The movement for feminist trade justice is long-standing and growing. Global South feminists have been ringing alarm bells for decades; providing meticulous analysis on the devastating impact of trade liberalization, privatization, and deregulation on poor and marginalized groups of women; and demonstrating the inextricable link between the current global trade system, colonialism and imperialism. Whether in the streets, in the halls of government, or in international and multilateral spaces, feminist demands for a human rights-based, transparent and accountable trade system can no longer be ignored. In fact, as the COVID-19 pandemic lays bare, they are now more urgent than ever.

This fifth webinar in a nine-part series entitled 'Trade Justice in the Time of COVID-19' organized by the Gender and Trade Coalition (GTC) is convened by GTC member, International Women's Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW Asia Pacific), explores how the United Nations (UN) human rights system and other UN spaces can be used as a strategic tool by feminists and civil society to demand trade justice and support diverse advocacy actions - including in these times of mostly virtual gatherings.

We view this as part of a larger conversation and movement of reclaiming the UN and multilateralism in the service of global solidarity, people, and planet. Moderated by Priti Darooka (Programme on Women’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; BRICS Feminist Watch), the webinar includes the following speakers who discuss UNCTAD, special procedures, treaty bodies, and the coalition of Feminists for a Binding Treaty relating to the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding instrument to regulate transnational corporations. Input and expertise from participants is warmly welcome!

  • Chee Yoke Ling (Third World Network);
  • Victoria Tauli-Corpuz (UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples);
  • Constanza Pauchulo (IWRAW Asia Pacific);
  • Kate Donald (Center for Economic and Social Rights); and
  • Alejandra Scampini (Project on Organizing, Development, Education and Research; and Feminists for a Binding Treaty).

Event Recording

Convenors

IWRAW