Introduction
Members of the advisory group and Manson Unit introduce the research, set the context, and present their view on power and inequality in MSF.
The research looks at aspects such as:
It also means recognising that power doesn’t always look the same across the different settings in the organisation or in different parts of the world, and that it can be held both through official channels and through unwritten forms of influence. At the same time, it means acknowledging that there are power imbalances built into MSF’s relationship with the communities it serves around the world.
This look at MSF comes after several years of increased attention on racism, discrimination and injustice in the humanitarian sector and beyond. Inequalities in this huge and complex organisation have a negative impact on people’s experience of working for MSF – yet are seen by many as unavoidable for a number of reasons, not least the organisation’s ‘emergency’ mindset.
Examining the deeper workings of MSF can be uncomfortable, but the findings are based on what people who work for MSF have to say. It’s hoped that by acknowledging areas where power imbalances result in injustice, this research will be a starting point for reflection and discussion that will help inform the future of MSF.
Delve deeper
Image Credit:
1. Scott Hamilton/MSF