UU150 Study Guide - Final Guide: Improved Sanitation, Gender Equality
International Volunteerism – Issues the Volunteer Might Face
One of the reasons why international volunteerism is so beneficial to the volunteer
is that it exposes the individual to many social, global, and economical issues.
Depending on the location that is visited, primary issues of concern will be different,
and one needs to be aware that issues faced are more complex than they may
seem.
A select few of these issues are briefly discussed here.
Gender issues
One issue to which many volunteers are exposed is gender inequality. Gender
equality is the view that men and women should be considered and treated equally.
The United Nations reports that, in both the public and private spheres, women
across the world continue to be denied equality in decision making (United Nations,
2013). While progress is being made, many communities continue to experience
gender inequality. Although legally, gender equality is ensured in Canada and
elsewhere, there are instances where gender inequities continue to exist. An
international learning experience, however, can more starkly raise the “gender”
issue (as well as sexual orientation) because the social complexities of another
community are not always understood as well as your own local community. In a
foreign community, women may have, or may be perceived to have, fewer rights
and less decision making power, limited access to education and other resources
and a low income (Government of Canada, 2013; The Work Bank, 2012).
Poverty
The effects of poverty are broad, and include lack of nourishment and water,
housing, and proper sanitation. As with gender issues, poverty is not only
something that affects people “out there”; many Canadians suffer from poverty.
Although progress is being made across the world, change may be slow or
nonexistent depending on the particular community and product of poverty
considered.
Based on information from the United Nations (2013):
In 1990, in developing regions, 47% of people were living on less than $1.25
a day but this dropped to 22% by 2010.
Compared to 1990, in 2010, 700 million fewer people were living in extreme
poverty.
Worldwide, 1 in 8 people lack adequate food, and more than 2.5 billion
people require improved sanitation facilities.
An international learning experience can bring students face to face with a degree
of poverty they’ve never experienced before. Through this experience a student can
have a new perspective on the privilege in which they live life in Canada.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
International volunteerism issues the volunteer might face. One of the reasons why international volunteerism is so beneficial to the volunteer is that it exposes the individual to many social, global, and economical issues. Depending on the location that is visited, primary issues of concern will be different, and one needs to be aware that issues faced are more complex than they may seem. A select few of these issues are briefly discussed here. One issue to which many volunteers are exposed is gender inequality. Gender equality is the view that men and women should be considered and treated equally. The united nations reports that, in both the public and private spheres, women across the world continue to be denied equality in decision making (united nations, While progress is being made, many communities continue to experience gender inequality. Although legally, gender equality is ensured in canada and elsewhere, there are instances where gender inequities continue to exist.
