From “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” to Global Justice: Reclaiming a Transformative Agenda for Gender and Development

Cornwall, Andrea; Rivas, Althea-Maria

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.

Citation

Cornwall, A., & Rivas, A.-M. (in press). From “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment” to Global Justice: Reclaiming a Transformative Agenda for Gender and Development. Third World Quarterly, 36(2), 396-415. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2015.1013341

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 6, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Mar 24, 2015
• Deposit Date: Nov 28, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 28, 2018
• Journal: Third World Quarterly
• Print ISSN: 0143-6597
• Electronic ISSN: 1360-2241
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 396-415
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2015.1013341
• Keywords: Post/2015; global justice; gender equality; women’s empowerment