CACOR Women’s Issues and Perspectives (WIP) Project

CACOR Women’s Issues and Perspectives (WIP) Project

Author: Valerie Hume, Ottawa.

Notes from presentation at CACOR/USACOR dialogue on the next generation of multidisciplinary, global futures models, held in Ottawa on September 10, 2016

In the history of model development in the fields of interest to CoR, it is relatively recently that population attributes including data specific to women have been included.  So often, there seems to be little recognition that issues faced by women hinder sustainable development. 

Furthermore, many institutions, have failed to integrate a gender perspective and the contributions of women (who count for half of humanity) make or could make in managing our natural resources of water, land and biodiversity and reproduction.  When women are not included in advancing better management of resources, the degradation of the environment continues with the strongest effects on the poor, women and children.

It is not difficult to identify the issues affecting women even if it might be difficult to provide quantitative information.  It is obvious that different regions are affected in different ways by these issues.  World-wide issues include:

Violence against women.  The number of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada has not escaped the attention of members of the international human rights community.   It is estimated that nearly 1,200 indigenous women and girls have gone missing or been murdered in Canada. The Canadian Government has established a National Inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women, at last. There are many forms of violence, including domestic violence, and the prevalence and form are often specific to cultures.

Trafficking.  A news report yesterday mentions the arrest of 3 men in Ottawa who have been trafficking women.  It was not long ago that people tried to tell me there was no trafficking in Ottawa! Admittedly, it is much greater in Vancouver and Halifax. This is widespread.  I personally have seen evidence of it between Russia and Norway, and between the Philippines and Canada.

Inaccessibility of education.  The education of girls in Afghanistan was brought up yesterday.  In many countries girls do not have opportunities for basic education or for skills development.

Economic dependence e.g. on husband or spouse; or in some countries the women work in the fields and the men take the produce to market (and keep the money)

Barbaric cultural practices e.g. female genital mutilation; the murder or suicide of a married woman caused by a dispute over her dowry.

Health issues e.g. obstetric fistula in places like Liberia.

Relatively small numbers of women in senior leadership and decision-making positions.  CoR is an example, although we were proud when Sheila Murray was the first female vice-president of CoR.

Until relatively recently, one critical consideration which has largely been missing involves linking sustainable development to human rights and to the application of important conventions like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).  It is a hopeful sign of change when we see that Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals is to Achieve equality and empower all women and girls.

At its meeting in Mexico in 2014 CoR adopted the following motion:

THAT CoR supports the creation of a standing committee on Women’s Issues and Perspectives (WIP) to investigate, research and report on various women’s issues and perspectives that impact our collective goal of advocating and working for sustainable conditions and a healthy life on our planet for all.

Subsequently, at the CACOR AGM in 2015, it was agreed that Women’s Issues and Perspectives Committee should be established.

CACORs mission includes “Promote analysis and discussion of important issues related to the sustainability of humanity and the planet, and to take action to address key problems and their interdependence within Canada and beyond.

Mandate of the WIP Committee

In order to broaden the discussion, enrich our understanding of the problematique and recommend sustainable solutions, the mandate of this committee is to incorporate women’s experiences and perspectives in CACOR’s discussions and activities that pertain to the world problematique and the management of resources.

To date, the Committee has:

• Created terms of reference.
• Created a list serve
• Dedicated the March luncheon presentation to women’s issues.

Action Plan

The WIP Committee will plan projects that reflect the intent and spirit of CACOR’s Vision and Goals as well as the needs and interests of CACOR members.

The Committee will liaise with WIPs established by other national CoR associations.

The Committee will prioritize areas of investigation and research based on CACOR’s vision and strategic plan.

Despite the notable paper achievements, of international environmental treaties since 1995, actual on-the-ground practices in most countries and communities around the world have not advanced nearly far enough, reflecting a widely-decried ‘implementation gap.”  It is important that we join those who are trying to correct the situation.

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Bio: The author is a geographer with experience in sustainable development strategies. In addition to her CACOR membership, she is a member of Zonta International, a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.