In Nigerien societies, castes were divided into distinct groups, each with specific societal roles and functions. These groups were determined by birth, and it was difficult for a person to change caste during their lifetime.
The World Bank Group (2006) deems gender equality ‘smart economics’ in its GenderAction Plan 2007-2010. However, questions are increasingly being raised about just how muchthe empowerment strategies set down in World Bank and International Monetary Fund endorsed Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) are actually improving the quality of life of women in less developed countries….
Shalish is a traditional village-level adjudicating mechanism through which judgment is given on diverse issues, ranging from marital discord to property distribution to access to common property resources. In the context of rural Bangladesh, shalish has a great legitimacy. Thislegitimacy stems from, a) failure of the state in providing low-cost and easily accessible legal institutions,…
