Pronunciation: [wˈɪd] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "wid" can be a bit confusing. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /wɪd/. This means that the "w" is pronounced like the beginning of the word "we" and the "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "it". The "d" at the end is pronounced as a normal "d". "Wid" is usually used as an abbreviation for the word "widow". Despite its short and simple appearance, this word's spelling can trip up many people.
WID is an acronym that stands for Women in Development. It refers to a conceptual framework and approach used in the field of international development, primarily focusing on gender and women's issues.
WID emerged in the 1970s when women's rights movements gained momentum and called for increased attention to gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide. It sought to address the unequal power relations between men and women and the gender disparities prevalent in development processes and outcomes.
The WID approach acknowledges that women, as a marginalized group, face specific challenges, discrimination, and limited access to resources and opportunities. It recognizes that the inclusion and active participation of women are crucial for sustainable and equitable development. Moreover, WID contends that development efforts should not be gender-neutral but should instead be gender-sensitive, taking into account the distinct needs and experiences of women.
WID involves incorporating gender analysis into development policies, programs, and projects. It aims to promote the representation, voice, and agency of women in decision-making processes, economic activities, education, healthcare, and other areas. WID also emphasizes the importance of collecting sex-disaggregated data, conducting gender-responsive research, and supporting women's organizations and movements.
While WID had significant impacts on advocating for gender equality, it has also been critiqued for its failure to adequately address the structural causes of inequality and its limited focus on women's economic roles, rather than challenging broader societal norms and power dynamics. These criticisms led to the development of more comprehensive approaches such as Gender and Development (GAD) and Feminist Development (FD).
