The concept addresses the intersectional disadvantage experienced by women living in poverty, acknowledging that gender inequality exacerbates economic hardship. It posits that the systemic barriers faced by women, such as unequal pay, limited access to education and healthcare, and disproportionate responsibility for childcare, contribute significantly to their vulnerability to poverty. For example, a single mother working a minimum wage job may struggle to afford housing, food, and childcare, perpetuating a cycle of economic instability not solely attributable to economic factors, but deeply intertwined with gendered societal structures.
Understanding this complex interplay is crucial for developing effective anti-poverty strategies. Acknowledging the gender-specific dimensions of poverty allows for the implementation of policies and programs that directly address the unique challenges faced by women. Historically, traditional anti-poverty measures have often failed to adequately address these gendered dimensions, resulting in limited success for women. Recognition of this framework promotes empowerment by seeking to dismantle the structural inequalities that contribute to womens economic marginalization.
