Hope International FAQ  – “Why are all these men sitting around?”
When we visit the field, it is common to see groups of men lounging outside, either observing the women’s repayment meeting, sharing a drink, or talking. On almost every trip, someone inevitably asks why it seems like so many men have nothing to do. A partial explanation is that Dominicans have a more communal, laid-back culture than we do in the U.S., and that’s a beautiful thing. However, there is a less beautiful side to the story.
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The D.R. has an unemployment rate of 14% and an underemployment rate of 29%. While men have more employment opportunities than women, often in construction or agriculture, this work is normally inconsistent and very low-paid.

Esperanza does a wonderful job serving women, and microfinance tends to be a better fit for this group. Numerous studies have confirmed that women repay at higher rates than men, and they are more likely to invest their income in a business and in their family. Without a doubt, we need to continue building on this momentum and investing in women around the world.

However, if we want to see entire communities experience transformation, we shouldn’t overlook men. Take this simple example: Women in Esperanza groups receive financial and health trainings. Learning about HIV/AIDS prevention is key for women in these communities, but men need to be equally aware of the facts and their responsibility. And while it is good and necessary that Esperanza clients learn how to budget and save, the reality remains that some of them are married to men who consider that any family income belongs to them.

In the developing world, males tend to spend less on the family than females, and more on alcohol, gambling, and women. That’s one primary reason why microfinance institutions focus on women—they’re a better investment. However, this reality underscores the need to focus on the family unit as a whole. I would love to see more communities working alongside men, providing training and accountability. Supporting and educating men will complement and accelerate the progress women are making, moving whole families forward.
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Recently I went with a group to visit a man named Alejandro. He lives in a humble neighborhood on the outskirts of the city of San Pedro. A fisherman by trade, he used a small loan to purchase a motor and build his own boat. As he caught and sold more fish, Alejandro was able to expand his shop—a roomy, clean space with a concrete foundation and shining tile walls. He prepares and sells fresh fish and meat from his shop, which has grown from one freezer to five.

Yet Alejandro’s story is about more than economic success. He is a dedicated husband, father, and pastor. His shop is across the street from his church and just down the road from his family’s home, where his wife sells homemade desserts and juices. Alejandro’s store is named after their 9-year-old son, Otoniel, who told me he dreams of following in his dad’s footsteps when he grows up. It was clear that this was a strong family.
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Every day, Alejandro gets up at 1 a.m. to fish, works in his store all day, and goes to church in the evenings. He is a far cry from sitting around, and I would love to see more men following this example.

By: Annie Rose
Hope International