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Domestic violence in Bangladesh: blame it on microfinance Domestic violence in Bangladesh: blame it on microfinance
(7 days later)
I think, in fact I know, that microcredit is a big cause for domestic violence against women in Bangladesh, and I can imagine that it is the same in other countries with similar social structures.I think, in fact I know, that microcredit is a big cause for domestic violence against women in Bangladesh, and I can imagine that it is the same in other countries with similar social structures.
On the one hand, microcredit has been hailed for giving much-needed seeds and working capital to the unbanked, but on the other it has ironically become the very reason why men scold, control and even beat up women. And development organisations – and companies that are serious about corporate sustainability – keep giving money to women from destitute families.On the one hand, microcredit has been hailed for giving much-needed seeds and working capital to the unbanked, but on the other it has ironically become the very reason why men scold, control and even beat up women. And development organisations – and companies that are serious about corporate sustainability – keep giving money to women from destitute families.
While this is necessary, it is critical to be mindful of the fact that money in the hands of women may not necessarily translate into empowerment. What is required instead is a whole package of joint development and corporate sector interventions that exposes how more money in the hands of women triggers domestic violence, and what can be done to address the same.While this is necessary, it is critical to be mindful of the fact that money in the hands of women may not necessarily translate into empowerment. What is required instead is a whole package of joint development and corporate sector interventions that exposes how more money in the hands of women triggers domestic violence, and what can be done to address the same.
When it comes to women's right to decision making, mobility, her own nutritional needs, and most importantly getting the family to step in and help maintain her work-life balance, grassroots organisations have argued for years that dollars should be spent on improving intra-household relations – particularly targeting husbands and in-laws.When it comes to women's right to decision making, mobility, her own nutritional needs, and most importantly getting the family to step in and help maintain her work-life balance, grassroots organisations have argued for years that dollars should be spent on improving intra-household relations – particularly targeting husbands and in-laws.
This is however easier said than done, and requires information and evidence, reinforced by action on the part of development actors. There must be a long-term attempt to engage the family, as well as the community and community elite in order to end violence and empower women, all accompanied by specific measurable milestones that will delineate progress.This is however easier said than done, and requires information and evidence, reinforced by action on the part of development actors. There must be a long-term attempt to engage the family, as well as the community and community elite in order to end violence and empower women, all accompanied by specific measurable milestones that will delineate progress.
Saif Mohammad Moinul IslamSaif Mohammad Moinul Islam
Private sector engagement co-ordinator, Care BangladeshPrivate sector engagement co-ordinator, Care Bangladesh
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