Aidnography

Hi all, Lots of new reports surfaced after UN GA week-but there have also been other interesting #globaldev readings popping up throughout the week from small island states to Lagos, and from critical commentary on the new EU aid commissioner to refugee numbers and 'tremendous progress' in global health! My quotes of the week Yet there is a persistent expectation from individuals, families, communities and governments that women’s care work is an endlessly elastic safety net that will meet increased needs in situations of conflict and austerity. In fact, this highlights the role of such labour in sustaining society and preventing further conflict. However, policymakers tend to overlook it, as well as women’s role in sustaining peace. (The hidden work of post-conflict recovery) I realised that my carefully polished identity of helper and saviour of others in need was a way of avoiding my own need, my own suffering. And paradoxically, when I managed to acknowledge ...

Hi all, UNGA week is wrapping up, but the focus on this week's link review is on some of the other #globaldev stories, from shrinking civic spaces in India to flipping the script of child sponsorship and diverse hiring panels! Plus: Avoiding gender bias in reference letters & a look into the 2014 archive! My quotes of the week When we say that civic space is shrinking, this usually refers to legislative measures, human rights violations, and other oppressive practices to curb the space for civil society. But what we see today in many places, including India, is a change in atmosphere. People seeking social justice find themselves increasingly operating in restricted spaces, where populist speech demonises reformers, and legitimises opinions that were until recently unsayable in public. As someone said: ‘Hate is in the air, in many ways and against many‘. Hate of all kinds of ‘others’ extends to hate for people who promote inclusion. (What is happening to civic space in India?)...

Hi all, Today is #climatestrike day-so enjoy new #globaldev readings & a fresh book review over the weekend! My quotes of the week Everyone who lived on the hardest-hit islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco – about 76,000 people – is affected. Housing, infrastructure, and basic services have either been destroyed, damaged, or disrupted. As much as 90 percent of Abaco has been damaged. The mostly-Haitian shantytowns of The Mudd and Pigeon Peas were flattened. (Five things to watch after Hurricane Dorian strikes the Bahamas) The transnational nature of the digital revolution has the potential to break down Africa’s arbitrary borders, which were haphazardly drawn during the colonial era, as well as the potential to diffuse power away from state governments to citizens. But it also makes it harder for those who misuse the technology to be held to account. ( Africa should not be too quick to embrace the fourth industrial revolution) Enjoy! New from aidnography The business of changin...