Summary of the conclusions reached at the international summit
WOMEN BUILDING BRIDGES PROPOSALS FROM THE SOUTH
FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
1 LEGAL EQUALITY, POLITICAL RIGHTS AND PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC LIFE
Coordinators
Summary of the conclusions reached at the international summit
WOMEN BUILDING BRIDGES PROPOSALS FROM THE SOUTH
FOR GLOBAL CHANGE
1 LEGAL EQUALITY, POLITICAL RIGHTS AND PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC LIFE
Coordinators: Julia Duncan and Meaza Ashenafi
1.1 The principle of gender equality, including the prohibition of discrimination based on gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, must be formulated as a fundamental principle of international and national law.
We demand the full implementation of international and national legal provisions proclaiming this principle. Even in countries where legal equality exists, real equality has not been achieved.
1.2 Ratification of existing international treaties on women’s rights. These treaties serve to empower women and civil society in general.
1.3 Repeal of discriminatory legislation and policies that are still in force in too many countries.
1.4 Adoption of laws that promote gender equality, with a focus on intersectionality. We demand adequate funding for gender-sensitive policies. Creation of monitoring and oversight mechanisms to ensure implementation of laws and policies as well as accountability.
We must not only aspire to achieve legal equality, but also to promote gender-sensitive public policies that respond to the principle of gender mainstreaming and are amply funded.
Both laws and public policies must rise to the challenge of achieving real equality in the main areas that are the essential structure of women’s lives: political rights, education, health (including mental health), sexual and reproductive rights, the fight against gender-based and sexual violence, access to land and access to work, among others.
1.5 Combat any attempt to roll back the recognition of women’s rights. Any strategy aimed at discrediting and undermining feminist movements must be resolutely rejected.
1.6 Elimination of traditions and practices that go against women’s rights. These practices are not culture. They are violations of human rights. To eliminate these harmful practices it is not enough to enact laws prohibiting them, other measures are needed such as: dialogue with community and religious leaders, sensitization and education of local community members, including men. Law enforcement by the judiciary could also be key.
1.7 Promoting women’s political participation. Electoral laws should establish quotas that guarantee women’s political participation. We should aim for parity. Nothing less.
The participation of young women in politics should be specifically promoted. Creation of intergenerational alliances that bring together young and veteran women.
1.8 Eliminating all forms of political violence against women
Political violence against women must be prevented, prosecuted and adequately punished. All forms of political violence against women must be stopped.
2 SOCIAL PROTECTION AND PUBLIC GOODS
Coordinators: Otiko Afisah Djaba and Nana Oye Bampoe Addo
2.1 General Ideas
There are three fundamental axes/components of well-being which are health (including the right to sexual and reproductive health), education and employment or access to income. Women’s well-being is negatively affected by lack of resources to address very basic needs such as food, water, education and housing. This can be related to the concept of Human Security (living without fear and without needs).
Women’s personal security and autonomy (under the human security paradigm), including the choice of whom to marry and how many children to have, is one of the biggest challenges that also hinder women’s well-being. This is aggravated by limited repro