Gender Norms: Barriers to Women’s Economic Empowerment

Abstract

This paper investigates how gender norms hinder women's economic empowerment in various African countries and beyond. Gender norms, defining societal expectations for behavior based on gender, often constrain women's access to work, control over time, and participation in economic decision-making. Employing a literature review, the study identifies key challenges stemming from gender norms, including unequal care burdens, limited land and property rights, workplace violence, gender stereotypes, and discrimination. It also explores efforts to shift these norms, involving organizations, governments, and male engagement in promoting gender equality. Findings reveal the pervasive impact of gender norms on women's economic opportunities, highlighting the need for transformative action. The paper concludes by addressing unconscious gender biases and advocating for concerted efforts to challenge and reshape prevailing gender norms, thereby advancing women's economic empowerment.