CAN THE WORLD'S POOREST WOMEN BE SAVED?: A CRITICAL THIRD WORLD FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF THE CEDAW'S RURAL WOMEN'S ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

This article discusses the continued subordination of Third World women, despite the protections implemented by international law. The author focuses on the experience of impoverished women living in rural areas, and how initiatives implemented by international organizations and international human rights documents such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, although well-intentioned, have not been successful in improving the social and economic position of women. In analyzing these initiatives, the author adopts a Third World Feminist Approach, concluding with a discussion of the reliance of Thirld World women upon models outside the realm of international law in order to improve their rights and economic status.