This approach was introduced in the 70s in order to address the feminist movements which were directed towards the participation of women in development. This is a theoretical approach is highly influenced by the liberal feminist movements of that time. Liberal feminists believed that if women are provided with the equal opportunities and better education then they can contribute in economic development and this approach will be able to dismantle the gender stereotypes that were existing in the society.
This approach generally demands the policy level intervention in order to empower women. Therefore, implementation of this approach targeted in elimination of discrimination against women in the constitution, law and different policies of the state. The main assumption behind this approach is that if women are provided with equal rights and opportunities as that of men then they can fight individually to dismantle the gender stereotypes in the society and even contribute in the development process. However, while formulating this approach no attention was given to the gender relations and the social structure. Even if the women were provided with the legal rights to pursue their career as men they were not able to dismantle the family and social boundaries due to the existing gender relations. This is why WID approach failed and women could not empower themselves even if they were assigned with equal rights in the law. The other criticism to this approach is that it focuses on moving women to modern sector from the traditional sector for the purpose of self advancement of women.
