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The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization, established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in February 2002, released a new report on February 24, 2004 entitled "A Fair Globalization: Creating Opportunities for all". The main premise of the report is that current state of globalization MUST change.
As the Co-Chairs of this Commission, President Tarja Halonen of Finland and President Benjamin William Mkapa of Tanzania, write, "We believe the dominant perspective on globalization must shift more from a narrow preoccupation with markets to a broader preoccupation with people. Globalization must be brought from the high pedestal of corporate board rooms and cabinet meetings to meet the needs of people in the communities in which they live" (vii).
The Commission sends a "critical but positive message". This report acknowledges the benefits of globalization. They state, "We recognize that globalization has opened the door to many benefits. It has promoted open societies and open economies and encouraged a freer exchange of good, ideas and knowledge. In many parts of the world, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship have flourished" (3).
However, the Commission argues that these benefits have come at a large cost to the world and its people. The Commission writes, "there is growing concern about the direction globalization is currently taking. Its advantages are too distant for too many, while its risks are all too real. Its volatility threatens both rich and poor. Immense riches are being generated. But fundamental problems of poverty, exclusion and inequality persist. Corruption is widespread. Open societies are threatened by global terrorism, and the future of open markets is increasingly in question. Global governance is in crisis. We are at a critical juncture, and we need to urgently rethink our current policies and institutions" (3).
The press release for this report explained that, "Juan Somavia, Director-General of the ILO, who originally proposed the Commission, said this was the first time there had been a systematic attempt to deal with the social dimension of globalization. He added that the Commission was convened by the ILO to search for common ground and make proposals on issues which are today the subject of "parallel monologues" and a "dialogue of the deaf". "This Commission provides a clear-eyed, common sense message of hope. Making globalization fair and inclusive is difficult but do-able, and is an urgent worldwide priority", he said". (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inf/pr/2004/7.htm )
The press release continues, "Mr. Somavia said the 26 Commission members - including a Nobel Economics laureate, politicians, parliamentarians, social and economic experts and representatives of business and multinational corporations, organized labour, academia and civil society - were "broadly representative of the diverse and contending actors and issues that characterize globalization today and had accepted the challenge to analyze its effects and provide a series of proposals for righting its imbalances". Their report "offers no miraculous or simple solutions, for there are none. But is an attempt to help break the current impasse by focusing on the concerns and aspirations of people and on the ways to better harness the potential of globalization itself". ( http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inf/pr/2004/7.htm )
In order to change the current state of globalization to become more fair and inclusive the Commission has called for a specific set of conditions. They state:
"We seek a process of globalization with a strong social dimension based on universally shared values, and respect for human rights and individual dignity; one that is fair, inclusive, democratically governed and provides opportunities and tangible benefits for allcountries and people.
To this end we call for:

A focus on people.
The cornerstone of a fairer globalization lies in meeting the demands of all people for: respect for their rights, cultural identity and autonomy; decent work; and the empowerment of the local communities they live in. Gender equality is essential.
A democratic and effective State.
The State must have the capability to manage integration into the global economy, and provide social and economic opportunity and security.
Sustainable development.
The quest for a fair globalization must be underpinned by the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of economic development, social development and environmental protection at the local, national, regional and global levels. This requires sound institutions to promote opportunity and enterprise in a well-functioning market economy.

Fair rules.
The rules of the global economy must offer equitable opportunity and access for all countries and recognize the diversity in national capacities and developmental needs.
Globalization with solidarity.
There is a shared responsibility to assist countries and people excluded from or disadvantaged by globalization. Globalization must help to overcome inequality both within and between countries and contribute to the elimination of poverty.
Greater accountability to people.
Public and private actors at all levels with power to influence the outcomes of globalization must be democratically accountable for the policies they pursue and the actions they take. They must deliver on their commitments and use their power with respect for others.
Deeper partnerships.
Many actors are engaged in the realization of global social and economic goals – international organizations, governments and parliaments, business, labour, civil society and many others. Dialogue and partnership among them is an essential democratic instrument to create a better world.
An effective United Nations.
A stronger and more efficient multilateral system is the key instrument to create a democratic, legitimate and coherent framework for globalization".

(http://www.ilo.org/public/english/wcsdg/docs/synope.pdf)

This report makes reference to the importance of gender equality in any global system. In the section titled "Globalization and its Impact" the report explains that, "in some countries globalization has resulted in serious gender imbalances" (47). It also makes a call for multilateral organizations to develop research programs that would examine the gender implications of this impact (138). The members of the Commission realize that it is essential to remain cognizant of the way that globalization impacts the lives of women and make an effort to ensure that this is included in their work.
This report runs parallel to work that women's organizations have been doing on Globalization over the last few years. For instance in an article, "Women in the Global Economy: Issues Roles and Advocacy", written by Nadia Johnson, WEDO’s Economic and Social Justice Program Associate that was included in WEDO's publication Women Challenging Globalization published in 2002, she writes,
"Women have recognized for decades that gender-sensitive policies and their implementation are critical not only to women, but to any plan for poverty eradication. Advocates have insisted that a sounder economic discourse, benefiting all people, would bring together: a plurality of development
strategies; a political emphasis on accountability and transparency; a focus on local, national, and international arenas; the recognition that economics is about the interrelationship between private enterprise, the public sector and the care economy; the need to demystify economics so it is accessible to all; and the identification of the gendered nature of financial institutions and the macroeconomic policies they implement". ( http://www.wedo.org/ffd/ffdreport.pdf: 28 )
AWID has also recognized the importance of changing globalization. The Globalize This! campaign that was launched at the last AWID Forum in Guadalajara, Mexico challenges,
"Envision a world without poverty, without violence, without discrimination; a world where everyone's needs are met and their human rights are protected; a world where women's rights are both a means and an end of development.
Envision it - now GLOBALIZE IT!" (http://www.awid.org/campaign/globalizethis.html)
The campaign explains, "The road to real equality is long and bumpy, requiring major changes in attitudes, laws, policies, economic systems, social and political structures, and core values. Currently, the processes of globalization represent the most significant challenge on the road to gender equality. We are poised, therefore, to use our collective creativity and energies to bring our vision of equality to life by "re-inventing globalization". ( http://www.awid.org/campaign/globalizethis.html)
The campaign then lays out eight demands that provide the starting point for a revolutionary international campaign that will work to “globalize” women's rights in development. This is a working document and is always seeking input from members. (To read more about the campaign visit:
(http://www.awid.org/campaign/globalizethis.html).

Nadia Johnson reminds us, as participants in the women's movement, of our role in challenging the current pattern of globalization, she writes, "Women must stay engaged in the United Nations to safeguard our gains and civil society’s scope and effectiveness to foster more meaningful participation. With their rich experiences and comprehensive strategies drawn from a deep understanding of sustainability, equality and human rights, women have a unique role to play in creating a development paradigm that is not compromised by market omnipotence" (33).
Through the tireless and committed work of women's organizations and civil society organizations from around the world and now with a commitment from The World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization and the ILO it appears that the time for change is upon us. Globalization MUST be inclusive, fair, and ensure human rights and now the Commission has laid out a strategy for change that is obtainable.
To conclude the Co-Chairs of the Commission say, "This is an ambitious but realizable common sense vision. The choice is clear. We can correct the global governance deficit in the world today, ensure accountability and adopt coherent policies that forge a path for globalization that is fair and just, both within and between countries; or we can prevaricate and risk a slide into further spirals of insecurity, political turbulence, conflicts and wars".

To read this document please visit the ILO web site at: ( www.ilo.org/public/english/wcsdg/index.htm) .