Reparations, Microfinance, Gender: A Plan, with Strategies for Implementation
This paper advocates microfinance as a mode of delivery of government reparations for human rights violations on a national scale.
The paper observes that a reparation plan gains political buy-in when it fits in with larger plans to enhance the nation's prosperity and stability. It states that reparations in the form of microfinance can redress grievances by generating income, unlike other pecuniary alternatives. The paper examines international mandates on reparations and analyzes implications of microfinance-based reparations on gender issues as well as individual and collective justice. It suggests measures for preparing MFIs to implement reparations, presents a proposal for delivery of reparations, and lists possible safeguards against gender-based abuse in the reparations scheme.
The paper highlights several possible benefits of the scheme for individuals and the community. They include:
- Security of reparations and savings from these payments;
- Greater availability and flexibility of credit;
- Empowerment of recipients through their involvement in governance of local financial institutions;
- Gendered returns on investment and the socioeconomic impact of women’s empowerment.
