In the new conceptualisation of poverty reduction, access to livelihood resources, capabilities building, security against vulnerability and equality of gender have come to be viewed as one integral process of the national plans of macroeconomic and social policies to promote growth and reduce poverty. The adoption of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) approach and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has led to an increased need for systematic analysis of poverty and its linkage with gender inequality. All South Asian countries have ratified CEDAW (Convention for Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women), the Platform for Action at Beijing (1995) and other major human rights instruments and have National Plans of Action on women’s development and gender equality.
This study attempts to address the following questions: Have the livelihoods of women changed during the last decade? What impact have these changes made on women’s right to resources and power, well-being and gender relations? What strategic interventions are needed to advance women’s position and transform gender inequalities?
