2016年-世界发展银行全球_Understanding_Gender_in_Maldives___Toward_Inclusive_Development_81页_2mb

Summary of "Understanding Gender in Maldives: Toward Inclusive Development"

Core Content

This report, Understanding Gender in Maldives: Toward Inclusive Development, explores the complex interplay between gender equality and development in the Maldives. It analyzes how gender differentials manifest in both the private and public spheres of life, and evaluates the institutional, cultural, and economic factors that influence these differentials. The study is conducted by Jana El-Horr and Rohini Prabha Pande, with contributions from several World Bank experts and stakeholders.

Main Points

• Economic and Political Context: The Maldives has transitioned from a low- to middle-income country over the past decade, introduced democracy, and achieved significant progress in meeting several Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, it has not met MDG 3, which focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment.

• Gender Inequality: Despite relatively low discrimination in basic indicators like education, health, and survival, gender inequality persists, particularly in the private sphere where social conservatism and Sharia law dominate. This leads to gendered roles and restrictions within the home and in intimate relationships.

• Public vs. Private Sphere:

  • In the public sphere, gender equality is supported by liberal and egalitarian laws, policies, and institutions. Women have high labor force participation and access to education, but their access to tertiary and professional education is limited by cultural beliefs.
  • In the private sphere, gender inequality is more pronounced. Women face challenges such as domestic violence, limited control over household assets, and restricted decision-making power. These issues are exacerbated by conservative social norms and traditional family structures.

• Youth Disconnection: Young men are increasingly disconnected from traditional family and societal roles, contributing to social conservatism, gang involvement, and violence. This trend is linked to high youth unemployment and a lack of alternative social structures.

• Institutional and Cultural Factors: The report highlights the tension between the Maldives' officially gender-egalitarian formal institutions and the more conservative informal institutions (social norms, religious practices, and family structures) that influence gender roles and outcomes.

• Data and Methodology: The study uses a combination of secondary data sources (government reports, UN and NGO publications, World Bank reports) and primary data from key informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted in 2015 in Washington, DC, and the Maldives.

Key Findings

• Institutional Underpinnings: The legal and policy framework in the Maldives supports gender equality in the public sphere but is insufficient in addressing gender inequality in the private sphere. There is a need for stronger enforcement of gender-egalitarian laws and more inclusive governance practices.

• Gender Differentials in the Private Sphere:

  • Women are more likely to experience domestic violence.
  • They have limited control over household assets and resources.
  • Decision-making power within the household is skewed in favor of men.

• Gender Differentials in the Public Sphere:

  • Women are more likely to be unemployed than men.
  • Access to tertiary education for girls is limited.
  • Women are underrepresented in politics and governance.

• Trends and Concerns:

  • Support for gender equality and women's rights is declining, particularly in areas like work and family interactions.
  • The shift toward more conservative social norms is affecting gender equality across multiple domains.
  • The dichotomy between formal and informal institutions is a key challenge in achieving inclusive development.

Recommendations

• Strengthen the implementation and enforcement of gender-egalitarian laws and policies.
• Promote inclusive governance and political participation for women.
• Address gender inequality in the private sphere through legal and social reforms.
• Invest in youth education and employment opportunities to reduce disaffection and social conservatism.
• Encourage research and policy development that focuses on the intersection of gender, culture, and economic development.

Conclusion

The report underscores that while the Maldives has made progress in gender equality in the public sphere, the persistence of conservative norms and the lack of inclusive development models pose significant challenges. The future of gender equality in the country depends on addressing these deep-rooted social and cultural barriers, particularly those affecting women. The findings call for a more holistic and integrated approach to development that considers the interplay between formal and informal institutions, as well as the unique challenges faced by different gender groups.

Key Definitions

• Gender: Refers to the social, behavioral, and cultural attributes, expectations, and norms associated with being a woman or a man.
• Gender Differentials: The different and (un)equal distribution of economic, social, or political resources between men and women.
• Formal Institutions: Include the national constitution, civil law, and government policies related to gender equality.
• Informal Institutions: Encompass political, social, cultural, and religious norms and practices that influence gender relations.

Figures and Tables

• Figure 1.1: WDR 2012 Framework: Societal Determinants of Gender Outcomes
• Figure 1.2: Modified WDR 2012 Framework
• Table 4.1: Summary of Recommendations

Rights and Permissions

This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license. It can be freely shared and adapted, provided that proper attribution is given. The World Bank reserves all rights and privileges associated with the work.

Contributors

• Tanya D'Lima: Social development consultant with expertise in gender-based violence and youth inclusion.
• Jana El-Horr: Social Development Specialist at the World Bank with experience in post-conflict reconstruction.
• Rohini Prabha Pande: Senior Gender Consultant with a focus on women's empowerment and reproductive health.
• Sandra Ruckstuhl: Social development and governance specialist with experience in over 20 countries.
• Dustin Smith: Gender consultant with research interests in sociocultural norms and women's relationship with law.