WISER`S WID Approach
What is the WID Approach?
The WID approach is classified by the emphasis of women`s participation in the capitalistic economy as a means of economic growth and development for the greater community or country. WID frames gender equality as beneficial through a lens of greater economic development in which women are actors in capitalism that must be engaged with the system. WID focuses on integrating women into the existing capitalist structure and discourages challenging capitalist systems. WID also ignores barriers to entry linked with intersectionality, as women of various backgrounds often have increased barriers in engaging with the market economy. WID also believes that if women are given the same resources as men, they will succeed. This approach ignores the systemic inequalities that have prevented women from experiencing the same outcomes as men when given similar resources. Success through the WID approach is determined by an individuals ability to contribute to wider economic development rather than focusing on individual success.​​​
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WID Critique
It can be determined by the language used by WISER Girls, as well as the motivations behind their work, that the organization embodies a WID approach. WISER states that "educated girls transform the health and economic development of their communities and country". Why is it the responsibility of women and girls, who have long been underserved and overlooked by the systems present in their countries, to lead the development efforts of their country? It is true that many individuals, regardless of gender, do aim to use their education to aid in the development of their home country. However, it is unfair to expect this of everyone, and this motivation to only educate women with the hope of them eventually contributing to development efforts does not adequately address underdevelopment. Women and girls deserve to receive high quality education because they are humans. ​
Intersectionality and Social Reproductive Labor
Furthermore, the WID approach traditionally ignores intersectionality and social reproductive labor. Intersectionality is the connection between characteristics such as race, gender, sex, and class that create inter-lapping systems of discrimination and bias. Social reproductive labor consists of any labor done to maintain a community and produce more workers to engage in the capitalistic market. Social reproductive labor is predominantly unpaid or underpaid and mostly done by women. This work consists of:
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Birthing children
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Caring for children, the elderly, the sick, and the disabled
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Provisioning food, shelter, and health
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The socialization and education of children
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Providing care and emotional support for adults
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Fostering and sustaining social connections and communities
