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Cornwall, Andrea and Rivas, Althea-Maria (2015) 'From “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” to Global Justice: Reclaiming a Transformative Agenda for Gender and Development.' Third World Quarterly, 36 (2). pp. 396-415.

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Abstract

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 amongst 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 that can connect with and contribute to a broader movement for global justice.

Item Type: Journal Article
Keywords: Post/2015; global justice; gender equality; women’s empowerment
SOAS Departments & Centres: Departments and Subunits > Department of Development Studies
ISSN: 01436597
Copyright Statement: © 2015 Southseries Inc. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Third World Quarterly on 24 Mar 2015, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/01436597.2015.1013341
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2015.1013341
Date Deposited: 28 Nov 2018 11:39
URI: https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/id/eprint/29974

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