http://www.gsdrc.org Academic and policy-relevant publications on governance and international development. en-uk Copyright © 2012 Governance and Social Development Resource Centre Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:10 GMT Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:10 GMT http://www.gsdrc.org/rss/open george@gsdrc.org george@gsdrc.org http://www.gsdrc.org/images/logos/logo_gsdrc.gif http://www.gsdrc.org 205 90 GSDRC logo Mariz Tadros How has the new approach to religion since 9/11 impacted on efforts to address women’s rights? How has it affected women’s day to day realities? This study examines various forms of instrumentalisation of religion, gender and human rights, against the backdrop of today’s volatile political context, the rise of identity politics and increased economic inequality and deprivation. It argues that the binaries of religious versus secular, moderate Islamist versus radical Islamist, feminist versus Muslim activist, conceal the ambiguities and fluidity of identities, strategies of engagement and framing of ideas. They are undermining efforts to improve the lives of women. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4227&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4227&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT OECD DAC Network on Gender Equality This paper highlights the need for innovative approaches and partnerships to scale up women's economic empowerment. Achieving women's economic empowerment will take sound public policies, a holistic approach and long-term commitment from all development actors. It is important to 'start with women' by integrating gender-specific perspectives into policy and programme design. More equitable access to assets and services – land, water, infrastructure, technology, innovation and credit – will strengthen women's rights, increase agricultural productivity and promote economic growth. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4224&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4224&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT World Bank What impact has globalisation had on gender equality? This study examines the impacts of economic integration, technical change and access to information on gender inequality. It argues that not everyone is benefiting from globalisation. Women, for whom existing constraints are most binding, are often left behind. While the forces unleashed by globalisation have lifted some of the barriers to greater gender equality, public action is needed to lift these further. In particular, public policy needs to address gender gaps in endowments, agency, and access to economic opportunities. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4201&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4201&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT World Bank This study notes that investments in health and education – human capital endowments – shape the ability of men and women to reach their full potential. It examines gender gaps in education and health, and progress in addressing them. It finds that great progress had been made in cases where removing a single barrier – in markets, households or institutions – is required. However, progress has been slower either where multiple barriers need to be lifted at the same time or where a single point of entry produces bottlenecks. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4200&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4200&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Nahla Valji, with Romi Sigsworth and Anne Marie Goetz How can transitional justice processes serve women more effectively? Among the guiding principles of UN engagement in transitional justice activities is the need to 'strive to ensure women's rights'. This report examines gender equality issues in relation to prosecutions, truth seeking, reparations, national consultations and institutional reforms. It argues that post-conflict transitions provide opportunities both to secure justice and to address the context of inequality that gives rise to conflict. Normative, procedural and cultural aspects of transitional justice institutions require reform. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4173&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4173&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Grace Maina How effectively have the needs of women and girls been addressed during rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction in Uganda? This study looks the reintegration experience of women and girls after the long war between the Ugandan government and the Lord's Resistance Army. The study analyses the situation in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls on all actors to address the special needs of women and girls during rehabilitation, reintegration and post-conflict reconstruction. The study concludes that, since the female populations in northern Uganda still struggle with deprivation, want and exclusion, it is difficult speak of meaningful and durable peace. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4167&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4167&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT World Bank Some 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by repeated cycles of political and criminal violence. This report argues that breaking these cycles involves a) strengthening legitimate national institutions and governance to meet citizens' key needs; and b) alleviating international stresses that increase the risks of conflict (such as food price volatility and infiltration by trafficking networks). It is important to: refocus assistance on confidence building, citizen security, justice and jobs; reform the procedures of international agencies to accommodate swift, flexible, and longer-term action; respond at the regional level (such as by developing markets that integrate insecure areas and pooling resources for building capacity); and to renew cooperative efforts between lower, middle, and higher income countries. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4160&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4160&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Mariz Tadros How can the international community advance gender equality in socially conservative contexts through effective support to women's coalitions? This report looks at how six collective initiatives in Egypt and Jordan have formed and worked politically to advance gender equality. It argues that engaging in informal 'backstage' politics is as important as formal channels of engagement in these 'closed' political spaces. The international community plays a critical role in supporting women's coalitions. Donors have provided some positive support, but there is room for improvement. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4149&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4149&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Usha Sundar Harris How can participatory media support empowerment, dialogue and community building? This study of a participatory video workshop involving rural women in Fiji found that women integrated local norms and practices in their video production. They used social capital – relationships and social networks – as a key element. Women presented themselves as active citizens who made significant contributions to their families and communities. The project highlighted the importance of encouraging multi-ethnic or heterogeneous social networks in Fiji. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4134&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4134&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Clare Castillejo What role do women play in statebuilding? How do statebuilding processes affect women's participation? Support for statebuilding has become the dominant model for international engagement in post-conflict contexts, yet donor approaches lack substantial gender analysis and are missing opportunities to promote gender equality. This paper presents findings from a research project on the impact of post-conflict statebuilding on women's citizenship. It argues that gender inequalities are linked to the underlying political settlement, and that donors must therefore address gender as a fundamentally political issue. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4112&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4112&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Concern Worldwide and Oxfam GB Do cash transfers (CTs) in emergency contexts currently benefit women and contribute to women's empowerment? How can NGOs and donors develop more gender-sensitive CT programmes that help to redress inequality and work towards empowerment? This report examines the impacts of cash transfers on gender dynamics within households and communities. It finds mixed impacts and insufficient consideration of gender inequality and gender analysis in programme processes. To realise the potential value of CTs for women, NGOs and donors need to ensure, for example, that all emergency responses include a gender and social analysis; that clear and attainable gender aims are specified for each stage of the intervention; and that more investment is made in staff training. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4089&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4089&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Naila Kabeer In efforts to measure empowerment, do indicators mean what they are supposed to mean? Are the values they reflect appropriate? This paper examines the measurement of three dimensions of empowerment: resources (the conditions under which choices are made); agency (the process by which choices are made); and achievements (the outcomes of choices). It highlights problems of meaning and values – particularly the need for indicators to be triangulated – and suggests that methodologically pluralist approaches to measuring empowerment are required. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4085&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4085&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT Samia Melhem and Nidhi Tandon How do ICTs impact women and men differently? What are the implications of women's lack of engagement, participation and leadership in the use of ICTs for business and development? This report provides an overview of issues relating to women and Information and Communication Technology, including issues of: access and education; inclusion in the ICT workforce; qualifications and appetite for ICT career adoption; and opportunities and threats of ICTs on women's lives. A 'one policy fits all' approach to mainstreaming ICTs has thus far been unsuccessful; a 'female first' policy is required. The impact on and engagement of women should be a key consideration in all projects. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4084&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4084&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor What are the key components of a fully functional property system and what dysfunctionalities limit fair access to property? How can property systems be reformed in a way that enables the poor to access and secure property? This chapter suggests that a pro-poor reform strategy for effectively functioning property systems should be based on land tenure security, the creation of opportunity for investment, and adequate management of risk. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4081&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4081&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Cecilia Luttrell and Sitna Quiroz What are the implications of the various concepts of empowerment for development practice? This paper argues that a failure to define empowerment can weaken its value as an agent for change and as a tool for analysis. Empowerment can be broadly defined as a progression that helps people to gain control over their own lives and increases their capacity to act on issues they themselves think are important. A multidimensional approach to empowerment must consider both individual capacities and collective action to address inequalities that cause poverty. Awareness of the different forms of power and their dynamic nature can help to identify the strategies needed to shift unequal power relations. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4077&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4077&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Maxine Molyneux Are Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) really empowering women? If not, might they even be making things worse? This review of CCTs, particularly of PROGRESA in Mexico, argues that although these programmes are widely replicated due to their perceived positive impact in reducing poverty, they reinforce asymmetric gender roles. Women involved in the programmes report that, in general, they experience greater self-esteem, well being and autonomy. However, the programmes' gender bias reinforces the position of women as mothers, tying them more closely to the home. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4069&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4069&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Naila Kabeer How can development interventions manage information and ideas so as to empower women more effectively? This paper suggests that particular attention must be given to strengthening women's capacity for voice and action at five 'critical moments' of an intervention's planning cycle: conception, design, implementation, evaluation, and learning. At these moments, the ideas, values and knowledge of key actors profoundly affect how an intervention plays out in practice, and thus what it is able to achieve. Gender equality concerns are especially important at the conceptualisation stage, so as to plan follow-through. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4065&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4065&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Global Fund for Women What interventions are the most successful in improving women's economic power in the developing world? This paper highlights lessons learned from three years of grant-making to organisations seeking to improve economic opportunity for women. It argues that the most effective interventions for women's economic empowerment take a holistic approach that includes promoting women's rights. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4060&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4060&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Wed, 01 Jan 2003 00:00:00 GMT Andrea Cornwall and Karen Brock What do 'poverty reduction', 'participation' and 'empowerment' really mean? Has their use influenced mainstream development policy? This paper argues that the terms we use are never neutral. Different configurations of words frame and justify particular kinds of development interventions. Terms are given meaning as they are put to use in policies, and the policies influence how those who work in development come to think about what they are doing. 'Poverty reduction', 'participation' and 'empowerment' have been emptied of meaning by a lack of specificity that masks differing opinions. This 'one size fits all' apolitical approach undermines their ability to deliver the aspirations that they promote. Significant difference could be achieved in policies and actions if greater attention were paid to specificity in choosing words. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4059&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4059&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT UN Commission on the Legal Empowerment of the Poor Most of the world's poor live outside the ambit of the law and their poverty is both a cause and consequence of their lack of effective legal rights. This chapter argues that addressing the issue of legal empowerment is both smart politics and good economics. It presents a framework of legal empowerment based on 1) access to justice and the rule of law; 2) property rights; 3) labour rights; and 4) business rights. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4054&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4054&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Gender Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT