Involvement of Men and Women and Poverty Reduction in Hunger Stricken Regions. A Critical Literature Review

Purpose: Gender inclusiveness in poverty eradication has been constantly emphasized. The Beijing Platform for Action of 1995 made a commitment to "˜promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming gender perspective in the monitoring and evaluation of all policies and programmes. The overall objective of this study was to examine involvement of men and women and poverty reduction in hunger stricken regions. A critical literature review Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps. Findings: The study concluded that the anti-poverty projects have had a positive effect on their lives as they have been able to get soft loans to cater for their needs and discipline required to save for future has been instilled in them. The projects have also helped to strengthen the members' social ties and have enabled them to look after the less fortunate and vulnerable groups in the hunger stricken areas in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study recommended that that the sponsors and the management of the projects should look for more ways of attracting the involvement of men in the projects since it seems they are apathetic to these income generating projects thus leaving it to women who form the bulk of the members. They should come up with men friendly strategies in order to pull more men to these poverty reduction initiatives and make them more representative and all inclusive. They should also strive to erase the notion that such empowerment projects as those in hunger stricken areas target women alone. Empowerment without addressing the burden of domestic chores on women may not achieve much in fighting poverty affecting them.