HUMANIZING GLOBALIZATION

The integration of nations into a global economy has the potential to improve human welfare. However, the realization of this brings an obligation to recognize the diverse needs of people in different countries and regions of the world. Associated with this concept of an integrated world economy is that of political and social integration. Just as national governments recognize the need to care for the welfare of their citizens, with special consideration being given to the poor, the helpless and the under-privileged, so should the international community in a globalized world ensure that growing prosperity is not achieved at the expense of increasing impoverishment in poor and developing countries. Present trends in the world economy, showing disparities between the world's richest and poorest nations, present challenges to peace, stability and prosperity for the whole world.

Building Community

IFUW members frame the issues in a way that addresses how we build community as the means of humanizing globalization. This will take us beyond computers, global trade and the virtual university to the very essence of how democracy is defined by respecting every voice - both female and male - in matters that affect all humanity. These include our personal and family connections, individual and societal health and education, economic well being, a safe and sustainable environment, ethical actions and policies, and justice for all.

The needs of individuals are fully intertwined with the societies in which they reside; therefore, there is a need for the individual to be aware of issues and to have a voice in the decisions made that affect society. When we work together to make our collective voices heard, we are sharing the tasks of community-building.

Technology Connects

A powerful effect of the technological revolution is the strengthening of human interactions and shared knowledge. By making connections, lives are more personally intertwined and greater understanding of various realities occur. Once connected, it is difficult to ignore the perspective of "the other" when making decisions for ourselves. It broadens our sense of community and how each individual fits into the whole.

Influence of Mass Media

The mass media has a powerful impact on globalization. Although much can be said about the positive effect of the expansion of knowledge to more people, on the other side is the portrayal of negative, sexist, racist and violent images and actions, which tend to harden attitudes and emotions toward people after prolonged exposure. Counteracting this effect requires teaching children humanitarian skills of respect, kindness and honesty, as well as advocating for strong measures to change mass media policies and programming.

Cross-Cutting Perspectives of IFUW

IFUW provides the means for us to understand globalization issues from the perspectives of different cultures, academic disciplines, creative diversity and social conditions. We have shown a tolerance for cultural diversity, a necessary component for the third wave of democracy that is described by British economist, Anthony Giddens. Thus, as civic leaders, we can become a part of changing the world-view paradigm from that of "might makes right" to one that places the value of each human being and the environment in which they exist at the core.

Importance of Civil Society

Civil society is on the move. One hundred years ago there were twenty international governmental organizations and 180 international non-governmental groups. Today, while there are over 300 of the governmental organizations, there are about 5,000 international non-governmental groups. These bodies interact on a regular basis. This apparent merging of the political, economic and civic sectors into a community of decision-makers is a positive element of globalization. This merger can provide the balance necessary to the humanizing of globalization. The United Nations (UN) has an important role to play.

An article in the New Zealand Herald by an economist, Keith Rankin, defined globalization as "actions which diminish national borders and national economic plans. It involves embracing principles and practices which transcend national, geographic and societal boundaries. It includes:

• the merging of economies and currencies
• the unimpeded flow of information and knowledge
• the easing of trade barriers
• the changing of values
• the ignoring of cultural traditions.

All these impact on employment, the exploitation of people and resources, and the loss of personal freedom."

IFUW advocates that all NFAs adopt action plans to ensure that the forces of globalization are administered by world governments, community leaders, feminists and social activists, according to the guiding principles of equality, freedom, peace and respect for all.

The possibilities for action by national federations and associations are numerous, whether it be assessing the resources offered by their own members to effect change, conducting research or community projects, or developing wider programme partnerships and networks.

IFUW has prepared a table that gives a few examples of actions that IFUW affiliates can undertake to address the social, technological, economic, cultural, environmental, religious, legal and scientific aspects of globalization. An NFA may choose to follow one perspective across each of the themes or to examine several aspects of a single theme.

Additional ideas for action can be found by clicking on one of the theme links at the top of this page or in the jigsaw puzzle above.

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