Economic and Social Rights from A Feminist Political Economy Perspective: An introduction Savi Bisnath, PhD International Consultant Visiting Scholar, ICM Cornell University

Training Objectives Deepen and increase awareness of socio-economic rights, macroeconomics, budgeting and development among women’s rights organisations Strengthen capacity and enhance participation of women’s rights organisations in provincial and national governance, specifically in the area of budgeting Enhance participatory democracy through discussions of inequality, health and land rights as well as their multi-dimensions based on class, gender, race, sexuality, etc Promote improved collaboration between Government, women’s rights organizations and other stakeholders for economic rights Promote evidence-based budgeting for social programmes and economic initiatives at the provincial and national levels aimed at women and marginalized communities

Participant Introductions Name Organisation Organisational focus Geographic scope How do you think economics and the national and provincial budgets affect your work? In what ways do you engage in the provincial and/or national budgets? Would you like to engage in more economic advocacy/activism?

Economic and Social Rights from A Feminist Political Economy Perspective South Africa – State of Play – Economics – Women’s Rights

South Africa in Figures Population, total 54 million, 2014 (World Bank) Life expectancy at birth, 61 years, 2014) Income share held by highest 10 % of population, 53.8 Income share held by lowest 20 % of population, 2.5 Unemployment rate (% of labor force, annual average), 25.1, 2014 (IMF, June 2015)

Economic Context and Trajectory SAPs (shrinking of the state) Globalisation Economic Restructuring (facilitate “free trade”, deregulation for capital, state facilitation of capital) Neoliberalism (deepening privatization etc) WTO (GATS) Financial crisis, austerity

Economic Context and Trajectory Raises questions of role and responsibility of the state; as well as accountability

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Macroeconomics 101 We work on many different issues, violence against women, health care, land rights and housing …. economic issues, but most of us do not see them as economic rights or even human rights, we see them as basic, essential elements for living a life of dignity, free from fear and free from want. Nor do we often see the links with the macroeconomy.

Macroeconomics 101 What is Macroeconomics? Macroeconomics deals with the structure and performance, of the economy.

Macroeconomics 101 Economic Structure The economic structure refers to the changing balance of employment (decent jobs), incomes (livable wages), output and trade. Is partially constituted/supported by the informal and unpaid care economies.

Macroeconomics 101 Economic Structure Changes in the economic structure happen often, bringing opportunities and challenges For example, changes in farming or manufacturing impact jobs, food security etc. Small Groups (10 minutes): Discuss economic and social impact of changes for a sector in the province.

Macroeconomics 101 Economic Structure The informal economy is that part of the economy that is not taxed or monitored by the government. It is not included in the GNP (gross national product).

Macroeconomics 101 Macroeconomic Performance Objectives From Government’s Perspective: End poverty Promote economic growth Promote job creation Provision of public services (economic rights), education, health care, transportation Environmental impact In fact we see this clearly articulated in the South African budget (which we will come to).

Macroeconomics 101 Macroeconomic Performance Indicators Employment and unemployment rate Growth (GDP – short and long term) Productivity of labour and capita inputs Prices (consumer price index) Trade balances and measures of competitiveness Average standard of living e.g. measured by per capita GDP Quality and accessibility of public services

Macroeconomics 101 Macroeconomic Performance Objectives Interactive (10 minutes): What should be the key objectives of government policy in order to facilitate the realisation of women’s rights?

Macroeconomics 101 Macroeconomic Management Governments, through macroeconomic policies, try to ensure that policy objectives are met: …. As per our discussions End poverty Promote economic growth Promote job creation Provision of public services (economic rights), education, health care, transportation Environmental impact

Macroeconomics 101 Government Macroeconomic Strategies Economic management is achieved through two types of policies: Fiscal Monetary

Macroeconomics 101 Fiscal Policy Fiscal policy involves managing a nation’s budget through the use of government spending, taxation and borrowing The two main instruments of fiscal policy are government taxation and expenditure.

Macroeconomics 101 Monetary Policy Monetary policy is conducted by the central bank. It is the process by which the government/central bank controls the money supply and cost of money (interest rate) in order to achieve economic growth.

Macroeconomics 101 Basic Economic Concepts Deficit – Excess of Spending over Revenues in a given period. Debt – A deficit in one period adds to accumulated debt; a surplus reduces debt. Government revenues – Taxes, fees, royalties from minerals, operating surpluses from government enterprises. Government borrowing –Bonds sold by governments to financial institutions usually in own currency; loans, frequently in foreign currency from World Bank, regional development banks, and commercial banks.

Economic Policies Economic Actors Central Bank Finance Ministry Economic Ministry AU ADB NEPAD BRICS The New Development Bank IMF World Bank WTO Corporations Consumers, producers women Others?

Small Group (15 minutes): Identify the ways in which macroeconomics, trade, and development policies in the region has either promoted or eroded on the realization of women' human rights.

Thank you!