Caitlin Evans in Burkina Faso.
The 2008 Directory of Development Organizations lists more than 350 development programs and organizations active in Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in the world. The landlocked country in West Africa faces many socio-economic challenges on its path to sustainable development, according to the United Nations Capital Development Fund.
For Caitlin Evans, who fell in love with the country on her first visit, Burkina Faso presents an opportunity to examine how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) undertake development projects within a specific cultural context—particularly how locally run NGOs approach the issue of polygamy.
“Polygamy—men with multiple wives—is a significant part of the day-to-day reality of women in Burkina Faso, so it seemed like the perfect topic in which to learn more about gender development there,” says Evans, a master’s student in the school of public policy and administration. “My general research interests are in the field of women’s issues and gender development. I wanted to do something unique in the field, and there is surprisingly little academic literature on polygamy.”
In Canada, where polygamy is illegal, the practice of taking multiple spouses is often examined for its impact on women’s social and economic status, health and well-being, their children and gender equality. In Burkina Faso, monogamy is the default, but spouses may opt for a polygamous marriage before they marry and polygamy remains widespread, according to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
“My project does not seek to condemn or condone polygamy,” says Evans. “Polygamy is a reality in Burkina Faso, and for the time being the most important thing is to see how NGOs can be most effective in this cultural environment.”
Evans will spend a month and a half in Burkina Faso, examining how NGOs perceive polygamy, and how it affects the way they design and execute their programs.
“I hope my project will reveal ways that NGOs can tailor their policies most effectively, so women in polygamous and monogamous marriages can access their programs.”
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