Asuncion, Dave M.

2022-20916

Title: The Impact of Feminization of Poverty to Vicious Circle of Poverty

Specific purpose: To make the audiences aware of the feminization of poverty and explain to

them how this unknown factor dramatically contributes to the worsening growth of poverty

worldwide.

INTRODUCTION

I. Attention Step: Who has it easier in our society - men or women? For some, it is considered a

great gender debate; however, it is not even a question. Despite our sexes, it is a no-brainer that

the answer is women. Since men have always had it easier, women have a higher chance of

experiencing impoverishment than men, also known as the Feminization of Poverty. It is one of

the silent but leading causes of the vicious circle of poverty. People turn a blind eye to this issue

and act as if nothing is wrong. Is it not evident, or do we choose not to care at all due to this

obnoxious culture ingrained in our society, patriarchy? Given these pressing issues, can the world

end extreme poverty, or is it an unrealistic goal?

II. Clarification Step: Understanding poverty from a gender perspective is often overlooked.

Poverty has a woman's face, and gender inequality is a major cause and effect of poverty driven

by patriarchy, machismo, the macho-feudal system, and many more. Eradicating poverty would

be impossible without achieving gender equality. In achieving gender equality, gender

conscientization must be practiced, which means empowering women should be our top priority.

It's high time that we break the culture of patriarchy and advocate for women's empowerment.

Eliminating the vicious circle of poverty starts with a gender-conscious society.

Asuncion, Dave M.
2022-20916

BODY

I. Feminization of Poverty is one of the deepest roots of impoverishment

A. While both sexes suffer in poverty, women have fewer resources to cope due to gender

biases they experience in this patriarchal society.

1. According to Luna et. al (2009), some of the women’s struggle in the society are

stereotyping, multiple burdens, subordination, marginalization or discrimination, violence against

women, class oppression, and dehumanization. These manifestation of gender biases make women

vulnerable and more susceptible to live in poverty.

B. While poverty affects both men and women, statistics shows that majority of world’s

poor are women.

1. According to ILO (1996), women make up nearly 70% of the world’s poor and

65% of the world’s illiterate. They are the majority of the poor due to power dynamics between

men and women, gender inequality, and cultural norms and values.

II. Oppression and disempowerment of gender within the social class are still rampant

A. While women’s empowerment is the main tool used to challenge patriarchy, there are

still records of women’s oppression.

1. Not all women are feminists. There are accounts that women are oppressing

women even if they both belong to the same class. One example of this is Korina Sanchez, a

famous Filipino broadcaster, journalist, and magazine show host, who allegedly inflicted physical

injuries on her former house help, Bernadita Inocencio (Philstar, 2002).

III. Patriarchy has been normalized by both men and women

Asuncion, Dave M.
2022-20916

A. Masculinity and femininity stereotypes have been internalized by both sexes through

socialization. From childhood, we have learned how we must behave to be perceived by others as

either male or female. Quite a few people are getting used to it, which is why only a few people

dare to challenge it.

1. According to Rawat P. (2014), the psychological empowerment of married women is

better than unmarried women. This research shows that women have internalized patriarchal

values since they would get specific rights and privileges when partnered with men.

CONCLUSION

Summary Step: Understanding poverty through the lens of a gender perspective is essential in

development. We cannot end poverty without tackling gender inequality. Eradicating poverty

seems unrealistic, but starting with a gender-conscious society can be considered significant

progress. Gender equality is the key to poverty alleviation and sustainable development.

Challenging the patriarchy should be everybody’s mission, men and women, altogether, towards

achieving a gender-equal society. Poverty is no accident; instead, it is man-made and can be

removed by the actions of human beings. Let us all work together, regardless of gender, to

eliminate poverty and live the life we deserve.

Final Statement: Our collective action as human beings is a potent tool to eradicate the

feminization of poverty and gender inequality. If we continue to divide, we will just go around in

circles of poverty. Closing the gender gap will solve numerous issues in our world today. Let us

all thirst for a world where men and women, girls and boys, have the same rights, resources,

representation, and
Asuncion, Dave M.
2022-20916

chances. Let us make gender equality a reality! Let us end the vicious circle of poverty! Let us

fight and challenge patriarchy!

References

Luna et al. (2009). Community Development Praxis in the Philippine Setting. University of the

Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City

ILO (1996). Women swell ranks of working poor, says ILO. Retrieved from

https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-

ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_008066#:~:text=%22Women's%20economic%20activities%20rema

in%20highly,percent%20of%20the%20world's%20illiterate.

Philstar (2002). Maid fails anew; Korina to sue. Retrieved from

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2002/05/25/162159/maid-fails-anew-korina-sue

Rawat P. (2014). Patriarchal Beliefs, Women’s Empowerment, and General Well-being. Retrieved

from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0256090920140206