SKOV seminar - Perspectives on decolonisation (2nd seminar)

The term of decolonisation has been buzzing during the past years. Wageningen students, scientists and professionals are aware of the need to change present relations and practises and uncertain about what it means and how his could get shape. This 2nd seminar on decolonisation will focus on practice and in particular the efforts of an international NGO: Care.

Power inequalities between Northern and Southern NGOs have historically plagued development cooperation. The role of NGOs in development cooperation was originally justified for offering a genuine ‘development alternative’ to state- and market-led development. Decades later it turns out Northern NGOs have upheld and reproduced hierarchies that concentrate power over and resources for development in the Global North. There are efforts to respond to this unwanted concentration of power, indicative is that there is a growing momentum towards locally-led development. We want to present some experiences with and views on this complicated and contested issue. Ms. Reintje van Haeringen, executive director at Care International, will share experiences.