| | This article is based on a research project which examines the gender specific effects of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP) in one low-income settlement in Harare. Although ESAP was only initiated in 1991 and the research is still in progress, it is already clear that urban households have been extremely negatively affected by the programme, with women faring even worse than men. Current policy trends which emphasise the effectiveness of women's coping strategies over-estimate the extent to which women can compensate for low wages, rising prices and declining employment opportunities. It is argued that existing class and gender inequalities are being further exacerbated by ESAP, a strategy for development which only serves the interest of international and national capital. Discusses: Structural adjustment policies; Background - gender and employment in Zimbabwe; The study in Kambuzuma, Harare; Women in Kambuzuma: Results of the initial survey; Effects of structural adjustment: the follow-up study; Changes in food consumption; Changes in education; Changes in health services; Changes in employment and income generating activities; Changes in leisure and social activities; Concluding comments. |
