Written by Masha Tokas
Research Intern,
Jindal Centre for the Global South,
O.P. Jindal Global University, India
Introduction
Malala Yousafzai once said, “we realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” This holds true for every mother, sister, daughter. In short, every Superwoman on earth. This research essay will help the readers to understand the status of women in the Global South. The objectives of the essay are to understand the challenges faced by women in the Global South and how religion becomes an important aspect in impacting the lives of women. Furthermore, this research essay will also analyze various case studies and policy initiatives and programmes across the globe, that were initiated as a response to the socio- economic and political upliftment of women. Towards the end, policy recommendations would be discussed that are appropriate and pragmatic an approach to ensure the betterment of women in the Global South.
Challenges for Women in Global South
A complex interplay of cultural, economic, and political factors has shaped the role of women in the global south. Historically, women in the global south have been marginalized and oppressed, with limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. However, in recent years, significant efforts have been to empower women and promote gender equality in the global south. (Advancing gender equality in West Asia, 10 January 2018)
One of the key challenges facing women in the global south is poverty. According to the World Bank, women in developing countries are more likely to be poor than men and are often more vulnerable to the effects of poverty. This is partly due to the fact that women often have fewer economic opportunities and are paid less than men for the same work. Additionally, women in the global south often bear a disproportionate burden of care work, such as caring for children and elderly family members, which can limit their ability to participate in paid work.
Another major challenge facing women in the global south is limited access to education. According to the United Nations, women in developing countries are less likely to be literate than men and are less likely to have access to higher education. This lack of education can limit women’s economic opportunities and make it more difficult for them to access healthcare and other essential services.
In addition to these challenges, women in the global south face significant political participation barriers. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women are underrepresented in national parliaments in nearly all countries, including the global south. This lack of representation can limit women’s ability to influence laws and policies that affect their lives.
Despite these challenges, there have been significant efforts in recent years to empower women and promote gender equality in the global south. For example, the United Nations has launched several initiatives to promote women’s economic empowerment, including programs to provide women with access to credit, training, and other resources to start their own businesses. Additionally, many organizations and governments in the global south have implemented policies and programs to improve access to education and healthcare for women (Stephan Klasen with Susann Roth). There have also been efforts to promote women’s political participation in the global south. For example, some countries have implemented quotas for women in national parliaments, and others have implemented initiatives to encourage women to run for office.
Impact of Religion on the Global South
Religion has significantly impacted the lives of women in the global south, both positively and negatively. Many religious traditions in the global south place a strong emphasis on traditional gender roles and the subordination of women, which can limit women’s opportunities and rights. For example, in some societies, religious beliefs and practices may be used to justify practices such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage, or the denial of education and employment opportunities to women. (Women & Gender in West Asia) On the other hand, many religious traditions also have teachings and practices that promote the equality and empowerment of women. In some cases, religious leaders and communities have been at the forefront of efforts to improve the status of women and promote gender equality. For example, many religious organizations in the global south have been involved in providing education and healthcare services to women and girls, and in advocating for laws and policies that protect women’s rights. (Women & Gender in West Asia) In general, the impact of religion on women in the global south is complex and multifaceted, shaped by a range of factors, including cultural, social, and economic contexts. While religion can be used to justify discrimination and oppression of women, it can also be a source of empowerment and support for women’s rights.
Programmes and case studies to better understand the state of women.
It is possible to predict how much quicker a nation would have developed if there were less gender differences in employment and education. (Klasen and Lamanna 2009). According to findings from a cross-sectional investigation, huge gender differences in schooling alone are estimated to cost nations like Pakistan about 1.3% of annual per capita growth. According to panel analyses, Pakistan’s annual per capita growth in the 1970s and 1980s would have been over 2% higher than it was, and in the 1990s, it would have been about 1.6% higher. This is because gender disparities in education and employment in Pakistan are currently much higher than those in East Asia. Gender disparities in employment and education account for nearly two-thirds of the growth penalty. There is little doubt that growth is a factor in gender disparity in employment and education, in addition to equity.
Inclusive growth: according to one definition (Klasen 2010), entails allowing marginalized people to participate in development actively. Growth can be viewed as inclusive when income growth rates and the non-income aspects of disadvantaged groups’ well-being are higher than average. An inclusive growth entails a stronger focus on lowering disadvantages in terms of health, education, employment prospects, and income in nations where women are underrepresented. This viewpoint prioritizes boosting women’s bargaining power at home and in the public realm because it has been demonstrated that women support underprivileged groups in the household and society (World Bank 2001; Klasen 2006). These results are, however, at a high level, and additional data and analysis on a country-by-country basis are required to determine the best strategies for inclusive growth and development in Central and West Asia. The effectiveness and application of gender data will be crucial in translating results into concrete policy challenges.
Lessons from Bangladesh’s experience can be extremely helpful in closing the large gender inequalities in education that still exist in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Using enrolment data that was broken down by sex and its determinants, policy study discovered that social institutions promoted the education of males. Gender inequalities cannot be closed just through supply-side initiatives like building new schools. There was a demand for parents to get rewards for educating their daughters. Consequently, the government
established a secondary school stipend programme for just females. It has been a tremendous success for the programme. This initiative enabled Bangladesh to achieve the MDG for gender equity in education by reducing the significant gender inequalities in secondary education (Abu-Ghaida and Klasen 2004; King, Klasen and Porter 2009; and World Bank 2001).
The Conditional Cash Transfer Program: This program is connected to gender goals in education and health, is a closely comparable strategy with the extra benefit of offering social safety. The innovative PROGRESA/Opportunities initiative in Mexico successfully distributed resources to low-income households, creating a fundamental safety net. The initiative increased women’s negotiating power, had a favorable effect on investments in health and education, and promoted female education by allocating resources to mothers,
tying payment to child health check-ups and attendance at school, and paying more for girls’ attendance (Schultz 2004; Behrman, Todd, and Parker 2009; King, Klasen, and Porter 2009). A thorough study of sex-disaggregated data that helped inform the creation and application of policies was essential to the program’s success. The impact evaluation of this effort was especially credible due to the randomized rollout of the policy with pilot areas chosen by lottery, which assured that the impacts assessed in these districts could be causally linked to the programme.
The case of water delivery in Africa: Lessons from rural water delivery in Africa may be applicable. Improving water supply is not simply about health in nations where the burden of reproductive work is significant—as is the situation in many of Central and West Asian poorer countries. Women spend a lot of time collecting water and wood, which limits their abilities for gainful employment and involvement in agricultural activities, according to time usage and living standards measuring surveys (Blackden and Bhanu 1999, Blackden et al. 2006). Therefore, expenditures in rural water supply should be considered as investments in female employment and productivity as well as health or water supply initiatives. Increasing women’s political engagement has positive effects India’s experience offers insightful insights on how to boost women’s political engagement and its implications on economic growth.
Women and local politics: Women have been severely underrepresented in politics and had low participation rates in democratic institutions, according to policy study findings. A 1993 constitutional change required that one-third of the seats in local councils (gram panchayats) be reserved for women and that one-third of local councils be led by women, partly because of these results. Before elections, certain municipal councils are chosen randomly to have female heads and only to allow female candidates to run. Thorough reviews of this initiative have revealed that investments in local health, education, and basic infrastructure are greater
in communities where women oversee the local councils. Additionally, women are more likely to participate in democracy in these areas (Duflo and Chatthopaddhya 2006; King, Klasen, and Porter 2009; Sathe, Priebe, and Klasen 2012). Benefits of family-friendly policies on the economy and society the reform in European family laws serves as a prime example of how sex-disaggregated data and analysis may support policy research and change. Fertility rates have been below replacement rates in Europe for some time, as in most OECD and transition nations. This has resulted in quickly ageing populations, strain on the social security and health systems, and rapidly declining populations (Stephan Klasen with Susann Roth).
Conclusion
After proper research and understanding of the issues faced by women in the Global South and the impacts that they have on the socio-economic development of the regions, it can be stated that the second gender plays a very integral role in nation building and it is imperative to have well-structured policy-making and implementations by the respective governments of the nations. This needs to be seen as a global movement that brings the entire Global South together to fight for women’s socio-economic and political rights and make this region a better place to live for them. The urge for change shall come not only from the Government but also supposed to be the will of the people to ensure sustainable growth and change in the mental and social outlook towards women that enhances the socio-economic and political opportunities for them. Following are some policy recommendations that can be implemented by the countries of the Global South to promote the socio-economic and political upliftment of women.
This can be done by promoting education for girls and women to empower them with the knowledge and skills they need to participate fully in society. Increasing access to healthcare, including reproductive and maternal healthcare, to improve women’s health and well-being. Encouraging economic empowerment for women through access to credit, land, and business opportunities. Addressing cultural and societal norms and stereotypes that limit women’s opportunities and societal roles. Ensuring that laws and policies are in place to protect women’s rights and promote gender equality. Improving representation of women in leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. Investing in programs and initiatives that specifically target marginalized groups of women such as rural women, women with disabilities, and indigenous women. Collaborating with local organizations and leaders to ensure that gender equality efforts are responsive to the specific needs and contexts of the communities they serve. Encouraging men and boys to be active partners in promoting gender equality. And lastly, measuring and tracking the progress in achieving gender equality to hold governments and other actors accountable.
Despite these efforts, however, much work remains to be done to empower women and promote gender equality in the global south. However, by focusing on addressing the key challenges facing women in the global south, such as poverty, limited access to education, and political marginalization, we can work towards a more equal and just society for all.
Bibliography
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2. Stephan Klasen with Susann Roth, J. G. (n.d.). Gender Statistics in development Planning for Centraland West Asia. Asia Development Bank. http://www.adb.org
3. Women & Gender in West Asia. (n.d.). Centre for West Asian Studies.
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8. Abu-Ghaida and Klasen 2004; King, Klasen and Porter 2009; and World Bank 2001 https://www.sciencedirect.com/
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author (s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Jindal Centre for the Global South or its members.
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