Summary

In the present report, the Independent Expert discusses the impact of economic reforms, in particular austerity and fiscal consolidation measures, on women’s human rights. He argues that the prevailing current economic system is based on various forms of gender discrimination. The value of unpaid work and its contribution to the economy is, for the most part, not taken into account by mainstream economic thinking. Highlighting some economic models, the report looks into unpaid care work, which is done mostly by women, and how it underpins economic growth, unjustly absorbs economic shocks and compensates for austerity measures.

The Independent Expert offers insight into the particular channels through which economic reform policies affect women’s human rights and suggests what can and should be done to prevent and address negative impacts. He argues that a human rights perspective, combined with a feminist economics analysis, can help to expose such policy biases, for which a gender-sensitive human rights impact assessment of economic reform policies is essential. Furthermore, that combination of perspective and analysis can guide policymakers in devising alternative solutions that are inclusive and advance gender equality and human rights.

A human rights approach to economic and regulatory issues should aim at addressing asymmetric power relations between men and women that are at the core of gender inequality. In that context, the report briefly discusses some elements of economic reform policies that affect the right to work, social security, housing, food, water and health. In addition, it addresses the role of the international financial institutions that, through their lending programmes, surveillance and technical assistance, prescribe macroeconomic policies that have implications for gender equality.