Gender Challenges for Rural Development Policy

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of gender inequality on rural areas and argued the necessity of forming gender sensitive rural development policy. Based on existing theories of institutionalism, the authors characterized gender as a social institute, forming the structure of rural society. The importance of gender equality for progressive rural growth of rural areas, effective use of women's human capital in development of rural communities is underlined. Methodological frameworks of research are formed on the basis of rural development, gender economy and institutional theories. Adopted methodological approach of United Nations Development Program to gender inequality index calculation is used for integrated evaluation the gender inequality in reproductive health, political empowerment, and economic activity on labor market in rural areas. Research results indicate permanent character of the gender inequality problem in rural society and it dependence from situation in rural economy system. Gender asymmetries in economic activity and educational attainment of rural population, it participation in political initiatives and decision-making, demographic processes caused the regional differentiation of gender inequality problem. Indicated gender problems are characterized as the challenges for growth of rural areas and should be taken into account in the process of forming rural development policy, transforming it from gender neutral to gender sensitive. Key points of such a policy are implementation of the gender mainstreaming concept in rural development policy; forming an inclusive model of rural economy development and social cohesion; diversification of rural labor market; stimulating transfer of knowledge and innovation.

Gender and Local Organisations toward Sustainable Rural Development

“…A local organization emerges and/or works at a local level with the aim of improving and developing communities either through community-wide or specific membership: such as women, fisherman, farmers, and forest users who are voluntarily bound by a common purpose to achieve shared objectives. The local organization can be defined as informal (such as self-help groups, mediation committees, and multi-stakeholder platform), and formal (such as cooperatives and government body) activities (Kutsmus & Kovalchuk, 2020). The local organizations provide many services related to rural development initiatives, and act as potential agents to get development information and other resources for improving the well being of the rural communities (Kim & Lee, 2019).…”

“…There are two aspects could be considered in the rural development activities such as gender participation of community members and local organization as a media for community interaction in the development process. Promoting equal participation for both women and men in development planning activities especially through local organizations generate a great benefit for rural development (Kutsmus & Kovalchuk, 2020). Local organizations in rural area can provide many services related to rural development initiatives, and act as the potential agents to get development information and other resources for improving the well being of rural communities (Elakkiya & Asokhan, 2018).…”

“…Increasing the power of local people by enhancing its ability to influence the government, to share in decision making and to understand the rights and obligations of the local people, reducing poverty by encouraging an equitable distribution of available resources; and expanding choice of the people to draw their experience and knowledge (Ofem, Arya, & Borgatti, 2018). The power of local people could be also improved through gender participation in local organization for development activities is as a self-help group and encouraging local people in any local development (Kutsmus & Kovalchuk, 2020).…”