Browsing by Author "Josephine Odera"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Gender equality as a means to women empowerment? Consensus, challenges and prospects for post-2015 development agenda in Africa
    (African Geographical Review, 2016-04-22) Francis Onditi; Josephine Odera
    In this paper, we have examined gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) as reflected in the millennium development goals (MDGs) as well as the conceptualization and localization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The paper adopts Amartya Sen’s women agency conceptual framework to advance the thesis of this article that while there is general consensus on achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, the MDGs adopted in 2001 fell far short of fulfilling this consensus and that the incoming SDGs must respond to fundamental issues of GEWE from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. This paper addresses the issues of conceptualization, context, and design of MDGs and how lessons learnt in its implementation inform SDGs. The question is, will GEWE maintain any pride of place? Analysis in the paper reveals that qualitative indicators such as human rights, equity, and capabilities were silent in the MDG design, constructs, and implementation. The paper suggests that the understanding and putting in place of mechanisms for continuous assessment of the human-centered indicators, such as quality of life, as part of the SDGs’ localization efforts portend increasing effectiveness of SDGs toward addressing gender-sensitive issues of social exclusion, inequality, and resource distribution, which have a great bearing on sustainable development.
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    Gender equality as a means to women empowerment? Consensus,challenges and prospects for post-2015 development agenda in Africa
    (Routledge, 2015-08-26) Francis Onditi; Josephine Odera
    In this paper, we have examined gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) as reflected in the millennium development goals (MDGs) as well as the conceptualization and localization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The paper adopts Amartya Sen’s women agency conceptual framework to advance the thesis of this article that while there is general consensus on achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, the MDGs adopted in 2001 fell far short of fulfilling this consensus and that the incoming SDGs must respond to fundamental issues of GEWE from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. This paper addresses the issues of conceptualization, context, and design of MDGs and how lessons learnt in its implementation inform SDGs. The question is, will GEWE maintain any pride of place? Analysis in the paper reveals that qualitative indicators such as human rights, equity, and capabilities were silent in the MDG design, constructs, and implementation. The paper suggests that the understanding and putting in place of mechanisms for continuous assessment of the human-centered indicators, such as quality of life, as part of the SDGs’ localization efforts portend increasing effectiveness of SDGs toward addressing gender-sensitive issues of social exclusion, inequality, and resource distribution, which have a great bearing on sustainable development.
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    Masculinity in Congolese Society
    (Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2021-08-21) Francis Onditi; Josephine Odera
    Hegemonic masculinity is identified as one of the norms in some African societies, undermining the fight against gender inequality and violence. This chapter, therefore, explores hegemonic masculinities and their flip side—positive masculinity—and how the latter is reshaping the gender equality narrative. The chapter presents a unique case study example of these types of masculinities from fragile and conflict-affected country (FCAC) situations in Africa. In particular, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is given as an example of where positive masculinity emerges as a potential agent of social change that, if utilized effectively, could lay the foundations for effective implementation of UNSCR 1325 and other frameworks that seek to empower and protect women. The discussion in the chapter utilizes some of the latest scholarship on masculinities (James Messerschmidt, 2019) and societal cultural orientation, and considers the factors that create and recreate hegemonic masculinity in conflict-prevalent locations. This chapter uniquely brings out the evolution of positive masculinity in Congolese society, presenting six ways in which hegemonic masculinity is sustained in FCAC countries and the threats it poses to the implementation of the various Women, Peace and Security frameworks.
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    Understanding Violence Against Women in Africa
    (Palgrave Macmillan Cham, 2021-08-23) Francis Onditi; Josephine Odera
    This textbook provides students across Social Sciences, Humanities, Politics, and International Studies with an in-depth understanding of the issues, policies, and strategies for addressing the symptoms and root causes of violence against women (VAW) in sub-Saharan Africa. This text uses the United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security in Eastern and Southern Africa as a framework to present the causes and impacts of VAW and to trace the journey of sub-Saharan African countries toward gender equality. It also provides an overview of the policy and legislative frameworks that underpin the progress, challenges, and achievements of addressing VAW based on four key pillars: prevention, protection, participation, and relief and recovery. Chapters provide a wealth of knowledge, as the book draws on academic literature; national, regional, and international legislations; and data collected from field research, and makes use of end-of-chapter discussion questions and quick study guides. Students will come away equipped with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to address and fix VAW in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.