Gender analysis in community-based poverty reduction

Excerpts from the report:

The purpose of the Gender and Poverty Project was to explore the gender dimensions of poverty, and to strengthen the capacity of participating communities to deepen their collective work in poverty reduction through use of a gender lens. Specific objectives were: - To develop and adapt tools and processes for understanding the gender dimensions of poverty - To identify community strategies and policy changes for addressing these issues. The community-based Gender and Poverty workshops raised many issues about the gender dimensions of poverty across Canada, and recent changes to jobs and social programs that have affected men and women, boys and girls &em; in the home, community and workplace. [A selection of] key local workshop and research themes that emerged are listed below: - increasing culture of fear and uncertainty due to job insecurity and cutbacks - growing distinction between the 'deserving' and 'undeserving poor' - mental, physical and emotional stress related to fulfilling multiple roles in the home, community and workplace &em; particularly among women - continuing gender inequality in pay and inflexible work conditions for women &em; particularly for lone parents - fewer public services and existing services becoming more difficult to access &em; particularly for the 'waged poor' - women more impacted by recent cuts to public services &em; loss of services and jobs - lack of child care policy and accessible programs presenting significant barriers to poor women The Pan-Canadian Vibrant Communities Gender and Poverty Project was a unique partnership with six local communities, Vibrant Communities sponsors, and project facilitators to apply gender analysis to community-based, comprehensive poverty reduction work.