Fairness and Gender in Benefit Sharing: Learning from the Kani, San, Nigerian, Kenyan and Icelandic Cases for Moving Forward

Abstract

This report examines the key areas of concern for women in benefit sharing in research raised by 5 cases studied in the Genbenefit project. Based on its findings, it puts forward recommendations for policy guidelines and strategies for protecting women's rights in benefit sharing in research. The report looks at gender inequality concerns within the larger context of the societies where the cases are located using a comparative analysis. It looks into the barriers to and opportunities for fair benefit sharing and how socio-economic, political and cultural changes impact gender-based vulnerabilites. A feminist framework is utilized to make sense of persistent inequalities. It is clear that in all 5 cases the most significant barrier to women's fair treatment is marginalization in decision making.This report proposes that in addition to international and national policies, research ethics guidelines should be mobilized to protect women's rights.