Taking an appreciative inquiry approach by asking "What is working around here?" can lead to solutions that are achievable and affirming and to some breakthrough results.
A classic example of this was the development of microfinance for poor women entrepreneurs. Muhammed Yunus, economics professor, initiated a pilot project in Bangladesh in 1976 to provide small loans to women living in extreme poverty. The success of this project has led to the development of similar projects across many countries.
The genius of Yunus' idea was to avoid the maledominated world of finance with its regimented rules and documentation and to focus on the positive energy of women who were driven to provide not only for themselves but also for their children and wider families.
Allowing these women access to finance previously denied to them gave them the means to achieve their goals.
Extreme poverty continues to be a global problem that deprives millions of people around the world from being able to enjoy fulfilled lives. Women and children are particularly affected.
However, even in such adverse conditions, the spark of positive energy glows. Nurturing that spark can set a whole flame alight that can make real change achievable. Positive psychologist Martin Seligman identified five key elements for human wellbeing and satisfaction: positive emotions, engagement in life or work, good relationships with those around us, commitment to a 'meaning' or something greater than ourselves, and a sense of achievement in what we set out to do.
These five elements are what we now see women experiencing through the achievement of their enterprises thanks to microfinance. For the past 10 years, entrepreneurial women in Myanmar have begun to access credit thanks to the work of microfi nance organisations.
Za Sung runs a local recycling business picking up 100kg of plastic and glass rubbish each day to deliver to the local recycling depot. She is pictured with Borderless crew Dave Henderson and Dean Easterbrook and the local recycling depot manager. Photo / Supplied
The key to microfinance projects has been focusing on women entrepreneurs, providing small loans rather than grants and setting clear guidelines for performance and expectations for repayment rather than rules, regulations and paperwork (most of these women are illiterate and have no security to offer other than their desire to succeed).
A country where microfinance has recently taken hold is Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Many of its 50 million people live in conditions of extreme poverty.
However, for the past 10 years, entrepreneurial women in Myanmar have begun to access credit thanks to the work of microfinance organisations. This has led to a number of positive social outcomes such as improved health, education and social harmony.
Aotearoa Development Co-Operative's (ADC) microfinance project in Myanmar has been running for over six years. During this time, it has issued nearly 900 loans totaling $200,000. ADC was one of the first legally registered microfinance banks in Myanmar and has developed expertise specific to that country.
ADC was set up by two enterprising Kiwis - Andrew Colgan and Geoff Cooper - who decided to put their positive energies into helping alleviate poverty in Myanmar and Malawi. A few years ago, my company Borderless discovered the work of ADC and the opportunities of microfinance for poor entrepreneurial women in Myanmar. This recently led to the creation of a social change film and campaign, entitled On the Backs of Women.
This month Borderless director Dean Easterbrook and Camera man Dave Henderson travelled to Myanmar to capture on film some of the remarkable stories of women in Myanmar who are making a real difference for themselves and their families.
These women belong to "solidarity groups" (usually a group of five women) and include people like Cing Ho Nam who, together with her extended family, operates a business washing cars and motorcycles outside her home in Kalaymyo.
With a loan of 165,000 kyat (NZ$210) she purchased a better compressor and new hoses, improving the quality and efficiency of her cleaning service.
She has used a subsequent loan to buy a grinder, which runs off the same process and mills maize flour. These enterprises enable her to feed and educate her children and assist her extended family.
On the Backs of Women will be a documentary film capturing the positive stories of poor women entrepreneurs in Myanmar who are making a real difference with the help of microfi nance loans.
The film, which will be released later in 2015, aims to be a catalyst for change that mobilises connections between lenders in countries like New Zealand and entrepreneurial women of Myanmar. These sparks of positive energy can transform the world of poverty. To find out about the film and campaign On the Backs of Women visit borderless.co.nz and onthebacksofwomen.com
Qiujing Wong is the CEO and co-Founder of Borderless, a social change company activating change through storytelling and social movements. In 2012 Qiujing was awarded a Blake Leadership Medal by the Sir Peter Blake Trust and in 2014 she was a finalist in the Women of Influence Awards for her contribution to leadership, entrepreneurship and social change.
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