by Muhammad Yunus and his microfinance to women in India. That it depend from cultural surroundings and also ,women ar also are dependant from family ,men and old cultural customs. But new ages came and Globally we have to teach how to respect dignity, and human right that is not written in customs, and should be changed and protected from violence and rape ,forced marriage by old customs.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty and heartbreak of Nicholas Kristoff’s work is that he illustrates a worldwide phenomenon of gender inequality through detailed, personal stories set in communities throughout the world. Far too often, the public audience assumes that stories of rape, sex trafficking, child marriage, and female abuse are infrequent and location specific. Rarely do people understand that the consequences of gender inequality spread throughout the world, including here in the United States, and effect millions of lives on a daily basis. The social and economic research that Kristoff details as far as the benefits of male and female equality is not country specific, not nation specific, not community specific. His research is applicable to countries throughout the world because the unfortunate truth is that the horror stories of gender inequality spread sea to shining sea.
ReplyDeleteMemory Banda stands in front of a room of individuals and speaks of her strength and courage as she challenges the cultural norm of child marriage. She speaks of her sister, who by age 11 was pregnant and by age 16 already had three children. She reads her friend’s poem about marrying when she is ready, and she speaks of her own story and the backlash she received by unapologetically saying no to child marriage. Yet, hearing Memory Banda’s story after reading Kristof’s work, I quickly learn that Memory Banda’s 11-year-old sister is representative of not just gender inequality in Malawi, but throughout the world. This 11-year-old child is not just the sister of Memory Banda, she is representative of the children in Thailand who are brought into sex trafficking, or the children in India whom I work with after they have been rescued from their own child marriages. Gender inequality, and the personal story that Memory Banda was brave enough to share, is not a one-dimensional picture of Malawi, but instead a universal picture of the world.
If I were air lifted to Memory Banda’s village as a global social worker, I would want to capitalize on what Memory spoke about in regards to education on a local and community level. As Memory states, and as I have learned first hand through my work in India, there are often laws passed to protect women, however the women whom it affects most are unaware of such protection. During my work in India, I was part of an organization that led village meetings at a grass root level. These meetings were conducted in some of the most rural locations; often time taking us 5 hours to reach as the only way to reach such locations was by foot. Each meeting was used not only to talk about the social and economic benefits of gender equality, similar to that researched by Kristof, but to also inform individuals about the changes in law that protect women and prosecute men who exploit them. I distinctively remember my first meeting, in which we were explaining to villagers the law that makes gender selection abortions illegal. I was shocked that more than half of the individuals at the meeting were not aware of such law, even though it had been passed over a year prior. With such, I think Memory is right: it is not only important for a law to be passed, but also individuals to be aware of the law and the law to be enforced. With that said, my first step if I was able to travel to Malawi would be to meet with Memory and organize a plan to meet and inform local villagers about current and developing laws to protect women and create gender equality.
Kristof, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
I really appreciate your insight on this question as you have direct experience with this type of work. You are right to focus on the enforcement of law. It is easy to celebrate Memory and her friends for their incredible accomplishment, but unless the law is upheld and enforced, it will not have the intended effect. I can imagine that it is frustrating to put in all the time and effort to establish laws only to find that people are unaware of their existence.
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ReplyDeletea) Women's rights around the world are more less similar. The differences is just religion, traditions, attitudes, and women's own desire to fight for themselves. Kristof, Nicolas writes about the fact, that in the world is a lot of wrong things, and that a woman in these days, in some countries, experience discrimination, injustice, that is not equal rights. Also in his work he argues that in countries where the managerial positions are held by women, the economy and the country's well-being is booming. The evidence shows that investing in women and girls delivers major benefits for society. An educated woman has healthier children. She is more likely to send them to school. She earns more and invests what she earns in her family. But in Africa most of the family believes that if any girl born in a family, then that girl becomes a burden for that family. Boys get more priority in this country. Women are using as a product and most of the male are involving in extra martial affairs. As a result, people are suffering from HIV AIDs. For this, women rights are deteriorating. We talk about women rights, but Memory Banda and his friends talks about childrens rights too and they fighting for that. For example, girl becomes pregnant eleven years old, the age of sixteen she already has three children. This is not a women's rights, this is the rights of children. The little girl is being forced to give birth and raise children. Girl is marry in thirteen years old, then divorced and marry again, because in the community is well-established traditions, and it's accepted in society. The little girl deprived of the rights to a childhood, adolescence, education, career. Deprived of the right to freely choose what she wants from life. The main reason for violating women rights in Africa are an inadequate education policy. Most of the people there are illiterate. Besides this, they do not understand about their basic needs. As a result, women rights are violated. It is very difficult to make an impact in countries where there is a deep, old tradition. It's hard to change people's thinking and attitude towards certain things. We can't condemn those women who live, compliance with accepted traditions and transmit them from generation to generation. They behavior like that becouse do not know how this can be otherwise. They accepted it and it is true. Memory Banda shows that if we want changes we have not to be afraid, we have to talk about what we wants, what our vision for the future. We all have the right to choose, there is always the possibility to choose what we want.
ReplyDeleteb) In social work is very important to adopt such a man as he is. Social worker have to respect client and his environment. My, as a social worker actions in this case, are accept Malawien people as they are, to look into their usance, culture and traditions. Memory Banda, has already achieved a great deal. My main roles, i think, it will as:
ReplyDeleteAdvocate - an advocate works towards appealing for the rights of individuals and in some cases, dis-enfranchised groups. The advocate vioces the conerns of the group and assists in obtaining resources, political power and social change. The advocate role involves stepping forward and speaking on behalf of the client system
Educator - a social work facilitator serves as a leader in a group.The group may be a family therapy group, a task group, a sensitivity group, an educational group, a self-help group, or a group with some other focus. The facilitator role may also apply to community practice - in this capacity, a facilitator brings together people and lines of communication, channeling their activities and resources towards the resolution of a shared goal.
Enabler - assists clients with coping with difficult circumstances and engages clients in becoming active participants in the problem solving process. Enablers also works with individuals, families and groups to modify behaviors that can serve as obstacles to them achieving their goals.
Manager - social workers, because of their expertise in a wide variety of applications, are well suited to work as managers and supervisors in almost any setting. As managers, they are better able to influence policy change and/or development, and to advocate, on a larger scale, for all underprivileged people.
The world is very large number of regions that live under the old traditions and it hurting to the future generations. People, on the lack of education don't know what is right and they live how them taught. People should have opportunity to know and to choose. However, not everyone knows that they have such a right. This is reflected in the Memory Banda history. In such villages as Malawie very difficult to change people's thinking. It is important to convince people to want to changes, to change the attitude, mindset. The changes need to involve the whole community, not only the youth but also the antecedents (old pepople), becouse all the traditions and customs comes from ancient times. We must respected antecedents, and their views. It is necessary to comply with social ethics. To empower people want to change themselves.
Reference:
Kristof, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
ReplyDeletea). The gender equality and opportunity bill suffered a setback this week in Nigeria. The legislators vehemently rejected the bill from passing the second reading on the floor of the Nigerian Senate because there were some parts of the bill that some Senators disagreed with along the lines of religion and tradition.
Being acquainted with the existing advocacy for women equality bill in Nigeria which resulted from the history of women who started a revolution that has taken them into the halls of power in government and at the UN. Traditional assumptions about women’s status and human rights are being constantly challenged by initiatives led by women themselves.
Memory Banda having the courage to take the initiative in advocating for girls right to marry at when they want, speaks volume of women bearing the responsibility of advocating for their kind in the absent of other concerns. Which is in line with social work values that states, client are the best solution to their problems.
Kristoff story about Murvelene to Claudine is a clear reflection of how empowerment of women can transform a person’s immediate problem and result to economical benefit for the community and nation at large.
b). In as much it may elude many wishes to solidarize with imaginary airlifting to such heart breaking and inhuman event, I will generously accord my social work acquired skill to Banda’s cooperative group initiatives towards empowerment, Education on social cultural sensitization among the group and society if given the permission by the group.
I learned a principle in class which states that clients are the best solution to their problem. Since I have not been part of their history, I have to adopt the concept of knowing the MEANING and to be very sensible not to start by giving them advice but with constructive question for better knowledge of the situation, in other to accord my service appropriately to the needs of the group.
Kristoff stated in his research that, one aim is to make the women more assertive and less accepting of injustices. For this reason, I will highlight their positive suggestions in fostering girl right to choose her faith as opposed to the inhuman practice of the community. If given the audience, I will encourage them to follow a positive peace approach in their advocacy because; human rights advocacy is concerned with the realization of rights in a more equitable manner. According to Torczyner (2001)
In my mission to support and motivate the Banda’s group towards achieving a common goal, a reference to China’s progressive story in abolition of female Foot-binding, child marriage, concubinage, and female infanticide which were embedded in traditional Chinese culture, Rwanda’s conscious implementing of policies that empower and promote women’s right (Kristoff, 2010). The battle for women's rights in China was as bitter as it is today in Malawi. This should serve as a great motivation to the group not to relent in their struggle for women’s right in choosing who and when they want to marry.
References
Kristof, N. D., & WuDunn, S. (2010). Half the sky: Turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide. Vintage Books USA.
Grodofsky, M. M. (2013). and Peace Building in the Middle East.Interdisciplinary Community Development: International Perspectives, 45.
Eromosele, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on gender equality and intertwining your knowledge of what is happening in your country to what is happening other places in the world. I think you are correct in your statements that clients are the best solution to their problem and that we must empower them and not come in as outsiders and give advice. We have not lived their reality and therefore cannot assume we know what is best.
DeleteEromosele, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on gender equality and intertwining your knowledge of what is happening in your country to what is happening other places in the world. I think you are correct in your statements that clients are the best solution to their problem and that we must empower them and not come in as outsiders and give advice. We have not lived their reality and therefore cannot assume we know what is best.
Deletea) The fight for women’s rights is not a new idea and is not an issue that is isolated to a certain geographical location. Kristoff’s work highlights women from around the world, many of the big issues and cites culture as the main reasoning to these human rights infractions. Memory Banda’s struggle aligns perfectly with the worldwide issues of human trafficking, child marriage, genital mutation and the disregard of female children in certain cultures. Banda’s call for male support is one to be applauded and extremely important. Many cultures that suppress women’s human rights place much high value on male opinions, take direction from men and have men in positions of power. If they stand in support, change is much more likely. The UN has established the He for She Campaign for gender equality around the world.
ReplyDeleteb) Before I got to Banda’s village, I would research and read up on the women’s human rights issues they are facing. I think it is important to have some sort of understanding before you get started. I would then ask Banda what help she needs. I am not from her village so I do not know what is needed. From there, I would work to support their efforts. Banda talked about laws being passed to up the age of marriage to 18 but unless someone enforces the laws, things are going to stay the same. I would work to educate the public, both women and men, on their rights and the laws. From there, I would work with Banda to expand her efforts in whichever way she sees it. I believe that my role as the global social worker is a role of support.
Kristof, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
Sara,
DeleteI respect that you stated research before even going to the village to ask questions. I do not think as a social worker that is airlifted we need to know everything, But to have some background on a country, its traditions, geography and history makes a huge difference in understanding the social issue.
I also appreciate you saying that you would go there to support her, also the key factor of educating the public of their rights. A lot of laws are put into place, but that does not mean that an individual is aware of them.
a) Nicholas Kristoff describes the many ways how women are treated unfairly all over the world. That shows that Banda’s village is not the only place where women are treated unfair and unequal. Consequently the problem is an universal one. The problems are very diverse. From no asses to education to sex trafficking there are a lot of different ways how women are treated unfair. In Banda’s case there were many different inequalities for woman before she got active. It was very brave and important that she had the courage to say no to the tradition of her culture and that she empowered others to do it the same way. Only because there were so many people who went to the leader and told him about their concerns they could be successful. Women all around the world should see her as an icon and should do it the same way.
ReplyDeleteb) At the very first step I would ask Memory Banda where she needs my support. It’s always important to only help there where help is needed. She already did a lot and she knows better about everything and everyone there than me. Also as one of the first steps I would inform myself about the cultural characteristics for being more able to empathize with the people. Then maybe look for some already existing resources which weren’t used yet. If there are some people who could be helpful I may empower them to do so. Also institutions or buildings can be resources. Maybe I could build up some international relations, for instance to public people who can spread the information about Banda’s efforts. This may have the effect that others want to support her financially or maybe the pressure towards the government grows so that they more feel like being in a situation where they have to change something. Besides I could try to find out if there already where some similar cases somewhere else. If yes, we could learn from their experiences.
a) According to Nicholas Kristoff and Memory Banda, it is obvious that in many countries women do not feel equal in society. In many countries there are dominated by patriarchal power. It means that men have the highest power in community and society. There are lots of laws what have to do young girls but no laws that can protect and advocate girls. For this reason plenty of girls get married in their early age. They are learned how to sexually please a man. But they are not learned how to get good education and they are not getting good education, they are not learned how to create career, to find job and to become independent from their husbands. Memory Banda is one (but not only one) women who struggle for women's human rights. She says that first of all every young girl has to get good education and just after this she can get married. Memory Banda also says that girls cannot get married before 18 years old and she highlights that young women can get married only then they wants. In society cannot be any requirements that can order girls about marriage. Every woman must be able to decide this by her own.
ReplyDeleteb) I would use these principles and actions:
• Upholding and promoting human dignity and well-being. I as a social worker should work towards promoting the best interests of individuals and groups in society and the avoidance of harm. So first of all I would encourage Memory Banda to say me what kind of help she needs and how I can support her because I cannot work without these knowledge.
• Respecting the right to self-determination. It means that my clients have to make their own choices and decisions because only client can know what he or she needs and how to achieve this. I would always support and help to Memory Banda but in every case I would let her to make her own decisions because only she can know that is right for her and what she wants to achieve in her community.
• Promoting the right to participation. I must empower my clients in all aspects of decisions and actions affecting their lives. I would encourage her to talk in her community, to advocate girls from her village and try to change in her society constructed beliefs which are not right for young girls who are not enough strong to oppose.
• Treating each person as a whole. I would try to know her community, societal and natural environments because only then I can try to help her in finding the best solutions.
• Identifying and developing strengths. I do not have to find only problems. I must find the positive things which can help my clients to ‘’stand up’’ and start to solve problems which affects them.
Kristof, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
The Code of Ethics for Social Work. Statement of Principles: http://cdn.basw.co.uk/upload/basw_112315-7.pdf
a) In an attempt to reframe my thoughts positively, I am focusing on a quote from Kristoff in Half the Sky that says “Women aren't the problem but the solution. The plight of girls is no more a tragedy than an opportunity.”
ReplyDeleteFrom his book to personal experience to my experience abroad, it is evident that women worldwide face the problems that Kristoff and Banda address. Girls and women worldwide are marginalized every day. From lack of education to unequal pay, from no healthcare to forced marriage, we see a global pattern that will not be solved by a foreign social worker, but by the people directly affected. Instead of viewing women as people suffering, I like to view them as game-changers and advocates.
When Memory Banda stood up for herself and mobilized her friends, there was a change. With support from peers in her cultural context, policy was changed. But as Banda said herself, “A law is not a law until it is enforced.” Sheryl WuDunn, Kristoff’s wife, said something similar in their book: “Our focus has to be on changing reality, not changing laws.”
I agree. I believe that it is important to update the letter of the law, but only if people are in tune with the spirit of the law.
We see examples even in the US where laws are meaningless if people do not believe in them. Atrocities are committed every single day and nothing happens if societal norms have excused the injustices. In my job, I see people who are discriminated against in the search for housing on a daily basis even though the Federal Fair Housing Act passed in 1968. Struggles like this, aligning societal norms with what the spirit of our laws that combat injustice, are universal, especially when it comes to gender inequity.
As strongly as I feel about the necessity for changing minds and hearts before changing laws, Deif’s article entitled Divorced From Justice presents another idea. She says, "While sexism fostered by religion and cultural norms may not be eradicated quickly, the provision of equal access [to divorce] would represent a significant legal reform that could serve as a catalyst for a broader societal endorsement of women's rights (p. 114). I can’t argue with that!... especially since she is talking about her own context and environment in Egypt.
b) The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health published an article that addresses this exact issue. It is entitled Gender Inequality is not Cultural—it’s Universal. The author asserts that cultural sensitivity is used as an excuse to ignore gender inequality. I don’t disagree, but acknowledging that possibility does not give ethical solutions for social workers to confront the issue.
ReplyDeleteSocial work scholars state similar notions. In The past, present, and future of international social work, the author states that “The idea of human rights, by its very nature, implies the search for universal principles that apply to all humans, whatever their cultural background, belief system, age, sex, ability, or circumstances” (Johnson, 2004, p. 151), yet that also does not provide a cultural sensitive approach to solutions.
If I were dropped airlifted to her village, I would spend a significant amount of time just chatting with people and integrating in the community. After some months, I would conduct informal community assessments (in a culturally sensitive manner) to find out what people saw as the biggest barrier and their ideas for how to create their ideal community. I would directly ask what they would like my help with. I could provide literature and case studies of similar situations that may help brainstorm new ideas. If asked, I could offer ideas. As with my Peace Corps experience, it is possible that I can do “train the trainer” sessions (on topics such as gender inequity, sexual harassment and rights of women) with female leaders in the community who can disseminate the information better than an outsider. What I definitely know is that I will not pretend that I have the solution, but that with collaboration and compassion, I have hope for a better future.
References
Deif, Farida. (2005). Divorced from justice. Journal of Middle East Women’s Studies, 1, 108-115.
Kristof, N. & Wudun, C. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
Johnson, Alice. (2004). The past, present, and future of international social work. Journal of Community Practice, 12, 145-153.
Memory Banda does an excellent job of highlighting Kristof and WuDunn work by focusing on education for the girls and village members. Kristof discusses the issues affecting women and girls globally, such as trafficking, child mortality from pregnancy, fistulas, and honor killings. Kristof (2010) does a great job of stating that women can overcome the oppression by being educated, they can feel empowered and, therefore, make necessary changes. He also discusses the solutions to particular problems through leading agencies and agents of change. Memory is an agent of change in Malawi, she valued her education, did not believe in having children or being married at a young age and fought for change on a national level. Kristof and Banda both speak of the necessity of girl’s education but in the same vein the importance of educating the greater public about the issues with these particular social problems. Girls and women are oppressed in developed and even more so in developing nations, this is a global problem and requires the attention of all officials and individuals that inhabit this planet.
ReplyDeleteBefore being airlifted to Banda’s village, I would participate in research and geography. American’s are particularly ignorant when it comes to geography, and though I could locate Malawi on a map, I would also like to find her village on a map. After this I would discuss with Banda where she needs my assistance, cultural humility is key. I cannot be competent in Malawian culture, but I can have humility. After we discuss the work that she is doing and where she needs me we can talk about Peacework building and focus on the individual trauma and societal trauma by promoting social justice to eliminate the gender bias. We can foster peace through little actions as Mother Teresa said: “Peace begins with a smile.” We can create positive peace by building structures to create peace societally and naturally.
Kristof, N. & Wudunn, C. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
According to Charlotte Bunch, women's human rights are violated in a variety of ways. Of course, women sometimes suffer abuses such as political repression that are similar to abuses suffered by men. In these situations, female victims are often invisible, because the dominant image of the political actor in our world is male. However, many violations of women's human rights are distinctly connected being female that is women are discriminated against and abused on the basis of gender. Women also experience sexual abuse in situations where their other human rights are being violeted, as political prisoners or members of persecuted ethnic groups, for example. (Charlotte B. 1990)
ReplyDeleteGovernments must take the fundamental decisions to move ahead on women's human rights. Legal changes are a matter for decision; also, in many developing countries civil society is relatively small and powerless. But in the work of Nicholas Kristoff and struggle of Memory Banda and her friends, it shows people that revolution against injustice may start even with little movements of powerless human. Together with government, these groups who adopt this struggle as a solution are the main major employers, and their rules and practices have powerful influence on social change. Collaboration together with government and these combat groups are major suppliers of social change, public policy change and women' human rights. Social change cannot be brought about merely through legislation; it must be encouraged by example Memory Banda's struggle and Nicholas Kristoff's work.
As in both study and experiences of Nicholas Kristoff and Memory Banda, the fight against gender abuse, sex trafficing or any violence is starting with awareness. Educating ourselves and educating others incites the fights. First stage starts with learning about human trafficing, the existing slavery and the efforts to combat trafficing are vital vital first steps in the anti-traffiking movement. Next inform environment and begins with micro system such as family, children, parents, friends and co-workers. Beside this gathering and expressing all the knowledge, people should be aware that it can happen anywhere in the world too. And it doesn't affect only women, girls and children, it can and does affect other generations which fallows after them as well. Being aware of the issue will help victims safe in addition to preventing traffiking before begins and therefore all the revolutionaries in Nicholas Kristoff stared to prevent the issue with gathering data or experiencing it. For that reason, instead of waiting to encounter with victim of human trafficing, taking action creates solids success for prevention. I want to make a point of education in this stage. Since the beginning of humanity, crimes occurred by ignorance. One of the best idea for Memory Benda is constituting combat organizations which are going to enhance the knowledge of community, on the other hand which are going to fight with social pressure which force victims to accept request of society instead their own request. After creating enough or well educated society, people will influence next generations with preventing any abuse as well. Because human trafficing is not a new phenomenon. Activists have work in order to support victims which are ready to fight. Because no one organizations or individual stands alone in this movement against to social pressure. The problem is complex and constantly changing and everyone must play a role in creating a solution as Memory Benda incited parliamentarians of her government. And in her speech she mentioned about significant part that was about they were waiting the law for being brought into force. Luckily, their government brought this law into force but sometimes it is not same for all communities. When the government want to decrease social pressure on parliamentarians because of any social issue, they create resolution against to social issue but being late to bring in to force. As we know before being into force, law doesn't gain official status and this action may take long time. So that is also one of the reason for me to create combat organizations for Memory Banda to keep abreast of all the developments. These are brighten samples for humanity that what and how an individual can change the issue which is accepted as a culture, tradition or customs in the society.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Bunch, 1990. Women's Right as Human Rights: Towards a Re-Vision of Human RightsVol 12, no.4 pp.486-498
Kristof, N. & Wudunn, C. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
A) In many parts of the world, many women are victims of gender related abuse, gender inequality as well as Human Rights abuses. Nicholas Kristoff & Wudun (2010) describes several cases of injustices and abuses faced by women in different countries of the world such as United States, Middle East countries and Africa. For example in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive cars simply because they are women. The story of Memory Banda and her friends, I believe represent a tough journey showing the hardship women go through in their struggle to prevent the global injustices and abuses faced by women. In some countries, they are regarded as inferior sex objects that are created to make babies at home. Prior to Memory Banda's campaign in Malawi, women were denied basic education in Malawi and forced to marry between the ages of 11-15. They were robbed of their self-confidence at a very young age when they were sent to initiation camps where they were taught how to please men sexually. The experience of Memory Banda is not hers alone, this is something which is still happening in many other countries today, where women are regarded as inferior to men.
ReplyDeleteKristoff talks about the impressive progress of women in Rwanda where they are encouraged to pursue higher education; the outcome is that the country is having many educated literate women in high positions in banking, politics, academics and law. The difference between Malawi and Rhwanda is the type of governmental system which is put in place. The President of Rwanda decided to revive his country's economy and saw that he needed women to do that. According to the constitution, women have to make up 30 percent of the parliament. With 48.8%, Rwanda surpassed Sweden to become the nation with the highest share of women members of any parliament in the world. The government of Rwanda is proud to be called an equal opportunity country (Kristoff & Wudun 2010).
B) If I were lucky to be airlifted into Memory Banda's village in Malawi, I would support her in the project which she plans to accomplish I will reassure Memory Banda and her team to own the project, as I am only a participant.
ReplyDeleteI would break the ice by introducing myself to Memory Banda and her team. I will express my interest in helping her accomplish her task. I will find out if she is willing to work in partnership with me.
I would find out from Memory Banda if the people are willing to welcome me to participate in a project that will change the culture of child marriage which might have been in place in the village for so many years.
I would show respect by asking how she would want me to address her, Is it by first name or second? I would encourage her to brief me, by giving me an update on the project as a new arrival. I would also find out, what are the cultural norms and customs and language of the village. I would find out the ones resisting the change expected from the project. I will find out how many people in her team, are they too many or too small? I will find out also, if there are other people or respected people in the community who are interested in joining the project or bringing a positive idea towards helping the village community.
Knowledge is power, and having teachers, nurses, and midwives as members of the team is very important in providing basic health education in the community. Having eye catching posters with sharp and smart messages against child marriages and placed in strategic locations in the community will be very helpful. I would suggest to the team to consider putting across the message against child marriage over the Radio and TV depending on the cost.
It is important to note that Memory Banda was successful in her campaign because she is a native of the village, she speaks the local language, and the girls she is campaigning for know her very well, that’s why they trust her. Being a stranger from the outside, I wonder if they will they trust me?
Memory Banda and her team applied the tool of self-determination to influence members of parliament to vote in favour of abolishing child marriages. Self-determination and relentless campaign was the secret of Memory Banda success.
Reference:
Kristoff, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun.(2010) Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
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ReplyDeleteA) Memory’s inspiring talk, borne of her and her sister’s divergent experiences, speaks to the universality of the struggle for women’s human rights. Kristoff & WuDunn’s (2010) compelling case for women’s human right, as the defining human rights issue of the 21st century, offers a valuable lens with which to understand Memory and her friends’ work. For starters, Kristoff & WuDunn (2010) argue that the universality of human rights ultimately trumps harmful cultural practices, going so far as to say that “…it would be feckless to defer to slavery, torture, foot-binding, honor killings, or genital cutting just because we believe in respecting other faiths or cultures.” Memory argues in a similar vein by critiquing the Malawi cultural practice of child brides and “initiation camps”. Indeed her and her friends’ efforts succeeded to some extent in demonstrating the mutability of culture, even resulting in significant legislative changes for the country. However, Memory, Kristoff, & WuDunn would all agree that the struggle for women’s human rights does not flourish by changing laws alone. Indeed, it is through situating work within communities (especially in rural areas) that the reality of women on the ground changes. Kristoff & WuDunn (2010) discussed the relative success of efforts to reduce FGC (female genital cutting) when those efforts were made as part of a broader framework of community development (i.e. discussing the health, human rights, and economic consequences of FGC). Similarly, Memory’s work thrived when women and communities across Malawi grew more engaged. The incremental, though critical changes, can only be bolstered by increasing girls’ education: which as both Memory and Kristoff & WuDunn acknowledge is the key towards empowerment. Ultimately, Memory and her friends’ efforts both reflect and embody the universality of women’s human rights concerns (as conceptualized by Kristoff & WuDunn) by placing human rights above culture, locating their work within communities and not just laws, and recognizing the value of education for girls.
ReplyDeleteB) All that being said, if I was airlifted to Memory’s village as a global social worker to support her I would draw heavily from Torres’ (2005) approach to community health education. Frankly, child marriage (as practiced in Malawi) has a significant public health component: including but not limited to STI transmission, inexperienced and unprepared mothers, and continued sexual trauma. It would be important to start where the community is: what are people’s views on child marriage, who supports it, who is against it, how do people communicate about it, etc. The community’s strengths ought to drive the conversation about child marriage can be ended. If the community is committed to promoting families, could they perhaps imagine how that strength might look in way different then child marriage? Along those lines, it will be critical to support Memory as she demonstrates that community norms and traditions can be changed, even if the change is hard. As a global social worker, I would commit myself to engaging as many members of the community as possible: old, young, men, women, etc. They all need to feel heard and part of the process to improve their community. Similarly, I would look to build on the legislative and political successes made by Memory and her friends, engaging stakeholders to frame the political benefits of enforcing the hard-won laws. Additionally, I would make an effort to continue to build relationships between organizations and groups fighting for similar goals, perhaps even looking to shine an international spotlight to promote fundraising opportunities. It is important to note however, that the most critical work I can do is foster individual and community empowerment by sharing information and letting the community chart their own course. All of this though has to be done with an eye on the larger vision of gender equality and the full recognition of women’s human rights in the area.
ReplyDeleteKristof, Nicolas, and Sheryl Wudunn. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
Torres, Maria Idali. (2005). Organizing, educating and advocating for health and human rights in Vieques, Puerto Rico. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 9-12
Dear Taha,
DeleteA glance at your intellectual unveiling lessons from Memory Banda’s case for a global social worker brought my attention to your kind recognition of inclusiveness. When you write, "I would commit myself to engaging as many members of the community as possible: old, young, men, women, etc. They all need to feel heard and part of the process to improve their community," This reflect the interest of client at heart.
Thank you for this eloquent contribution to global social work advancement in peace building.
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Deletea) The fight for women’s right is relevant issue until this day and inseparable from gender’s equality. It is obvious that in many countries these days we have new men’s and women’s generation, which grew up on gender’s equality and women’s rights tradition. This is showed by the new phenomenom,when so many men initiate public debate about women’s rights, family and gender’s equality. However, the situation is not same in all countries. In some countries, up to now family, women and children are not the part of political or social debates objects. In the world, there are some nations, where patriarchal regulations are settled, cultural aspects have strong influence and women do not have rights to most of us apprehensible simple things: the right to free marriage, education, work and many others not to mention participation in politics. However, there is no such thing as one truth, in the same nation there can live people with completely different approach and understanding, while the whole nation is being convicted for the gender inequality and all man are given the label of a “bad guy”. We have to understand the fact that such social phenomena has another side,- in a community, where a woman's right is being condemned, there are also women who like to live such kind of life, even though they know that there is a possibility to change it.Of course, this only applies to a small number of people, and that is why it is important to talk about the problems that are global.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Kristoff & Wudun (2010), the oppression of women throughout the world is a key challenge in the present era, more important than the fight with slavery in the past. In his book the main attention is focused on brothel, where the sex business in society seems to various legally, on various diseases communicable to girls, abortions, which are the termination of life as a cause of sexual violence against women. Kristoff signifies our world through sadness, truth and anger, but at the same time through a strong hope. In the case of Memmory Banda profound reality, which only Malawi women fully understand, is clearly shown. Initially Malawi women did not had the right to make any decision of their own, they were sexually exploited, had to have children early, when they were just 11 years, they also used to contract with HIV. This is a great story, showing that women only need care enough to start changing something in their environment. Memmory Banda was a women who entered the fight, but her path towards the freedom of women was not perfect, there was a lack of one important thing - supportof older women of the community and desire to make changes. She has been eliminated, condemned for daring to speak about a different situation of women, for not respecting and mocking from the established norms of the community. However, in tackling challenges as such, a strong leader is needed, who can convince girls that everything can be otherwise. Kristoff stresses the importance of emancipated women in the world. Countries such as China have already prospered, precisely because the emancipated women have brought them into the formal economy. The process of liberation all over the world is not only a right, what needs to be done; it is also the best strategy to combat poverty (Kristoff & Wudun, 2010). Thanks to women such as Memmory Banda, the world is changing, and women who dreamed of freedom – have received it. The law was issued on the basis of which the girls could marry at older age and Banda friends’ poem came true "I will marry only when I want to", there was just one inspirator needed, who would like to be reckless to change the situation.
b) Social work is an activity based on values, it is casual mundane phrases and practices of social work. The main and most important aspect of social work is to help people. Following it social work has to take into account the client’s goals, wants and it has to encourage to act. Individual deserves to be respected because he is a personality and it does not matter if we like him or not, is he valuable or not, if his actions are he good or bad.
ReplyDeleteIf I would go to Malawi village I would first look for information about the culture of its community, social norms, laws and scientific research, in order to make an opinion about where the help process should be oriented. After arriving to a community one needs to understand that every client is an individual that has its own features and believes and that he needs to be accepted the way they are, with their weaknesses and strengths. The targeted group in this community are the women and girls and thus a controlled emotional response is needed in order to properly react to their feelings. It would also be very important to ensure confidentiality so that women would feel safe and be sure that the help is legitimate. By the way it is not important how much you, as a social worker want to help, you must understand that women have a right to choose if they want to accept the help or not and that during process of helping them they have the to make their own choices. In my opinion the best way to help this community is to involve other specialists, like doctors, psychologists, lawyers, organizations, which help women of physical abuse and also to intensively look for like-minded people that can help.
References:
Kristof, Nicolas, and Sheryl Wudunn. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
I agree with what Edita has written for question B, in regards to understanding culture in the community as an outsider. It's important to know the social norms and laws within the community, as well as finding more information about the culture. I believe this would help in understanding the problem more and identifying ways of tackling it. But most importantly it also shows a form of respect for culture as outsider coming inside.
Deleteby Alex Nwosu
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ReplyDeleteIf I were airlifted into Memory Banda’s village in Malawi, as a global social worker I would first focus on being self-aware and recognize the great privilege I have to enter into the sacred ground of another culture, especially where such a brave and brilliant young hero of human rights resides. Before my arrival I would research anything and everything I could regarding the village, the culture, etc. Upon arrival I would enter humbly, aware of how much I don’t know. As much as possible, I would take time to walk the streets, to listen to the people, to attempt to begin to create some trust, and to learn everything I could from anyone I could. I would not want to barge in as an outsider, acting like an expert, and start trying to change things. Certainly it would not even enter my mind to have any type of equal say with Memory Banda. Once there, I would listen to, and learn from Memory Banda, and discuss my role. I would try to make connections with key leaders in the community, visit schools and other institutions, trying to grasp the hurt, hope, and heart of the village and the society. In particular I would try to discern the community assets and strengths as expressed and lived out in their cultural context.
ReplyDeleteIn this approach I agree very much with Minkler’s 10 commitments for community health education which are: 1) Start where the people are, 2) Recognize and build on community strengths, 3) Honor the community, but do not make it holy, 4) Foster high level community participation, 5) Laughter is good medicine--and good health education, 6) Health education is educational--but it is also political, 7) Thou shalt not tolerate the bad “isms”, 8) Think globally, act locally, 9) foster individual and community empowerment, 10) work for social justice” (Minkler, n.d.). Although I think that Memory Banda has already instinctively incorporated many of these commitments, I would discuss them with her as a starting point for determining how best I could intersect with the changes already taking place, and help address the ongoing perceived needs in the community.
The International Federation of Social Workers definition of global social work is that it “promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work” (International Federation of Social Workers, 2012).
The global social worker must vigilantly apply these fundamentals of social justice and human rights to the social plagues of our time. Human trafficking is 21st century slavery. The sheer numbers of young girls and women who are forced into prostitution is unprecedented and appalling (Kristof, 2010). Stark economic inequalities and gender inequities around the world help drive this sinister industry. Nicholas Kristof powerfully applies social justice and human rights principles to modern day slavery. By means of creative school partnerships, for example, young girls are empowered by education and the ability to make choices about their lives. Modern day “abolitionists” play a key role in working towards an end to human trafficking, including judicial “crackdowns” on those who engage in such inhuman practices, so as to rescue those girls from their “chains” (Kristof, 2010).
ReplyDeleteMemory Banda’s work for women’s human rights has moved far beyond her own personal challenges early on. Her tireless advocacy is a beautiful example of universality in that it addresses the universal toxic effects of the unjust subjugation of women. Gender inequality, for example, is often a root cause behind the spread of HIV (Kristof, 2010). There are also strong correlations between levels of violence, government repression, terrorism, and low production, and the exclusion of women from dignified education, employment, and voice in society (Kristof, 2010). Conversely where women are afforded their rights, and allowed to flourish in accordance with their human dignity, they very often become catalysts of positive change in society, as in the case of contemporary Rwanda, where there is a ⅓ representation of women in Parliament (Kristof, 2010).
In summary, the global social worker finds herself/himself immersed in a complex web of interrelated realities, such that local work of healing and therapy must simultaneously take into account the global universal factors, which helped create the oppressive and corrosive conditions in the first place. Proactive solutions from brave and empowered women (such as Memory Banda) and their communities offer a hope that transcends their own local and even national challenges, and helps transform the unjust structures at a global level. Such inspiring stories help provide hope that even as mammoth and macabre an industry as that of modern day slavery can actually be abolished, and that girls and women who once had no rights can become prophetic change agents in society. Global social workers can both learn from these examples, and help build on them, helping to catalyze effective processes for transformation rooted deeply in principles of social justice.
References:
Kristof, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
Torres, Maria Idali. (2005). Organizing, educating and advocating for health and human rights in Vieques, Puerto Rico. American Journal of Public Health, 95, 9-12
Nicholas Kristoff has a way of illustrating the phenomenon of gender inequality, throughout the world. These personal stories are detailed and resonate with the reader. Specifically, they resonate with me. This idea that rape does not exist; sex trafficking does not exist; child marriage does not exist is unfathomable. As a high school graduate, I decided I wanted to become a sexual assault crisis advocate. At the time, it was a career direction that I wanted to pursue, but soon regretted. The repeated stories of sexual assault – to an immeasurable degree – astounded me. I went nights without sleeping, not crying. I could not believe that a human being was capable of the destruction that the individuals I worked with faced.
ReplyDeleteMemory Banda’s story of the initiation camps haunted me. Her courage, however, to not only face a group of strangers, but to challenge the cultural norm of child marriage in her home country was inspiring. She demonstrated that the stories of rape, sex trafficking, child marriage, female abuse, and gender inequality occur and are a constant in all cultures. They exist throughout the world. As a sexual assault crisis advocate, I did not hear race or culture. I heard the voices of women, who were violated; who were hurt; and whose dignity was diminished. Memory Banda’s story, of herself and her sister, do not just represent them, but the female children around the world who experience inequality and violation on a consistent basis.
If I were airlifted into Memory’s village, as a global social worker, I would want to emphasize Memory’s idea regarding education – both on a micro and macro level. Relating back to my time as a sexual assault crisis advocate, many calls I would take regarded women who were aware they had rights, but were unaware of what those rights were. As individuals, we all have the right to self-determination. As a global social worker, however, I would do my best not to impose on the culture of my clients, but rather take my approach from a grass root level. That is, meet my clients where they are and offer them resources based on those at hand. I would do my best not to work against them, but rather empower them to work amongst one another.
Kristof, Nicolas, and Cheryl Wudun. (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
a) According to Nicholas Kristof, all social problems are a part of global world and global society. Kristof declares that violence against women is not only women’s issue - it is a global world issue. As he says, “the unfortunate reality is that women’s issues are marginalized, and in any case sex traffickingand mass rape should no more be seen as women’s issues than slavery was a black issue or the Holocaust was a Jewish issue. These are all humanitarian concerns, transcending any one race, gender, or creed” (2010).In this way Memory Banda’s work also is a part of global social work. In her speech Memory Banda says that not only in Malawi girls and women are crying. Violence against women is universal problem, because every state has this problem, ofcourse sometime this issue has different forms and has reached different levels, but what is important is that this problem still exists in world. So struggle for women's rights in one little country can become a struggle in a global level. Memory Banda’s and her friends can learn from other countries’ experiences and other countries’ can follow their example. In this way this struggle involves many different countries and it becomes universal.
ReplyDeleteb) As Memory Banda said in her speech, the law becomes the law when it is started to implement. I think that accepting girls defending law in Malawi was a very big and important step. But it is not enough that government accepted the law, the most important is that community accepted it. So if I were airlifted into this village, I would begin my work in micro level. At first I would try to become acquainted with local community’s customs, traditions and local lawas much as possible. After evaluating the situation of the village, the second step would be to establish relation with local leaders of the community. In my opinion, educationin general firstly should start from them. Because I think than the community can help itself and no one has the right to deprive this right from them. So I as social worker would look for this community’s potential. Whatever difficult social situation might be, it is must not involve any extreme actions. No matter what changes might be implemented, fast struggle not always means that changes will be for good.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, community must be ready for changes and every global social worker should guide this principle. As Yunus said in his speech, we must give time for people because any change needs time. Following this, I would direct my attention to local community’s education. I think that it should start with local leaders’ illumination because they are the educators of their community.
When we speak about girl rights violation we see the issue that little girls are forced to marry. But if I understand correctly, now girls have the law that defends their rights. However, this village will need a time until people accept this law and until it becomes natural part of this community’s culture. It is not enough to accept a law, but it is important to transform community’s approach to the phenomenon. I would try to help community to see young girl marriage as a problem. I would try to act by principle of collaboration. I would try to help the girls and women to create new attitude towards woman and femininity .I would seek that all girls know their rights. Men of community must be educated as well. So I would look for the ways to transform men’s attitude towards women and their rights. I would find ways how to include men to the help process for women. I think that very often women’s attitude towards themselves is very influenced by men’s attitude towards women. I imagine that communities like this are close and heavily related with strong traditional reflections. So in my opinion work with such communities needs to be very careful, changes has to be implemented step by step and established slowly and peacefully.
Reference;
Kristof, Nicolas and Sheryl Wudum.(2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppressio into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York:Vintage.