Introduction
The field of development studies has evolved significantly over time to include a gender perspective. In earlier years, women were largely invisible in development planning. However, the emergence of gender-sensitive theories and frameworks has helped address gender-based discrimination and inequalities in the development process. The theory of Gender and Development (GAD) emerged as a major step toward addressing structural and systemic issues related to gender roles, power, and access to resources.
Background: From WID to GAD
Women in Development (WID)
- WID emerged in the 1970s, inspired by Ester Boserup’s work.
- It focused on integrating women into existing development programs.
- However, WID treated women as a separate category without challenging existing gender roles and power structures.
Limitations of WID
- WID did not question why women were marginalized in the first place.
- It often treated gender inequality as a women’s issue rather than a societal problem.
Emergence of Gender and Development (GAD)
GAD developed in the 1980s as a more holistic approach to addressing gender concerns. It emphasized:
- Social relations between men and women, rather than focusing only on women.
- Structural causes of gender inequality, such as patriarchy and lack of access to resources.
- Empowerment of women through participation, control over resources, and decision-making.
Key Features of GAD
- Focus on Power Relations: GAD seeks to transform power dynamics and gender roles.
- Participation and Inclusion: It promotes the active involvement of both women and men in development processes.
- Intersectionality: GAD recognizes the intersection of gender with caste, class, race, and ethnicity.
- Policy Integration: Gender should be mainstreamed into all policies and programs.
Influence of Feminist Theories
GAD was also influenced by various feminist theories, such as:
- Liberal Feminism: Focuses on equal rights and opportunities.
- Radical Feminism: Challenges patriarchy and male dominance.
- Marxist Feminism: Links gender inequality to capitalism and class structures.
Impact on Development Practice
- Gender Mainstreaming: Became a global strategy to ensure gender equality is considered in all policies.
- Donor and UN Programs: Organizations like UNDP and World Bank adopted GAD-based frameworks.
- Data Collection: Emphasis on gender-disaggregated data to design better interventions.
- Local Participation: Encouragement of women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) and community participation.
Case Studies and Examples
1. Mahila Samakhya Programme (India)
- Focused on women’s education and empowerment in rural areas.
- Enabled women to participate in local governance and demand rights.
2. SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association)
- Provided women with credit, skill development, and social security.
Challenges
- Patriarchal norms are deeply rooted and slow to change.
- Limited funding for gender-sensitive programs.
- Gender mainstreaming is often misunderstood as a “women-only” issue.
Conclusion
The emergence of the Gender and Development framework has been a significant step in recognizing that gender equality is a core development issue. By focusing on the root causes of gender inequality, GAD has helped create more inclusive and effective development strategies. Continued efforts in policy, education, and advocacy are essential to achieve a gender-just society.