Gender, economic growth, and poverty

Overview

Anti-poverty programmes (APPs) in Asia are not benefiting women. Heyzer explores the reasons why: failure to address unequal opportunities, failure to appreciate the different social responsibilities of men and women, and a false distinction, in economic terms, between the domestic and non-domestic spheres. APPs are needed that target households, because poverty has its greatest impact on women at this level. The article shows that economic growth is not synonymous with gender equality or human development. For this to be the case, strong Government initiatives and citizen participation need to be coupled with a stable society.

This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & Francis. For the full table of contents for this and previous issues of this journal, please visit the Gender and Development website.