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From ‘gender equality and ‘women’s empowerment’ to global justice: reclaiming a transformative agenda for gender and development

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 08:52 authored by Andrea Cornwall, Althea Rivas
The language of ‘gender equality’ and ‘women’s empowerment’ was mobilised by feminists in the 1980s and 1990s as a way of getting women’s rights onto the international development agenda. Their efforts can be declared a resounding success. The international development industry has fully embraced these terms. From international NGOs to donor governments to multilateral agencies the language of gender equality and women’s empowerment is a pervasive presence and takes pride of place among their major development priorities. And yet, this article argues, the fact that these terms have been eviscerated of conceptual and political bite compromises their use as the primary frame through which to demand rights and justice. Critically examining the trajectories of these terms in development, the article suggests that if the promise of the post-2015 agenda is to deliver on gender justice, new frames are needed, which can connect with and contribute to a broader movement for global justice.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Third World Quarterly

ISSN

0143-6597

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Issue

2

Volume

36

Page range

396-415

Department affiliated with

  • Anthropology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-11-15

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-03-08

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