This Focus presents findings from a comparative scan of poverty reduction strategies in Chile and South Africa using secondary analysis through a gendered lens as a methodology, specifically on economic participation as a measure of gender equality. The Focus is broadly on the study of public policy and an exploration of how and why policies are formulated and who they ultimately benefit. It explores country specific contexts with similar socio-economic backgrounds and highlights the differing outcomes of poverty reduction strategies. Reference is made to the broadened understanding of poverty, its impact on gender equality and the influence of context and actors in the policy process. There is strong evidence that policies and programmes aimed directly at reducing poverty will not be effective without rethinking the analysis of poverty from a gendered dimension, beyond numbers. While current measurements of poverty make international comparisons possible, methodological reconsiderations require innovative ways in evaluating and translating the meaning of participation and empowerment at local levels.