Population and women in development: gender issues in the context of population and development
Eshete, A.
African Development Review 4(2): 79-117
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 1017-6772 PMID: 12287272 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8268.1992.tb00029.xDocument Number: 280234
Effective economic and social transformation in African societies requires the recognition and understanding of gender issues to provide women with the means for economic and social self-determination. This paper examines women's production and reproductive roles and their links with the demographic variables of population and development. Although these interactions are not fully understood, attempts are being made to utilize available data to analyse the linkages and interplays that exist between population variables with factors associated with the role, status and participation of women in the social and economic lives of African societies. Certain indicators, such as women's roles in employment, agriculture, education and population variables, intermediate variables such as marriage, health status, and family planning, allowed the assessment of the status of African women. These are all discussed further. The paper analyses the linkages and integrates the implications for population policies and programmes towards the enhancement of women's roles and status and their participation in the development process. Certain strategies to improve and change women's roles and status are discussed and recommended, along with the impacts on population and development.