Page 13 - CAPE Caribbean Studies Study Guide Sample_Neat

Module 2 Issues in Caribbean development

underused. The government loses out on tax revenue since some women will Did you know?
not be earning a salary.
The Gender Empowerment Measure
Within the household, women and children often face physical, verbal and is an indicator that focuses on
even psychological abuse. Women in the home may still be seen as inferior opportunities open to women. It
and in many patriarchal families women are required to be submissive to their measures inequality of opportunities
husbands based on some particularistic culture. As a result, the girls of the in three areas: political participation,
household are socialised into this lifestyle and may end up perpetuating this economic participation and
way of life.
power over economic resources.
It evaluates progress in advancing
How women contribute to development women’s standing in political and
economic forums. It examines the
Women from rural villages may work on farms or in gardens cultivating crops extent to which women and men
that are sold at the markets.
are able to actively participate in
In modern times, many women have high-ranking positions in organisations. economic and political life and take
Their contribution to development comes as a result of the collection of tax part in decision-making.
revenues that help to run a nation.
Women are now also working in national security and defence, for example the
army, coastguard and police force. Development often results in the adoption Did you know?
of institutions that favour gender equality, e.g. women’s enfranchisement and
property rights.
Laws have also been passed to
protect vulnerable groups, including
people with disabilities. The UN
Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
mandates governments to enact
legislation to combat discrimination
against people with disabilities.

Did you know?

The Gender Inequality Index
measures the human cost of gender
inequality. We can use this index
to compare levels of equality in
different Caribbean nations, and with
those of the rest of the world.

Figure 2.2.1 What do you think was the significance of Portia Simpson Miller becoming
Jamaican Prime Minister in 2006?

Key points

■ Over the last few decades the roles of women have changed from caretaker
of the home to income earner. Women have taken on jobs that were once
carried out by men, in fields such as politics and engineering.
■ Even though women have gained upward social mobility, there are still
instances of unfair treatment in the workplace and in wider society.

■ Laws have been passed to protect the rights of women and children.
59

852345_Module 2A.indd 59 04/06/2018 11:08