Taking action: achieving gender equality and empowering women

210 Appendix 6
women—hardly a gender balance without a man. To a certain extent, this
imbalance questions the objectivity of the task force’s recommendations on
gender equity.
At the same time, achieving changes at an institutional level does not necessarily
translate into changes in the household. “Primary and secondary school
encompass a period of time that is the most hectic time for girls in rural Africa.
Girls are learning how to prepare meals, look after siblings and participate in
all other chores at home. When do they have time to concentrate on education?
How can we influence such values and release young girls of social responsibilities,
or at least help them find a balance?” (D. Ruta, Uganda)
More work and time is also required to change people’s attitudes, behaviors,
and knowledge on equity and equality, especially in the face of strong
cultural and religious practices. In most developing countries, girls will need
support and motivation from their families and communities to help them
attend and remain in school. Traditional norms (girls made to remain at home
and help with housework and farming and attend traditional schools to prepare
for marriage) and poverty (parents’ poor economic status resulting in the
lack of interest) are key factors underlying gender disparity in education in
the developing world. However, it was also pointed out that not all aspects of
tradition are detrimental to women’s empowerment, and not all modernity is
beneficial. A balance needs to be achieved.
Transforming gender relations: the role of women’s and grassroots
organizations
Women’s organizations and movements contribute a great deal to achieving
gender equality. These organizations can help define the type of education for
girls that will best promote the broad empowerment of women. How can we
connect women’s organizations with other organizations to meet empowerment
and equality goals?
Gender equality and empowerment, however, need the support of a wide
array of organizations, and not only those that focus exclusively on women.
Grassroots organizations in particular play an important role in transforming
social norms. Appropriate financial and technical assistance should be provided
for all organizations to constructively work on gender issues (G. Mitton,
United States). This speaks to the earlier point on gender equality—men and
boys need to be involved for a transformation in attitudes, norms, and behaviors
to occur. Gender equality is not about women taking power away from
men, but about women working alongside men in community development,
and receiving their fair share of opportunities.
Accountability mechanisms
The issue of accountability applies at various levels, from not having sufficient
legislation to support women’s access to and control over resources, to