MEETING WOMEN'S STRATEGIC INTERESTS THROUGH MICRO-ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper interrogates the question of using micro-enterprise development for meeting women's strategic interests. Using conceptual analysis and specific case studies, it examines paradigm shifts in development and their implications for gender equity and social justice questions. In the process, it reveals shifts in paradigms; namely, development for versus development with the people, efficiency versus equity, and welfarism versus empowerment. It then examines the implications of the shifts for gender issues; namely, practical/strategic interests and micro-credit/micro-enterprise development. It argues that these shifts, especially in the case of the latter, are contingent rather that contradictory. It also examines the experiences BRAe and CENSUDI experiences on strategic programming, which reveals how targeted programming with education and training can yield both practical needs and strategic interest benefits. It concludes on the assertion that the provisioning for strategic needs alongside practical needs secures equity and social justice for sustained development.