Addressing Another Face of Poverty

To most people interested or involved in the war against poverty, microfinance is considered as an effective escalator out of poverty for the poor. No one disputes this any longer. The evidence is everywhere: emerging microfinance institutions, a growing list of social investors, increasing government involvement in the form of creation of enabling policy environments and, of late, the rise of so-called micro-credit activists. The script appears straightforward: put money in the hands of the poor, she invests, reaps and improves the economic condition of members of her household. Good! Please look deeper around you, especially in poor neighbourhoods – you will see other faces of poverty. Poverty is certainly an octopus with several tentacles. Poverty is material deprivation; it is poor health; and it is social injustice, especially gender inequity.

Consider one face of poverty:
“Theresa Oghogho is a member-beneficiary of LAPO, a Nigerian-based microfinance institution. She has taken various types of loans from the institution. But the main threat to her world emerged when she lost her husband. In poor households, losing a husband – who is usually the head of household – could mean losing everything. Theresa’s case was complicated by another issue: she was deprived access to her husband’s property. As a widow and mother of five, she had to contend with her late husband’s relations, who fought and finally took over the family house, the only property left behind for the family by her late husband. Seeking justice, the widow approached the Legal Aid Unit of LAPO Development Foundation (LDF), a sister organization of LAPO Microfinance Institution. LDF is committed to empowering poor women to challenge customs and traditions that constrain the realization of their potential. After LDF intervened, the matter was resolved in Theresa Oghogho’s favour and the property was restored to her. In her words: “You (Legal Aid Unit) have not only put a roof over my head, you have given me back my life.”

The challenge is that there are millions of Theresas contending with poverty in your neighbourhood. Please look deeper!

Godwin Ehigiamusoe with contributions from Sabina Idowu

 

Editors Note
Godwin Ehigiamusoe, Chief Executive Officer, LAPO, Nigeria; Sabina Idowu, Osehobo, General Manager, LAPO Development Foundation