Abstract
Women and men are traditionally cast in different roles, with males being leaders in the workplace, home and government. In contrast, communities promote women as caregivers who support male leaders and shape future generations as mothers, mentors and teachers. In recognition of this societal view of women that often led to inequality and inequity, the UNDP listed Gender Equality and empowering women as one of eight Millennium Development Goals. The post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the United Nations in autumn 2015, also included gender equality and empowering women as Goal 5.In its work in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) examined gender as it relates to micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development in six Caribbean countries. The findings of this study showed gender gaps for both male and female entrepreneurs in different areas of development. Traditionally gendered roles for MSME sectors, access to financing and lack of adequate guidance or community support were some areas that affected men and women differently in the region. The study outlines ways in which male and female leaders can address traditional gender roles by identifying priority areas for development, creating an enabling environment for start-ups and expansion, and fostering a policy and legislative base that facilitates ease of doing business. The recommendations further describe the public–private partnerships needed to successfully meet gender gaps, and the importance of both elected officials and technocrats in inter alia community engagement and advocacy towards local economic development.The importance of gender equality among elected officials and technocrats, and the influence gender has on determining priority areas of focus within local government strategic plans for communities are also set out within this paper.
Highlights
The Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) is a six-year multilateral programme that contributes to sustainable economic growth in the Caribbean
It was argued that the gender disparities in leadership and decision-making roles within local authorities were resulting in patriarchal biases in decision-making, priorities, and services for Caribbean communities (Budhu 2014)
The studies further found that local authorities were viewed by stakeholders as facilitators and enablers of a supportive community environment, with support networks that reduced the barriers faced by men and women in business
Summary
The Caribbean Local Economic Development Project (CARILED) is a six-year multilateral programme that contributes to sustainable economic growth in the Caribbean. Further to the initial launch in 2012, CARILED partnered with ministries of local government, or those with responsibility for local government, local government associations, the private sector and civil society organisations, to introduce LED structures, planning approaches and programme implementation techniques within a results-based management framework. In undertaking this regional programme, CARILED incorporates gender as a cross-cutting theme, and in this context, led the review of gender related issues that affected the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ for men and women in 22 communities of focus. The studies examined the role of local government in supporting new and existing businesses in local economies
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