Women and poverty: Rural-urban dimensions

Abstract

This paper focuses on the gender dimensions of poverty with analysis of rural and urban area specific variations. What are the implications of poverty on women's lives? Is the impact of poverty on women distinct? In what ways are poor women more vulnerable? So far, the focus has been on rural poverty, with more recent shifts towards the concerns of urban poor. Is urban poverty a spillover of rural poor through migration? What are the characteristic features of urban poverty and how do they differ from rural poverty, especially in terms of the implications for women's lives. Does the association of female headed households with poverty hold true in the Indian context? How different are the characteristics of female heads in rural and urban areas and what are its implications on poverty among such households? This is examined through an analysis of female headed households over time across rural-urban areas in terms of their marital status, educational levels and employment status. Gender based deprivations and discriminations are additions to poverty related vulnerabilities. The twin and combined impact of gender and poverty are examined through a detailed account of rural-urban poor women's demographic, educational and employment statuses. The differences among men and women across the consumption expenditure quintiles in terms of the nature of employment is compared to view both gender and poverty elements.

Feminization of multidimensional urban poverty in sub‐Saharan Africa: Evidence from selected countries

“…They experience multiple forms of deprivations such as women‐specific ill health, low levels of education and lack of decision‐making power (Chant, 2007). Furthermore, women are alienated from different social and economic rights tailored towards their needs, such as access to credit, land, and/or other productive assets (Rustagi, 2007; Tacoli, 2012). In literature, this gender dimension of poverty is called “feminization of poverty.” Feminization of poverty is a notion that women constitute the poorest of the poor and disproportionate numbers of women are overburdened by poverty and its calamities (Chant, 2007).…”

“…Studies on feminization of poverty were initially constrained by unavailability of data. In the 1980s, however, scholars suggested that relative vulnerabilities of female‐headed households (FHHs) can be used as a proxy for the multifaceted poverty faced by women (Rustagi, 2007; Tacoli, 2012). FHHs have, therefore, become a focus of economic and social researches.…”

Feminisation of Poverty in India

“…According to a study, conducted by the Planning commission expert group, the annual compound growth estimate is relatively high for the destitute women (Rustagi, P., 2007). To fully understand the different facets of poverty and for getting potential gender-sensitive solutions, the policy makers need to develop an index which takes into account aspects like health, education, employment etc.…”

“…The UGC (University Grants Commission, Government Ministry), in partnership with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences-School of Vocational Education (TISS-SVE), has composed a work coordinated training model to offer an assortment of professional courses (Rustagi, P., 2007). The TISS-SVE initiative offers skill-set building and training programs in various sectors, all in association with businesses.…”

“…They reach out to the maximum number of women, currently employed in the unorganized sector and provide them services for socio-economic empowerment. They have an unusual yet highly effective method of approaching their prospective clients (Rustagi, P., 2007). They first get a detailed account of their client"s needs and future plans, and then provide them with prospective plans, tailor-made for them.…”