Rhizomes and Empowerment: Women in Tropical Asia

What is it about?

This paper examines, in an exploratory voice, how women’s networks contribute to their empowerment, especially in regions of tropical Asia. Influenced by interdisciplinary theories of network science and the philosophy of rhizomatics, the paper analyses the power of networks across multiple plateaux. Starting with the networks evoked in a feminine artwork, the analysis flings across to women’s networks – those that are empowered and those that remained disempowered – and finally emerges through education networks.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Many regions of the tropics continue to struggle against poverty and it is well documented that women and children bare the largest burden of poverty. The tropics are home to a reported 40% of the world’s population, with that population undergoing immense growth. Estimates are that by 2050 more than two-thirds of the world’s children under 15 years of age will be living in the tropics. This means the tropical zones of the world are also home to a vast number of women whose voices are striving to be heard.

Perspectives