The Silver Lining: Reducing Dependency and Reclaiming Power in Global Development
By: Donna Egbulem, PMP, MSW, MPH
The rollback of DEI initiatives and the gutting of USAID under the Trump administration sent shockwaves through the global health and development sectors this week. Thousands of USAID employees were laid off, programs were abruptly shut down, and the federal government signaled a retreat from long-standing commitments to international aid. More recently, the firing of federal DEI hires has reinforced a troubling shift away from equity-focused policies.
At face value, these rollbacks represent devastating losses. Yet, amid the chaos, there is an undeniable silver lining—an opportunity to strengthen community-led initiatives and redefine what sustainable global development looks like.
Breaking Free from Western Conditionality
For decades, many global health and development programs have been tied to funding streams controlled by Western governments, philanthropists, and institutions—often with strings attached. These conditions have dictated everything from which communities receive support to how aid is implemented, frequently reinforcing power imbalances that prioritize donor preferences over local realities.
With USAID scaling back and DEI initiatives being gutted from within, the hard truth is that Western funding is no longer a reliable pillar of international development. While this creates undeniable hardship, it also presents an opportunity for self-determination—a chance for local organizations, grassroots movements, and survivor-led initiatives to step into leadership without being bound by external stipulations.
The Shift Toward Community-Centered and Survivor-Led Programming
One of the most promising outcomes of this transition is the increasing emphasis on community-driven solutions. When funding is no longer dictated by Western institutions, local organizations gain the freedom to implement programs that truly reflect the needs, culture, and expertise of the people they serve.
Consider gender-based violence prevention programs, which have long been constrained by Western funders’ rigid expectations. Survivor-led movements often advocate for more holistic, culturally rooted interventions—yet many have been sidelined due to donors' preference for metrics-heavy, one-size-fits-all approaches. With less reliance on USAID and similar entities, these movements have an opportunity to flourish on their own terms.
Similarly, in the public health sector, local healthcare providers and organizations can now take the lead in designing strategies that are sustainable beyond donor cycles. For too long, funding fluctuations have dictated which diseases and health crises receive attention. Now, there is an urgent push to invest in local funding mechanisms, regional collaborations, and models that do not hinge on Western approval.
Figuring It Out: The Opportunity for New Funding and Collaboration Models
This shift is not without challenges—reduced USAID funding means organizations must find new ways to sustain themselves. However, necessity has always been the mother of invention. Across the globe, innovative solutions are emerging:
Regional Investment Funds: Countries and regional blocs are stepping up to create funding pools that reduce reliance on Western donors. The African Union’s recent push for self-financed development initiatives is one example.
Diaspora and Private Sector Engagement: Many communities have strong diaspora networks with the potential to invest in local development projects. Additionally, social enterprises and impact investing are becoming more viable alternatives to traditional aid.
South-South Collaboration: With less interference from the West, countries in the Global South have more room to build peer-to-peer partnerships that are based on mutual benefit rather than donor-driven agendas.
Reclaiming Power in the Global Development Landscape
For years, activists and development professionals have called for a shift in power—one where local leaders and organizations are not just implementers of Western-funded projects but architects of their own solutions. The current landscape, while turbulent, forces us to make that shift.
If there is a silver lining in these rollbacks, it’s that they provide a wake-up call. They highlight the urgency of creating sustainable, locally-led alternatives that are not dictated by the changing political winds of Western nations. Yes, the loss of USAID funding and DEI programs is disruptive. But it is also an opportunity—a moment to build something stronger, freer, and truly centered on the people who have always been at the heart of this work.
Beyond Money: Embracing Alternative Currencies
While financial resources have long been seen as the lifeblood of global development, it’s important to remember that money is not the only type of currency available. In this new era, social capital, trust, local knowledge, and cultural resilience are emerging as equally powerful assets.
Social Capital: The bonds and networks formed within communities provide the support system necessary to drive grassroots change. These relationships, built on mutual respect and shared experience, can be more sustainable than short-term financial injections.
Local Knowledge: Indigenous wisdom and community-specific insights are invaluable in crafting solutions that are culturally sensitive and contextually relevant. This knowledge can often yield innovative approaches that are overlooked by externally imposed frameworks.
Trust and Cultural Resilience: Trust is the foundation of any community-led initiative. When communities are empowered to lead, they build resilience through collective action, ensuring that the impact of development programs is both deep-rooted and enduring.
These alternative currencies remind us that true progress is not measured solely by the dollar but by the strength of our communities and the depth of our relationships. They enable us to reimagine global development through the lens of equity and shared power, turning challenges into opportunities for transformational change.
Looking Ahead: Reimagining Global Development
The ongoing shifts in funding and policy have exposed a critical vulnerability in relying too heavily on Western financial support. However, they have also paved the way for a more balanced and inclusive approach to global development—one that values local leadership, community resilience, and alternative forms of capital.
As we navigate this transition, the challenge before us is clear: How will we leverage these new currencies to create sustainable, community-centered solutions? The answer lies in our collective commitment to reimagining the power dynamics that have long defined international aid. By valuing trust, knowledge, and the bonds that tie communities together, we can build a future where development is truly for the people—and by the people.
What alternative currencies are you investing in to drive change in your community? Let’s continue the conversation on building a more resilient and equitable world.
About the Author:
Donna Egbulem, PMP, MSW, MPH is a senior public health professional who specializes in change management, global health development, gender based violence, and health equity & social inclusion.
As a Global Health Professional with 12+ years of experience in International Development, Donna has lived and worked in Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Uganda, and the US. My toolkit includes rolling out Task Orders, coordinating research studies, data analytics, & strategic planning to combat challenges in HIV/AIDS and Gender-Based Violence, and more. Through her past and current work with USAID, CDC, and the State Department (US Mission Uganda and US Mission Eswatini), she has consistently analyzed and interpreted data to inform decision-making and improve gender-specific programming.
Connect with Donna Egbulem, PMP, MSW, MPH:
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