BREAKING NEWS!!!!! The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, loses immunities claim in the US Supreme Court, opening the door for more challenges. I smell revolution in the air...END IMMUNITIES! Read the case for yourself, here's the Supreme Court decision: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/18pdf/17-1011_mkhn.pdf So much admiration, and many thanks to the plaintiffs and … Continue reading US Supreme Court ruling: World Bank Group Is Not Above The Law
Author: More>than MyColor
Struggling, and working things through. Recovering from sexual assault, harassment and bullying in the workplace of an international organization. It takes time and this is part of my therapy. Hopefully sharing my truth can help me and maybe someone who needs to read this, it will help you too. You are not alone, and it's not your fault. POC, we aren't worth less. (Email function not yet up, sorry).
Daily Misogyny – Black History Month “I’m not a racist, I work on saving your lives”
Today for our ‘Monthly Media Spotlight’ we take a glance at the intersectionality of race and gender inherent in global racism. As the month of February comes to a close, we consider the celebration of "Black History" in the United States, Canada and many countries in the Caribbean. This month usually sparks a debate as … Continue reading Daily Misogyny – Black History Month “I’m not a racist, I work on saving your lives”
Feeling so good!
I woke up one day needing some happiness from the Universe. Then I got some encouraging messages from like minded practitioners in the development space. Happy images of my colleagues, present and former coworkers, and every day people working together in the most challenging environments in the world. These were private messages with private images, … Continue reading Feeling so good!
Positive Vibration
"We are committed to serving others." "Our dream is for a better world." "There's something about a career dedicated to positive global change." I'm grateful that we feel a sense of purpose and that we can do good. It's necessary for those who can, to do whatever good they can. No matter your race, ethnicity, … Continue reading Positive Vibration
The Absence of Colour in Leadersip
When you examine the history of the "Bretton Woods" institutions, one learns about the informal agreement between the United States and the European countries. Regarding their leadership: "Traditionally, the president of the World Bank has been nominated by the US, while the head of its sister institution, the International Monetary Fund has been picked by … Continue reading The Absence of Colour in Leadersip
The Darkest Hours… Literally
"As I sat in my office, unable to identify the people around me, I couldn’t tell what was going on or recognize the emotions etched on their faces." Was that concern? Horror? Sadness? Was it pity maybe? One of the ladies asked me a question, was that worry clouding her expression? My name, address or … Continue reading The Darkest Hours… Literally
Daily Misogyny – “Colonial Behaviour” in International Development Organizations
Today for our 'Monthly Media Spotlight' we review the misogyny women in development face in the workplace daily. Our team thought we would discuss this uncharacteristically revealing headline about a prominent organization in the development space: "Racism, sexism and bullying reported at Oxfam." - BBC.com The article opens with this heart-wrenching sentence summarizing the reports … Continue reading Daily Misogyny – “Colonial Behaviour” in International Development Organizations
Imaginary Friends with Coretta Scott King
When I listen to the admiration and joy expressed as we celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., I wonder. What did his wife think? What would Coretta's views be about the world now? If she had Whatsapp, an iPhone or a laptop...what would her messages be like? I would ask someone … Continue reading Imaginary Friends with Coretta Scott King
Dear Millennials: “face time” is not to be confused with FaceTime
The reality was, I needed this job. I accumulated US$100,000 worth of student's loan and personal debt for a Masters Degree to get a chance at this job. I moved to Washington, DC, and left the warmth and sunshine of the Caribbean for this job. The World Bank branded itself as a respectful workplace that … Continue reading Dear Millennials: “face time” is not to be confused with FaceTime
To Feel the Kink In My Hair
"This wasn't the first time she touched me and it wasn't the only place. She repeatedly touched me, inappropriately. I complained, nothing happened. So she thought she had a license to my person. And she exercised that right - in a meeting, led by my Manager, with everyone in my office. And they. Did. Nothing." … Continue reading To Feel the Kink In My Hair
I paid $100,000 for an Interview, now I have PTSD
"Heavy are the feet of those who plod in uncharted territory but are guided by a falsified dream. " I prayed for this job, I surrendered my home for this job. I left my family behind to pursue a Masters Degree for this job. I told my child that it was for a noble cause. … Continue reading I paid $100,000 for an Interview, now I have PTSD
INTRO: Gilded Cages
The pinnacle of any career in the International Development field is to work in one of the major international organizations. You are lauded as having "arrived." You've been recognized, top of your field, you are deserving of respect and you are expected to be remunerated well. You've been chosen to join a golden few that … Continue reading INTRO: Gilded Cages
“Our Voices Can Still Be Heard Through the Bars of our Gilded Cages”
The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom. - Maya Angelou, “Caged Bird” (1983)
Colour in International Development 