Week 2 gender and youth in africa

The Canadian and African Business Women’s Alliance, CAABWA

Experiencing Development in AfricaIDSA02H3/AFSA03H3

@ Bevor Consulting and Training Services 2011

Plan 10-11am - Admin, Review & Reflection 11-12noon - Guest Speaker Lecture & Q & A 12- 12.10 - Break 12.10 - 1.00pm - Case Studies & Class

Discussion

Day 2 – Gender and Youth in Africa

Let’s reflect on Day 1’s discussionWhat is development?How do we determine which countries

are rich and which countries are poor?Why women and youth? How is it that countries with similar

incomes vary substantially in “quality of life”


What is development?

Development is a complex issue, with many different and sometimes contentious definitions. A basic perspective equates development with economic growth. The United Nations Development Programme uses a more detailed definition- according to them development is 'to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community.‘

Source: http://www.volunteeringoptions.org/VolunteeringDevelopment/WhatisDevelopment/tabid/78/Default.aspx @ Bevor Consulting and Training Services 2012

http://www.volunteeringoptions.org/VolunteeringDevelopment/WhatisDevelopment/tabid/78/Default.aspx



Economic Growth vs Human Development


Economic Growth

Measured by a percentage of change in the GDP or GNP of a country or state

Human Development Index (HDI)

This is a composite statistic that is used to rank countries by level of human development.

What informs the focus on women and youth in AfricaStatisticsAdvocacy GroupsGovernmentsGrassroots organisationsRegional OrganisationsThe African Union◦NEPAD

The United NationsOther development actors


StatiscticsWhat have they indicated?◦ Women and education◦ Women – maternal deaths, HIV & AIDS, Malaria◦ Labour force and wages◦ Youth unemployment◦ Demographics ◦ Youth & entrepreneurship



The focus for developmentUN thematic areashttp://www.un.org/en/development/Advancement of womenCountries in specific situationsSocial developmentEtc.

http://www.un.org/en/development/

Millenium Development Goals

1. End Poverty and Hunger2. Universal Education3. Gender Equality4. Child Health5. Maternal Health6. Combat HIV/AIDS7. Environmental Sustainability8. Global Partnership



GenderUNIFEM’s definition Gender: refers to the social attributes and opportunities associated with

being male and female and the relationships between women and men and girls and boys, as well as the relations between women and those between men. These attributes, opportunities and relationships are socially constructed and are learned through socialization processes. They are context/ time-specific and changeable. Gender determines what is expected, allowed and valued in a women or a man in a given context. In most societies there are differences and inequalities between women and men in responsibilities assigned, activities undertaken, access to and control over resources, as well as decision-making opportunities. Gender is part of the broader socio-cultural context. Other important criteria for socio-cultural analysis include class, race, poverty level, ethnic group and age.

Source: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/conceptsandefinitions.htm

http://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/conceptsandefinitions.htm

Gender Equality – UNIFEM’s definition

Equality between women and men (gender equality): refers to the equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same but that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of both women and men are taken into consideration, recognizing the diversity of different groups of women and men. Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should concern and fully engage men as well as women. Equality between women and men is seen both as a human rights issue and as a precondition for, and indicator of, sustainable people-centered development.

Source: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/conceptsandefinitions.htm




Youth The United Nations define youth as

persons between the ages of 15 and 24. UNESCO understands that young people are a heterogeneous group in constant evolution and that the experience of ‘being young’ varies enormously across regions and within countries.

Source:http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/social-transformations/youth/


http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/social-transformations/youth/



Today

Given this background, let us now listen to our Guest Speaker and discuss:

Gender and Youth in Africa◦Why is gender important? Socio-legal

status of women in Africa;◦The importance of gender and social

relations◦Youth in Africa


Case # 1Consider the following extract:“A woman who discloses her HIV

positive status in Southern Africa is likely to face greater discrimination than her male partner. While her partner is likely to stay in the home, she may be thrown out of her home with no income or accommodation, she may have to leave her children behind and may loose any inheritance rights.” VSO, WORKING ON GENDER EQUALITY: TOOLS AND TIPS FROM PROGRAMME OFFICES, 2004–6

What is your response to the extract? What explanations are given in Canada to explain gender

inequality? What traditional ideas might inform these explanations? Adapted from VSO volzone:

http://volzone.vsoint.org/mod/lesson/view.php


http://volzone.vsoint.org/mod/lesson/view.php

Case # 2 African youth have the potential to be a great impetus for

Africa’s development, provided that appropriate investments in health and human capital are made. However, if youth issues are not addressed, and if high rates of youth unemployment and under-employment persist, Africa’s development could be negatively affected.

What is your response to this extract? Do you see any similarities relating to youth employment in

Canada?


THANK YOU
