Background definitions

Gender
Gender maintains that differences between men and women are often determined by culture and society rather than sex. Concepts of gender are fluid in that they constantly changing and being redefined. Gender is both historically and locally defined and varies greatly throughout the world. Like the social constructs of race and class, gender affects the roles individuals fulfill and the power they have in relation to others. Gender also impacts access to resources and opportunity. Gender inequality and social injustice prohibit human development worldwide.

Nationality
The right to nationality is one component of a person’s right to full citizenship. Every individual has a right to nationality of at least one state, based either on their place of birth or on the nationality of their parents. Nationality refers to the legal recognition a state to an individual’s status as a citizen, and that individual’s ability to extend this status to his or her spouse or dependants. In each state a number of regulations, mechanisms and laws determine who is, and who is not, entitled to nationality.

Citizenship
A 'citizen' is defined as someone who is a native or naturalized member of a state. Citizenship then refers to a set of laws and practices that determine the relationship between the state and the people. A citizen is entitled to the rights and privileges allotted to an individual in that country, and are also entitled to protection from the state. However, citizenship is not equally accessible to all people; it is both gendered and hierarchal. The extent of one’s citizenship is affected by a number of laws and social practices such as family law and personal status, political participation, and the ability to receive inheritance or own property.