Perceptions of decision makers whose programs impact rural sector women in less developed countries

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of selected decision makers concerning gender issues related to international rural sector development programs. A survey questionnaire designed to answer ten research questions was mailed to three hundred decision makers who were participating actively in international development activities at the time of the study. One hundred eighty instruments were returned between July 19, 1991 and September 6, 1991. The questionnaire was tested for face validity and reliability. The findings suggest that there was no significant difference among the perceptions of individuals employed by governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, university research programs, and university administration concerning gender issues. Further, no significant difference existed between the perceptions of individuals located in the United States and Canada and individuals located outside of the U.S. and Canada. The decision makers held generally positive opinions about working with women's programs. They recognized the importance of gender issues, and identified their perceptions of the most critical needs. They also recognized the obstacles that prevented those needs from being met. Their perception was that only 17% of women's needs are being met by current international projects. These decision makers recognized that a woman's day is fractured into many activities. The most time consuming activities were identified as food production, fuel harvesting, and water hauling. Women targeted to benefit from development projects were perceived by these decision makers as having numerous positive attributes; however, these high praises were balanced by the recognition that serious negative factors were also at work, such as cultural and traditional beliefs. Respondents were divided on which of the terms, "women in development" or "women and development," they preferred for female-targeted international activities.