Empowering Survivors through Market-Driven Employment in a Trauma-Informed Workplace in Northern Uganda
Dorothy Douglas Taft & Elizabeth Ranade Janis, MPP | September 24 | 3:15-4:15 PM
Topic: Programming, International | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
“Traumatized people of all ages and cultural backgrounds [are] extremely resilient when they [are] involved in work…For people threatened by violence, work becomes the anchor that holds them steady within their old world as a new one is being formed” (Mollica, 2008). Guided by internationally recognized trauma research like Dr. Mollica’s, The Market Project (TMP) is committed to serve survivors of exploitation, violence, and human trafficking. TMP leverages the economic power of the marketplace to employ survivors in need of a stable job and healing. TMP creates jobs that are dignity-affirming and safe. Although difficult to quantify the impact of work alone on personal identity, self-esteem, and social recognition, studies indicate that a workplace can significantly impact one’s mental well-being (ILO 2000, McDonald 2011, Surtees 2013). Access to a healthy workplace is often a critical gap for survivors in need of long-term healing. At least two generations in northern Uganda have experienced deep pain stemming from chronic poverty and the country’s 20-year war. TMP works to implement best practices in the trauma-informed work environment at Nguvu Dairy, a business with a workforce of about 100 dispersed at 7 locations in northern Uganda. TMP will share lessons learned from five years of operation, including practical takeaways attendees can implement to support more effective economic recovery opportunities for survivors in resource-scare environments. Attendees will gain practical tips on operating a trauma-informed workplace: building a brand on excellence; identifying cultural bridges for partnership with other organizations; and normalizing self-care among managers.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss ways to empower local communities—specifically, Ugandans and other relevant developing country contexts—to run and operate a locally-owned business driven by trauma-informed principles and serve survivors of exploitation
· Share lessons learned from the first five years of operations, particularly those that are relevant to organizations operating social impact businesses for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation in Western contexts
· Discuss tips for partnering with like-minded organizations to provide culturally competent services in resource-scare environments