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Livelihoods: Transition of
Women from
E conomic unrest and recession have both forced the world to look at the ‘missing link’ of sustainable development – ‘women and their contribution to society’. Incidentally, they constitute half of the world’s population but do not participate in the labour force to the same extent as men. About 60 per cent of women work in richer nations and 40 per cent in the poorer, but their work — whether formal or informal — is underva lued in
all the countries.
Removing barriers like lack of access to finance and non-financial obstacles such as an unfavourable legal environment and inadequate education or training will allow all types of organisations to benefit from one of the most underutilised talent of "women". Investing in women and girls - in their education, health and gainful employment - can have a multiplier effect on our economy. However, the share of bilateral and multilateral aid focused on gender-specific projects remains inadequate. Banks and donors need to see women as active players in economic development. More aid should be focused on increasing income-generating initiatives for women. All over the world, women bear most of the responsibility towards their children and households. Women have a different career trajectory than men and need to work flexible hours and schedules to accommodate the heavy demands on their time. The biggest problem for working women is the lack of adequate childcare. For women who work as well as care for their families, appropriate and affordable childcare options need to be in place. The Development Alternatives (DA) Group has been addressing the issue of livelihoods for the past three decades through its various programmes such as literacy to self reliance, basic needs awareness, building and creation of enterprises owned by women through SHGs, etc. It believes that women’s entrepreneurship can make a strong contribution to the economic well-being of her family and the community. The GoI has for the past 60 years treated women as beneficiaries; in a way as dependents. There is now a need for a paradigm shift. It is time to change mindsets and treat women with diginity in our society. Policy makers should ensure that women are not looked at as just beneficiaries but as change makers. Government policies should facilitate on developing capacities and skills of women to empower them to become key actors in the country’s development process. Practical solutions for creating sustainable livelihoods and green enterprises for women should be adopted on a large scaIe. I hope this women’s day does not denigrate to tokenism, but positive action is taken to support the growth of women and their well being. Wishing all our readers a Happy Women’s Day! q Bhavna Gadre
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