Speaker
Ms Meera Bhat
Doctoral Student
University At Albany, State University Of New York
Perceptions of Community-Driven Welfare in Mutual Solidarity Microfinance Groups in Haiti
Abstract Narrative
Duvendack & Mader (2019) show that supply-driven microfinance that focuses and measures financial transactions has little impact on poverty or quality of life. It fails to capitalize on the collective experience passed down through ROSCA type of collectivist organizations that exist in most cultures of the Global South. Aspects such as community organizing, financial literacy and livelihood support that were critical to the success of early microfinance and any efforts towards poverty alleviation have taken a back seat, in this era of philanthro-capitalism.
Our ongoing mixed methods study looks at 8 Mutual Solidarity (MUSO) groups in Haiti (n=200). MUSO is a ROSCA style model indigenous to Haiti (Pasini, 2019), which is participation and savings driven. Savings are collected towards separate goals in three boxes much like some other ROSCAs. It is unique in setting aside one box for members’ or the broader community’s welfare needs. The preliminary findings indicate overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the solidarity box. Specifically, 96% of the study participants reported contributing to the solidarity fund. 98.5 % of the respondents perceived the red box as a useful tool for their community. While only 41.5 % of the sample reported benefiting from the solidarity fund, about 99 % expressed that they felt they could personally depend on their MUSO group in the time of distress. Qualitative data indicates that groups have used the fund towards issues of common interest like repairing community buildings or to help individual members with debt or other tragic and festive life events.
Such positive perceptions of this community-driven and self-managed model results in a strong sense of solidarity, better matching of needs and resources and resilience among community members. Honoring and building on traditions of collectivism can be the backbone of holistic microfinance interventions aimed at poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Duvendack, M., & Mader, P. (2019). Impact of financial inclusion in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review of reviews. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 15(1–2). https://doi.org/10.4073/csr.2019.2
Pasini, M. (2021, January 29).Financial education and resilience in Haiti.Microfinanza. https://www.microfinanza.com/financial-education-and-resilience-in-haiti/
Biography
I am a doctoral student at School of Social Welfare at University at Albany, SUNY. My current research focuses on solidarity based microfinance in Haiti. My prior education is from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences(TISS) in Social Work, Rural Development and Social Entrepreneurship. My practice and research experience has been in areas of sustainable livelihoods, microfinance and health.
Mrs Efua Filson Fynn
Head Of Finance
Youth Bridge Foundation
The needs of young social entrepreneurs in accessing and managing finances
Abstract Narrative
“Background. It is estimated that about half of small businesses fail to survive past one year. Social entrepreneurs grapple with many structural problems, but two primary bottlenecks contribute to this high failure rate: lack of access to credit and limited competencies and infrastructure to manage working capital. Many young social entrepreneurs are of low-income background, lack a credit history, or have past problems with financial institutions, thus, hindering their ability to navigate and access credit. Similarly, the problem of limited financial management skills is widespread, with the recent S&P’s Global Financial Literacy Survey indicating that less than 50% of people across Africa have financial literacy skills. The last decade has witnessed an unprecedented increase in access to and the use of formal financial services and products in Ghana, mostly through digital services. These advancements have addressed some of the concerns, but many social entrepreneurs in Ghana and other developing economies struggle with credit access and management challenges. Thus, dedicated policy attention is needed to address the structural barriers to young social entrepreneurs’ financial capability. Discussion. This presentation will highlight how social entrepreneurs can leverage the unique opportunities available in the current financial services industry, particularly in the area of financial technology. The presentation will discuss strategies for strengthening social entrepreneurs’ financial capability to ensure greater access to quality and efficient financial services. We will explore best practices that speak to the financial knowledge and skills training needs of social entrepreneurs. The presentation will also discuss strategies for building young people’s capacity to position themselves for greater success with accessing credit. Some of these strategies include developing business and financial plans and early cultivation of relationships with financial institutions. Conclusion. Social entrepreneurs stand a greater chance of successfully starting and growing their business if they have the investment development and financial management skills to build and nurture their business. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the risks to current digital financial services—e.g., increased cyber risks—do not lead to service delivery disruptions, operational losses, and reputational damage for service providers. If these challenges are left unaddressed, they may lead to a loss of confidence in the financial system. Thus, the strategies explored in the presentation will equip young people with the capabilities needed to pursue an entrepreneurial venture successfully. Facilitating young social entrepreneurs’ success has positive implications on addressing the enormous unemployment challenge among the growing youth population in Ghana and the sub-Saharan African region.”
Dr Matshemo Moganedi
Social worker
Social Development
Unemployment And Poverty Alleviation In South Africa: The Effectiveness Of The Skills Development Programme (SDP) In shelters Accommodating Survivors Of Domestic Violence In Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa (RSA)
Abstract Narrative
The Gauteng region shelters are amongst those that provide the Skills Development Programme to survivors (women) of domestic violence. The purpose of the SDP is inter alia to empower these survivors to be financially independent of their spouses. The SDP in shelters was never evaluated since inception.
This paper reports on findings of a qualitative study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of SDP in ensuring survivors’ (of domestic violence) financial self-reliance.
The study’s design was evaluative and The Stage of Change Model (Trans-theoretical Model) was used as a lens. The participants of this study were both the managers of the shelters as well as the survivors who were once admitted in the shelters between 2016 and 2018, and received both psycho-social support services and SDP. Managers of the six shelters in Gauteng Province, Tshwane Region, were selected due to their availability to take part in the study. Twelve survivors of domestic violence were also selected, and five participated in the study due to attrition. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The focus group discussion consisting of the survivors was also conducted to triangulate the findings from the interviews. Braun and Clarke (2012)’s framework for data analysis was used.
Key findings indicate paucity of policy guidelines on the implementation of the SDP that psycho-social support services and SDP are in place but yet not standardised. The paper concludes by admitting that the SDP conducted by shelters in Gauteng Province, does not address financial needs of survivors in that survivors still depend on government safety nets for their livelihood. Survivors also return to their abusive contexts and continue to rely on their abusive partners financially since they cannot eke out a living on their own. The survivors’ financial dependence on their abusive partners further aggravates and perpetuates domestic violence. The findings revealed that unavailability of accredited skills development facilitators and certificates makes it difficult for the programme to be accredited and therefore survivors cannot be employed. Lack of funding makes the programme to be by-the-way. The period which the training is provided is very limited for the survivors to learn and internalize the acquired skill. The managers also disclosed that when the survivors are staying for long in the shelters, they become obstacles for the new admissions.
Biography
Dr Moganedi has received her Doctoral Degree in Social work from the University of Limpopo in April 2021. She is working for the Department of Social Development, National Office as a policy developer at Victim Empowerment Programme. She has been a social worker for the past twenty years.
Dr Augustina Naami
Senior Lecturer
Department of Social Work, University of Ghana
Social Workers as Agents of Financial Capability Development Planning and Policymaking for Persons with Disabilities
Abstract Narrative
“Introduction. More than one billion persons with disabilities (PWDs) worldwide, with five million living in Ghana, are over-represented among the financially vulnerable. The government of Ghana is yet to develop holistic measures that could adequately address the needs of PWDs. For example, although the Persons with Disability Act was passed in 2006, a legislative instrument has not been developed to operationalize the Act. Also, Ghana is yet to harmonize the local legislation to align with international laws, specifically, the 2012 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. While some social protection programmes are available for the vulnerable in Ghana, many do not explicitly and adequately the unique needs of PWDs, including poverty, stigma, and discrimination. Addressing these needs will improve PWDs economic resilience and, in turn, impact their daily lives. Discussion. This paper argues that it is important for social workers to engage more in policymaking decisions and interventions relating to financial capability among vulnerable populations such as PWDs. Social workers’ involvement in such interventions could go a long way to facilitate the inclusion of PWDs in Ghana and improve their financial capability and overall well-being. Financial capability and asset development ideas are inconsonance with the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) disability targets and indicators, as well as several articles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The paper makes Ghana’s case for adopting and strengthening policies and programmes that emphasize financial capability development for PWDs to achieve the SDGs. Social workers have a crucial role in advocating and lobbying for legislation and programmes that would address the financial challenges that PWDs usually encounter. Areas for advocacy could include access and management of financial resources for employment and self-reliance to improve the quality of life for PWDs. The paper will highlight collective impact strategies social workers should spearhead to ensure that policies and programmes address PWD’s access to inclusive and appropriate (a) financial literacy/education programmes and materials, and (b) financial services and products. Conclusion. Inclusive financial development policies would help PWDs better manage their finances and increase the opportunity for asset building. Consequently, their income security would be enhanced, which could improve their well-being as well as that of their families. As several barriers, especially poverty, adversely impact the full and effective participation of PWDs and their overall well-being, financial capability development is imperative. Social workers active involvement in facilitating collective impact agendas would help break the cycle of poverty among PWDs. ”
Ms Meera Bhat
Doctoral Student
University At Albany, State University Of New York
Promoting financial capability for particularly vulnerable groups
Dr Juliana Svistova
Associate Professor
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
The role of schools of social work and social workers in promoting the “unbankable”: Advancing financial capacity building and inclusion
Abstract Narrative
“Social enterprises and entrepreneurship address disparities, poverty and core elements of social and economic development. The growing movement in support of social enterprises and entrepreneurship is contextualized by different policy and supports around the world. Few have been led by schools of social work. This presentation showcases the XXX (blinded for peer review) character based program (as opposed to credit based), which was pioneered by the school of social work at the University (blinded for peer review) based on the Grameen bank. It shows how the roles of social worker MSW interns are key to the success of some of the low-income participants–all genders and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)–who receive microloans. Character based application and funding allows social workers to work with business advisors and funders to understand the elements of character that are important to these small businesses.
The social worker interns provide key services such as case management, facilitated group and one-to-one peer business support, re-engagement of program graduates to provide support to new businesses, and specific social work interventions to address personal barriers to success. These roles of social workers in the program are cited with examples of lessons learned for adaptation elsewhere.
Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the roles of social workers were critical in helping business readiness programs and banks understand the realities of enterprise development, including the new struggles for those who are traditionally seen as “unbankable.” In this case, a systems approach helped to educate business advisors and banks about the on the ground realities that impact business owners. Additionally, for BIPOC business owners who are traditionally unfunded, the social workers have helped to educate banks on the importance of BIPOC-owned businesses providing BIPOC services and products as a business model. Prior to this, these types of businesses were seen as narrowing their customer base and not as an actual viable market. Instead, since the program is character based and not credit based, we were able to use character as a main factor in helping these businesses gain access. Based on these experiences, this presentation will discuss the future potential and remaining challenges with continuing this program as social work education and practice.
Our objectives include delineating some of the key attributes of social enterprises and entrepreneurship learned from the program; the educational preparation required for social work interns in a field placement unit; the collaboration required with a School of Business, Small Business Development Center, and a partner credit union providing a revolving loan fund; and the ways in which assets and financial capability are built by social workers for low income business participants. This presentation also addresses the implications for the advancement for financial capacity building and asset enhancement through universities, led by social work programs. The presentation also provides insights into the use of MSW interns in their field practicum. While a non-traditional placement, it allows students to gain micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills while delineating some of the ways social workers can affect change in other professional arenas. Finally, this lays out a case for schools of social work and universities to advance equity and inclusion.”
Authors addressed reviewer comments:
1. We were able to add the roles that social workers played in client success from a micro and systems perspective. We did not address how the model would inform social work education moving forward but plan to if our abstract is accepted for presentation.
2. Our presentation will be novel, as the only such program in the US, which uses character based lending as a key component and uses social workers as key feature. It is also novel in the use of MSW interns in their field practicum.
3. We addressed some of the concerns by adding a sentence or two on field practicum as a non traditional based experience and the roles the social work students would practice.
Ms Kefentse P. Kubanga
Phd Student
University Of Alabama
FCAB Africa Launch
Biography
Kefentse P. Kubanga is a Social Work doctoral student at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She holds a Master of Social Work in Youth and Community Practice from the University of Botswana. Her research examines economic interventions and their role in poverty alleviation among low income populations, particularly women. She is also interested in rural community development, financial literacy and social work education. Ms Kubanga`s current work investigates the resilience characteristics of low-income women in microfinance interventions. Prior to enrolling for her doctoral studies, Kefentse was a faculty member at the University of Botswana in the Department of Social Work where she taught courses in social work with groups and communities, social work with disabilities, and personal development. She has also worked as a social work practitioner where she implemented psychosocial support services and programs for vulnerable individuals, families and communities in Gaborone, Botswana.