The way we talk about global issues influences how we think about and respond to them. Words therefore have the power to trigger social change. But what does this mean for development cooperation organisations?
During the webinar “Framing Matters – An alternative to the language of development, aid and charity”, Tess Woolfenden from Health Poverty Action will reveal the most common pitfalls in our communication and give us advice on how to avoid them.
The dominant narrative we hear today in northern countries about poverty focuses primarily on charity, aid and what is known as «international development». This narrative tells us that we can end poverty and inequality if «we» give to «others». While development aid, in whatever form, is important, the assertion that aid is the main solution to poverty and inequality is incomplete and even harmful.
Through a more conscious approach to communication, we can move beyond this harmful narrative. By sending more effective messages about poverty and injustice in the world, we can inspire people to take concrete action and we can put limits on unintentionally offensive terminology.
Together with Viva Salud, Be-Cause Health, Public Interest Research Centre and several members of the Progressive Development Forum (Medact, NEON, MPS UK and PHM West and Central Africa), Health Poverty Action has produced a practical guide on how to communicate about global equity and international solidarity.
