July-August 1997

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"Economic Globalization Exploits: Migrant Women Workers" by Miriam Ching Louie

The consequences of economic globalization on female migrant workers are difficult, dirty, and dangerous. Advocates for migrant workers say that converting the Asia-Pacific region into a giant free-trade zone is causing and multipying such abuses. This article looks at the effects of globalization on women migrant workers, how others are in solidarity with these women, how women are organizing to speak out against the abuses, and the roles that countries need to play in this issue.

"Hidden Costs of Leadership" by Anne Bathurst Gilson

United Methodist Women has a long history of striving to be inclusive of all women. However, a recent Women's Division survey of hundreds of district and conference officers found that the hidden costs of leadership are obstacles to members of this one million-member organization. This article looks at the financial issues and other obstacles that make some women feel unable or unwelcome to accept organizational leadership roles. Then it explores the need for United Methodist Women individually and collectively to think through how financial resources are used, attitudes about money, and solutions that will make our organization more inclusive.

"Microcredit: Empowering Women" by Shanta M. Bryant

Microcredit programs that make small loans are lifting people out of poverty in developing and industrialized countries. The small loans help poor people develop self-employment projects and are especially helpful to women who need to support themselves and their families. This article delves into the range of people that microcredit benefits; how it assists in economic development; how it helps women; the church's role; the criticism; and Hillary Clinton's support of microcredit at a recent summit.

"Weaving Economic Stability in Honduras' Highlands" by Paul Jeffrey

This article looks at the way microcredit is working for indigenous women weaves and bakers in Honduras. The projects are not only giving these women income for their family, but self-esteem as they realize that they are very capable, despite the racism and sexism they have faced in their everyday lives.

"Battu Jambawai: Advocate for Women" by A. Victoria Hunter.

As vice president of the World Federeation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, Battu Jambawai has a special affinity with the goal of eradicating illiteracy. She did not start school until she was 10 years old. In her home country of Sierra Leone, sending girls to school still remains a low priority. This article explores the way Ms. Jambawai has been addressing issues concerning women, from female genital mutilation to child labor. It looks at her own personal life, the effects of war on her life and her country, and the quest to advocate women rights in her country.

"Child Labor: Betrayal of Every Child" by Yvette Moore

This article looks at the 1997 State of the World's Chilcren Report, recently released by the United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF). Exploitation of children for labor topped the concerns. The article delves into the abuses of children for labor that still persists in developing and industrialized countries; the myths of child labor; who these laborers are and where they live; and how to take action to combat this problem plaguing our world.

"Teen Refugees: When Childhood's Cut Short" by Elizabeth G. Ferris

With some disturbing quotes and reflections of refugee teenagers, this article confronts a serious need in response to the world's refugees. More attention needs to be paid to the adolescents, ages 13-18, who are seen as adults and forced to act as adults, when really they are not. This article explores the way teenagers lives and childhoods are cut short; the responsibilities they take on; how they are victimized; how they have been used to play military roles; and the hopes for their future.

Other Articles:

See also:

• Response
• Responsively Yours
• United Methodist Women
• Women's Division
• June Edition of Response