Population and reproductive rights: feminist perspectives from the South

Abstract

Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN) is a feminist group that offers an alternative model of development which is people-centered holistic and sustainable and empowers women. DAWNs analysis aims to describe the diversity of regional experiences and to relate the microlevel experiences of women at the household and community level to an understanding of macroeconomic policies and global trends. This volume addresses one of three themes that were part of an Interregional Meeting in 1990 in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. DAWNs view of population and reproductive rights implies a revolution in prevailing gender systems and development models that foster democratic institutions and equitable economic policies. The introduction provides a brief analysis of the population and development debate as structured in international conferences and plans of action. Chapter 1 retraces past fertility management policies; present policies of state intervention international family planning and contraceptive markets; and the costs to women from established state-led policies incomplete policies combined policies and pronatalism. It is argued that fertility management policies have had negative effects on womens health and well-being worldwide. It is also argued that todays fertility management systems are complex and unstable which means that the time frame for change will be long term. In Chapter 2 the discussion focuses on the evolution of a sexual and reproductive health and rights framework the interconnectedness of health and rights and challenges posed by state systems and the marketplace and cultural biases and practices. Going beyond Cairo is expected to entail strengthening of the international womens movement social changes state accountability and changes in the market economy. The aim is for womens choice in reproduction secure livelihoods satisfaction of basic needs and womens empowerment and political participation.