Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

1 April 1988

Women constitute half the world's population, perform nearly two-thirds of its work hours, receive one-tenth of the world's income and own less than one-hundredth of the world's property. This statement (from a 1980 United Nations Report) applies with particular force to Sub-Saharan Africa, where women have long provided the bulk of the region's food supply. Yet until recently most governments and aid donors ignored the essential role played by women, and they were not consulted about major development schemes.

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