Women Key to Fighting Poverty
Written by Corinne Garcia Thursday, April 28 2011
Snapshot: Sarah Degnan Kambou
Sarah Degnan Kambou is president of the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), headquartered in Washington, D.C. ICRW works to make women in developing countries an integral part of alleviating global poverty. Its research evidence identifies women’s contributions as well as the obstacles that prevent them from being economically strong and able to fully participate in society. ICRW translates these insights into a path of action that honors women’s human rights, ensures gender equality, and creates the conditions in which all women can thrive.
Womenetics: Why are women integral in relieving poverty worldwide?
Sarah Degnan Kambou: Women make up a significant proportion of people living in poverty worldwide, so they must be considered in efforts to reduce poverty if these efforts are to be successful. Our research shows that in poor countries, women-headed households tend to be poorer than those headed by men. And while poor women often work inside and outside the home, they lack basic literacy and education, job skills, and access to the resources, such as land and credit and good quality economic opportunities that could lift them out of poverty.
There are a number of ways that women can be integrated into strategies to reduce poverty from which they, as well as their families, can benefit. For instance, investing in women to improve their education, skills, and access to resources and job opportunities has been found to reduce poverty and improve the well being of women and society. In India, for example, states with the highest percentage of women in the labor force grew the fastest and had the largest reductions in poverty.
Studies in Africa show that women farmers, if given the same access to agricultural resources as men, would produce as or more efficiently than male farmers. Even more, income in women’s hands has long-term effects. Research shows that women spend a greater proportion of their income on children’s food, health, and education than men – investments that are integral to reducing poverty in the future.
Womenetics: What kinds of patterns are you seeing globally in the area of women and HIV?
Kambou: Women are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they accounted for 60 percent of HIV infections in 2008. In Asia, the number of women living with HIV nearly doubled between 2000 and 2008. And according to the World Health Organization, AIDS is the leading cause of death and disease among women ages 15 to 44.
To try to combat this, there is a growing trend to provide more integrated health care services for women, sort of like “one-stop shopping.” Generally, it’s difficult for women in developing countries to access health care. There are fewer clinics and hospitals, and people often have to travel considerable distances to reach a facility. In rural areas, and even in cities, transportation can be prohibitively expensive for low-income women. Health services also tend to be offered through specialty clinics that focus on several services, such as sexually transmitted infections, maternity care, and newborn care. But each service is available at different times of the week, not together every day. This isn’t always convenient for women.
By integrating services – for instance, providing HIV-related services at the same time another clinic in the facility is offering well child care – a woman can consolidate the number of trips she needs to make to the health care center. By providing accessible, comprehensive, and quality services, health care providers hope to better meet women’s needs. And in turn, women have a better chance of staying healthy.
Womenetics: In the current political climate, is your work compromised at all – with possible de-funding of some social service programs in many states?
Kambou: Our work is focused on the developing world, so we are paying close attention to funding for foreign aid, which may be cut drastically. While we understand the need for austerity and shared sacrifice, foreign aid makes up just 1 percent of our federal spending. We are very concerned that deep cuts to U.S. development programs will undermine the progress we are making in improving the lives of poor women and girls, with implications for America’s global interests. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said, “Supporting women and girls is essential to building democracy and security.”
Womenetics: Why is it important for women to look out for each other, on a global level even?
Kambou: I think it’s important for all of us – women and men – to look out for each other. Current events demonstrate just how interconnected communities and markets are across the globe. If humankind is seeking to create a safer, more just, and prosperous world, then we all need to contribute to achieving that vision and ensure that all people, women and men, benefit.
Womenetics: How can women in the United States help other women globally in the type of work you do?
Kambou: ICRW is a research organization, but it’s also a nonprofit. Women can support our work by donating and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Women globally also can help spread the word about ICRW’s mission to alleviate poverty while promoting gender equality. Our approach is unique and in demand, especially as more people want to know how their contributions are making a difference. We believe that research is a key component in the process of social change, so we rely on evidence, not ideology or intuition, to guide how to tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems. And we make sure women’s unique needs and contributions are considered in that process.
Womenetics: What’s a typical day at work like for you?
Kambou: I’m an early riser – probably the result of years living overseas when the day begins as the rooster crows. My work life is meeting-intensive; I try to keep them short, focused, and productive. I especially enjoy meeting with ICRW staff to learn about the work they’re doing and to help think through research directions. I also spend a lot of time outside the organization – talking with policy makers, donors, and partner organizations. It’s my job to figure out how to position ICRW’s research so that we continue to be a valuable resource in helping to advance the global agenda on improving the status of women and girls. Of course, I travel quite a bit. I am happiest meeting with people in communities where we work and talking to them about what’s uppermost in their minds. These conversations keep me connected to what’s happening on the ground. And it constantly reminds me why data and evidence are important if we’re going to figure out how to make the world a better place for all.
Womenetics: How about after work? What do you do to unwind?
Kambou: I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family. I’m also a big reader and usually have two or three books open on my bed stand at any one time. When the weather is nice, I’m back in the garden, planting, potting, and enjoying being outdoors. In colder weather, I spend more time with my music, playing piano and listening to jazz and classic rock.
Womenetics: What’s been your favorite place to live around the world and why?
Kambou: I’ve lived all over the world, working in more than 22 countries over the past 25 years. My husband and I moved to Africa after the birth of our son and were able to give our children the unique experience of growing up in Africa.
In 1998, the family moved to Mali where I worked for CARE as director of programs. Those two years were magical. Professionally, I enjoyed working with my Malian colleagues who went out of their way to orient me to CARE’s programs and introduce me to Malian culture and society. I traveled to remote project sites by jeep, motor launch, and canoe. I slept under the stars, got caught in dust storms, and learned to love peanut butter stew. I soaked up the entire experience, and I’m still reflecting on all that I learned.
Mali is a special place for my children as well. Their eyes widen with excitement when they recount riding camels in the desert, visiting the 13th century mud mosque in Djenné, and fishing for perch in the Nile River. Mali is an extraordinary destination, well worth the time and distance to visit an ancient, fascinating country.
Womenetics: What’s your favorite place to visit?
Kambou: New Hampshire. I grew up in New Hampshire. My family still lives in the state, so I go back once a year to enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
Corinne Garcia is a freelance writer and editor living with her husband and two young boys in Bozeman, Mont. She has also written for Women’s Adventure, Christian Science Monitor, Northwest Travel, Pregnancy, Fit Pregnancy, and Fit Parent.
