Taking the woman's perspective: Gender risks of regulatory reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author： Hampel-Milagrosa Aimee Frickenstein Judith

Publisher： Practical Action Publishing in association with GSE Research

ISSN： 1755-1986

Source： Enterprise Development and Microfinance, Vol.19, Iss.3, 2008-09, pp. : 204-219

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Abstract

Despite acknowledgment of the significant role of women in economic growth, gender-biased development policies still persist worldwide. In this context, the paper reviews recent policy reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa that perpetuate gender inequality and female poverty for the already impoverished continent. Citing two reforms from the World Bank's Doing Business Reports, the paper analyses their possible negative effect on women entrepreneurs within the private sector. The paper argues that due to complex traditional systems and lower social status of women, specific reforms on Registering Property and Getting Credit create risks of increasing gender-bias in Africa. The paper highlights the importance of integrating women's perspective in the Doing Business project and welcomes the inclusion of a gender index among other indicators. The paper ends with examples and ideas of gender-sensitive policy reforms and advocacy campaigns aimed at levelling the playing field for both men and women in the economy.