Session 1: Women's traditional knowledge: some references

Expert Workshop
"Women: Source of Wealth and Job Opportunities"

11-12 April 2005, Tangier (Morocco)

Women have always undertaken activities such as handicrafts and the gathering and growing of foods and medicinal products. In this way they have accumulated a capital of knowledge and understanding in areas ranging from carpet-making, the decoration of cloth, embroidery, lace-making, pottery and basketwork to traditional medicine and also specifically local products, associated with a particular region, such as food or forestry products. This knowledge is usually transmitted from generation to generation, often from mother to daughter, via oral tradition, and it represents an essential part of the capital of poor women.

Historically, the equipment needed for these activities was very rudimentary, and the raw materials used came mainly for agriculture and other local resources. The products were utilitarian in nature, being largely intended for household consumption. Some women's craft activities have begun to decline, owing mainly to changes in the consumption patterns of the communities, to competition from industrial products and to urbanization. On the other hand, other activities, which until recently were confined to meeting household consumption needs, have gradually become market activities which in some cases have actually expanded along with the rise in exports and the increase in tourism. Many of the activities that have survived have preserved their traditional production framework, in isolated domestic contexts, while opening up to the market both upwards (supplies) and downwards (marketing).

Today the economic, cultural, social and scientific value of these activities is becoming increasingly recognized. Traditional products and services represent an economic potential, for many of these products and services are now much sought after. At the same time, they are closely linked to the concept of sustainable development. In fact, they contribute to fighting against poverty, limiting rural migration, creating jobs, diversifying food and forestry products, enhancing the national cultural heritage, especially the rural one, using local resources and protecting the environment. Moreover, they can be produced by a female workforce with a poor level of education and increase their financial independence.

Mindful of the role that this traditional knowledge can play in the development process, some United Nations agencies, notably UNCTAD, the World Bank, the FAO and UNIDO have set up programs to promote these traditional types of knowledge, especially those associated with women, in a variety of domains such as traditional medicine, food safety and early childhood development.

Women's traditional activities can benefit from the support of governments as well as of organizations for the promotion of entrepreneurship and the promotion of women, which can help increase their income. To achieve this, certain obstacles must be overcome, in particular with regard to finance, training, supplies and marketing. To these must be added two structural constraints: the fragmented mature of the supply and women's limited access to formal institutions and other social networks, especially in rural areas. Information technologies can also serve as a vehicle to increase the opportunities offered by these traditional types of knowledge.

Question for the session: How can the traditional knowledge of women, especially those from rural areas and the informal sector, be transformed into a source of wealth and employment? To answer this question, the experts need to:

1. Emphasise opportunities and major stumbling-blocks

2. Suggest approaches and strategies which have already proved their effectiveness in the context of the sub region

3. Propose measures which could be adopted by Member states, chambers of commerce and organizations for the promotion of women in business

4. Taking account of the mandate of the ECA, suggest activities, which could be implemented by the ECA's North Africa Office along with its partners.