A One Page Paper from the WGEJ working group to IEC 2006

(List of acronyms will be provided)

The "Brief History ..." on WILPF's web-site recalls that "WILPF was founded to work globally" but to do this through sections and branches across the world: that "we put emphasis on the linkages between economic, social and cultural issues, and conflict, production and sales of arms and war". During its 91 years, WILPF has, on its own or in collaboration with other organisations, achieved much. WILPF is active on CSW issues and played a leading role in negotiating Security Council Resolution 1325. But in the year of the Beijing Platform for action, the WTO also came into being; progress in achieving rights for women has been eroded by the processes of trade liberalisation which have been forced through at the WTO and through ALCA/FTAA

Some facts Women's voice on economic justice and other issues is still not being heard.

On Corporate globalisation, WILPF women have said: "No to the WTO"; "Yes to a fair global set of trading rules".

World trade operates largely through agreements such as those of the WTO, FTAs, FTAA/ALCA, EPAs, EU. There are also bilateral agreements and other regional trade agreements such as Mercosur.

Policies of the International Financial Institutions including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have increased the burden on the poor.

The TNCs have inordinate influence in these areas whereas the masses of workers on whom trade depends have little influence.

A gender perspective is lacking; the impact of man-made policies on women's lives has been largely ignored.

The position of UNCTAD with regard to trade has been sidelined.

On the positive side, there are grass roots movements such as WSF, various RSFs, GCAP. WILPF's web-site "Decentjobs for women" is in preparation.

Cross-cutting themes underlying WILPF's Three year Programme

Empowering women so that their voice is heard on all our programme issues

Curbing the power of unjust structures and institutions

Curbing the power of TNCs noting in particular that the arms industry contributes geatly to the instability of society and the poverty gap

Supporting, contributing to the reform of and making use of UN systems

Questions for consideration

How can WILPF use its national sections and branches "to work globally" and reverse the erosion of justice for the poor 70% of whom are women?

How can IEC make use of the interconnectedness between the three WILPF program areas and take a holistic view making links between human rights, economic and social justice, militarism, environment.

Where do UN and UNCTAD fit in? and the International Convenant of Economic,Social and Cultural rights;the ILO, the FAO, the declaration on the right to development; the Int. Convention of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families;etc

Is it realistic to attempt to frame a resolution calling for a voice for women on all issues of concern? If so, to whom should it be addresssed?

How can WILPF use its influence and play a leading role in addressing these issues? should it work alone? with other women's organisations? with mixed gender organisations? How should it use the UNsystem?