Savell, Kristin Louise

Wrestling with Contradictions: Human Rights and Traditional Practices Affecting Women

This article examines the question of whether or not traditional cultural practices, particularly female genital operations (FGO), can be legitimately criticised on the basis of international human rights norms. The author's approach in this article emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural and historical differences. The author begins by considering the cultural arguments that have been used either to justify or condemn FGO.

RECASTING WID: A HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH

This paper intends to provide a foundation from which a human rights approach to women in development can emerge. For development researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers, this analysis will represent a significant shift in thinking about the goals and objectives of women in development by placing the substance of their work within an internationally recognized and legally binding ormative framework.