Lila Caballero, Head of Research and Programme Policy, at ActionAid UK, responds to the 2020 US elections as results are still waiting to be declared.
Lila Caballero, head of the women’s rights technical and research unit at ActionAid UK says:
“Regardless of who wins, the fact remains that women’s rights are in lockdown and policies like those of President Trump have rolled back decades of progress, achieved through the tireless campaigning of the women’s movement around the world. This, in addition to the gross injustices against Black people that have sparked renewed anti-racism mass actions in the US and globally, means we need to take an honest, challenging and fundamental review of the ways in which existing power structures enable and perpetuate deep inequalities.
“Since taking office, Trump’s administration has undermined human rights worldwide – his global gag rule and “zero-tolerance” immigration policy, for example, have directly affected women fleeing their countries because their rights, lives and/or livelihoods were at risk.
“Trump has also withdrawn the US from international attempts to find solutions to the world’s most pressing problems by refusing to endorse the Paris Agreement on climate change and walking away from the UN Human Rights Council, which, among many other important issues, is discussing how businesses can be better held to account for their impact on human rights. Women’s rights as workers, farmers and environmental defenders are often at high risk from corporate abuse.
“It is vital we stand with women and girls worldwide who are leading change. In communities large and small, they are building a new world with the support of ActionAid and our partners. A world in which no woman lives in fear of violence. A world in which everyone has access to good quality public services which are free at the point of use, including education, childcare and healthcare. A world of greater economic opportunity for all. It is vital we stand with them.”
https://www.actionaid.org.uk/stand-with-women
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