ETHICS, GENDER AND DEVELOPMEMENT
Sr No:
Page No:
1-8
Language:
English
Authors:
Dr. John Motsamai Modise*
Received:
2025-08-10
Accepted:
2025-08-27
Published Date:
2025-09-01
Abstract:
This research investigates the critical intersection of ethics, gender, and
development, aiming to understand how ethically grounded, gender-sensitive approaches can
lead to more just and sustainable development outcomes. Despite decades of global development
efforts, many projects have historically neglected ethical principles and gender equality,
resulting in limited impact, unintended harm, and the reinforcement of patriarchal structures.
There remains a lack of cohesive frameworks that fully integrate feminist ethics and core ethical
principles into mainstream development planning and evaluation.
The study employs a critical literature review methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed academic
journals, policy reports from international development organizations, and key theoretical texts.
It is grounded in feminist theory, the capability approach, and global frameworks such as the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality. The research
identifies that development projects lacking ethical grounding often exacerbate existing
inequalities. A feminist ethic, especially one rooted in care and justice, is shown to be
instrumental in addressing systemic gender-based disparities. Furthermore, gender-sensitive
projects that integrate ethical frameworks demonstrate more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable
outcomes. However, there is a persistent challenge in effectively measuring long-term impacts
on gender equality and sustainability. Embedding ethical principles and feminist perspectives
into development is not optional it is essential for achieving meaningful, transformative change.
This study concludes that ethically guided, gender-responsive development can empower
marginalized groups, particularly women, and foster inclusive social and environmental
progress. It calls for robust accountability mechanisms, participatory evaluation tools, and
continued advocacy to ensure development efforts do not perpetuate injustice but rather
dismantle it.
Keywords:
Ethics in development, Gender equality and development, Feminist ethic of care, Sustainable development goals (SDGs), Gender mainstreaming, Gendersensitive development, Capability approach, Social justice and development, Women's empowerment, Participatory action research, Intersectionality.