ABSTRACT
Over the past three decades, processes of globalisation resulted in mixed consequences for men and women. This chapter examines the consequences afforded to women in the developing world as a result of new opportunities presented by globalisation. Analysis begins with an overview of how production processes have sourced cheap and compliant labour in export-oriented processing zones (EPZs) of different countries, resulting in new employment opportunities for women. Some negative consequences of neoliberal globalisation, including exploitation and abuse of women working in EPZs will then be explored. The chapter considers how international migration of women has rapidly increased as a result of new opportunities, and how the feminisation of labour has contributed to shifting gender relations and notions of femininity and masculinity. The chapter describes some diverse and ‘subtle strategies’ employed by women to negotiate a sense of place within patriarchal societies in response to challenges posed by neoliberal policies. Here it is seen how globalisation inf luences young women to develop new forms of feminism.
