Irene Tinker identified six myths that are commonly held by development planners that work to the disadvantage of women. Far from being dependent, it is estimated that women are the heads of one out of every three families worldwide. Women do not work. Urban women most often work in small businesses. In many countries, women produce most of the food for family consumption.
Women provide nearly half of all agricultural labor in the world.
Animal work is a man's domain. Wherever animals such as cows, and sheep are raised for consumption, women rather than men are likely to be responsible for their care. A woman's income is incidental. In many countries, a woman's income is critical to the survival of the family. Typically, the poorer the family, the greater the proportion of its income is provided by women.