Women and Development

This article focuses on how gender, as a socially constructed phenomenon, has been integrated into development practice. It examines the notion of “development” as generated by an economic paradigm that renders the work of women invisible. Further, it critiques the different ways in which women have been incorporated into development policies and program. An examination of issues facing women in the development process is undertaken. The article explores the processes of globalization that are operating at unprecedented levels and how they affect women in development. It raises the question of a crisis in development as a Western colonial project, and analyzes this from the perspective of social justice. It concludes with alternative visions for women in development in the future.