This paper presents the Association for Women’s Rights in Development’s (AWID’s) analysis of the post-2015 High Level Panel (HLP) report and reflections for the post-2015 development agenda moving forward. The authors argue that the HLP report marks one step in a long, complex, and insufficient consultation process.
It is written by AWID that genuine reforms in global governance and macroeconomic policies are needed. This includes transforming the market based development model and reformulating economic modelling and indicators to reflect value on people and planet, which will therefore challenge existing neo-classical, patriarchal, and unsustainable models of development. The paper begins by calling for true structural transformation and a political will for change, reviews the discourse on the impact of poverty on women, and also argues for addressing multiple and intersecting inequalities.
AWID recognises the HLP report as an opportunity to debate desired outcomes and they agree with the interest to move towards a paradigm shift and profound structural transformation. However, they are concerned with the lack of concrete proposals or definition of the very understanding of structural transformation or alternative visions for development in the report. They are particularly concerned with the narrow vision of women and girls’ empowerment and gender equality and the lack of proposals on financing for gender equality. The authors urge governments to recommit to already existing Human Rights frameworks and boldly continue working for a future international development agenda that is aligned with human rights principles and integrates gender equality, building a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable, inclusive, and just development for all.