This
paper examines the discourse, inputs and reorganization of strategies that
emanated from the lobbying of women’s rights movements vis-à-vis global agencies
like the United Nations (UN), as well as the World Social Forum. Harcourt sets
out some key strategic questions for consideration: How much have women’s
movements achieved by working in collaboration with the UN? Is there a
recognizable global women’s rights movement as it is perceived on the UN stage?
Is there such an entity as a global women’s movement, or is it just a skilfully
played mirage?
The author seeks to answer these questions based on her experience as a
feminist researcher and activist involved in women’s rights issues, as well as
through reference to the literature and ongoing debates. The essay is a
contribution to these heated debates: about the role of global agencies; their
effects on the autonomy, legitimacy and representativeness of social movements;
and their local impacts and actual benefits for women around the globe.