Decolonizing Development Work in Asia

Introduction

This series aims to critically examine the historical legacy of colonialism in the development discourse in Asia and explore pathways toward more inclusive and equitable approaches to development. By unpacking the underlying power dynamics, challenging dominant narratives, and incorporating diverse perspectives, we seek to reimagine and reshape the future of development work in the region.

Overview

The webinar series comprises 12 themes that will be explored over the course of 12 weeks. Each theme delves into a specific aspect of decolonizing development, shedding light on the complexities and intricacies of the process. Through engaging discussions, presentations, and interactions with renowned experts and practitioners in the field, we aim to deepen our understanding and foster transformative change.

The themes covered in this series encompass a wide range of topics, including the role of colonial narratives in shaping development ideologies, the power dynamics within development processes, indigenous rights and land justice, the intersectionality of gender and development, decolonizing education and knowledge production, reimagining development indicators and metrics, and the decolonization of aid and international development.

We will also explore the transformative potential of art, culture, and creative expressions in challenging dominant narratives, as well as the significance of environmental justice and decolonial ecologies in sustainable development. Additionally, we will delve into the impact of digital technologies on development, emphasizing the need to decolonize digital spaces and ensure equitable access.

Throughout the series, we will foster a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, encouraging participants to share their perspectives, insights, and experiences. By building solidarities and fostering collective action, we aim to create a platform for meaningful dialogue, critical reflection, and collaborative efforts towards decolonizing development in Asia.

We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we challenge conventional paradigms, amplify marginalized voices, and work towards a more just, inclusive, and decolonized vision of development in Asia. Together, let's embark on a path of learning, unlearning, and reimagining the future of development in our region.

Objective: To explore and challenge the legacy of colonialism in the development discourse in Asia and promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to development.

Topics

Theme 1: Introduction to Decolonizing Development

●     Date: 

●     Description: Overview of the webinar series and introduction to the concept of decolonizing development. Discuss the historical context of colonialism in Asia and its impact on development practices.

Theme 2: Unpacking Colonial Narratives

●     Date: 

●     Description: Examine the dominant narratives and ideologies that have shaped development in Asia, highlighting their colonial roots and the need to challenge and deconstruct them.

Theme 3: Power and Knowledge in Development

●     Date: 

●     Description: Explore the power dynamics and knowledge production processes in development, emphasizing the importance of decolonizing knowledge systems and incorporating diverse perspectives.

Theme 4: Indigenous Rights and Land Justice

●     Date: 

●     Description: Discuss the struggles faced by indigenous communities in Asia regarding land rights, resource extraction, and environmental justice, and explore ways to support their empowerment and self-determination.

Theme 5: Gender, Intersectionality, and Development

●     Date: 

●     Description: Analyze the intersectional dimensions of development and its impact on gender equality and social justice. Discuss strategies for incorporating a gender perspective into development initiatives.

Theme 6: Decolonizing Education and Knowledge Production

●     Date: 

●     Description: Examine the colonial legacy in education systems and knowledge production in Asia, and explore alternative approaches that promote local knowledge, cultural diversity, and critical thinking.

Theme 7: Reimagining Development Indicators and Metrics

●     Date: 

●     Description: Challenge the Western-centric development indicators and metrics commonly used in Asia, and discuss alternative approaches that incorporate diverse perspectives, sustainability, and well-being.

Theme 8: Decolonizing Aid and International Development

●     Date: 

●     Description: Critically assess the role of international aid and development organizations in perpetuating colonial power structures. Explore ways to decolonize aid and promote locally-led and context-specific development.

Theme 9: Art, Culture, and Decolonization

●     Date: 

●     Description: Explore the role of art, culture, and creative expressions in decolonizing development. Discuss how cultural practices can challenge dominant narratives and empower marginalized communities.

Theme 10: Environmental Justice and Decolonial Ecologies

●     Date: 

●     Description: Examine the environmental impacts of colonialism and globalization in Asia. Discuss the importance of decolonizing ecologies, sustainable development, and climate justice.

Theme 11: Decolonizing Digital Spaces and Technology

●     Date: 

●     Description: Analyze the digital divide and the impact of digital technologies on development in Asia. Explore strategies for decolonizing digital spaces and ensuring equitable access and representation.

Theme 12: Building Solidarities and Collective Action

●     Date: 

●     Description: Wrap-up session focusing on building networks, coalitions, and collective actions for decolonizing development in Asia. Discuss ways to mobilize and advocate for transformative change.

Decolonizing Development Fellowship Program 2023-24

Building upon the discourse in the Summer Institute, the Decolonizing Development Fellowship Program is an 11-month action-research program designed to support individuals who are committed to enacting decolonizing practices within their respective universities or organizations. This program offers a unique Community of Practice platform that encourages collaboration, critical reflection, and use of Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation methodologies. Through this fellowship, participants will gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and networks to effectively intervene and contribute to decolonizing work.

Program Overview:

The Decolonizing Development Fellowship Program is structured around the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) methodology, which emphasizes a rigorous and adaptive approach to addressing complex challenges. Over the course of 11 months, participants will engage in a series of activities, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities, enabling them to actively implement decolonizing initiatives in their specific contexts.

Phase 1: Orientation 

●     During the first month, fellows will participate in an orientation program to familiarize themselves with the principles and objectives of decolonizing development and diagnose colonial structures that may still be embedded in institutions that they work in in the present

●     They will engage in capacity-building workshops, seminars, and webinars, covering topics such as decolonial theories, critical pedagogies, power analysis, and community engagement strategies.

●     Fellows will have the opportunity to connect with experienced mentors who will guide them throughout their journey.

Phase 2: Problem Analysis and Intervention Design

●     In this phase, fellows will conduct an analysis of the challenges and barriers to decolonizing practices within their universities or organizations.

●     They will collaborate with their mentors and fellow participants to identify specific problem areas and develop context-specific intervention plans.

●     The PDIA methodology will be applied, emphasizing iterative adaptation, learning through action, and ongoing reflection.

Phase 3: Implementation and Reflection

●     Fellows will spend the following months implementing their intervention plans, working closely with stakeholders, and navigating the complexities of institutional change.

●     Regular check-ins, peer learning sessions, and virtual workshops will provide a platform for ongoing reflection, learning from successes and failures, and adapting strategies as needed.

●     Fellows will document their experiences, challenges, and insights, contributing to a collective knowledge base on decolonizing development practices.

Phase 4: Evaluation and Knowledge Exchange

●     Towards the end of the fellowship, fellows will engage in a comprehensive evaluation of their interventions, critically assessing their impact, scalability, and sustainability.

●     A knowledge exchange event will be organized, allowing fellows to share their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned with a wider audience.

●     This event will serve as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations, and showcasing the transformative potential of decolonizing development work.

Throughout the program, fellows will benefit from a supportive and collaborative Community of Practice. This community will provide opportunities for ongoing engagement, mentorship, peer learning, and resource sharing. Fellows will also have access to a dedicated online platform where they can connect, seek guidance, and exchange ideas with their peers and mentors.

By the end of the 11-month fellowship, participants will have developed a deep understanding of decolonizing development, gained practical skills for intervention, built a strong network of like-minded individuals, and contributed to the broader movement of decolonizing practices within their universities or organizations.

Mechanics

Adapted from Social Transformation School

https://www1.socialtransformationschool.com/

Decolonizing Teaching Toolkit (SOAS,2018)

Refences:

Decolonizing the Curriculum Toolkit (Joanna Cheetham, Rob Lindsay & Dr Sam Saunders, 20__) click here