The Global South—a term often used to describe regions in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean—continues to grapple with deep-rooted inequalities shaped by gender and race. While these disparities are often tied to historical colonial legacies, economic structures, and cultural norms, they also persist due to contemporary policies and social hierarchies that limit opportunities for marginalized groups. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced understanding of intersectionality, acknowledging how gender and race intersect to shape lived experiences.
Colonial histories in the Global South have left enduring systems of racial hierarchy and economic stratification. Many post-colonial states inherited institutions that favour lighter-skinned populations, creating a racialized economic divide (Quijano, 2000). From the preference for Eurocentric beauty standards to systemic discrimination in employment and education, race remains a determinant of social mobility (Hunter, 2007). This racial hierarchy is especially visible in countries like Brazil, South Africa, and India, where lighter-skinned individuals often hold economic and political power at the expense of darker-skinned populations.
Additionally, structural racism is embedded in state policies, legal systems, and access to resources. In many countries, indigenous and Afro-descendant communities have been systematically dispossessed of land and economic opportunities, leading to generational cycles of poverty (Telles, 2004). Discriminatory laws and biased law enforcement practices further entrench these disparities. In Latin America, for example, Black and indigenous women are more likely to experience police violence, lower wages, and inadequate access to healthcare compared to their white counterparts (López & Pásara, 2017).
Patriarchal structures in many parts of the Global South continue to marginalize women, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups. Women face systemic barriers in accessing education, employment, and leadership roles (Boserup, 1970). In many societies, traditional gender roles dictate that women prioritize caregiving responsibilities over professional ambitions, reinforcing economic dependency. Additionally, gender-based violence remains a significant issue, with legal protections often inadequate or poorly enforced (UN Women, 2020).
In rural and indigenous communities, gender inequalities are even more pronounced. Women are often excluded from land ownership due to inheritance laws that prioritize male heirs, leaving them economically vulnerable (Agarwal, 1994). Furthermore, cultural norms in some regions restrict women’s mobility and autonomy, limiting their ability to engage in political and economic activities. In parts of the Middle East and South Asia, for example, women’s employment opportunities are restricted by legal and societal barriers, reducing their economic independence (Kandiyoti, 1988).
Women of colour in the Global South experience a double burden of discrimination. The intersections of race and gender shape access to resources, legal protections, and professional opportunities (Crenshaw, 1989). In South Africa, for instance, Black women remain underrepresented in corporate leadership despite affirmative action policies (Morley & Crossouard, 2016). In India, Dalit women face severe caste-based oppression alongside gender discrimination, limiting their access to education and employment (Rege, 2006). Similarly, in Brazil, Afro-Brazilian women face significant disparities in healthcare, often receiving substandard maternal care compared to white women (Lovell, 2000).
The intersectionality of gender and race is also visible in migration patterns. Many women from the Global South migrate to wealthier nations in search of better opportunities, only to face racialized labour exploitation in domestic work and caregiving roles (Parreñas, 2001). The feminization of migration has created a global labour system where women of colour from poorer nations provide care for wealthier families in the Global North, while their own families remain underserved.
Many women of colour in the Global South work in informal labour sectors with little to no legal protections. Domestic work, garment industries, and agricultural labour employ millions of women under exploitative conditions with low wages, job insecurity, and unsafe working environments (Chen, 2007). The racialized and gendered nature of these industries means that women of colour bear the brunt of economic inequality.
Moreover, neoliberal economic policies and globalization have exacerbated these inequalities. Free trade agreements and multinational corporations often prioritize profit over labour rights, leading to exploitative working conditions in sweatshops and factories (Benería, 2003). In countries like Bangladesh and Cambodia, for example, garment workers—mostly women of colour—earn poverty wages while producing goods for Western markets. These economic structures not only perpetuate gender and racial inequalities but also create new forms of economic dependency between the Global South and Global North (Sassen, 1998).
One of the most significant barriers to dismantling gender and racial inequalities in the Global South is the lack of political representation. Despite comprising a significant portion of the population, women of colour are often excluded from political decision-making processes (Goetz, 2003). In many countries, political parties remain dominated by elite, lighter-skinned men who maintain the status quo.
However, grassroots movements and feminist organizations across the Global South have been instrumental in challenging these injustices. Afro-feminist movements in Brazil, Dalit women’s movements in India, and indigenous women’s rights groups in Latin America have all played critical roles in advocating for policy changes, increased representation, and social justice (Mohanty, 2003). These movements have successfully pushed for gender quotas in political office, land rights for marginalized communities, and stronger protections against gender-based violence.
Addressing gender and race inequality in the Global South requires multi-faceted solutions. Education is a powerful tool in dismantling systemic inequalities, but accessibility remains an issue. Governments must invest in inclusive education policies that prioritize marginalized communities (UNESCO, 2019). Furthermore, legal reforms must strengthen protections against gender-based violence and workplace discrimination.
Representation is also crucial. Women of colour need greater visibility in politics, business, and media to challenge dominant narratives and advocate for policy changes that reflect their lived experiences. The rise of feminist and racial justice movements across the Global South offers hope, demonstrating that grassroots activism can drive meaningful change.
International organizations and institutions must also play a role in addressing these disparities. While local movements lead the fight for justice, global policies on trade, labour rights, and development aid should be aligned with the needs of marginalized communities rather than reinforcing economic and social hierarchies (Escobar, 1995).
Gender and race inequality in the Global South is not an isolated issue but a deeply ingrained system that requires sustained efforts to dismantle. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of race and gender in social and economic structures is essential in creating inclusive policies and equitable opportunities. The fight for justice and equality is ongoing, but through advocacy, policy reforms, and education, progress is possible. The resilience of women of colour in these regions continues to drive change, challenging oppressive systems and forging new pathways toward equality.
References
Agarwal, B. (1994). A field of one's own: Gender and land rights in South Asia.
Benería, L. (2003). Gender, development, and globalization: Economics as if all people mattered.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex.
Mohanty, C. T. (2003). Feminism without borders: Decolonizing theory, practicing solidarity.
Quijano, A. (2000). Coloniality of power, Eurocentrism, and Latin America.
Sassen, S. (1998). Globalization and its discontents.
UN Women (2020). Gender equality and women’s empowerment report.
UNESCO (2019). Global education monitoring report.
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