GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT

The module critically examines how development processes affect women and men and gender relations. The module has two sections: the first provides a theoretical and conceptual grounding by reviewing debates around women/gender and development, while the second part explores the gendered impact of development policies and processes by examining substantive issues such as globalization, masculinity, HIV/AIDS, female circumcision and food security. The concept of gender has been comprehended in different ways in various parts of the world. The challenge to understand gender as a concept has also posed a huddle in understanding development issues that are gender related. Gender issues have been a point of discussion long in the history of society and yet no single approach has been able to address these issues. Gender discrimination remains pervasive in many dimensions of life worldwide. This is so, despite considerable advances in gender equality in recent decades. The nature and extent of the discrimination vary considerably across countries and regions and cultures, but the patterns are striking. In no region of the world are women equal to men in legal, social, and economic rights. Gender gaps are widespread and access to and control of resources in economic opportunities, power, and political voice. Although women and girls bear the largest and most direct costs of these inequalities the costs of gender inequality cut more broadly across society, ultimately harming everyone.