The feminization of poverty refers to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women and girls globally. This phenomenon is evident in various aspects, including:
Key Facts
- Global Poverty: According to a study, in 2022, an estimated 388 million women and girls will be living in extreme poverty worldwide, compared to 372 million men and boys. In a “high-damage” scenario, this number could increase to 446 million[3].
- United States: In the United States, more women than men live in poverty. In 2018, 56% of the 38.1 million people living in poverty were women. The coronavirus pandemic has increased the risk of poverty, particularly for women, due to unemployment and economic insecurity.
- Race and Ethnicity: Women of color, such as American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) women, Black women, and Latinas, face higher rates of poverty compared to their male counterparts. For example, about 1 in 4 AIAN women live in poverty, making it the highest rate among any racial or ethnic group.
- Marital and Parental Status: Unmarried mothers have higher rates of poverty than married women, with or without children, and unmarried women without children. In 2018, 11.9 million children under the age of 18 lived in poverty, representing 31.1% of those living in poverty.
- Age: Poverty rates for women and men are nearly equal throughout childhood, but the gap widens significantly for women ages 18 to 44, during prime childbearing years, and again for women aged 75 and older. Women aged 25 to 34 are 69% more likely than men of the same age to live in poverty.
Prevalence of Poverty Among Women
- Globally, women and girls are more likely to live in extreme poverty than men and boys. In 2022, an estimated 388 million women and girls will be living in extreme poverty worldwide, compared to 372 million men and boys [3]. In a “high-damage” scenario, this number could increase to 446 million [3].
Geographic Distribution of Poverty
- Poverty among women and girls is concentrated in certain regions. Sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia account for over 80% of the world’s extreme poor women and girls [2].
Poverty Rates by Income Level
- Female poverty rates are higher than male poverty rates across various income thresholds. For example, in Latin America and the Caribbean, only 2.2% of women and girls live in poverty at the $1.90 poverty line, but this share rises to 30% when national poverty estimates are used [2].
Causes of the Feminization of Poverty
The feminization of poverty is driven by various factors, including:
Gender Discrimination and Inequality
- Women face systemic discrimination and inequality in education, employment, and access to resources. This limits their economic opportunities and increases their vulnerability to poverty.
Caregiving Responsibilities
- Women disproportionately shoulder unpaid caregiving responsibilities for children, the elderly, and the sick. This can limit their ability to participate in the labor force and earn an income.
Violence and Abuse
- Violence and abuse against women can lead to economic insecurity, job loss, and poverty.
Social Norms and Stereotypes
- Societal norms and stereotypes often restrict women’s access to education, employment, and decision-making, perpetuating poverty.
Consequences of the Feminization of Poverty
The feminization of poverty has severe consequences for women and girls, including:
Health and Well-being
- Poverty can lead to poor health, malnutrition, and increased risk of disease.
Education and Employment
- Poverty can limit access to education and job opportunities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Violence and Abuse
- Poverty can increase women’s vulnerability to violence and abuse.
Addressing the Feminization of Poverty
Addressing the feminization of poverty requires a comprehensive approach that includes:
Economic Empowerment
- Providing women with access to education, employment, and financial resources.
Social Protection
- Implementing social protection programs that provide income support and essential services to vulnerable women and girls.
Gender Equality
- Promoting gender equality and eliminating discrimination against women in all spheres of life.
Ending Violence
- Addressing violence and abuse against women and girls to create a safe and enabling environment.
Conclusion
The feminization of poverty is a global issue that requires urgent attention. By understanding the causes and consequences of this phenomenon, we can develop effective strategies to address it and create a more equitable world for women and girls.
References
- The Borgen Project. (2023). 5 Facts About the Feminization of Poverty. https://borgenproject.org/feminization-of-poverty/
- UN Women. (2022). Poverty deepens for women and girls, according to latest projections. https://data.unwomen.org/features/poverty-deepens-women-and-girls-according-latest-projections
- American Progress. (2020). The Basic Facts About Women in Poverty. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/basic-facts-women-poverty/
FAQs
What is the feminization of poverty?
The feminization of poverty refers to the disproportionate impact of poverty on women and girls globally. Women and girls are more likely to live in poverty, experience poverty more severely, and face unique barriers to escaping poverty.
What are the causes of the feminization of poverty?
The feminization of poverty is caused by a complex interplay of factors, including gender discrimination, inequality, caregiving responsibilities, violence and abuse, and social norms and stereotypes.
What are the consequences of the feminization of poverty?
The feminization of poverty has severe consequences for women and girls, including poor health, limited education and employment opportunities, increased vulnerability to violence and abuse, and perpetuation of the cycle of poverty.
What can be done to address the feminization of poverty?
Addressing the feminization of poverty requires a comprehensive approach that includes economic empowerment, social protection, gender equality, and ending violence against women and girls.
Why is it important to address the feminization of poverty?
Addressing the feminization of poverty is crucial for achieving gender equality, reducing poverty, and creating a more just and equitable world for all.
What are some examples of the feminization of poverty?
Examples of the feminization of poverty include:
- Women and girls are more likely to live in poverty than men and boys.
- Women and girls are more likely to experience poverty more severely, with limited access to resources and opportunities.
- Women and girls are more likely to face barriers to escaping poverty, such as discrimination, violence, and lack of access to education and employment.
What are the different dimensions of the feminization of poverty?
The feminization of poverty has multiple dimensions, including:
- Economic dimension: Women and girls are more likely to be poor and to have lower incomes than men and boys.
- Social dimension: Women and girls are more likely to face discrimination, violence, and other forms of social exclusion.
- Political dimension: Women and girls are less likely to have a voice in decision-making and to participate in political processes.
What are the challenges in addressing the feminization of poverty?
Challenges in addressing the feminization of poverty include:
- Lack of data and research on the feminization of poverty.
- Resistance to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Limited resources and political will to address the feminization of poverty.