What does the term "feminization of poverty" refer to?

The term "feminization of poverty" specifically refers to the phenomenon where women constitute a disproportionate percentage of the world's poor. This concept highlights how economic disparities often affect women more severely due to various factors such as gender inequality, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and systemic social structures that marginalize women.

Women are often found in low-paying jobs and are more likely to be responsible for single-parent households, which can further exacerbate their poverty levels. In this context, the term encapsulates the social and economic realities that reveal how policies, labor markets, and societal norms can contribute to an increasing number of women living in poverty compared to men.

Understanding the feminization of poverty is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies that aim to support women's economic empowerment and address the structural inequalities that lead to this disproportionate impact.