PEP Celebrates the International Day of Rural Women

Over the past two decades, the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) has supported over 100 projects in more than 45 countries, with a focus on gender-related issues. On this International Day of Rural Women, PEP honors the invaluable contributions that rural women make to global development. In many regions, rural women are the backbone of agricultural production, responsible for ensuring food security, driving economic growth, and strengthening the resilience of their communities. Despite facing barriers such as limited access to resources, gender inequality, and the impacts of climate change, these women continue to play a pivotal role in building sustainable livelihoods and fostering long-term development.  PEP’s broader mission includes several programs that seek to overcome the systemic barriers limiting rural women’s economic participation. The following research studies supported by PEP over the last three years highlight how effective policy solutions informed by research can empower rural women and boost national economies.

Advancing Gender Equality through Renewable Energy in Agriculture

PEP is currently engaged in several ongoing programs, including a partnership with Environment for Development (EfD) on a three-year initiative titled "Leveraging Renewable Energy MSMEs for Sustainable Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and South-East Asia (SEA). This program promotes gender equality in agriculture by empowering MSMEs, with a focus on women and youth in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda, and Vietnam. By adopting renewable energy technologies, these MSMEs modernize agriculture while enhancing women’s economic participation and resilience to climate change. The initiative addresses barriers limiting women's access to these solutions, offering targeted interventions to improve their livelihoods.

Designing context-specific, gender-specific policies to address unique challenges in 9 sub-Saharan African countries

In a study conducted in 2021 and subsequent rounds, PEP highlighted the significant yet often undervalued contributions of rural women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to rural and national economies. The research is part of a broader initiative titled Policy Analysis on Growth and Employment (PAGE II), which supported 13 research projects across nine countries. The program, funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), included three rounds aimed at enhancing local research capacities to inform policy-making.

The findings from these studies emphasized that gender gaps in rural employment continue to hinder sustainable development efforts. Specifically, the work of rural women is frequently unrecognized and underappreciated, limiting their opportunities for economic progress. For example, a policy brief titled Improving Rural Women’s Coping Strategies from Lesotho highlighted how women in flood- and drought-prone areas develop strategies to manage risks. These insights offer valuable lessons for strengthening the resilience of rural women in similar contexts. Another study focused on diversification strategies in Senegal, demonstrating that diversifying income sources can significantly improve the well-being of rural women. Similarly, a policy brief titled Promoting Biomass Power Plants: A Key to Empowering Rural Women in Côte d'Ivoire illustrated how promoting biomass power plants not only supports environmental sustainability but also creates vital economic opportunities for rural women, enabling them to secure better livelihoods.

Overall, the research concluded that empowering rural women requires localized, tailored solutions that address entrenched gender norms and structural barriers

In the context of this research program, Prof. Jane Mariara, Executive Director of PEP, stated, "For too long, there has been a disconnect, with data on one side, and policy on the other. We aim to bring them together to drive real policy action, to increase women’s opportunities for decent and productive employment."

Understanding the impact of social norms on women’s resilience in Benin and Malawi

 Another key initiative is the Social Gender Norms and Women’s Resilience under Income Shocks program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with a focus on two countries: Malawi and Benin. This two-year research project examined how local social norms influence the coping strategies that families and communities employ in response to income shocks and environmental disruptions. Findings from the policy brief on Supporting Household Resilience for the Empowerment of Girls and Women in Light of Social Norms in Rural Benin reveal that harmful norms, such as early marriage and school dropouts, are often employed as coping mechanisms in rural Benin when faced with economic stress. These practices undermine women's potential to engage in income-generating activities and reduce their decision-making power within households. Moreover, targeted interventions, including flexible financial support and community awareness programs, can mitigate these negative impacts, empowering women to pursue economic opportunities and build resilience. These insights are crucial for designing strategies that enhance rural women’s livelihoods and strengthen their resilience in the face of economic challenges.

Macroeconomic policies to level the playing field for women in the labor market

In a research program studying the macroeconomic policies needed to empower women in the labor market, PEP-affiliated researchers recommended promoting agricultural entrepreneurship for women in Cameroon. This research is part of a two-year initiative (2022-2024) in partnership with the Hewlett Foundation, aimed at establishing capacity and processes for gender-sensitive policy practice and advocacy in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Tanzania.  Similarly, to support rural women in Burkina Faso, researchers suggested pivoting the existing cash transfer scheme implemented by the government to support households impacted by climate shocks with a focus on women. 

PEP’s gender-related research work is made possible through the generous support of key funders, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Co-Impact, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Their backing allows PEP to drive research-based policy solutions that empower rural women and promote their economic participation, ultimately contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable communities.

As we celebrate rural women today, ongoing research and gender-sensitive policies are essential for creating thriving, sustainable communities.