Historically,
women were discriminated against through outdated traditions and
customs. Likewise, inefficient laws and lack of proper affirmative
policies have hindered their equal participation in the social order
even today. This has been identified as the major contributor to poverty
especially in the least developed countries. Unfortunately, increased
population growth has conspired in more ways than one, to deny women
rights campaigners a chance at reversing this trend.
In
order to eradicate extreme poverty by the year 2015 the United Nations
(U.N), through its member countries, came up with the Millennium
development goals at the turn of the Millennium. The initiative came up
with eight goals which would act as a road map for the achievement
equality and betterment of human life. Among these goals is the need to
“promote gender equality and empower women”. A couple of population
dynamics come into play if these challenges are to be met. Key among
them is the mortality and fertility rates of the target population.
Developing countries grapple with issues of reproductive health due to lack of adequate health facilities. For this reason, infant mortality rates are significantly high. According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O), 1,600 women and 10,000 children die every day due to preventable complications at birth. Over 90% of these occur in developing countries and Africa bears a greater burden. Sadly, women do not have a voice on these issues. Men determine and decide when to have children and even in the face of open adversity, women are expected to bear children in order to justify their place in marriage. Raising families is premised on the right of men to be fathers in most societies.
In Africa where literacy levels are fundamentally low, children are regarded as an investment. The more you have, the secure your future is presumed. But due to widespread poverty few of these children are seen through school. Choices have to be made as to who is more deserving of an education. Priority is given to the boy child because of limited resources. Since girls are expected to be married off when they become adults, boys are equipped to take care of the larger families in the future. Moreover, it is normal to have many children so as to increase their chances of survival into adulthood.
Ultimately, there are few women who make it to the job market. Those who succeed are discriminated against in terms of pay because they are traditionally regarded as subordinate to men despite academic qualifications. High population growth rates translate to high unemployment. Consequently, women are relegated to the role of housewives in order to create room for men who are considered natural bread winners.
Population growth widens gender inequality which by extension has far reaching effects on the socioeconomic environment. Women give birth, raise children and take care of their families. Their rights must be protected by incorporating them in the decision making processes that determine the size and composition of the population.
photo credit: James Cridland via photopin cc
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