Showing papers in "Gender & Development in 2010"
TL;DR: The reasons why menstrual hygiene management is not generally included in WASH initiatives are explored, the social and health impacts of this neglect on women and girls are illustrated, and examples of successful approaches to tackling menstrual hygiene in Wash in the South Asia region are provided.
Abstract: In total, women spend around six to seven years of their lives menstruating. A key priority for women and girls is to have the necessary knowledge, facilities and cultural environment to manage menstruation hygienically, and with dignity. Yet, the importance of menstrual hygiene management is mostly neglected by development practitioners within the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) sector, and other related sectors such as reproductive health. This article explores the reasons why menstrual hygiene management is not generally included in WASH initiatives, the social and health impacts of this neglect on women and girls, and provides examples of successful approaches to tackling menstrual hygiene in WASH in the South Asia region.
236 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework for thinking about the gender dimensions of the economic crisis is proposed, which considers the likely impact of the crisis, as well as the responses to it, on the part of both individuals and collectivities, in three spheres of the economy: finance, production, and reproduction.
Abstract: This paper sets out a framework for thinking about the gender dimensions of the economic crisis. It considers the likely impact of the crisis, as well as the responses to it, on the part of both individuals and collectivities, in three spheres of the economy: finance; production; and reproduction. It identifies the kinds of ‘gender numbers’ that we need; sex-disaggregated statistics of various kinds. It also argues that we need to pay attention to gender norms – the social practices and ideas that shape the behaviour of people and institutions. The norms may be reinforced in times of crisis; but they may also start to decompose as individuals transgress norms under the pressures of crisis. In addition, there may be opportunities for the transformation of norms, through collective action to institute new, more egalitarian, social practices and ideas.
126 citations
TL;DR: The global financial crisis that began in 2008 has resulted in the widespread destruction of jobs and livelihoods as discussed by the authors, and the crisis provides the opportunity to rethink macroeconomic policy and for feminist economists to advance proposals that promote jobs, economic security, and equality by class, gender, and ethnicity.
Abstract: The global financial crisis that began in 2008 has resulted in the widespread destruction of jobs and livelihoods. Among the factors that precipitated the crisis, growing inequality both within and between countries contributed to low levels of aggregate demand and the reliance of low-income households on unsustainable borrowing to maintain living standards. The crisis provides the opportunity to rethink macroeconomic policy, and for feminist economists to advance proposals that promote jobs, economic security, and equality by class, gender, and ethnicity. Reviving the global economy will require policies that focus heavily on job creation, putting money into the hands of low- and middle-income households.
93 citations
TL;DR: Lynch, Lynch, Kathleen, John Baker and Maureen Lyons as mentioned in this paper have published a book called Affective Equality: Love, Care and Injustice, which is about love, care and justice.
Abstract: Edited by Liz Cooke Lynch, Kathleen, John Baker and Maureen Lyons Affective Equality: Love, Care and Injustice Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009, ISBN: 13:978-0-230-22719-4, 289 pp. Who has...
89 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that a narrow focus on gender-sensitive mechanisms of water delivery (such as committees, tariffs, technologies) is insufficient to ensure gender equitable outcomes.
Abstract: This paper sets out a framework for understanding water governance, arguing that a narrow focus on gender-sensitive mechanisms of water delivery (such as committees, tariffs, technologies) is insufficient to ensure gender equitable outcomes. We need to expand our analysis of water governance in two directions. Firstly, to understand the ways in which societal resources are allocated (through economic policies, legislation etc) and so shape mechanisms in particular ways. Secondly, to consider how different people are able to influence the outcomes of particular governance arrangements to produce gendered outcomes (for health and well-being, access and livelihoods, and for political voice).
87 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the impact of the global economic crisis on the migration of Ethiopian women domestic workers to the Gulf and concluded that migration as a strategy to cope with existing crises in Ethiopia will be severely constrained by post-downturn policy shifts, which have already produced a significant decline in numbers of recorded migrants and remittances.
Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of the global economic crisis on the migration of Ethiopian women domestic workers to the Gulf. It argues that migration as a strategy to cope with existing crises in Ethiopia will be severely constrained by post-downturn policy shifts, which have already produced a significant decline in numbers of recorded migrants and remittances. Evidence suggests the consequence will be an increase in the flows of unrecorded migrants. The conclusion discusses policy responses to mitigate some of the negative consequences of the global economic crisis on the migration of Ethiopian domestic workers.
68 citations
TL;DR: Shepherd, Laura J. as mentioned in this paper, Gender Matters in Global Politics: A Feminist Introduction to International Relations London: Routledge, 2010, ISBN: 978-0-415-45388-2, 416 pp.
Abstract: Shepherd, Laura J. (ed.) Gender Matters in Global Politics: A Feminist Introduction to International Relations London: Routledge, 2010, ISBN: 978-0-415-45388-2, 416 pp. Terrell Carver's concluding ...
58 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue that gender and care-sensitive social protection measures are a good means by which to support the position of carers and to create better visibility within policy circles, while also demonstrating considerable returns for human well-being and broader long-term economic development.
Abstract: Caring for children and other dependents is crucial to human well-being, and to social and economic development. Yet, most national and international policymakers appear persistently blind to this fact, as has been highlighted by the recent global economic crisis. They need to recognise and value care work if they are to support vulnerable families from the effects of economic downturn. The 2008–2009 global economic crisis has served to underscore the potential effects of inadequate attention to care economy dynamics, with serious risks to children's education, development, health and protection already evident. Nevertheless, economic recovery measures continue to provide little space or funding for protective or remedial measures. We argue that gender and care-sensitive social protection measures are a good means by which to support the position of carers and to create better visibility within policy circles, while also demonstrating considerable returns for human well-being and broader long-term economi...
38 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored the effects of liberal macroeconomic policies and economic crisis on informal street traders and found that female traders' households rely significantly more on income generated by trading than males' households.
Abstract: This paper explores the effects of liberal macroeconomic policies and the economic crisis on informal street traders. Street traders are linked to financial markets and the crisis primarily though demand conditions: slower growth and over-trading translate into lower profits. Field research indicates that female traders' households rely significantly more than male traders' households on income generated by trading.
36 citations
TL;DR: A recent study on the impact of the economic crisis on informal workers in Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa revealed that transmission of the crisis to the informal economy is hitting poor women hard as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Findings from a recent study on the impact of the economic crisis on informal workers in Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa reveal that transmission of the crisis to the informal economy is hitting poor women hard. Women constitute the majority of the informal workforce in most developing countries, and predominate its poorest and most vulnerable ranks. Evidence from four informal sectors suggests that income and employment trends during the crisis – decreasing demand and wages aggravated by rising competition – are strongest in the poorest-paying and lowest barrier-to-entry informal sectors and sub-sectors where women are concentrated. The crisis is compounding women's paid and unpaid informal work burden. As a result, the relative socio-economic vulnerability of poor working women and their families is deteriorating during the crisis.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on Zimbabwean women who are responding to the economic problems at home by trading food in South Africa, and explore the crops the women market, strategies they use to access these markets, the challenges they face in South African, and the way they handle and resolve conflicts of various kinds which arise in the course of their activities.
Abstract: This article focuses on Zimbabwean women who are responding to the economic problems at home by trading food in South Africa. It explores the crops the women market, the strategies they use to access these markets, the challenges they face in South Africa, and the way they handle and resolve conflicts of various kinds which arise in the course of their activities. Ensuring household survival by engaging in international trade presents women with the challenge of conquering gender stereotypes, and this potentially enhances their independence. The article is based on research that I undertook in a new resettlement area in Zimbabwe.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that there are contradictions between gender goals and policies and the aspirations of irrigation professionals, which are embedded in the incentive structure of the bureaucracy, and that the dominant professional culture of irrigation engineers is strongly masculine, linking professional performance to masculinity.
Abstract: This article argues that there are contradictions between gender goals and policies and the aspirations of irrigation professionals, which are embedded in the incentive structure of the bureaucracy. In addition, the dominant professional culture of irrigation engineers is strongly masculine, linking professional performance to masculinity. The prevailing incentives and culture of the irrigation bureaucracy stand in the way of achieving any real progress in terms of gender goals. This article is based on evidence collected through an in-depth study of the irrigation bureaucracy in Nepal between 2001 and 2007.
TL;DR: Salleh, Ariel (ed.) Eco-Sufficiency and Global Justice: Women Write Political Ecology London: Pluto Press and Spinifex Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-7453-2863-8, 324 pp.
Abstract: Salleh, Ariel (ed.) Eco-Sufficiency and Global Justice: Women Write Political Ecology London: Pluto Press and Spinifex Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-7453-2863-8, 324 pp. Eco-Sufficiency and Global Justi...
TL;DR: Johnson, Janet Elise Gender Violence in Russia: The Politics of Feminist Intervention Bloomington, IN: University of Indiana Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-25322-074-5, 248 pp.
Abstract: Johnson, Janet Elise Gender Violence in Russia: The Politics of Feminist Intervention Bloomington, IN: University of Indiana Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-25322-074-5, 248 pp. Janet Elise Johnson's book...
TL;DR: To reduce women's excessive workload, seasonal migration of men, and hunger arising from drought, development organisations need to incorporate irrigation into rural water supply projects in agro-based economies that are drought-prone.
Abstract: This article discusses the impact of drought on livelihoods of agro-based rural communities in the Volta Region of Ghana, and how rural women and men attempt to survive during drought periods. Drought, which negatively affects both women and men in some respects, affects women more due to their combined reproductive and productive workload. Focusing on the Volta Rural Water Supply Project, the article suggests that to reduce women's excessive workload, seasonal migration of men, and hunger arising from drought, development organisations need to incorporate irrigation into rural water supply projects in agro-based economies that are drought-prone. As well, it suggests that equal and full involvement of women in planning and implementation of water projects is essential.
TL;DR: The Wanaraniya Water Project as discussed by the authors is a water project for rural Sri Lanka, which was initiated by women and has been operated and managed by them for the last six years.
Abstract: Water is one of the most important natural resources, and its effective management is essential given its scarcity. In rural Sri Lanka, the management of available water resources needs special attention because investment for water resource improvement is hard to obtain, and water itself is relatively scarce in the drier areas of the country. The Wanaraniya Water Project pipes water 6.5km from its source to individual houses in the village, saving women daily time and effort. The project is founded on commitments to community participation and the adoption of local knowledge. It was initiated by women, and has been operated and managed by them for the last six years. This study argues that the project can serve as a model for better planning of water management, and focuses on the unique strategies and innovative methods that have been used. In particular, it shows the impact of involvement in the project on women's empowerment. The implementation of the project has helped women to improve their leadersh...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the gendered impacts of economic downturn on migrants from Burma/Myanmar who are working in Thailand and find that migrant women have experienced decreases in wages, lay-offs, increased restrictions on reproductive rights and increased risks of harassment and extortion as a result of the economic downturn.
Abstract: This article draws on the grassroots experiences and research of MAP Foundation to examine the gendered impacts of the economic downturn on migrants from Burma/Myanmar1 who are working in Thailand. The article looks through a gender lens at the wages, working conditions, family relations and safety and security issues. It finds that migrant women have experienced decreases in wages, lay-offs, increased restrictions on reproductive rights and increased risks of harassment and extortion as a result of the economic downturn. It also finds that the usually resilient Burmese migrant communities are being stretched beyond their limits, and need urgent protection.
TL;DR: Some of the challenges and opportunities involved in a programme in which gender equity is intrinsically recognised as a social justice goal, as well as a foundation for nutrition and food security gains are presented.
Abstract: In Bangladesh, Helen Keller International (HKI) is known for its homestead food production (HFP) programme, which promotes small-scale agriculture among women, specifically to improve women's and children's nutrition outcomes, including dietary diversity and knowledge of maternal self-care and infant–young child feeding practices. To achieve these aims, the programme focuses on women's empowerment. This article presents some of the challenges and opportunities involved in a programme in which gender equity is intrinsically recognised as a social justice goal, as well as a foundation for nutrition and food security gains.
TL;DR: This literature review seeks to examine men's knowledge of and interest in HPV vaccination as this could potentially affect vaccine uptake.
Abstract: The FDA recently approved the use of the HPV quadrivalent vaccine, Gardasil, for the prevention of genital warts in males ages 9 through 26. This literature review seeks to examine men's knowledge of and interest in HPV vaccination as this could potentially affect vaccine uptake.
TL;DR: Redfern, Catherine and Kristin Aune Reclaiming the F Word: The New Feminist Movement London and New York [publisher], 2010, ISBN: 978-1-84813-395-2, 282 pp.
Abstract: Redfern, Catherine and Kristin Aune Reclaiming the F Word: The New Feminist Movement London and New York [publisher], 2010, ISBN: 978-1-84813-395-2, 282 pp. This book is based on a survey of 1300 s...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the human right to water and why this right is critical for women and girls, and discussed the tension between contractual obligations and respect for human rights, and explored strategies and successes from women's involvement in the struggle against water privatisation in Tanzania.
Abstract: Access to water is a critical component in advancing the human rights of women. Although privatisation of water services continues to be pushed by donors such as The World Bank, the available information shows that privatisations are not increasing access to water for poor women. This paper examines the human right to water and why this right is critical for women and girls. It then discusses privatisation, and the tension between contractual obligations and respect for human rights. Finally, it explores some strategies and successes from women's involvement in the struggle against water privatisation in Tanzania.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors found that it is gender inequality that makes women more vulnerable to food price increases, yet they are resourcefully devising ways to cope with scarcity in availability, access and consumption of food.
Abstract: The depth and geographical scope of the impacts of the 2007–2008 food price hikes have received wide attention, and calls have been made for urgent actions to minimise the short- and long-term negative effects on vulnerable groups, including women in farming communities. This article, based on research from farming households in Bangladesh and Ethiopia, confirms that it is gender inequality that makes women more vulnerable to the food price hikes, yet they are resourcefully devising ways to cope with scarcity in availability, access and consumption of food.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine three issues: what is attracting investors and market speculators into the farm and land sectors? What is at stake for small farmers and especially women farmers and long-term impacts for food production and food security? And what action is needed to enable women to secure access to natural resource and land assets for current and future generations?
Abstract: Globalisation impacts on local land markets and land-use; land transaction costs affect food prices; and the combined effect is particularly damaging to women who produce food and who put food on the table for their families. This paper examines three issues: what is attracting investors and market speculators into the farm and land sectors? What is at stake for small farmers – and especially women farmers – and long-term impacts for food production and food security? And what action is needed to enable women to secure access to natural resource and land assets for current and future generations?
TL;DR: The experience of the National Federation of Cooperatives (FENACOOP), a mixed-sex rural organisation in Nicaragua, and its efforts to engage women farmers in meaningful participation are looked at to illustrate how farmers' organisations can respond more effectively to women's specific interests and priorities.
Abstract: Research into rural livelihoods shows that food security will not be achieved unless women farmers are treated as economic agents in their own right. While farmers often seek to increase their influence through collective action, this avenue is only of limited use to women, since most rural organisations are male-dominated and marginalise women's voices. This article looks at the National Federation of Cooperatives (FENACOOP), a mixed-sex rural organisation in Nicaragua, and its efforts to engage women farmers in meaningful participation. The experience shows that there are no simple recipes for successful gender mainstreaming, and captures good practices to illustrate how farmers' organisations can respond more effectively to women's specific interests and priorities.
TL;DR: Obesity in children increased threeto sixfold from 1950 to 2000 with 12% to 18% of those ages 2 to 19 years defi ned as obese according to the 2000 CDC growth charts.
Abstract: Obesity in children increased threeto sixfold from 1950 to 2000 with 12% to 18% of those ages 2 to 19 years defi ned as obese according to the 2000 CDC growth charts. In the past 10 years, obesity seems to have hit a plateau except in male children ages 6 to 19 years. Data through 2008 show that in children ages 2 to 19 years, 17% are obese and 32% are overweight (ages 2 to 5: 10.4%, 6 to 11: 19.6%, 12 to 19: 18.1%). Obese children can become obese adults and suffer increased health burdens. Numerous health issues seen in obese adults are now being seen in obese children. Increased risk and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver, hypertension, increased lipid profi les, asthma, and increased risk of anesthesia complications have been reported in obese children. Obese children have also been shown to suffer from increased incidence of depression and low self-esteem. As a result of childhood obesity, life expectancy is actually expected to decline for the fi rst time since 1900 when the government began predicting and keeping records. In 2005, an obesity researcher from Children’s Hospital Boston stated that life expectancy was reduced by 4 to 9 months in obese children but expected the reduction to increase to 2 to 5 years over the next decades. The results of a study that followed Pima Indian children for a median of 23.9 years showed that obesity, glucose intolerance, and hypertension during childhood were strong risk factors for premature death.
TL;DR: This article analyses how one policy instituted by a large-scale multi-dam development project, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), affected women's food security in the rural highlands ofLesotho, southern Africa.
Abstract: This article investigates the effects of development policy on gender and food security. It analyses how one policy instituted by a large-scale multi-dam development project, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), affected women's food security in the rural highlands of Lesotho, southern Africa. This was a mitigation policy, aiming to ensure that the LHWP did not negatively impact on the people living in the area where the dams were constructed. However, ethnographic research suggests that the policy itself reinforced and exacerbated gender inequalities that affected women's ability to secure food, and put women at risk of food insecurity within their households. Once again we see that gender issues must be central to the constitution and implementation of development projects.
TL;DR: Examination of food security, nutrition, and women's agricultural livelihoods in Western Province, Zambia examines links between food procurement, livelihoods and care at the household level, and recognises the role of institutions and access to assets in shaping livelihood choices by women.
Abstract: This article examines food security, nutrition, and women's agricultural livelihoods in Western Province, Zambia. It draws on data from field research supported by Concern Worldwide UK. The research aimed to explore links between food procurement, livelihoods and care at the household level, and recognises the role of institutions and access to assets in shaping livelihood choices by women. Women describe agriculture as the principal route out of food insecurity, and also as a means to a stable livelihood. However, more support is required for women's livelihood activities including agriculture, to enable women to produce enough food to feed themselves and their families.
TL;DR: Despite the advantages of high-yielding new maize varieties, many farmers continue to grow local varieties, with women in particular valuing the culinary role played by these varieties as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: In the future, more food will be needed to feed a growing world population. High-yielding crop varieties will play a key role in meeting this challenge. This article draws on research undertaken by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in La Frailesca in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. Both agricultural and social processes influence women's and men's preferences for new or traditional (local) maize varieties. Despite the advantages of high-yielding new varieties, many farmers are continuing to grow local varieties, with women in particular valuing the culinary role played by these varieties.