International Social Work Education Partnership: 2023 Midterm Question #2

Friday, March 3, 2023

2023 Midterm Question #2

Question 2:

Imagine you were air-lifted into a village with one of the following problems:

Predatory money-lenders preying on impoverished persons
Deforestation and environmental contamination endangering citizen's health, livelihoods, and safety
Escalating strife between persons from two different ethnic groups
Female genital mutilation

Drawing from the readings, what would be your approach as a global social worker?

67 comments:

Guoda PakarklytėMarch 11, 2023 at 12:12 AM
Female genital mutilation is a brutal violation of human rights that has a negative impact on women's physical and psychological health. FGM exposes women to dangerous and painful health complications (Khaja, Barkdull, Augustine, Cunningham, 2009). It is a cultural phenomenon that is seen as a beneficial ritual in certain communities (Imoh, 2013). The culture in which female genital mutilation takes place is very different from our culture. Unicef (2023) states that it is often done to control the chastity of girls, and the number of women mutilated may be even higher in the future, so it is important to increase global efforts to stop it. Communication and education are important to stop female genital mutilation in communities. When working with women living in such communities, it is important to help them understand that the practice is harmful to their children (Imoh, 2013). It is important not only to impose one's opinion and try to prove it, but to engage in dialogue with the community.

References:
1. Khaja, K., Barkdull, C., Augustine, M., & Cunningham, D. (2009). Female genital cutting: African women speak out. International Social Work, 52(6), 727–741. doi: 10.1177/0020872809342642
2. Imoh, A. T.-D. (2013). Rites vs rights: Female genital cutting at the crossroads of local values and global norms. International Social Work, 56(1), 37–50. doi: 10.1177/0020872812459068
3. Unicef. (2023). Female genetal mutilation. Internet access: https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation
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Sarah VentimigliaMarch 11, 2023 at 8:01 AM
3. Escalating strife between persons from two different ethnic groups
As a global social worker, there are many strategies that I would use to de-escalate strife between persons from two different ethnic groups, if I were to be airlifted to a village with this problem. My approach would include promoting positive peace which includes both providing essential resources to promote human development and reducing inequality, promoting the creation of a peace treaty, and promoting cooperation within and between the two groups. My approach was inspired in part by Grodofsky, in his article, The Contribution of Law and Social Work to Interdisciplinary Community Development and Peace Building in the Middle East, as he says, “The combined effect of human rights advocacy, civic engagement, and the structuring and building of community, work to reduce inequality and promote civil society” (Grodofsky, 45). This holistic approach that Grodofsky proposes highly resonates with me because I believe that all social problems must be solved with a variety of solutions.
According to Grodofsky’s research, one of the main ways to de-escalate strife between groups is to promote positive peace, and “positive peace refers to the creation of a reality characterized by social justice, political participation, ecological balance, and economic equity” (Grodofsky, 47). As a social worker, I would be able to address many of these components. For example, I could advocate for social justice within the community, assist community members in political participation, help advocate for ecological justice, and help create social programs that promote economic equity. By addressing the two broad areas of basic human needs and upholding human rights and freedoms, these areas would help promote a cooperative and peaceful society, where competition for scarce resources would be rare. However, aside from promoting basic human needs and rights, I would also need to address the causes of the strife, as Doyle and Sambanis in their article, International Peacebuilding: A Theoretical and Quantitative Analysis, explain, “strategies should address the local roots of hostility, the local capacities for change, and the (net) specific degree of international commitment available to assist sustainable peace” (Doyle and Sambanis, 1). In order to address the roots of the strife, the local capacities for change, and the degree of international commitment to assist in peacebuilding, I would need to talk to community members and form relationships with members in both groups, so I could get a full picture of why this strife is occurring. I would also need to outreach to organizations and international governments to see if external sources are willing to help with peacebuilding. These broad goals emphasize the complexity that strife between communities has, which requires that I approach this issue from many angles.
By taking this holistic approach to solving the strife between the two groups, I would hopefully be able to stop or at least de-escalate the strife between these two groups. However, I would need the help of many people, including other social workers, community members and leaders, government leaders, and possibly the international community. Solving conflict between groups is one of the most complex and delicate situations that a social worker could be involved in, but with the help of other people, these conflicts can be resolved and peace can be achieved.

References
Bonta, B. D. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121(2), 299-320. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.121.2.299
Doyle, M. W., & Sambanis, N. (2000). International Peacebuilding: A theoretical and quantitative analysis. American Political Science Review, 94(4), 779-801. https://doi.org/10.2307/2586208
Grodofsky, M. M. (2007). The contribution of law and social work to interdisciplinary community development and peace building in the Middle East. Journal of Community Practice, 15(1-2), 45-65. https://doi.org/10.1300/j125v15n01_03
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Birutė BerškytėMarch 11, 2023 at 8:11 AM
Female Genital Mutilation well for me it's sounds awful.. Wanna know why? Well, I wanna know one thing, why some people do like that and why whose horrible things happens to women particularly.. I have no words. It's terrible because women's have to suffer those things and also this is so brutal against women's rights. I just want to know why..
More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is practiced.
FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15.
FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
Treatment of the health complications of FGM is estimated to cost health systems US$ 1.4 billion per year, a number expected to rise unless urgent action is taken towards its abandonment. (World Health Organization, 2023).
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths. (World Health Organization, 2023).

References:
1. World Health Organization. (2023). Internet access: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
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Fatima RasoulMarch 11, 2023 at 5:14 PM
Female genital mutilation is an issue that is prevalent in many parts of the world and can often be traced back to patriarchal ideas about women's purity. It is important to recognize that we as global social workers and outsiders should not intervene in a colonial manner and allow our biases to cloud our perception of the communities that we are working with. Certain communities may find cultural value in the act of female genital mutilation and I do not believe that parents do it to be cruel or to make their children suffer, they may actually consider it a necessary measure to ensure that they are parenting successfully and protecting their children. As mentioned in "Parenting Attributions and Attitudes in Cross -Cultural Perspective," there are differing traditions and practices across cultures that contribute to practices and attitudes in parenting and caregiving. (Bornstein, Putnick, and Lansford, 2011)
However, that does not justify the act of female genital mutilation and we should be implementing measures to eradicate the act. I do not believe that will be accomplished by judging these communities but rather by providing them with the knowledge and resources to understand why this procedure is damaging to women and girls mental and physical health. According to UNICEF, education is a key driver in ending the practice of female genital mutilation and statistics show that parents who are more educated are less likely to subject their daughters to female genital mutilation. (UNICEF, 2022)
Education would be the sole focus of my approach as I would create a curriculum to educate the community on the harmful impact of female genital mutilation and engage in dicussions within communities to gain social awareness. I would also focus on creating more opportunities for women and girls to become
educated because lack of education has shown to be a determining factor in the perpetuation of the act. Promoting education around FGM, but also educating women and girls in general, would lead to breaking to cycle and practice of FGM. I believe that parents generally want the best for their daughters and therefore if they understand the detrimental impact they will change their behavior willingly rather than through forced modernization by global social workers.

References
1. Bornstein, M. H., Putnick, D. L., & Lansford, J. E. (2011). Parenting attributions and attitudes in cross-cultural perspective. Parenting, 11(2-3), 214-237.
2. UNICEF. (2022). (publication). The Power of Education to End Female Genital Mutilation. Retrieved from https://data.unicef.org/resources/the-power-of-education-to-end-female-genital-mutilation/.
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Leda NorgialienėMarch 12, 2023 at 11:22 AM
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Leda NorgialienėMarch 12, 2023 at 11:24 AM
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Leda NorgialienėMarch 12, 2023 at 12:30 PM
As a global social worker, my approach to addressing the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) in a village would be to work collaboratively with the community to understand their cultural beliefs and practices while promoting the human rights and health of women and girls. Here are some steps I would take:
Build relationships: I would start by building relationships with community leaders, elders, and members to gain their trust and understand their perspectives. This would involve learning about their cultural practices, beliefs, and values, as well as any potential resistance to change.
Educate the community: I would then work to educate the community on the harmful effects of FGM on the health and wellbeing of women and girls. This would involve sharing information on the physical, psychological, and sexual consequences of FGM, as well as dispelling any myths or misconceptions about the practice.
Engage key stakeholders: I would engage key stakeholders, such as health workers, teachers, and religious leaders, to support the community in abandoning FGM. This could involve training health workers to provide medical care for FGM survivors, educating teachers on the rights of girls, and working with religious leaders to promote positive attitudes towards women and girls.
Empower women and girls: I would work to empower women and girls to make informed decisions about their bodies and health, and to resist pressure from family and community members to undergo FGM. This could involve providing girls with education and life skills training, as well as supporting women to form advocacy groups and speak out against FGM.
Monitor and evaluate progress: I would monitor and evaluate progress towards abandonment of FGM in the community, using indicators such as the prevalence of FGM and changes in attitudes and behaviors towards the practice. This would involve regular consultation with the community and key stakeholders, as well as collecting and analyzing data on FGM and related health outcomes.
In summary, my approach as a global social worker to addressing FGM in a village would involve building relationships, educating the community, engaging key stakeholders, empowering women and girls, and monitoring and evaluating progress. It is important to work collaboratively with communities to promote cultural sensitivity and respect while promoting the health and human rights of women and girls.

References:
1. Tostan International. (2021). Community-led holistic approach. https://www.tostan.org/our-work/community-led-holistic-approach/
2. United Nations Population Fund. (2018). Female genital mutilation/cutting: Accelerating change. https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/FGMC_2018_Accelerating_Change_WEB-version001.pdf
3. World Health Organization. (2020). Female genital mutilation. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
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Isabella SeglinMarch 12, 2023 at 4:22 PM
Female genital mutilation is a non-medical and traditional practice that promotes female oppression and can greatly harm the livelihood of women affected. It is often a practice of mutilating female genitals in multiple different ways that include tightening the vaginal canal and removing external parts of the vagina such as the clitoris or labia. This procedure is thought to ‘purify’ a woman for her husband and promotes a plethora of harmful ideals of women in sex, marriage, and society. It can lead to many harmful outcomes such as menstrual complications, difficulty with sex, infection, and death. As a social worker, one must understand the practice of FGM (female genital mutilation) derives from harmful ideas of women. It is a tradition that literally separates a woman from her womanhood and promotes the inferiority and suppression of women to their husbands. Understanding who is affected is the first step for a global social worker to understand the complexity of an issue. In an assigned TedTalk from class, Memory Banda discusses the macro level social work efforts to combat child marriages- specifically between younger girls and adult men. Although a different issue than FGM, it calls upon the empowerment of similar communities: young girls usually in African counties. Her approach to end child marriage was through the enactment of laws to ban them by working tirelessly with Parliment to pass bills. Leaders of her community and other organizations worked to promote the dangers of child marriage (Banda). This strategy can also be applied to FGM. A Global social worker should apply this approach to share the dangers of FGM on the livelihood and health of women and work with policy makers and political figures to end its legalization. Communities such as AMREF Health Africa should also be funded as they provide community care for children and women affected by FGM (AMREF Health Africa, 2021). Additionally, they provide education for young girls which provides jobs, income, and also knowledge about their own bodies which is something that has been taken from the practices of FGM. The AMREF Health Africa’s efforts to end FGM by 2030 could be supported by global social workers connections to policy makers, and funding from the UN.
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Verónica TorrealbaMarch 13, 2023 at 10:15 AM
Any action against female genital mutilation must take into account the multiplicity of factors that give rise to this practice. It is an issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving human rights activists, educators, health professionals, religious leaders, development activists and many others.
From a human rights perspective, female genital mutilation cannot be seen as an issue in isolation from other forms of violence and discrimination against women, from the vulnerability of children to abuse, and from issues such as access to education and to economic development. It is necessary to understand the complexity of the ideas and beliefs surrounding female genital mutilation.
Therefore, from a global point of view of Social Work, I consider that it is important to have a broad knowledge about reality and ways of seeing the world that one has within the community with which one plans to intervene. To do this, taking into account that it is a practice deeply rooted in the culture of some African countries, intervention should be made through intercultural medication, rescuing ideas and contributions from African feminists such as Asha Ismail with the aim that the population with the one seeking to intervene receives the message from their own original culture and can, therefore, identify with it because they are from their peer group.
Likewise, it is also important to carry out interventions from an interdisciplinary perspective in coordination with specialized professionals and, if possible, from the community of origin so that, in addition to providing knowledge on how to deal with the problem, they act as a bridge between the community and the professionals.
Finally, after knowing in depth the community with which it is sought to intervene to stop and prevent the practice of female genital mutilation in the future, the next step would be to raise awareness and educate about the physical and psychological consequences to which it is girls who are forced into this practice face in order for the community to take an active role in stopping the practice.
Among the physical consequences, UNHCR highlights:
- hemorrhages.
- Intense pain.
- Fever.
- Urinary infections.
- Vaginal, menstrual and sexual problems.
- Cysts and complications in childbirth that can lead to the need for surgical interventions.
Among the psychological consequences are according to UNICEF:
- State of shock.
- Psychological disorders derived from the rejection of their environment.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Eating disorders.
- Panic attacks.
- Anxiety.
- Difficulty establishing social relationships.
It should be noted that the abolition of the practice of female genital mutilation would reduce the levels of poverty that mainly affect women: cutting is associated with girls dropping out of school and child marriage and, if it is achieved that When these situations cease to be a daily reality, girls would reach a higher level of education, which in turn would increase their ability to improve their quality of life and contribute to the economic growth of their communities, while at the same time perpetuating poverty from generation to generation. generation.

References:
- Female genital mutilation, an atrocious practice | eUNHCR. (nd). https://eacnur.org/en/female-genital-mutilation
- ACNUR. (January 10th, 2020). Mutilación Genital Femenina o Ablación: Tolerancia Cero. https://eacnur.org/es/actualidad/noticias/eventos/mutilacion-genital-femenina-o-ablacion-tolerancia-cero
- Mutilación genital femenina. (s. f.). UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/es/proteccion/mutilacion-genital-femenina
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Jolanda MarčiukonytėMarch 13, 2023 at 1:42 PM
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ZaynabMarch 13, 2023 at 3:29 PM
Susan Mapp states, “three main barriers exist that prevent full access to human rights and the fruits of social development. these barriers are poverty, discrimination, and lack of education” (2007, p. 22). I know we are being asked to pick one of the issues we would tackle as social workers; however, these problems are intertwined. One cannot solve one without attacking the other. However, if I were tackling the issue of deforestation and environmental contamination endangering citizens’ health, livelihoods, and safety, it would require collaboration with community members, other social workers, and NGOs. Environmental issues are very prevalent in low-income and Global South countries. Most of the time, the case can be traced to war and or exploitative practices by big corporations and Global North counties. Thus, the problem needs to be addressed through a multidimensional strategy. Environmental contamination is linked to several adverse health conditions, such as cancer, low life expectancy, and congenital disabilities. It is also the knowledge that one’s environment can affect their mental health. Also, in many global south countries, the lack of wash, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and infrastructures contributes to environmental contamination.

My method will center around mobilizing the community and finding effective ways for their voices to be centered and heard. The members of these communities are experts in their own lives, and they should be treated as such. Indigenous practices are good practices. My program will follow the ten commitments for community health education (Maria Torres, 2005, p. 9).

1. Start where the people are.
2. Recognize and build on community strengths.
3. Honor the community.
4. Foster a high level of community participation.
5. Laughter is good medicine.
6. Health education is educational- but it is also political.
7. Thou shalt not tolerate the bad “ism.”
8. Think globally, act locally.
9. Foster individual and community empowerment.
10. Work for social justice.

Thus, my first approach will be to understand the historical practices allowing them to honor the earth. Then, these Indigenous practices can be incorporated into educational programs to teach how environmental concerns relate to community health standards. For example, helping community members connect their current health conditions to their environment, such as a whopping cough. Another important aspect will be centered around the idea that “social workers can broaden the human rights discourse by including often forgotten voices” (Dibbets & Eijkman, 2018. p. 217). As I mentioned, corporations play a huge role in environmental crises, and many times, the cries of these communities go unnoticed. As a social worker from a privileged background, I can work with the communities to develop impactful ways to get attention to their situation from other NGOs, eventually leading to the creation of WASH infrastructures.

References:

Dibbets, A., & Eijkman, Q. (2018). Translators, advocates, or practitioners? Social Workers and human rights localization. Journal of Human Rights Practice, 10(2), 212–228. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhuman/huy018

Mapp, S. C. (2007). Human rights and social justice in a global perspective: An introduction to international social work. Oxford University Press, Incorporated.

Torres, M. I. (2005). Organizing, educating, and advocating for health and human rights in Vieques, Puerto Rico. American Journal of Public Health, 95(1), 9–12. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2003.025700
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Grace GroelingMarch 13, 2023 at 4:35 PM
Female genital cutting is the partial or total removal of a girl’s external genitalia for cultural or nonmedical reasons (Mapp, 2007). There are three types of genital mutilation surgery: clitoridectomy, excision, and infibulation. A clitoridectomy includes the removal of the clitoral hood and the removal of partial or all of the clitoris. An excision is the removal of the clitoral hood, clitorus, and partial or all of the labia minora. The most severe form of genital mutilation is an infibulation. This is the removal of all or part of the external genitalia with a stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening (Mapp, 2007). Genital mutilation occurs for reasons relating to chastity and the reduction of sexual pleasure. This is a violation of human rights because it takes away a woman’s right to their own sexual and reproductive health. Genital mutilation also occurs as a rite of passage in some cultures, and is even regarded as a beautifying and hygienic process, as female genitalia are often perceived as unhygenic (Mapp, 2007). It is important to recognize that culture cannot be used as a reason to allow for the oppression of women (Gallagher, 2005). While social workers recognize that it is important to not judge a culture based on our own standards of what is considered right or wrong, they also recognize that some cultural practices cause harm and should be considered unacceptable. Genital mutilation is one of those practices. Genital mutilation causes harm for women in a multitude of ways. Oftentimes, these procedures are not performed in a medical facility by medical personnel, rather they are performed by traditional practitioners using non-sterile instruments (Mapp, 2007). This is unsafe because the procedure is lacking in advanced medicine and increases the chance of infection and harm to health. Genital mutilation is also harmful in that it can lead to painful intercourse and menstration, which negatively affects the health of women (Mapp, 2007). Genital mutilation can also increase a women’s susceptibility to HIV and STDs, increses infertility and risks during childbirth, and can lead to death (Mapp, 2007). It is, therefore, evident that genital mutilation causes harm and should be considered an unacceptable practice. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights further supported the stance that genital mutilation should not be considred acceptable when they condemned violence against women and stood in alliance with the support of women’s reproductive and sexual health (Gallagher, 2005). The Vienna Declaration further supported the end of genital mutilation when it declared that violence against women is a violation of human rights (Gallagher, 2005). Genital mutilation can be seen as violence against women because it is a practice that is nonmedical and often causes harm to women’s health (Mapp, 2007). The abolition of genital mutilation is also supported through national seminars that discuss the ending of the practice of genital mutilation (Gallagher, 2005). Through these international actions it is evident that genital mutilation is considered an unacceptable practice that causes harm, therefore, social workers should also support the initiative to end this practice. (part 1)
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Grace GroelingMarch 13, 2023 at 4:35 PM
A program in West Africa called Tostan effectively supports education initiatives pertaining to genital mutilation (Kristof & WuDunn, 2010). This program works in partnership with village leaders to implement education materials that provide information on genital mutilation and the harm it causes to women. It allows for communication between villagers and experts on human rights and health issues relating to genital mutilation and the idea of consent and choice. This is important because it confronts cultural pressures by decreasing the pressure through increased access to education and increased awareness about the negative effects of genital mutilation. This program has been considered a success in that 2600 villages in West Africa have declared that they would stop genital mutilation practices (Kristof & WuDunn, 2010). Therefore, if I were air lifted into a village that was facing the problem of genital mutilation, as a global social worker, I would implement educational initiatives like Tostan to decrease genital mutilation in the village. The program would provide information pertaining to the harms that accompany genital mutilation, as this would increase awareness about the dangerousness of this procedure. These education initiatives would help to decrease cultural pressures that accompany genital mutilation, because it would allow more women to say no and have more choice in what is done to their bodies. It is important for me as a social worker to facilitate the empowerment of women through education so that they have the information that is necessary to make their own decisions about their own bodies. This program I would implement would, therefore, help to prevent harm to women facing the decision of genital mutilation and allow them to maintain their autonomy and right to their own bodies. (part 2)

References:
Gallagher, N. (2005). Amnesty International and the idea of Muslim women’s human rights.
Journal of Mideast Women’s Studies, 1, 96-107.
Kristof, N. and C. Wudun (2010). Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity
for Women Worldwide. New York: Vintage.
Mapp, Susan C. (2008). Human Rights and Social Justice in a Global Perspective : An
Introduction to International Social Work. Oxford University Press: New York.
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Natalie CrayMarch 14, 2023 at 9:56 AM
Predatory lenders generally target minorities, the poor, the elderly, and the less educated. They also exploit people who are in need for immediate money and assistance. It “imposes unfair or abusive loan terms on a borrower” (Debt). NPR interviewed author Howard Karger in 2005 on the topic of preying on low-income Americans. He explains that the customers of loan businesses are often low-income individuals who are looking for immediate extra income. The issue is that interest rates and dues associated with using these payday loans, pawn shops, and check-cashing services is that it puts these vulnerable people in even more trouble due to the immediacy of paying them back (NPR, 2005). I found little information regarding these practices in other countries, however I assume some form of preying on the poor financially is happening. As a global social worker I would take the approach of educating these at-risk individuals on the functioning of these practices, as well as work on getting them the proper resources to not need to resort to these loans in the first place. I believe that financial stability and responsibility is not taught enough in schools and in the home, and that many would benefit from this information.

Female genital mutilation refers to the “partial or total removal of the external female genitalia” (WHO, 2023), and is used when not medically necessary. One of the readings from class is titled Amnesty International and the Idea of Muslim Women’s Human Rights. This reading covers the topic of female genital mutilation and Amnesty International’s advocacy on the international movement for women’s human rights. Many organizations started calling for human rights to be women rights. “They argued that these rights included freedom from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and pregnancy, sexual slavery, and rape, and pointed out that women were far more likely than men to suffer from abuses that afflict both (Gallagher, 97). I think it is important to recognize that although we may not see this kind of abuse in the U.S., especially with the current freedoms we possess as women, these practices are still being held in other countries where women are more at risk and not seen as equals to men. I think as a global social worker a goal could be to work with the UN to create equality and protect the rights of women in countries and emphasize the lack of humanity that is involved in practices like genital mutilation.

References
Gallagher, N. (2006). Amnesty International and the Idea of Muslim Women's Human Rights. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://sakai.luc.edu/access/content/group/SOWK_654_001_1393_1232/Week%206/GallagherAIWomen_s%20Right.pdf
NPR. (2005, September 30). 'shortchanged': Preying on low-income Americans. NPR. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.npr.org/2005/09/30/4930888/shortchanged-preying-on-low-income-americans
Predatory lending: Laws & Unfair Credit Practices. Debt.org. (2022, February 23). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.debt.org/credit/predatory-lending/
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Female genital mutilation. World Health Organization. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
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Jolanda MarčiukonytėMarch 15, 2023 at 2:41 AM
According to Burson (2007), nearly 2 million girls worldwide are at risk of FGM each year, and more than 130 million girls have already experienced it. This practice has been going on for almost 2500 years. FGM often causes many serious medical problems for victims, such as infections, subsequent complications including bleeding, difficulty urinating, menstrual problems, or even childbirth, which can be life-threatening for the woman (Slack, 1988). Slack (1988) also emphasizes that FGM causes not only long-term and short-term complications, but also psychological trauma. Professional social work organizations, both internationally and in the United States, are particularly opposed to FGM. NASW adopted a position at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995 that included FGM as a discriminatory practice against girls that could affect their health and well-being (NASW, 1999). In my view, women‘s rights are more important than social or religious customs, especially when those customs violate human rights. Comprehensive (psychological, social, medical, etc.) support should be provided to every woman who has experienced FGM, and girls who have not yet experienced FGM should be protected from that.
References:
1. Burson, I. (2007). Social work and Female Genital Cutting: an ethical dilemma. Journal of Social Work Values and Ethics, 4(1), 1-14.
2. National Association of Social Workers (1999). Code of ethics. Washington, DC: NASW Press.
3. Slack, A. T. (1988). Female circumcision: A critical appraisal. Human Rights Quarterly, 10, 437-486.
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mariaMarch 15, 2023 at 10:27 AM
Me, as a global social worker, I think that, in order to eradicate the problem of female genital mutilation, different measures must be taken at each and every social level:
At the national level, new policies and laws are needed to protect the right of girls and women to live free from violence and discrimination. Governments in countries where female genital mutilation is widespread should also develop national action plans to eradicate the practice. To be effective, the plans must include budget allocations for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health, education, social and legal services.
At the regional level, we need institutions and economic communities to work together to prevent the cross-border movement of girls and women to countries with less restrictive legislation on female genital mutilation.
At the local level, religious leaders need to debunk the myth that female genital mutilation is religiously based. As social pressures often drive the practice, more information needs to be provided to individuals and families about the benefits of abandoning FGM. (UNICEF, 2019)
Due to the collective action of governments, the civil society and its communities, FGM, the numbers of women affected by this problem has decreased, but the real aim is to eliminate it.

Reference: UNICEF. (6 de febrero de 2019). Tomar medidas encaminadas a eliminar la mutilación genital femenina de aquí al 2030. Obtenido de https://www.unicef.org/es/comunicados-prensa/tomar-medidas-eliminar-la-mutilacion-genital-femenina-2030#:~:text=Para%20poner%20fin%20a%20la,y%20econ%C3%B3mico%20de%20las%20mujeres.
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Agnė ValienėMarch 15, 2023 at 12:14 PM
2.1 Money lenders have one goal - to make as much profit as possible. And it doesn't matter at all who lends money. In Lithuania, there are a lot of advertisements that give people "quick credit" or "credit without interest" and this is not true. It's just a trick to lure people. Because people have to pay back loans with high interest (now quoting 21.99% to 59.95% per annum).
To augment their incomes, a significant number of underemployed and unemployed workers in the United States have come to rely heavily on expensive forms of debt, including payday loans, pawnshops, sub-prime mortgages, and credit cards. The latter have come to play an increasingly significant role in the highly lucrative poverty financing industry in the United States (Soederberg, 2020).
Most of the moneylenders are not interested enough in the recipients of the money because their goal is to make a profit. Therefore, poor people take advantage of the fact that they can easily get loans. However, they often underestimate their ability to return them. I think it should be more strictly supervised at the State level. Money lenders must be obliged to better assess people's financial situation before granting loans. Also, every state should pay attention to improving people's financial literacy. So that people can better manage their money. Maybe it would help to avoid unnecessary loans?
And another proposal is to control the ways in which moneylenders try to recover their loans from those who do not have the money to pay them. I am attaching a video that tells the testimonies of people who have suffered from predatory money-lenders. The video reveals various, inhumane ways of trying to recover borrowed money. People are intimidated, afraid to even ask for help. „How loan sharks prey on poorest Brits“ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4R9yUBtH5o

Reference: Soederberg S. (2018). Debtfarism, predatory lending and imaginary social orders. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781315212333-22
Rosenberg R., Gonzalez A., Narain S. (2016). The new moneylenders: Are the poor being exploited by high microcredit interest rates? Moving Beyond Storytelling: Emerging Research in Microfinance, 09, 145-181. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/S1569-3759(2009)0000092008
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Goda IvaškevičienėMarch 15, 2023 at 12:38 PM
Female genital mutilation is one of the worst forms of discrimination against women and a violation of human rights. According to UNICEF (2023) , hundreds of millions of girls and women have been subjected to genital mutilation or circumcision. Some estimates put the number of mutilated women at more than 200 million. Every day, around 6,000 to 8,000 girls and women are subjected to genital mutilation. This human rights violation is most prevalent in African and Middle Eastern countries. The 28 African countries identified in the UNICEF (2020) report are Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Sudan, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Central African Republic, Yemen, Tanzania, Benin, Iraq, Ghana, Ghana, Togo, Niger, Cameroon, Uganda and Iraq. The countries with the highest number of women who have been subjected to torture are Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti and Egypt. In these countries, more than 90% of women have undergone female genital mutilation.
From my point of view as a social worker, I would first of all like to emphasise that every human being has the right to life, which is sometimes lost to women and girls through genital mutilation procedures. This right is protected and guaranteed by a wide range of legislation: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Declaration on Violence against Women and others. Article 3 of Chapter 1 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms162 states that "No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The law defines how it should be, but it is a great pity that, even in the 21st century, women are suffering pain and humiliation beyond their comprehension. Patriarchy under the guise of religion denies women the freedom to choose, to live and work as they understand and want to live. The identity of women is completely undermined and women are made to believe that they are worthless and totally dependent on men. . In my opinion, it is very important that more women like Waris Dirie come forward to share their suffering and bring it to the attention of the various human rights organisations and thus contribute to the salvation of so many women.

Refferences:
Diop, N. J., & Askew, I. (2009). The effectiveness of a community‐based education program on abandoning female genital mutilation/cutting in Senegal. Studies in family planning, 40(4), 307-318. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2009.00213.x
World Health Organization. (2011). An update on WHO's work on female genital mutilation (FGM): Progress report (No. WHO/RHR/11.18). World Health Organization. Internet access: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/70638/WHO_RHR_11.18_eng.pdf
Albert, J., & Wells, M. (2020). The Acton Model: support for women with female genital mutilation. British Journal of Midwifery, 28(10), 697-708. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2020.28.10.697
Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)). Internet access: https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.25227?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
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Megan WieheMarch 15, 2023 at 1:09 PM
As a social worker, if asked to intervene in a village where female genital mutilation is happening there are many things you would need to consider. Female genital mutilation (referred to from here on out as FGM), is a practice that comes from harmful traditions and is rooted in misogyny and the need to control women. It has been said to “purify” women and act as a rite of passage as girls age however it can be very dangerous and traumatizing. Despite this, when coming into a village as a social worker it would be important to talk to the people in the community and understand the meaning they place behind this tradition and how the people feel about it. Because even if we feel we know what is best, we are outsiders in this situation and need to be understanding and work to learn about this culture before we can make any effective change. When researching how to approach this issue, I found Puidokiene and Perttula’s article called The Healing Relationship for Women in Prostitution to be incredibly helpful and outlines a great approach. Similar to prostitution, FGM can be incredibly traumatizing and leave women feeling violated and fearful of the world around them. In this article they explained how therapeutic relationships are vital to a client's vitally important. Women struggled to leave prostitution on their own and to stand up for themselves. However with ongoing support and services they were more likely to leave and create a better life for themself and lead a happier life. I believe that women who have experienced FGM would have a similar experience. Support and education would be vital to helping the women in this village. They would likely need to be educated on why this practice is so harmful and needs to be stopped. And then they would also need ongoing services and support to break these traditions and create a new way of life where they are able to stand up for themselves and their rights. Changing traditions and going against one's culture is not easy and so as a social worker it would be important to validate however the client may feel while reassuring them that this will be best for them in the long run and will benefit their life. The FGM happening in this village means that there is likely also a long history of sexism and as a social worker it would be important to work with everyone in this village to try and advocate and fight for equal rights and fair treatment of women within this village.
References
Puidokiene, D., & Perttula, J. (2014, January). (PDF) The healing relationship for women in prostitution - researchgate. THE HEALING RELATIONSHIP FOR WOMEN IN PROSTITUTION. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276272075_THE_HEALING_RELATIONSHIP_FOR_WOMEN_IN_PROSTITUTION
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Indrė Poškaitė-DamažeckėMarch 15, 2023 at 1:31 PM
Today we have got 200 million women and girls around the world who have experienced genital mutilation. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is carried out not due to medical research purposes, but mostly due to cultural, religious and/or social reasons. This harmful practice is still being practised in some countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East and Latin America as well as among all migrant communities. Despite the fact that FGM in EU countries is treated as a criminal act in some migrants communities still there are cases that girls are being mutilated. This evel practice having either short or long term negative consequences was born before Christianity and Islam and it reflects deep-rooted gender inequalities. In 2020, MEPs has adopted a new resolution calling on the European Commission to include actions to end FGM in the EU's new Gender Equality Strategy and to provide assistance to victims.
Looking at this problem as a human rights violation more thoroughly, social worker’s role there should be considered. To my opinion, human rights should be educational and practical part of social work because social workers tasks are to eliminate people's exclusion from society, to help to reach social justice and human dignity. International social work plays not less important role because it concerns education, practical activities, research, policy and exchanges related to the reality of global processes in the field of human welfare. Social workers should no longer look at social work only at the micro level, as a facilitator, but consider the role of the social worker in relation to macro-level and structural problems. On this particular issue of gender inequality, it is important to have a transcendental approach to the definition of social work that assumes a commonality (e.g. appeals to a common humanity), which is reflected in the current idealistic statements about ethics and concern for social justice. It is in this spirit that international social workers have developed structures such as the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW).

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Indrė Poškaitė-DamažeckėMarch 15, 2023 at 1:32 PM
Social workers contribute to the interpretation of human rights, promote human rights and apply human rights in their daily work with clients. They can broaden the human rights discourse by including voices that are often overlooked, that is, social workers can make local voices heard in the international human rights framework. It can be argued that social workers play an active role in further defining and explaining what human rights mean in practice. Social workers are protecting the rights of individual clients and trying to challenge human rights problems on a larger scale. Their micro practical activity can be understood as individual case, while macro practical activity involves interventions in a whole community or system. In other words social workers may influence explaining human rights at global level also including local realities into human rights scale . Social workers should recognise and keep challenging structural human rights problems in their daily practice and activity by helping clients to claim their rights and pushing them for changes. Only working such way social workers can become significant part by achieving changes in fight for gender inequalities and combat against cruel conduct against girls.
However that social workers could be able to work at the macro level, they need to be trained how to work with communities by solving matters of inequalities. There is necessary to widen attitude that social workers are transformers and organisers of social relations. Education of social work should include not only medical and psychological models, but also to be focused more on historical, political, social, economical, legal and cultural knowledge. Community social workers should be trained about power relations, empowerment, oppression, the impact of poverty and inequality to individuals and communities, interdisciplinary collaboration, partnership building, institutional capacity building and fundraising. Students should also be actively familirised with work of NGOs working with inequalities.

References:

Dibbets, A., & Eijkman, Q. (2018). Translators, advocates or practitioners? Social workers and human rights localization. Journal of Human Rights Practice, 10(2), 212-228. Website: https://doi.org/10.1093/jhuman/huy018

Grodofsky, M. M. (2007). The contribution of law and social work to interdisciplinary community development and peace building in the middle east. Journal of Community Practice, 15(1-2), 45-65. Website: https://doi.org/10.1300/J125v15n01_03

Hugman, R., Moosa-Mitha, M., & Moyo, O. (2010). Towards a borderless social work: Reconsidering notions of international social work. International social work, 53(5), 629-643. Website: https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872810371203
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Neda LeonovienėMarch 15, 2023 at 1:49 PM
2) Ethnic conflict has been at the heart of both countries' development problems. Politicised ethnicity has been detrimental to national unity and socio-economic well-being. It is important to note that most of these ethnic conflicts were caused by colonialism, which compounded inter-ethnic conflict by capitalising on the isolation of ethnic groups. The divide-and-conquer method was used to pit ethnicities against each other, thus keeping the people from rising up against the colonisers. Distribution of economic resources was often skewed to favour a particular group, pushing marginalized groups to use their ethnicity to mobilise for equality. These are the seeds of conflict.
There are some common conflict patterns. They include:
1. The demand for ethnic and cultural autonomy,
2. Competing demands for land, money and power, and
3. Conflicts taking place between rival ethnic groups.
The conflicts in these countries are mostly between ethnic groups, not between states. The ethnic conflicts experienced today, especially in Africa, are deep rooted. These conflicts over race, religion, language and identity have become so complex that they are difficult to resolve or manage. Ethnicity has a strong influence on one's status in a community. Ethnic conflicts are therefore often caused by an attempt to secure more power or access more resources. These conflicts over race, religion, language and identity have become so complex that they are difficult to resolve or manage. Ethnicity has a strong influence on one's status in a community. Ethnic conflicts are therefore often caused by an attempt to secure more power or access more resources. The opinion of this study is that conflict in Africa is synonymous with inequality. Wherever such inequality manifests among groups, conflict is inevitable. Therefore, in critical or difficult political situations, the effectiveness of governance is dependent on its ability to address social issues and human needs. An important theory on conflict and conflict management is John Burton's (1979, 1997) human needs theory. This approach to ethnic conflict explains that ethnic groups fight because they are denied not only their biological needs, but also psychological needs that relate to growth and development. These include peoples' need for identity, security, recognition, participation, and autonomy. This theory provides a plausible explanation of ethnic conflicts in Africa, where such needs are not easily met by undemocratic regimes.
https://www.beyondintractability.org/casestudy/irobi-ethnic
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Ramunė BanevičienėMarch 15, 2023 at 2:12 PM
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Ramunė BanevičienėMarch 15, 2023 at 2:13 PM
As a global social worker, my approach to addressing the issue of predatory money-lenders preying on impoverished persons in a village would be multi-faceted, involving both short-term and long-term strategies.
One short-term strategy would be to provide immediate relief to those who are currently being exploited by money-lenders. This could involve providing emergency financial assistance, such as microloans or grants, to help people pay off their debts and break free from the cycle of debt bondage. Additionally, I would work with local organizations and community leaders to create awareness campaigns and provide education to people about their rights and how to protect themselves from predatory lending practices. In the long-term, I would focus on addressing the root causes of poverty and financial insecurity that make people vulnerable to predatory lending in the first place. This could involve working with local governments and organizations to create economic development programs that promote job creation and entrepreneurship, as well as advocating for policies that protect consumers from abusive lending practices. Overall, my approach would be based on a combination of short-term relief and long-term systemic change, with a focus on empowering individuals and communities to break free from the cycle of poverty and exploitation.

References:
The International Association Of Schools Of Social Work: Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training. https://www.iassw-aiets.org/global-standards-for-social-work-education-and-training/
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Indrė ChudobaitėMarch 15, 2023 at 2:14 PM
The problem of local predatory lenders preying on impoverished persons is a serious issue that affects many communities around the world. These lenders often charge exorbitant interest rates and fees, leading borrowers to fall deeper into debt and poverty. Here are a few strategies that can help address this problem:

Increase Access to Affordable Credit: one of the most effective ways to combat predatory lending is to increase access to affordable credit. Governments can work with financial institutions to create loan programs that offer low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms to low-income borrowers. Microfinance programs and credit unions can also provide alternatives to predatory lenders.

Regulate the Industry: governments can also regulate the lending industry to protect consumers from predatory practices. This can include imposing interest rate caps, requiring lenders to disclose all fees and charges upfront, and enforcing penalties for lenders who violate consumer protection laws.

Raise Awareness: educating borrowers about the risks of predatory lending and the availability of alternative options can help reduce demand for these lenders. Non-profit organizations, community groups, and financial institutions can all play a role in raising awareness about the dangers of predatory lending.

Empower Borrowers: empowering borrowers with financial literacy and management skills can also help prevent them from falling prey to predatory lenders. Providing education and training programs on budgeting, saving, and debt management can help borrowers make informed financial decisions and avoid predatory loans.

References:

The National Consumer Law Center: Predatory Lending
https://www.nclc.org/issues/predatory-lending.html

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: What is Predatory Lending?
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-predatory-lending-en-102/

World Bank: Fighting Predatory Lending in the Digital Age
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/financialinclusion/brief/fighting-predatory-lending-in-the-digital-age
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Aistė ViplentienėMarch 15, 2023 at 2:17 PM
Female genital mutilation violates women's and girls' rights to life and health because of its high risk, to safety, to bodily integrity, to be free from torture, to be free from inhuman and coercive treatment.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) defined female genital mutilation (FGM) in 1997 as the partial or total removal of a woman's external genital organs, or the mutilation of a woman's genital organs, for reasons that are not related to medical issues.
Women are deceived into believing that it is a religious requirement, but in fact there is no religious requirement for female circumcision in the Quran or in the words of the Prophet. FGM violates women's and girls' rights to life and health, because it is very risky, to safety, to bodily integrity, to be free from torture, to be free from inhumane and coercive treatment.
The United Nations (UN) has decided to mark 6 February as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

References:
United Nations. Internet access: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation.
„Moterų lytinių organų žalojimas – jau seniai aktualus Lietuvoje“ Internet access: https://www.lygus.lt/moteru-lytiniu-organu-zalojimas-jau-seniai-aktualus-lietuvoje/
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Virginija MatulaitytėMarch 15, 2023 at 3:52 PM
In my opinion, the problem I would solve first would be “Deforestation and environmental contamination endangering citizen's health, livelihoods, and safety” due to rising inter-regional social work as it is one of the concerns that is sensitive local characteristics (Ahmadi, 2003). It is known as a huge problem in the modern world and humanity, so that it is important to notice some of the reasons why. For instance, when humans destroy their forest habitats, animals and insects seek shelter in the populous villages surrounding forests, which creates an environment where animals can spread pathogens to humans which cause illnesses known as zoonotic diseases, such as malaria and etc. Another reason is food insecurity which is caused by companies cut down forests, these communities lose resources to cultivate the food they need to survive. Last but not least reason is that deforestation makes world’s Indigenous populations suffer by displacing entire communities (Humane League, 2022). Trying to solve this problem it is important to notify that in European parliament in the Amendment 1, Proposal for a regulation, Recital 1, underlined that “Deforestation, forest degradation and forest conversion also increase contacts between wild animals, farmed animals and humans, thereby increasing the likelihood of new diseases spreading and the risks of new epidemics and pandemics“ (European Parliament, 2022). Personally, I think it’s important to take care of this situation because it affects environment in the whole world and our most importantly our health. As a social worker the main goal is to convey this message to the society and especially people we are working with so they would be aware how it can affect them if they do not do anything.
References:
Ahmadi, Nader. (2003). Globalisation of consciousness and new challenges for international social work. International Social Welfare, 12, 21.
The Humane League. (n.d.) Effects of deforestation on humans and the environment. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://thehumaneleague.org/article/effects-of-deforestation
European Parliament. (2022), Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 13 September 2022 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on making available on the Union market as well as export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 (COM(2021)0706 – C9-0430/2021 – 2021/0366(COD))(1). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2022-0311_EN.html
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Joanta VėžauskaitėMarch 15, 2023 at 4:29 PM
As a global social worker, it is essential to emphasize the harmful nature of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and its practice as a human rights violation. Girls who undergo this harmful practice can suffer long-term physical, psychological and sexual consequences. International Human Rights Law prohibits all forms of FGM and any efforts to continue it. It is not just a degrading treatment or torture, but also invoking traditional values to endorse its elimination. FGM is seen as a form of discrimination against women, which is considered inhuman and contrary to their fundamental rights. The UN Human Rights Council has raised similar concerns in its concluding observations on some countries that have not fulfilled their obligations under international human rights law to prohibit FGM. The United Nations urges all countries that have not done so yet, to take urgent measures in accordance with international human rights law to ensure the elimination of such practices and encourage the development of culturally sensitive interventions for the prevention of such practices. This includes measures such as public education campaigns about their harmful effects, strengthening school-based programmes that provide information about sexual health and reproductive rights, implementing laws prohibiting FGM or raising awareness among religious leaders about its inhuman character. Countries should also increase their efforts in order to protect girls at risk from this form of torture by providing them with resources such as medical care and counseling services after they are subjected to FGM.

References:

United Nations. Retrieved from: https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2021/07/female-genital-mutilation-can-be-stopped-says-hc
Reproductive Health. Retrieved from: https://reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12978-017-0322-5
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MalienaMarch 15, 2023 at 8:53 PM
Deforestation and Environmental Contamination:
As a global social worker addressing Environmental injustice, I would use community collaboration with a macro lens on a local level to provide interventions and corresponding interventions with communities within the area. Deforestation is the loss of trees, vegetation, social erosion, flooding, increased greenhouse gasses, and a loss of habitat as deforestation occurs mainly in locations of Indigenous people and tribes. Programs such as the Pachamama Alliance in the Amazon rainforest are working to bring environmental sustainability, justice, and human rights in areas of deforestation. According to National Geographic over 17% of the Amazon Rainforest has been destroyed in the last 50 years mainly due to agriculture and this rate has risen to almost 21% since conservation reports in 2020(2020). Commonly agriculture is responsible for 80% of deforestation for cattle ranching as the population has risen over the last 50 yrs. Due to this Indigenousness habitats are deconstructed and tribes are left without housing. The World Wildlife Foundation also works with individuals experiencing deforestation using place-based conservation and creating and managing these conservation areas appropriately through sustainable infrastructure.
According to national geographic, “An estimated 60 percent of emerging infectious diseases come from animals, and a major cause of viruses’ jump from wildlife to humans is habitat loss, often through deforestation.” Meaning that those who live within these forests are likely to become victims of illness due to deforestation at a disproportionate rate and lack of equality in regard to human rights. Bearing this in mind, I believe having local environmental justice activists of indigenous communities and global environmental justice activists would be able to come together to create achievable goals in regard to deforestation within their surrounding communities. By forming a group of local and global activists within communities experiencing deforestation, campaigns for conservation against illegal logging and farming can be implemented. Incorporating leaders of various cultural backgrounds provides global social workers with a diverse perspective when finding ways to implement change. Local community activists can work with individuals in their villages to help educate ways to prevent deforestation and protect themselves from environmental poaching. Global environmental activists can come together to promote policy change and sustainable implementation of forest conservation at a national level, creating alliances with larger infrastructure. By addressing the issue at a local and global level through a macro lens, activists and social workers may be able to address deforestation on a human rights level. Thus proving environmental justice is a human right.
References:
Effects of deforestation. The Pachamama Alliance. (2022). Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://pachamama.org/effects-of-deforestation#:~:text=The%20loss%20of%20trees%20and,of%20problems%20for%20Indigenous%20people.
Nunez, C. (2022, December 7). Deforestation and its effect on the planet. Environment. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/deforestation
World Wildlife Fund. (2019). Deforestation and forest degradation. WWF. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation-and-forest-degradation#:~:text=Deforestation%20and%20forest%20degradation%20are,frequency%20of%20extreme%20weather%20events.
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SydneyMarch 15, 2023 at 9:23 PM
Deforestation and environmental contamination can severely endanger others' lives. Dibbets writes that global social workers can use “human rights as a moral compass in daily practice”(Dibbets & Eijkman, 2018). This brings the heart of global social work to the forefront. If people are at risk, then it is a part of our moral compass to advocate for the deforestation and contamination to stop. This could look like a number of things, but a social action campaign could be vitally important here. Dibbets and Eijkman speak on partnering with others, whether that be “community workers, a local human rights action group, the local government, etc.”(Dibbets & Eijkman, 2018) This would be my approach, to partner with others in the community to stop the deforestation, or at least contain it in a way. Health and wellness is a basic human right that needs to be protected.
Resources:
Dibbets, A., & Eijkman, Q. (2018). Translators, advocates or practitioners? Social Workers and human rights localization. Journal of Human Rights Practice, 10(2), 212–228. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhuman/huy018
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Katie Fisher M.March 15, 2023 at 9:28 PM

If I were to be airlifted into a village with an issue of deforestation and environmental contamination endangering citizen's health, livelihoods, and safety, my first step would be to listen and learn. As social workers, especially global social workers, we must first and foremost be humble in our work. We must realize that our clients are the experts in their own lives and situations. Then, I would begin to talk with local people, and figure out how the issue of deforestation and environmental contamination is affecting them. What are their concerns? I then would ask what is currently being done to combat the problem on a local level. I believe one of the worst things a social worker can do is presume that a person has not done anything to try to change their circumstances. I would also ask them what they think is the best way to handle this issue. Again, locals are the experts in their own lives, so I would take my direction from them. It would be important to get input from the entire community, so that one voice is not heard over others. As Dibbets & Eijkman (2018) stress, we must work towards human rights as social workers, and that often means lifting up the voices of those who lack power, without speaking for them. Then, I would help take action to the best of my ability. A wonderful example of a community taking on an environmental issue is the Mebêngôkre Kayapó, a group of indigenous people in Brazil that have been monitoring the mercury levels of the fish in their rivers, caused by mining nearby, by partnering with researchers and a lab (Langlois, 2022). They are able to do this through funding from FUNBIO's Kayapó Fund, Conservation International and the International Conservation Fund of Canada. They monitor these fish by sending samples to the lab and documenting pictures of the fish through WhatsApp groups. To me, this is an example of how social workers can facilitate connections, but take a step back and let local people lead.

Dibbets, A. and Q. Eijkman (2018). "Translators, Advocates or Practitioners? Social Workers and Human Rights Localization." Journal of Human Rights Practice, 10(2), 212-228.

Langlois, J. (2022, December 31). Is there mercury in the fish we eat? Amazonians tap WhatsApp to find out. NPR.
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/12/31/1143216658/is-there-mercury-in-the-fish-we-eat-amazonians-tap-whatsapp-to-find-out
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VanessaMarch 15, 2023 at 9:34 PM
Midterm Question #2

If I were air-lifted into a village that had an issue with predatory moneylenders preying on impoverished persons, I would implement programs to be able to provide them with financial literacy. This would idealistically be able to provide people in the village with enough education to be able to assess the consequences of working with predatory moneylenders. They could learn to better manage their own finances so that they may not have to depend so much on borrowing money from others. I understand that financial literacy may not necessarily provide a resolution for financial insecurity so I would attempt to find a way in which the village can collect funding for its people. This could be through fundraising, implementing free programs of entrepreneurship, and implementing an ethical banking system that helps loan money to people in the village that would help support them in a way that does not force them into long-term debt. I would utilize methods from the Grameen Bank and Kashf Foundation; however, I would like to do without charging interest. I would use their principles of empowering others and giving people the opportunity to succeed without the fear of being in debt to a person or organization while also continuing to provide them with financial literacy education simultaneously. If possible, I would like to implement a forgiveness program for those who may not be able to pay back their loan fully.

Resources:

Muhammad Yunus, The Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 2006. Grameen Bank. See also: http://www.grameen-info.org/ (Week 4)

Roshaneh Zafar of Pakistan: TEDxKarachi - Roshaneh Zafar - Kashf Foundation
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liz mayMarch 15, 2023 at 10:01 PM
I will be focusing my answer on problem number 1, the predatory money-lenders praying on impoverished persons. Pulling from the reading ‘To count for nothing’ - Poverty beyond the statistics” I would first start at the source of the issue: the programmes that aid those who are impoverished. A counter-narrative to combat this issue is “through the recognition of the agency of people living in poverty; of their capacity to act, which challenges the characterisation of ‘the poor’ as passive objects be it in the benign form of the helpless victim or the malign spectre of the lazy, work-shy welfare-dependant languishing on benefit. That said, a number of words of caution are in order.” In other words, this means that the money-lenders are viewing those who need assistance with the struggles of poverty, they’re looked at as if they’re the problem. They’re viewed as the reason why they’re struggling rather than the large-scale problems being viewed as the leading factor in the village’s poverty. The term “getting by” is often overlooked and not taken as seriously as it should be. It invalidates the immense amount of struggle and unequal resources for those in poverty. My approach would be to get rid of the negative viewpoint on those in poverty and help them because they’re victims of the village’s inability to provide jobs and resources for all. I would work closely with the village to eliminate these gaps in poverty and set up programs that would allow people to get the resources they need without increasing the rates of poverty.
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Viktorija SergejevaitėMarch 16, 2023 at 12:17 AM
Predatory money landing is a big issue in my working field. Many people who live in poverty had hooked up on these “good deal” fantasies. A lot of people I worked with are in debt because they get stuck in this vicious circle of borrowing money. First, they get short-term, high-interest loan thinking that they would be able to pay it back, after they couldn’t manage to do that they borrow again, bigger amount of money to cover the first loan and living expenses. Also often women get tricked by men. Women were taking a loan for them which they promise to pay back, of course, they usually disappear from their lives and left them to pay their debt. The main issue is that it becomes very easy to get a short-term loan because people don’t have to prove that they have a source of income and be able to pay a loan back. The victims of predatory money landing are usually unemployed, uneducated, often borrowing to cover regular recurring expenses or unexpected expenses (Sugata, 2019).
As a global social worker I’ll teach economic literacy, budget planning, second thing I’ll inform people about what support they can get from state. For example, in Lithuania people with low income can apply to get social benefits, bigger child supports money, rent and utilities bill compensation, food support there are a lot of charities which can provide people with furniture, clothes, hygiene products. Lastly, I’ll spread awareness about short-term, high-interest loan traps.

References:

Sugata, M. C. (2019). Title lending as a predatory practice: Subprime populations and financial violence. Sociology Compass, e12703. doi:10.1111/soc4.12703
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Vaida PuniškėMarch 16, 2023 at 1:35 AM
As a global social worker, my approach of this whole story is first and foremost as a violation of human rights. Inequality against women and girls by circumcising their genitals, without a choice in the matter, is violence that damages the physical and mental health of young women and is a violation of human rights. Constant disagreements between members of different ethnic groups foster tension and discord. Insecure housing, income and food. Leadership intervention and new laws to protect human rights are needed. Increasing education and access to it for children are more important. Gender equality, improving the health system. Educating women and communities about rights and freedom of choice. The ability to protect oneself from all forms of harm and violence. Major assistance is needed from ethnic leaders, government, social workers and intervention by international organisations to help resolve conflicts and overcome poverty.

References
UNICEF. Female genital mutilation [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2021 Dec 13]. https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation.
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Neda LeonovienėMarch 16, 2023 at 3:06 AM
Hi, Sydney
Ecological problems are multifaceted and occur in all regions of our planet. In addition to deforestation and environmental pollution, we can also add ocean pollution, the greenhouse effect due to human fault. These are global problems that undoubtedly affect our environment and health and require urgent changes. Change in thinking and actions! Cities are expanding a lot, consumption is increasing, and the living nature of the Earth is disapppearing. We have to realize that it affects each of us, we have to start changing from ourselves, from the smallest things.
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Daniela GarciaMarch 16, 2023 at 5:27 AM
As a global social worker, my approach to addressing the problem of deforestation and environmental contamination endangering citizen's health, livelihoods, and safety would involve collaboration with local communities, advocacy for environmental regulations and policies, and working towards sustainable development.

Healy and Thomas (2020) highlight the importance of community-based approaches in international social work, which involve working alongside community members to understand their needs, strengths, and resources. In the case of deforestation and environmental contamination, it is crucial to engage with local communities to understand how these issues are affecting their health, livelihoods, and safety. This would involve conducting community needs assessments, listening to community members' concerns, and involving them in the decision-making process.

Furthermore, Mapp (2008) emphasizes the importance of promoting human rights and social justice in global social work. This means that social workers should advocate for environmental policies and regulations that protect the health and well-being of communities. Social workers can work with local organizations, advocacy groups, and policymakers to push for changes that promote sustainable development and protect the environment.

In addition, it is essential to work towards sustainable development, which involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This requires a long-term perspective and a focus on balancing economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Social workers can work with communities and organizations to promote sustainable development practices, such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.

In conclusion, addressing the problem of deforestation and environmental contamination requires a collaborative approach that involves working with local communities, advocating for environmental policies and regulations, and promoting sustainable development. Global social workers have an important role to play in addressing these complex issues and promoting environmental justice.

References:

Healy, Lynn M. and Rebecca Thomas. (2020). International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2008 edition available at Loyola ebooks online, 2020 edition on order by library:

https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.flagship.luc.edu/lib/luc/detail.action?docID=430927&pq-origsite=primo

Mapp, Susan C. (2008). Human Rights and Social Justice in a Global Perspective : An Introduction to International Social Work. Oxford University Press: New York.

Available in electronic books online at: https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.flagship.luc.edu/lib/luc/detail.action?pq-origsite=primo&docID=415421
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Airida Biliūtė - KaciucevičėMarch 16, 2023 at 5:45 AM
Deforestation and environmental contamination are one of the most serious and difficult challenges in the history of modern humanity that we have faced. In my opinion, this is because in order to overcome these challenges, the whole world needs to work together, which is very difficult to ensure when there are so many people in the world with so many different mindsets. However, millions of people suffer from the consequences of environmental contamination - contaminated drinking water, sanitation, hygiene. And those suffering people are the poorest inhabitants of the planet, so the contribution of all of us, especially those who lives a fulfilling life, to the solution of this problem is extremely important. Not only ordinary people of the world must unite, but also specialists in their fields - environmentalists, social workers, businessmen, public figures and etc.
The aspiration of social workers to ensure human rights, social justice, help a person fit into his social environment and create well-being is inseparable from environmental justice, after all, it is impossible to imagine human well-being without clean water, fresh air or connection with nature. The human right to live in a clean natural environment is inseparable from his right to life and health. Social work in the community, which creates positive connections between different physical, social, economic and cultural contexts, directly contributes to the creation of an environment that is favorable to people and ensures their well-being. After all, caring for one another, as a natural component of human survival and one of the core values of social work, cannot be complete without caring for the world around us. Thus, the environmental aspect of social work is important in that, by promoting adherence to the ideas of social justice and human rights, it seeks to reduce social inequality by changing the entrenched models of neoliberal socioeconomic development, which lead to environmental degradation, the impact of which is primarily felt by the poorest and most vulnerable groups of society.
As a global social worker on my own, I do not have much power to change deforestation and environmental contamination on a global level, because in my opinion, that is what established organizations should and are doing. However, what I can do as a global social worker is to try to help people who are facing the consequences of deforestation and environmental contamination to survive and help them as much as possible to ensure their natural rights to life. If I was air-lifted into a village where deforestation and environmental contamination endangering citizen's health, livelihoods, and safety, I would try to help on two levels:
1. Global level. As we know, people who face the concequences of deforestation and environmental contimination are usually not the source of the problem. So, I would try to be a representative of the community in global level, I would fight for the people of the community, to ensure measures guaranteeing people's safety and health.
2. Village level. First of all, I would listen and assess what problems the community is facing. Then, considering the problems, I would help people get protective equipment (masks, water filters, hygiene products).
References:
1. Rimkus, V. (2022). ŽALIOJI PASAULĖŽIŪRA IR APLINKOSAUGINĖS ŽMOGAUS TEISĖS KAIP SOCIALINIO DARBO GALIMYBĖS KURTI TVARIĄ APLINKĄ. Tiltai, 85(2), 46-63. doi:10.15181/tbb.v85i2.2190
2. https://www.who.int/news/item/14-12-2022-accelerated-action-needed-to-ensure-safe-drinking-water--sanitation-and-hygiene-for-all
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Allyson BayneMarch 16, 2023 at 6:13 AM
Question#2: Female genitalia mutilation is an unlawful heinous act that happens to young girls and women alike around the world. “The World Health Organization estimates about 200 million women globally have undergone FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external genitalia” (Goldsmith, 2019). These is a prominent issue within these six specific countries; “Chad, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan - do not criminalize FGM, which world leaders pledged to end under a set of global goals agreed in 2015” (Goldsmith, 2019). It is virtually important when working with these young girls and women who are victims of female genitalia mutilation to educate them on the detriment it can pose not only physically to their bodies but also mentally as well. Bring community leaders into the conversion, in addition to new laws in place, that provide evidence of harm this procedure can have on individuals it is carried out on. In addition to educating the leaders, the women themselves need to be educated of their own rights and freedoms.
Works Cited:
Goldsmith, Belinda. “Village by Village, the Quest to Stop Female Genital Cutting in Somaliland.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 29 Aug. 2019, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-somaliland-women-fgm/village-by-village-the-quest-to-stop-female-genital-cutting-in-somaliland-idUSKCN1VJ0C8.
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NataliaMarch 16, 2023 at 6:50 AM
2. If I were air-lifted into a village with deforestation and environmental contamination endangering
citizen’s health, livelihoods, and safe; this would be my approach as a global social worker.
On the one hand, deforestation has terrible consequences for the environment because forests
provide home to hundreds and hundreds of wild animal and plant species that can’t live in a
different ecosystem. What is more, forests capture greenhouse gas emissions making the earth
liveable for humans, animals and every living being on earth. When we destroy forests, the vital
protection they provide against soil erosion, natural disasters and climate change disappears,
making our planet little by little a hostile place to live in. Besides, forests are an essential resource
for food and clean water for many people, specifically those living in the surroundings of a forest.
Deforestation damage humans health and the planet and we shouldn’t take this problem for
granted.
On the other hand, Pollution’s most harmful impacts on human health are typically borne by the
most vulnerable groups. These include children, who can suffer serious long-term harm on their
development, people with medical conditions and disabilities, older people, and those living in
poorer socio-economic conditions (Brussels, 12.5.2021 European Comission). Pollution is one of
the main causes of biodiversity loss and it is the principal cause of cancer, ischaemic heart
disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which are the most worldwide extended
diseases and the principal causes of death today, with nearly 92% of pollution-related deaths
(Brussels, 12.5.2021 European Comission)
It is recognised as a right of citizens to live in a healthy environment but a great percentage of
deaths are cause due to “environmental risks” like air pollution, deforestation, water
contamination and chemical exposure. This happens because the destruction of wild spaces
facilitates de emergence of zoonotic diseases; pollution reduces the quality of health, lowers life
expectancy and threatens billions worldwide; biodiversity loss compromises the nutritional value
of food and reduces the scope and efficacy of medicines; and finally, climate change introduces
additional risks to health and safety (UNEP 13 APR 2021).
My objective in this situation will be to improve the quality of life of citizens while decreasing the
deforestation and environmental contamination problem. It is known that economic progress and
pollution reduction can go together because, between 2000 and 2017, the EU's GDP grew by
32% while emissions of the main air pollutants decreased by 10% (ammonia, mainly from
agriculture) to 70% (sulphur oxides, mainly from industrial production) (UNEP 13 APR 2021). And
the same happens with economic progress and deforestation reduction. From my point of view, it
would make no sense to force citizens to live in such an unhealthy and dangerous situation for the
only reason of a poor resource management. As a social worker, it is my work to defend people
rights and in this situation I will opposed to continue with this activities and I will suggest an
alternative plan for restoring the social well-being. I will also suggest some action plans like
reforestation, the recovery of the ecosystem and its diversity, air purification and to supply citizens
with proper elements to protect themselves from pollution, like masks and water purifiers, until the
levels of pollution reached values that would not be harmful to life anymore.
1. https://thehumaneleague.org/article/effects-of-deforestation
2. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/six-reasons-why-healthy-environment-shouldbe-human-right
3. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0400&from=EN
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DelaneyMarch 16, 2023 at 10:09 PM
In the fall of 1995, the Amnesty International (AI) biennial international council voted to expand human rights education to include the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), globally (Gallagher, 101). With this vote it was decided that there would be education on the harmful effects of FGM while urging global governments to abolish it, thus upholding human rights (Gallagher, 102). When attempting to eradicate an aspect of abuse and violence toward women such as FGM, it is exceedingly important to acknowledge the other serious acts of abuse that women face in these communities, because it certainly does not stop at FGM. Without acknowledging and attempting to combat all of these abuses, women’s rights are not examined as they should be, encapsulating all human rights violations that these women face every day as it continues to endanger their other aspects of life.
Considering cultural relativism, however, combatting an issue such as FGM can be quite difficult, as it has deep roots in culture and tradition—albeit a culture that perpetuates “systematic discrimination against women and girls” (Gallagher, 104). When taking the implications of cultural tradition into account, women too can support their own FGM and feel that it is something of a “right of passage,” even though to people from the West it is often viewed as a confiscation of womanhood. While FGM is an issue that often times perpetuates abuse against women, mostly by leading to dangerous health effects, it is also a tradition deeply instilled in culture, that cannot simply be removed overnight or even with the introduction of protective policy. Similar to AI’s first initiative against FGM, education is integral, as many of these women and even the people carrying out FGM do not necessarily understand its implications (from the Western perspective) and especially the harm that it can cause.
As a global social worker, I would do my best to abandon my own cultural biases, and listen to the women who experience FGM and discuss their beliefs on the issue. This is integral to offering international support as a social worker in global communities due to the implications and history of colonialism and imperialism, thus coming into communities and attempting change will not always be trusted or welcome, which is a completely valid response (Hugman et al., 634). It is up to us as social workers not to enact any semblance of “white saviorism” in communities, and to truly listen and support in areas where they are truly struggling and need outside assistance. Theres is an interdependent relationship of the global and local that the social worker must consider when participating in international social work, including taking cultural values into account (Hugman et al., 635). This is a great example of how globalization effects people and places differently, and greatly instills a power dynamic between the social worker and the international community they attempt to serve.
As Gallagher states in her conclusion, while FGM is classified as a human rights violation by AI, this tradition is a “long-standing [custom] not done out of malice or intent to commit a crime” (Gallagher, 105). In my own conclusion, I would make sure not to disrespect this tradition, while also finding a way to protect these women and have an open discussion on the nuances of this practice’s classification as a violation to human rights. As stated earlier, I think focusing on this issue alone as a means to protect women in the communities that practice FGM is harmful in itself, as it ignores every other violently endured belief and practice that these women are subject to, which perpetuates the harmfulness of traditions such as FGM. With this, if abolition is not possible, it would be essential to introduce harm reductive methods to allow this practice to continue in a way that coincides with culture and tradition, while also putting women’s health and well-being at the absolute forefront.
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Professor Katherine Tyson McCreaMarch 17, 2023 at 6:39 PM
by Riley Lewers Part 1
For the purposes of this question, I am going to assume that I am being airlifted into an indigenous community in Latin America that is experiencing the problem of deforestation and environmental contamination, which is endangering their health, livelihoods, and safety.

Globally, more than 15 million trees are cut down each year, which is troubling considering that forests play a vital role in housing animal and plant biodiversity, as well as absorbing excess carbon dioxide produced by human activities, which drives climate change (The Human League, 2021). This impacts the health and safety of humans, animals, and the environment, and can lead to dire consequences. Deforestation is largely driven by human activity and demands, with animal agriculture, livestock ranching, growing animal feed, palm oil, illegal logging, mining, paper milling, urbanization, forest fires, and the desertification of land caused by over cultivation and draught (The Human League, 2021). Relatedly, humans also drive environmental contamination via pollution, from both individual human activities, such as littering and over-dependence on fossil fuels, and larger global forces, such as industrialization, urbanization, and improper waste disposal (The World Bank, 2023). Globally, environmental pollution exacerbates climate change, hinders development, drives disease and premature death, and costs countries around the globe trillions of dollars every year (The World Bank, 2023).

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Professor Katherine Tyson McCreaMarch 17, 2023 at 6:40 PM
by Riley Lewers Part 2
These impacts are particularly dire for indigenous peoples, whose livelihood and spirituality are deeply tied to their ancestral lands. Indigenous peoples worldwide regularly face removal from their lands in order to accommodate extractive industries such as logging and mining operations, and are often resettled on lands that are not arable or threatened by climate change (United Nations, 2023). Few countries protect indigenous peoples land, and many more routinely violate treaties that are intended to safeguard indigenous land rights (United Nations, 2023). For indigenous communities, this is particularly concerning as many rely on the environment spiritually and for the resources it provides; indigenous communities social and economic development is threatened by deforestation, climate change, and forced resettlement, and “causes the loss of traditional knowledge, disintegrating traditional governance structures and their cultures” (United Nations, 2023). Further, indigenous communities face a number of obstacles in addressing violations of their rights, land, and resources, including: 1) discrimination and marginalization; 2) lack of rights to land and natural and productive resources; 3) denial and lack of access to justice; 4) violations of cultural rights; 5) denial of the rights to legal recognition, political representation, and participation; 6) lack of access to basic social services; 7) denial of the right to existence and self-development; 8) violence against indigenous individuals and communities, including the rape of indigenous women; and, 9) multiple-impact land conflicts arising from development and conservation projects that fail to take into account the rights and interests of indigenous peoples (United Nations, 2023).
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Professor Katherine Tyson McCreaMarch 17, 2023 at 6:40 PM
by Riley Lewers Part 3

As a global social worker dropped into this setting, my first priority would be to work toward sustainable, equitable development utilizing the theory of social development. Social development, as defined by Healey and Thomas (2001), is a theory of development that “includes ideas of participation, institution building, and distributive justice” (57). This approach to development is particularly relevant for indigenous communities, as they have historically been excluded from participation in government and decisions pertaining to their land, which prevents them from exercising their own rights to self-determination and sovereignty. Second, as a global social worker, I would be sure to incorporate cultural humility into any strategy adopted, in particular taking being cognizant of the fact that my definition of self-determination and well-being may be drastically different from their own, which could alter how success is defined. For example, Ewault and Mokuau (1995) note that self-determination in a Pacific context is more heavily connected to collectivist cultural norms that prioritize family and community than Western cultural definitions, which tend to be more individualistic. Relatedly, as Bonta notes, being aware that my view of developmental outcomes and success are influenced by my having been raised in an individualistic and competitive society, whereas many indigenous communities prioritize collectivism and cooperation (1997). Third, and perhaps most importantly, as a global social worker I would push for state recognition and protection of indigenous rights and land, for without formal recognition and protection of their human rights, all other work would be fragile and in danger of future violation. In sum, I would work to ensure that the human rights of indigenous peoples in the community are recognized and protected, utilize a social development theoretical approach that prioritizes participation and distributive justice, and work to ensure that I adopt an approach infused with cultural humility that elevates indigenous peoples leadership, knowledge, and values in all solutions.

Works Cited:
1. Healey, L. M. & Thomas, R. (2001). International social work: Professional action in an interdependent world. 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press.
2. The Human League. (2021, September 20). Effects of deforestation on humans and the environment. https://thehumaneleague.org/article/effects-of-deforestation
3. United Nations. (2023). Environment. Department of Economic and Social Affairs: Indigenous Peoples. https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/mandated-areas1/environment.html
4. The World Bank. (2023). Pollution. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/pollution
5. Bonta, B. (1997). Cooperation and competition in peaceful societies. Psychological Bulletin, 121, 299-320.
6. Ewalt, P. & Mokuau, N. (1995). Self-determination from a Pacific perspective. Social Work, 40(2), 168-175.
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Dovile SongailaiteMarch 20, 2023 at 5:04 AM
As a global social worker, my approach to addressing deforestation and environmental contamination in a village would involve the following steps:
1. Needs assessment: The first step would be to conduct a needs assessment to determine the scope and extent of the problem. This would involve talking to community members, assessing the impact of deforestation and contamination on the environment, and understanding how it is affecting the community's health, livelihoods, and safety.
2. Stakeholder engagement: Once the needs assessment is completed, the next step would be to engage with stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, NGOs, and other relevant groups. This would help to build relationships and establish trust, as well as gain a better understanding of the local context and cultural norms.
3. Capacity building: Capacity building would involve working with community members and local organizations to develop their skills and knowledge in environmental conservation and protection. This would include providing training on sustainable land use practices, waste management, and other relevant skills.
4. Advocacy and policy change: Another important aspect of addressing deforestation and environmental contamination is advocacy and policy change. This would involve working with local and national governments to enact policies and regulations that protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
5. Implementation of interventions: Based on the needs assessment and stakeholder engagement, specific interventions would be identified and implemented to address deforestation and environmental contamination. These could include reforestation initiatives, waste management programs, and other sustainable development projects.
6. Monitoring and evaluation: Finally, it would be important to monitor and evaluate the impact of the interventions on the community and the environment. This would involve tracking changes in the environment, measuring improvements in community health and livelihoods, and making adjustments to the interventions as needed.
Overall, my approach to addressing deforestation and environmental contamination in a village would be a collaborative, community-driven effort that focuses on capacity building, advocacy, and sustainable development. By working together with stakeholders, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for the community and the environment.
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Vaida IvaniukaiteMarch 23, 2023 at 5:12 AM
Predatory money-lenders preying on impoverished persons is a sad reality in many countries and different forms. The main goal as a social worker would be to make people in poverty feel trusted, respected and heard. The main thing to change is that people in poverty would be treated as knowledgeable, that outsiders should be expected to learn and listen. By empowering impoverished persons we can achieve that they would look for other options than lending money within unreasonable terms.

I loved the initiative of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh when free loans and entrepreneurship was implemented. I like the saying that it is better to give not the fish but the fishing rod. So by teaching entrepreneurship and with support from others, we can empower people in poverty to think of legal ways to earn money. Special entrepreneurship programs, business loans and mentorship it is possible to give hope that other ways to have money are possible.

Lister, R. (2015). "‘To count for nothing’: Poverty beyond the statistics." Journal of the British Academy 3: 139-165.
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Viktorija SergejevaitėMarch 23, 2023 at 6:00 AM
Hi Edvinas, I like your view on this complex problem. It's not just all about money but money brings opportunities. It's people's need to be included in society and to reach this people are determined to do anything. It's more difficult to participate in society for people from poorer backgrounds because without money you have less opportunities. I think the state should provide at least an equal start for everyone. I mean education for kids should be free including workbooks, stationery, uniforms, school trips, lunches, this will ensure equal opportunities for all kids and will help to provide an exclusion from a young age.
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Valeria DelgadoMarch 30, 2023 at 1:13 PM
After being air-lifted into a village with an escalating strife between two ethnic groups the first thing I would do is communicate with any organizations that are already working towards this issue. Ithink realizing the work that is already being done is more productive in solving the issue because it would give you a headstart. I would make contact with both ethnic groups independently and understand their frustrations and what is the root problem they have for one another. If I saw that their issue with one another is the simple fact that they are different I would start workshops. I would attempt to have one group be open to the idea of learning about the other group’s way of living and their values. I know this is challenging but I believe connecting with leaders in that village and government officials would help immensely and a base of workshops can be achieved. I think back to the example we saw in class about the children dancing and I could implement that idea or some variation of that. It would be a good way for the ethnic groups to see each other in a more humane way. Although it could cause tension with the adults From there I would host workshops where the two groups can talk and form team building activities. I think that would be a good place to start. Dr. Grodofsky thinks similarly as he states, “The combined effect of human rights advocacy, civic engagement, and the structuring and building of community work to reduce inequality and promote civil society” The combination of contacting government officials and engaging civilians has the potential to promote peace between two ethnic groups.

References:
Grodofsky, Merav Moshe. (2007). The Contribution of Law and Social Work to
Interdisciplinary Community Development and Peace Building in the Middle East. Journal of Community Practice, 15, 45-65.
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Friday, March 3, 2023

2023 Midterm Question #2

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