Feminization Of Poverty

An examination of the feminization of poverty is viewed as an underscore in women and gender development. Gender inequalities against women, development of female-headed households, and deprivation of some fundamental human rights on and economic activities is the basis of the feminization of poverty. This paper highlights the phenomenon feminization of poverty.

Women poverty does not necessarily mean lack of money, but also involve the deprivation of critical human rights like education, proper sanitation, health, and food. Factors that affect this phenomenon put women at high risk of poverty. Most mothers who raise their children on their own are prone to extreme levels of poverty because they earn less to satisfy their households. In the cycle of poverty, low income is an aftermath of social bias that women have to bear with to have formal employment. Demographic, economic and socio-cultural factors are the primary causes of the poverty cycle. Additionally, other primary factors that lead to feminization of poverty include:

Social and Cultural Exclusion

Many countries have social and cultural norms that bias women from working outside their homes. Indeed, the increasing women's poverty is rooted in social-cultural patterns, as well as, political economy. The paper finds variations in the economic status of women-headed households, based on the social regulations, and women access to jobs and property. Gender inequalities heighten the vulnerability of women. However, although the claim that the majority of the world’s poor are women cannot be justified, the disadvantaged position of women is disputable.

Single Mothers

Women who raise children on their own and with limited access to property are at high risks of experiencing hardships due to reduced income and lack of resources. Lone mothers are considered to be the poorest in the society. Currently, there is an increase in lone mothers in several social settings across the world. Children reared in such settings are left out in terms of resources compared to those children who live with their partners. In conclusion, the paper affirms that the ability to lift women out of poverty is circumscribed by legal, social and political economies. Also, some social and cultural exclusion deny women right to formal employment, thus encouraging female poverty. For these reasons, empowerment of women is a crucial ingredient of the huge struggle to fight female poverty. Therefore, proper distribution of properties, transforming discriminatory laws and creating jobs for women would be inevitable in the war towards alleviating female poverty.