1. The Role of Women in Development

2. Capitalism and women What is Capitalism’s effect on the role of women in the world? lose control of the means of production – (ex: wage laborers) Undermines large, extended family groups – now nuclear families – release men of ties to extended family – Patrilocality of the workforce – Single parent household – Movement of industry to the periphery Structural adjustment programs removing state support for social programs disproportionately affect women.

3. What is gender and what does it define? Culturally defined role in a society Defines: – Power – Social role – Economic role – Political role – Labor

4. How does gender affect women’s health? Little control over reproduction – selective abortions / infanticide Less food – malnutrition Less health care Lack of safe sex – Low contraception use Domestic violence

5. Gender inequality and poverty closely linked Women traditionally more impoverished Women traditionally more impoverished both developing & developed countries both developing & developed countries Women lack control over resources – physical & sexual abuse – limited medical care – high fertility high maternal & infant death rates – poor nutrition – poor health – abandonment Feminization of Poverty

6. How do you solve problems related to issues of gender inequality and poverty Empowerment of women – powerless gain greater control over: – resources – self-confidence – decision making on equal basis with men Where do women have power?

7. How do you empower women? Education – “Educate a man and you educate an individual, educate a woman and you educate generations” Reproductive Rights Changing family dynamics – Smaller families, share responsibility Equal participation in politics Employment/business – grant loans to poor women  income, status, decision-making, skills, self-confidence