Delegates were offered a feminist analysis of the economic crisis and how we ensure gender mainstreaming and budgeting, women’s activism, quality education for girls and decent work for women are guaranteed within the economic structures especially during times of crisis.
At a side event of the UNCSW56, Education International, Global Unions and the Swedish Women’s Lobby in consultative status with ECOSOC, focused on specific and targeted budgets for gender equality and the empowerment of women.
The panellists were Lena Sommestad, President of Social Democratic Women in Sweden and Professor of Economic History, Teopista Birungi Mayanja, General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), Executive Board member of Education International, Marion Boeker, Gender budgeting Expert, the European Gender Budgeting Network and European Women’s Lobby. Moderator of the panel was Gertrud Aström, President of the Swedish Women’s Lobby.Women’s rights and gender equality are often neglected in times of economic crisis. The financial crisis affected the world, but the consequences are largely borne by women. As the world moved into the crisis, women were already disproportionately living in poverty. The neo liberal agenda left women’s equality on the back burner during the economic crisis and at risk once again of losing past gains. According to the World Bank in 2009, they stated that investing in women and girls is smart economics, as well as fair and just.
How can we ensure that Women’s rights and gender equality stay on the political agenda?
Teopista Birungi Mayanja, General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) said “women must no longer ask, but demand to be included in the decision making process. We must organize, mobilize and strategize with women, trade unionists and stakeholders to work to improve women’s equality.” She also pointed out the role of trade unions to develop policies and programs that will support women's right to decent work and quality education. "Trade Unions have to wake up from being sleeping lions!"
Marion Boeker from The European Women’s Lobby said “Now is actually a good time for women to ensure that the necessary gender budgeting reforms are put in to place. The gaps between men and women are now wider than ever and gender budgeting can help to correct the gaps.”
In Sisterhood and Solidarity,
Julie White - Director, CAW Women's Department
In Sisterhood and Solidarity,
Julie White - Director, CAW Women's Department
Cheryl Robinson - Vice President, Caw 2002
