Globalization thro' Gender Lens: Reflection on Conference papers

A three-day national seminar was held in March, 2007, at a women’s university in India on the theme of ‘Globalization through Gender Lens’. An analysis of voices of concern raised by the academicians and researchers on the present wave of globalization showed that they have accepted it with some cautions even though it does not implicate gender equity in its agenda.

A meta-analysis of the papers presented and circulated at the seminar (N=45) indicated that the the reactions in various papers could be classified in three categories, i.e., favorable, unfavorable, and neutral towards globalization from gender perspective.

While there were no significant differences among the participants’ reactions to globalization among three categories (N=45, DF=2, chi-square= 0.13, NS.), but among the mature (>50 yrs.) paper presenters, there were significantly unfavorable reactions (N=12, DF=2, chi-square=3.5, p≤0.05) towards globalization.

The young and middle-aged academicians and researchers think that globalization is here to stay and better accept it even with a pinch of salt. Their general remark had been, ‘Globalization is here, whether you like it or not.

’Globalization's effect on women in street: A poem

A world entwined, a shifting, tangled thread,

Where lines of gender blur, and some are bled.

Yet shadows linger, darkness finds its hold,

In factories humming, stories left untold.

Low wages sting, and bias stains the air,

A widening gap, a burden hard to bear.

The market's call, a siren's tempting song,

To shadowed realms where trafficking is strong.

Globalization's gift, a flawed and broken thing,

Unless a stronger hand, true justice bring.

For policy's the key, to bridge the bitter divide,

And close the gaps where opportunity hide.

Empowerment's call, a light to chase the gloom,

Through education's path, to break the stifling tomb.

With skills to learn, and health within their reach,

And voices heard, that finally can beseech.

Let networks weave, a web of strength and grace,

Where feminist hearts find solace in this place.

And grassroots rise, to challenge every wrong,

With whispered hopes, that grow into a song.