E/2002/27 E/CN.6/2002/13 Annex I Summary submitted by the moderator of the panel discussion on eradicating poverty, including through the empowerment of women throughout their life cycle in a globalizing world (Fernando Estellita Lins de Salvo Coimbra) (agenda item 3 (c) (i)) 1. At its 5th meeting, on 6 March 2002, the Commission on the Status of Women held a panel discussion followed by a dialogue on eradicating poverty, including through the empowerment of women throughout their life cycle in a globalizing world, one of the thematic issues of the Commission’s forty-sixth session. The panellists were Savitri Bisnath (Trinidad and Tobago), expert on global governance, at the World Trade Organization, and on the macro effects of the General Agreement on Trade in Services; Gaudence Rwamaheke (Burundi), General Director of the Ministry of Social Action and the Advancement of Women; and Jan Vandemoortele (Belgium), Principal Adviser and Group Leader, Socio-Economic Development Group, United Nations Development Programme. The panel was moderated by Fernando Estellita Lins de Salvo Coimbra (Brazil). 2. Participants discussed the challenge of poverty eradication within the present context of globalization. It was recognized that a significant increase in international cooperation was essential for the implementation of the Millennium Declaration and its development goals. The goal of halving, by 2015, the number of persons living in extreme poverty, in particular, had to be pursued urgently. Achievement of that goal required reduction in women’s poverty. Gender equality and the empowerment of women were effective means for poverty eradication, as had been highlighted in the Millennium Declaration. 3. Participants noted that globalization created both challenges and opportunities. While some countries and regions were benefiting from globalization through integration and economic growth, many others had become further marginalized, with deepening disparities and increased levels of poverty among and within countries. It was stated that the present phase of globalization was characterized by the use of economic liberalization and privatization as the preferred policy instruments, aiming at open markets, increased trade and increased competition between sectors and countries. It was noted however that those strategies and actions should not be considered a panacea and that market forces should be counterbalanced by social policies aimed at promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. 4. The differential impact of globalization on women and men was pointed out and speakers identified both opportunities and challenges with regard to reducing women’s poverty and enhancing their empowerment. Economic restructuring and adjustment, and reduction of social expenditures affected women more and differently than men. Speakers noted the absence of convincing evidence showing that economic growth and openness systematically reduced poverty or improved the quality of life for the vast majority of women and men, especially in developing countries. Trade policies produced different outcomes for women and men and gender-based inequalities affected trade policy outcomes. As a consequence, it was suggested that gender analysis should become an essential component of trade policy formulation. 5. Participants emphasized that political will, while very important, was in itself insufficient to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women. Other factors, such as policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, including for evaluation and monitoring, and sufficient resources were also necessary. The importance of good governance, sound government policies and the rule of law in the promotion of gender equality were also highlighted. 6. Many participants stressed the need for concrete actions and a comprehensive and integrated approach with innovative solutions to follow up on the commitments made on poverty reduction and the empowerment of women. 7. In responding to the challenges of poverty eradication, the role of women as actors and agents of change was highlighted. Some participants noted that poverty was particularly concentrated among older women and the inter-generational transfer of poverty increased when they had to assume responsibility as heads of households. The particular vulnerability of 55