When Power Is Shared, Communities Thrive

Power exists in every community. Sometimes it’s formal - held by elected leaders, managers, or those with financial control. Other times, it’s informal and quiet — rooted in trust, experience, or the ability to connect people. And while power can be a force for good, in my experience, it can also be deeply misused - even when intentions appear good.

I’ve seen power bring people together - used to share resources, spotlight marginalised voices, and co-create opportunities. But I’ve also seen it used to silence others, to gatekeep, and to intimidate. I’ve seen people bullied into submission. I’ve seen voices disappear from conversations they helped build. And more disturbingly, I’ve witnessed how power - especially when left unchecked - can enable exploitation, including sexual exploitation.

This isn’t easy to say. But it has to be said.

When someone in a position of authority uses that position to manipulate or pressure others into unsafe or uncomfortable situations - whether that’s through coercion, threats, or the implicit fear of losing access to opportunities - that’s an abuse of power. It happens in large organisations, small NGOs, in both the Global South and the Global North. It’s rarely spoken about publicly, but it is deeply felt by those affected.

Misused power doesn’t just harm individuals. It creates a culture of fear, mistrust, and silence. People disengage. They stop speaking up. They start protecting themselves rather than contributing freely. And the community suffers for it.

I’ve been in spaces where this silence has echoed loudly. Where people knew something was wrong but felt powerless to act. And I’ve also met brave individuals - in Madagascar, in the UK, in Guinea, in the Peruvian Amazon, and elsewhere - who are working to do things differently.

So how do we start to change this?

One of the most important first steps is conversation. Not just statements. Not just policies. But honest, human conversations. Creating space to talk about power, to name harm, and to listen - without defensiveness, without denial. Speaking with communities, not about them. Listening to those most affected. Making it safe to share, and safer to act.

Because power isn’t about being in charge. It’s about being accountable.

The people who’ve inspired me most aren’t always the loudest or the ones in charge. They’re the ones who use their influence to protect others. Who notice when someone’s gone quiet. Who make sure power is distributed, not hoarded.

Power, when used well, looks like encouragement. Like clear boundaries. Like fairness and consistency. It means actively working against exploitation - not just reacting to it when it’s exposed. It means centring care, and not just outcomes.

And when we get that right - when we root power in empathy, not ego - communities flourish.

Because the strongest leadership isn’t about control. It’s about connection.

Power is at its best when it’s shared.

And when we lead with care, communities don’t just function - they thrive.