The region has seen an increase in the number of women living in poverty. This has largely been caused by the impact of international influences including globalisation and the policies and practicies of bodies such as the World Trade Organsiation, World Bank, Intenrational Monetary Fund and multi-national corporations. For many women, these policies and practices have resulted in unemployment, a deterioration in wages and working conditions, the shift of labour from the formal to the informal sector and from regulated to unprotected sub-contratced labour. There is complete failure of the international community to develop mechanisms for the regulation and accountability of these new centres of power. As the countries reel under debt, there are cuts in the social sector.
Safety nets are a lip service.
Food security stands endangered. Exactly five years ago, in the 39th session of the CSW, I had said that Miss Universe wants Pepsi, Miss World wants Coca Cola. Either water is not available, or it is poisonous, mixed with toxic waste. Development with a human face is yet to see the light of day. It is equally important to take note of the increasing culture of violence, trafficking, the escalating commodification of women and girl children and violation of their human rights.