Multiple Global Crises and Gender: Rethinking Alternative Paths for Development - An UNRISD Seminar

This event has already taken place. Download the podcast of the seminar (56.5 MB). Watch the videos of the three presentations.

UNRISD Seminar Series event with Devaki Jain, Naoko Otobe (ILO) and Mariama Williams (South Center) and an introduction from UNRISD Director Sarah Cook.

In the context of the global “multiple crises” of food, fuel, finance, and jobs, which have major economic and social implications, and the underlying, deep-seated problems of growing inequality, the flaws in the current patterns of development are undeniable - especially for women. Increasingly, countries are beset by auto-reflexive crisis responses and austerity-driven agendas that fail to reduce economic insecurity or climate and environmental risks.

Understanding and harvesting feminist knowledge has become increasingly critical to a number of issues impacting the lives of women and men in both developed and developing countries. As the global community has begun the process of debating and implementing a new post-2015 development agenda, it is imperative that critical feminist voices are heard and counted in re-shaping economic, social and political agendas and priorities for alternative paths for human progress and development. It is time for creative shifting in thinking and framing of contemporary women’s movements, national and regional and international policies, and UN agencies.

During this seminar, participants will discuss key findings from the recently published volume “Harvesting Feminist Knowledge for Public Policy: Rebuilding Progress”, reflecting on the flaws in the current patterns of development and arguing for political, economic, and social changes to promote equality and sustainability towards more inclusive alternative development paths.

Panel

Devaki Jain, co-editor of “Harvesting Feminist Knowledge for Public Policy: Rebuilding Progress”, and founder and former director of the Institute of Social Studies in Delhi, India, will frame the key findings and discuss potential interventions in public policies.

Naoko Otobe, Senior Employment Specialist (and currently Gender and Employment Coordinator) at the ILO, will frame the debates in the context of the global economic crises, gender and the world of work, arguing for alternative paths for more inclusive development.

Mariama Williams, Senior Fellow with the South Centre, will offer interventions on the financial crisis, the global economy and climate change funding.

With introductory remarks by UNRISD director Sarah Cook.

Copies of the book Harvesting Feminist Knowledge for Public Policy: Rebuilding Progress will be available for sale on the day of the event. The book can also be ordered from Sage.