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Human Rights Approach to Development
Young Women Denounce Trading of Girls for Guns
Round Table of National Human Rights Institutions and National Machineries for the Advancement of Women
fem TALK April 2004
AVIVA
New Gender Myths
http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/dgb-myths.htm
By Susie Jolly, BRIDGE
Much development work has been based on gender stereotypes - for example the
idea that farmers are men. In reaction, feminism has sometimes created
counter stereotypes - such as that of the African woman farmer and her lazy
husband. Such images have been hugely important in changing ideas about
gender and channelling more resources to women. However, some such images
have been exaggerated and put beyond question, resulting in 'gender myths'.
Gender myths are a powerful tool for positive change but also bring with
them risks and dangers. This was the subject of a conference, held at the
Institute of Development Studies, UK, in 2003. This In Brief draws together
highlights from the conference with the aim of thinking about how to move
beyond simplistic stereotypes to better promote gender equality.
Waltz with Bashir
