OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Macro Economic Policies (MEPs) have increased power of economic and financial transnational actors. MEPs have also increased armamentisation and militarisation. As a result insecurity for poor women has increased. They have been the first victims of downsizing and rationalisation. Their subjugation and exploitation have enhanced through retrenchment, unemployment, increases in contract/ subcontract work, home working and loss of livelihood. There is an urgent need to address globalisation of poverty, violence, expanding zones and techniques of violence (as experienced in the Gujarat Carnage), consumerism and glocal cultural industry, strengthening partnership of market and global fundamentalism. Globalisation has made civil society more inward looking. Caste, religious and kinship networks are activated to bring reforms within the community. Without ensuring women's rights, globalisation can't have a human face. We should not forget that globalisation has widened income gap between the resource poor and resource rich countries. Information, communication and entertainment in favour of economic globalisation has nothing to offer the common women except deprivation, degradation and dehumanisation. Free-play of market forces have made majority of Indian women more vulnerable in the factor, labour and product markets. NGOs have provided islands of security in some pockets. In this situation, affirmative action by the democratic institutions and the nation state, in secular areas of human governance is the only answer. Women’s rights organisations and social action groups were the most vociferous during the Asia Social Forum, 2003 against Trans National Corporation and Multinational Corporation driven economic globalisation. Through the World Social Forum, 2004, women in favour of just, sustainable and caring trade are reaching out to other women, and voicing the concerns of toiling poor.

Women decision makers are striving for agenda setting power to achieve MDGs. At the same time, they are aware about the failure of MDGs to reaffirm women’s human rights, access to secure land tenure and action to stop violence against women and reproductive rights of women. Moreover, they are evolving strategies to address the vicious circle linking gender inequality, neo liberal macro economic policies and poverty.

Dr. Vibhuti Patel, Prof. & HOD, University Department of Economics, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai Smt. Nathibai Thakersey Road,Chuchgate, Mumbai-400020 Phone-26770227®, 22031879 Ext. 243(O); Mobile-9321040048 E