Much Ado About Nothing? Exploring Effects of the Millennium Development Goals on the Welfare of Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Poverty and marginalization have increased considerably worldwide. Women in low resource countries continue to be overrepresented among vulnerable groups. Various initiatives have been undertaken to remedy the situation. Primary among these are the World Bank's poverty reduction strategies, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the microfinance movement: We focus specifically on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, a global policy initiative undertaken to reduce vulnerability by the year 2015. Using a systematic review of the literature, we examine the effects of three MDGs on the welfare of women in sub-Saharan Africa. Challenges and policy recommendations are addressed.