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An Interactive Research Study on For-Profit Microfinance and its Continued Social Impact
Get PDFThough the world is changing rapidly, the problem of poverty and the push for human development have been debated for as long as anyone can remember. Outdated strategies for human development are not sustainable in this new globalized world. The relatively young and growing field of microfinance is hoping to be the answer for sustainable human development and poverty elimination. This study analyzes the impact of microfinance on human development through two major questions. Firstly, to what extent and in what ways can microfinance impact the poor? This research question is multifaceted and will seek to address some of the major criticisms of the microfinance field. Next, has the expansion of the field into for-profit models of microfinance impacted the original goals of microfinance or the ability for these goals to be realized? In other words, is it possible for profit seeking companies to remain accountable and true to the social development objective of the field? The data from this study consists of information from interactive research. The research supports the diversification of the field of microfinance has had a largely positive impact, though it has hurt the public opinion of the field. In regards to impact on human development the research shows first and foremost it is difficult to measure the overall influence on microfinance via controlled studies. Nevertheless, nearly all experts agreed microfinance has a positive and sustainable social impact on the poor
Review or Rhetoric? An Analysis of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review
Get PDFFifty, thirty, or even just twenty years ago, would one ever imagine a powerful country like the U.S., China, or Russia preparing a national report on the human rights situation in their country, then presenting it in front of a UN political body, engaging in dialogue, answering questions, and responding to recommendations from fellow Member States? This became a reality in 2006 when the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) replaced the problematic UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) and established a new and unprecedented mechanism known as the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Under this instrument, the human rights records and situations of every single country in the world would be examined through a common procedure. With its 1st cycle complete and 2nd cycle in progress until 2016, the UPR has displayed both its strengths and potential weaknesses. These were examined through the presentation and analysis of numerous primary and secondary sources, as well as six formal interviews with extremely relevant professionals and experts. Ultimately, it is primarily the responsibility of UN Member States to participate and cooperate with genuine political will, good faith, and belief in the process. At the same time, the interaction of and between other stakeholders in the review is equally as important. By outlining the transition from the Commission to the Council, the creation and functioning of the UPR, the primary achievements of and challenges to the universal mechanism and a few final thoughts, this research paper seeks to encourage discussion and critical thought into the significance of the peer and periodic review process and how it can be improved before the beginning of the 3rd cycle in order to achieve its stated objectives
ENGAGING MEN IN WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMING: AN APPROACH TO MONITORING AND EVALUATION
No full textThe capstone examines women’s empowerment (WE) programming since the 1970s. It examines a wide variety of sources, including journal articles, academic papers, books, and reports published by leading development agencies, organizations, and practitioners from around the world. Source cited in the review date from the late 1980s to 2014 in order to develop a complete account of WE programming through the decades. The capstone divides the literature review into two parts: Engaging Men in WE Programming and Common Evaluation Approaches and their Merits to Women’s Empowerment Programming.
From the literature review, a framework was built to conduct M&E activities for WE projects that actively engage men as key stakeholders. The framework shows how a participatory approach to M&E can produce accurate and comprehensive evaluation findings by incorporating participatory principles and taking a holistic approach to data collection. The framework is general in scope, giving it versatility and applicability to WE projects working in differentcultural and societal contexts
From Financial Vulnerability to Financial Capability: How Can Decision Making Be Improved? A Case Study
No full textA significant number of Americans are financially vulnerable, meaning they do not have enough savings to cover basic expenses for three months in the event of an emergency. Money worries plague many Americans and continue to be one of the highest sources of stress.
It is crucial for people who are financially vulnerable to learn how to build their financial capability. Four aspects comprise financial capability: Knowledge, access, action, and influences. This research focuses on the aspect of influences: factors that contribute to beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors as well as external and internal supports and barriers. Using a holistic approach known as the biopsychosocial model, this paper reveals what an individual can do to improve their financial capability, specifically financial decision making.
The results from this study showed that emotions are the primary influence when making financial decisions. Though emotions are not meant to be controlled, per se, being overly swayed by emotions can be detrimental when it comes to making financial decisions in our best interest. Mindfulness, a simple and yet powerful tool, improves rational decision making, reduces anxiety, and provides other benefits. Could practicing mindfulness help people who are financially vulnerable?
Keywords: Financial Capability, Financial Vulnerability, Financial Education, Financial Coaching, Financial Therapy, Povert
The Cradle of Humanity: A Program Proposal for Where There Be Dragons
No full textThis capstone paper introduces “The Cradle of Humanity,” a semester program proposal for college students designed for Where There Be Dragons (WTBD). The “Cradle of Humanity will offer a three-month intensive program in three African nations: Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, and the curriculum for this program focuses on International Service-Learning (IS-L) and participatory development. Based on Freire’s (1970) critical pedagogy, this program serves as a strong foundation for building and maintaining relationships in service-learning designed for social change. In addition to exploring service learning and development, this program also offers other components of WTBD’s curriculum: Student Home stays, Comparative Religion, Language Study, Student Independent Study Projects, and Rugged Travel. The “Cradle of Humanity” seeks to contribute to the field of critical international service-learning and it will serve as a model for future WTBD programs focused on service-learning and participatory development
Travel Tales: the role of storytelling in abroad experience and healing
Get PDFThis capstone paper examines the perceived effectiveness of storytelling in the healing process. It aims to answer the question: What role does storytelling play in the healing of returning travelers? The study was conducted by analyzing forty digital videos, categorizing themes, and analyzing the themes in relation to themes found within several articles about the power and effects of storytelling. Five principal themes were used from the data collected. The themes were then used to gain a deeper understanding of how storytelling makes the storyteller feel and how storytelling can be used for healing. The author of this paper has also included a personal experience as a digital storyteller. Included is an analysis of the author’s process and perceived emotions in relation to sharing a personal story with others and hearing it for herself. The data received revealed that people tell stories to share what events have shaped their identity, express appreciation, to gain understanding, to feel support or belonging, and to express change. The data is in support of the idea that storytelling may be an effective tool in aiding returning travelers in reintegration and healing after experienced abroad.
Keywords: Narrative therapy, storytelling, re-authoring, Alcoholics Anonymous, narrative, self, travel
The Lights Turn Off, But The Future Is Bright - How the power crisis affects social livelihoods in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
No full textThis research paper focuses on how the power crisis is impacting the social and economic livelihoods of the citizens in the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic, an island located in the Caribbean, for years has been in a vulnerable state due to its exposure to flooding caused by tropical storms. Coastal communities are not only vulnerable to flooding issues but electrical as well. Citizens must adapt to frequent power outages that occur multiple times during the week and for long period of times. Therefore, it is important to understand the various ways power outages may be impacting social and economic livelihoods, and further, how climate change impacts (i.e., flooding, storms, and sea level rise) may exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities. The 3-E model for sustainable development seeks to integrate three major themes which are interdependent; a) environment b) equity and c) the economy. Based on past and current research gathered from various stakeholders related to the issues of economic, equity, and environmental perspectives, this paper also explores the potential for alternative and innovative technology such as solar panels that can enhance coastal community resilience to power outages caused by storms and flooding. By focusing the “lens” of the study through the experience of the urban poor population in Santo Domingo, the importance of new technology that empowers the poor such as solar energy is apparent and consistent with overall “sustainability” principles for the Dominican Republic in a changing global economy, environment, and society
Branches Above and Roots Below: Mothers’ Hopes for their Children in Batoufam, Cameroon
Get PDFIn order to delve into the desires that rural Cameroonian communities have for the future generation, this research project consisted of formally interviewing ten mothers in the village of Batoufam about what hopes they have for their children. This study highlighted on what they would like for their children, the way they raise their children to achieve their aspirations, and their opinions on the importance of preserving tradition for their children. The findings of this study are humble and rooted dreams of being able to care for one’s basic needs and the needs of a family. Batoufam mothers, along with the entire village, raise children in a way to respect cultural values of sharing and unity and the expectation of preserving tradition. The hope for branching out into the world in travel and education is strong, but just as strong is the hope that children will forever remain tied to where they came from.
Pour apprendre les désires des communautés rurales Camerounaise pour la prochaine génération, ce projet de recherche a été composé des entretiens formels des dix mères dans le village de Batoufam sur leurs espoirs pour leurs enfants. Cette étude a mis l’emphase sur ce qu’elles veulent pour leurs enfants, la façon dont elles élèvent leurs enfants réaliser leurs aspirations, et leurs avis de l’importance de préserver la tradition pour leurs enfants. Les résultats de cette étude sont les rêves humbles et enracinés qui s’agissent d’être capable de prendre soin des besoins de soi et les besoins de la famille. Les mères Batoufam, avec tout le village, élèvent les enfants à respecter les valeurs culturelles de partager et rester dans l’ensemble et l’attente de préserver la tradition. L’espoir de se ramifier dans le monde avec le voyage et l’éducation est forte, mais également forte est l’espoir que les enfants vont rester toujours liés au village où ils viennent
The Justice-Seeking Power of Women who Experience Sexual Violence in Uganda
Get PDFThis six-week study explores the justice-seeking power of women who have experienced sexual violence in Uganda, by examining a diversity of avenues used to pursue justice. The research includes three unique case studies: examining (1) the formal prosecution system in the rural, eastern region of Kapchorwa, (2) the internal judiciary framework within Makerere University and (3) the unique alternative projects being brought forward by FIDA Uganda in post-conflict Gulu and the greater Acholi regions. The study looks to understand and evaluate each of the frameworks for justice considering the extent to which they are able to serve survivors of sexual violence.
The researcher was simultaneously taking part in a practicum experience with FIDA Uganda. For this reason a portion of the research was collected through participant observation. Extensive insight was gained from the experience working with FIDA and observing their daily operations. The study was primarily conducted through the use of semi-structured key informant interviews, utilizing interview schedules designed specifically to engage the expertise of each informant. The study also includes literary analysis of rape cases, policies and laws. In addition, there were 4 focus groups discussions accompanied by administered surveys. The data collection gathered almost entirely qualitative data. As part of the research project, the researcher participated in a practicum/internship experience with FIDA Uganda. The internship involved shadowing lawyers, observing the day-to-day operations, interviewing FIDA employees and writing articles for the organization. The internship provided a platform through which the research was conducted.
Study findings suggest that women face systematic, societal, environmental and economic barriers when pursuing justice within any of the available frameworks. Although sexual violence is prevalent within Ugandan societies, women have largely abandoned their attempts to realize justice. Though few risk their livelihoods by speaking out about their experiences of sexual violence, most women who pursue justice are failed by the existing justice frameworks, which are unable to serve the needs of survivors. While organizations and policy makers have stepped in to improve women’s access to justice, women remain largely disenfranchised from systems that do not represent their unique role in society. Policies lack implementation, NGOs and traditional courts lack jurisdiction and survivors lack a knowledge of available recourses
Youth Perceptions and Engagement with the Moroccan State’s Promotion of Sufism
Get PDFThe purpose of this paper is to analyze if the Moroccan state’s efforts to promote Sufism have effected the youth perceptions of and engagement with Sufism. The study first contextualizes Sufism in Morocco and then addresses why and how the state has reformed the religious sphere since the 2003 Casablanca bombings. The King in a 2004 speech announced Sufism as of the cornerstones of Moroccan Islam and has since heavily promoted it through media, financial support of zawias, and the appointment of Ahmed Toufiq to Minister of Islamic Affairs. The state views Sufism as a tolerant, peaceful, and depoliticized way of practicing Islam that can counter the growing influence of extremist Salafi and Islamist ideologies. By conducting surveys and interviews with a variety of Moroccan youth on Sufism, through the analysis of the academic discourse on Sufism in Morocco, and by using the results of a 2010 national survey on youth engagement with Sufism the paper provides a picture of how Moroccan youth are engaging with Sufism and its influence at the local level. While the state has actively promoted Sufism in the public sphere this paper shows Sufism, while viewed positively, is not a critical aspect of Islam in lives of young local Moroccans