“Sometimes people try to destroy you, precisely because they recognize your power — not because they don’t see it, but because they see it and they don’t want it to exist.”― bell hooks
In the midst of the current conversations around decolonizing aid, white saviorism, and shifting power in international development, there is recognized value in giving those from the global south a larger voice in the way funding is allocated. But there have also been more muted conversations about the experience of people of color working within Western philanthropic organizations, which frequently do not harmonize with the greater movement.
I landed in philanthropy by accident. I came into this field after more than a decade with INGOs working in the women’s rights and social justice realm. Most of my professional experience until then had been in culturally sensitive environments, working with teams that celebrated differences and promoted diverse leadership. As a global citizen with deep roots in Senegal, I not only felt welcome, but was in fact often reminded that my regional expertise, skills, and lived experience had distinct value. I rarely experienced racism within my teams and was able to grow and thrive professionally.
About the author
Marième Daff
Marième Daff is a global development professional with nearly 20 years of experience with a focus on women’s economic empowerment, social inclusion, and gender-sensitive programming primarily in Africa. She is currently director of programs and partnerships at a private foundation based in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Senegal, Marième was educated in France and the United States.
