“Greater gender equality is the most effective way to reduce poverty and stimulate development.” Discuss this statement.

There are many possible approaches to this question and each should be marked on its merits.

Many responses are likely to focus on the Millennium Development Goals and positive aspects of greater gender equality on societies and economies. These include the role of women in influencing trends in demography (via age of marriage, number of children), employment (via presence in the workforce), education, health care and politics, among others.

It is expected that the discussion will also include some mention of other factors affecting development, such as the resources available, total size of population and economic and political framework. The strongest responses may challenge the question, either by concluding that they disagree with it, or exploring the meaning of “development”.

Responses that do not offer some form of discussion/evaluation are unlikely to go beyond band D. Discussion could involve either looking at multiple ways in which gender equality meets these goals, or looking at other ways of combating poverty, for example, trade, aid. Some responses may choose to disagree with the statement and this is equally acceptable if they can provide a relevant evidenced argument.

Stronger responses that include some discussion of other factors or discuss the meaning of poverty or development in more depth are likely to access bands E and F.

Marks should be allocated according to the markbands.