1 minute read
the Problem
from Feminews
by lpsa_lebanon
Development interventions continue to be based on the idea that men are breadwinners and women are dependents.
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Women constitute a majority of the poor and are often the poorest of the poor. In most societies, gender norms define women’s role as largely relegated to the home, as mother and caretaker, and men’s role as responsible for productive activities outside the home. These norms influence institutional policies and laws that define women’s and men’s access to productive resources such as education, employment, land and credit. There is overwhelming evidence from around the world to show that girls and women are more disadvantaged than boys and men in their access to these valued productive resources.
The best policy solutions to address women’s poverty must combine a range of decent employment opportunities with a network of social services that support healthy families, such as quality health care, child care, and housing support.
Policy objectives must also recognize the multiple barriers to economic security women face based on their race, ethnicity, immigration status, sexuality, physical ability, and health status. These approaches must promote the equal social and economic status of all women by expanding their opportunities to balance work and family life.
“Economic `empowerment of women working through families can guarantee a change in lives and livelihoods of the poor. Microfinancing women-led families is a sustainable way to ensure women’s development.”
Joumana Al Akhdar
LPSA’s Student Exchange Officer
Pharmacy Graduate Beirut Arab University
Current Master Student Lebanese University
