Addressing the Impact of Poverty on Women and Girls

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, coupled with geopolitical conflicts, climate disasters, and economic instability, has exacerbated poverty on an unprecedented scale. Since 2020, an additional 75 million people have been pushed into severe poverty, further widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Alarmingly, this trajectory could result in more than 342 million women and girls living below the poverty line by 2030 if immediate action isn’t taken.

What is poverty?

Poverty is a multifaceted and complex social phenomenon characterized by a lack of access to basic necessities and resources needed to meet one’s basic needs for a dignified life. While poverty is often measured in terms of income or material deprivation, it encompasses broader dimensions that extend beyond mere economic indicators.

As a complex and multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses economic, social, and structural dimensions, poverty requires comprehensive strategies that address root causes, promote inclusive development, and empower individuals and communities to break free from the cycle of deprivation and inequality.

Poverty disproportionately affects women and girls

Poverty disproportionately affects women and girls, depriving them of opportunities and trapping them in cycles of disadvantage. From access to education and healthcare to economic participation and decision-making, women face systemic barriers that hinder their ability to break free from poverty’s grip. As we strive to achieve gender equality by 2030, addressing the root causes of poverty must be a top priority.

How does poverty disproportionately affect women and girls?

Firstly, women often face systemic discrimination and gender-based inequalities that limit their access to education, employment, and economic opportunities. This disparity in access to resources and opportunities perpetuates a cycle of poverty for women, making it harder for them to escape economic hardship.

Moreover, women are more likely to be employed in low-paying and informal sectors of the economy, such as domestic work, agriculture, and informal retail, where they often lack job security, benefits, and fair wages. As a result, women are more vulnerable to economic shocks and fluctuations, further increasing their risk of poverty.

Additionally, women’s caregiving responsibilities, including childcare, eldercare, and household chores, often go unpaid and unrecognized, limiting their ability to participate fully in the workforce and earn a living wage. This unpaid care work not only contributes to women’s economic vulnerability but also perpetuates gender stereotypes and norms that undervalue women’s contributions to society.

Furthermore, women’s limited access to reproductive healthcare, including family planning and maternal health services, can have significant economic consequences. Unplanned pregnancies and lack of access to contraception can limit women’s educational and economic opportunities, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.

Moreover, in many societies, women have limited control over assets such as land, property, and financial resources, further exacerbating their economic vulnerability. Discriminatory laws and social norms often restrict women’s rights to own and inherit property, leaving them dependent on male relatives for financial support.

Lastly, women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking, which not only threatens their physical and emotional well-being but also limits their ability to pursue education, employment, and economic independence.

In conclusion, it’s very clear that poverty disproportionately affects women and girls due to a combination of systemic discrimination, limited economic opportunities, unpaid care work, lack of access to reproductive healthcare, and gender-based violence. Therefore addressing gender inequalities and empowering women is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving sustainable development for all.

Why should the world invest in women?

Investing in women isn’t just about charity; it’s about recognizing their agency and potential as drivers of economic growth and social development. By providing women with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive, we not only lift individuals out of poverty but also strengthen families, communities, and nations. 

Moreover, empowering women lifts individuals out of the suffocating grip of poverty. When women have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, they are better equipped to secure stable employment, earn higher incomes, and provide for themselves and their families. This economic independence not only improves the quality of life for women themselves but also breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty, ensuring a brighter future for their children and future generations.