Poverty is the state of being extremely poor and not having enough money or resources to meet basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. It often comes with limited choices and opportunities.
“Poverty” comes from Old French *povrete*, from Latin *paupertas*, “poor condition,” from *pauper*, “poor.” The root is related to ideas of smallness or few resources.
Poverty isn’t just about having little money; it’s about having fewer real options in almost every area of life. That’s why escaping poverty usually requires changes in systems, not just individual effort.
While the word itself is not gendered, research since the late 20th century has documented the 'feminization of poverty,' noting that women and girls are disproportionately affected due to wage gaps, unpaid care work, and legal barriers to property and credit. Earlier economic and policy discourse often treated poverty as gender-neutral, which obscured these structural differences.
When discussing poverty, be explicit if gendered patterns are relevant (e.g., 'women-headed households face higher poverty rates') rather than implying a universal, undifferentiated experience. Avoid stereotypes that portray poor women as irresponsible or passive.
Acknowledge the role of women-led movements, such as microfinance initiatives and grassroots organizing, in shaping global anti-poverty strategies and social protection policies.
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