6: So much NGO language reinforces stereotypes – Sarika Bansal, ethical language expert

Storytelling for Impact

This episode features Sarika Bansal, a journalist and author based in Nairobi, Kenya who was the was the founder and editor in chief of BRIGHT magazine. Together, we discuss Sarika’s biggest bugbears when it comes to language use in the international NGO sector, scrutinising words and phrases such as "giving voice to the voiceless," “capacity building," “third world,” and “beneficiaries”. We also get her top tips on how to language that empowers contributors and upholds their dignity, as well as delving into the moral quandary that is voluntourism and asking: Is there an ethical way for a young, privileged person to spend time in a poorer community?