In international development are we in danger of objectifying the poor? Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen Fund seems to think so in this absolute must read article.

PND: Much of Acumen’s work and investments around the world are focused on poverty alleviation. Traditionally, that’s been the purview of international aid programs and large NGOs. You’ve been fairly outspoken in your criticism of such approaches. What don’t traditional aid experts get about poverty?

Jacqueline Novogratz: I guess I'd say that too often they see the poor as objects rather than as human beings who want to make their own decisions and control their own destinies. They’re not great at understanding the situation on the ground from the perspective of the poor and then coming up with solutions that allow people to be active participants in improving their own lives.

via PND – Newsmakers — Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO, Acumen Fund.