Transnational Business Feminism
Over the past century, gender equality has been one of the most controversial topics around the globe. Through a series of political campaigns, music, artwork, the media, and educational writings, the proponents of gender equality have, for many years, pushed various social institutions and authorities to protect women’s rights and offer them equal opportunities as their male counterparts. In his article, The Political Economy of ‘Transnational Business Feminism’: Problematizing the Corporate-led Gender Equality Agenda published in the 17th Volume of the 2015 International Feminist Journal of Politics¸, Adrienne Roberts expounds on gender equality at contemporary workplaces and business organizations. The social movement discussed in this paper is Transnational Feminism- which refers to a concurrent campaign on gender equality concerned with the influence of capitalism and globalization. The article’s core subject is “transnational business feminism,” which combines various aspects of conventional feminist movements with the business case of modern globalization. The subject also draws attention to the impacts of international relations in understanding women and gender. Transnational feminism came as a result of the consolidation of the ideologies of traditional feminism with the emerging issues and the impact of globalization on women. Transnational feminism was popularized in the 1990s by institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations, which still exists to date.
Transnational feminism is a global extension of feminist movements triggered by wide socio-economic and political gaps between men and women. Feminism started in the US to promote women’s civil rights. The movement advocates “gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls,” characterized by access to quality health care, education, and significant political inclusion (Robert, 2015). “Transnational business feminism” (TBF) supports gender equity in the global business arena. According to Robert, TBF works based on principles that ensure the government’s engagement and different stakeholders. The core principles of TBF includes a system that ensures gender equality at all levels of corporate leadership. It indiscriminately protects human rights by treating men and women equally. TBF campaigns for an improved work environment for both men and women.
Additionally, it ensures equal training and professional development for both men and women. Feminist movements have an elaborate organizational structure divided into three different waves. Some of the most famous feminist players include Susan B, Sojonour Truth, Elizabeth Cady. Transnational feminism is, however, spearheaded by organizations such as the World Bank, the “United Nations Development Fund for Women” (UN Women). The goal of these organizations is to ensure gender equality by investing in girls and women.
Transnational feminism, especially TBF, is against gendered global labor markets dominated by males. Robert (2015) argues that “gender inequalities have been eroded in labor markets; this has largely happened because diverse forms of insecurity were driving greater numbers of women to enter the labor force at precisely the same time as labor markets were themselves becoming increasingly precarious.” TBF seeks to integrate women from different countries and social-economic backgrounds into the global labor markets. Besides, the movement advocates for gender equality at the global labor. The major goals of the TBF are to campaign for gender equality and empower women by increasing access to infrastructure, jobs, agricultural inputs, financial services, and land rights. TBF also plans to achieve its goals by offering feminist scholarships to enhance education and provide women opportunities. Robert also compares Transnational feminism with traditional feminism. He argues that both movements promote gender equality. However, while the former focuses on empowering women through education and training, the latter was material-oriented
The article selected for this review presents transnational feminism as a peaceful movement that campaigns for equity in the global labor markets. TBF is supported by established international organizations, for instance, the UN. The movement has also received support from multinational corporations such as Nike. Transnational feminism has transformed the lives of many women since its conception. Despite its massive achievements, Transnational business feminism has not fully accomplished its goal of achieving gender equality in the global labor markets. Besides, millions of women do not have access to jobs and quality training. Robert’s article indicates that at the time of writing, the World Bank and the United Nations are still participating in the TBF. The World Bank’s CEO reported that gender inequality needs to be urgently addressed, especially with the current financial crisis and economic turmoil. The UN Women’s Director also suggested that “The world needs to tap into the talent and wisdom of women.” Therefore, it is critical to support TBF movements.
The author’s goal in the article is to raise awareness on the issue of Transitional business feminism. In relation, the author outlines the various situations that women face in the field of business. The female gender is met by various challenges that hinder their success in engaging in various activities in their operation (Roberts, 2015). As a result, the factor limits their potential in utilizing their skills, which can be beneficial to the economy from various perspectives. The author’s main point is the discrimination of women in society (Roberts, 2015). Additionally, the author focuses on concurrent campaigns relating to gender equality with globalization and capitalism. In this regard, he outlines that there should exist equal chances between males and females in the community, especially in business operations. The factor also explains transitional business feminism, which affects the female gender in society in various ways (Roberts, 2015). The author supports his points from the past experiences the female gender gas faced globally. In this manner, the origin of Transitional Business Feminism was to promote the civil rights of the female gender. In relation, the gap between socio-economic and political aspects in society was a factor that influenced this concept. In this manner, it calls for fair representation of women in socio-economic and political sectors at large (Roberts, 2015). In return, equal opportunities between all genders can help ensure access to quality education, healthcare, and the inclusion of female individuals in politics, which can help achieve gender balance.
The author’s central point is the fair inclusion of the female gender in various community activities. In relation, it aims t promoting gender equality in various political and socio-economic aspects. In this manner, the concept is similar to the lecture involving fairness and equal representation towards globalization. In this regard, various bodies have supported the fair inclusion of women (Roberts, 2015). These include the TBF, which fights for equal chances of women in the labor market. Besides, it fights for an increase in access to essential amenities by the female gender. Such vital items include job opportunities, financial services, agricultural inputs, and infrastructure. The factors can be useful in impacting gender fairness and equality, which is mandated by TBF.
The author’s points are convincing. Success in globalization requires the inclusion of all individuals to facilitate their progress. The female gender requires access to skills, education, and other essential items that will help them to positively contribute to the concept of globalization (Roberts, 2015). Besides, there are strong arguments that are supporting the importance of gender equality and inclusion in globalization. Bodies such as the United Nations are keen on ensuring the achievement of gender equality in society. As a result, the factor fuels the need to create a society where equal chances exist for everyone. However, the author’s flow is that his concentration is only on the female gender (Roberts, 2015). Although this gender is termed inferior and is prone to discrimination, it is also essential to ensure fair inclusion of males in areas that may have female domination. However, the article has helped in changing my view of globalization. In this regard, there is a need for all individuals’ collaboration to achieve the ultimate goal of globalization.
Transnational business feminism is supported by the United Nations Women and the World Bank. Its primary goal includes creating a system that ensures gender equality at all levels of corporate leadership. It indiscriminately protects human rights by treating men and women equally. TBF campaigns are against gendered global labor markets dominated by males. Therefore, it seeks to integrate from divergent backgrounds to the global labor markets. TBF accomplishes its goals by offering feminist scholarships and increasing access to infrastructure, jobs, agricultural inputs, financial services, and land rights.
References
Roberts, A. (2015). The Political Economy of “Transnational Business Feminism” problematizing the corporate-led gender equality agenda. International feminist journal of politics, 17(2), 209-231.