W7 Summit
21st - 22nd April 2021
On 21–22 April 2021, the W7 Summit brought together feminist experts, activists and practitioners from G7 countries and all around the world to amplify the voices, perspectives and leadership of those not commonly included in the G7 forum. Over these two days, participants collaborated on proposals for the G7 and agreed on concrete and meaningful actions in pursuit of gender justice. Underpinning discussions were the W7’s core principles.
The first of these is equality and justice, with an intersectional lens, prioritising initiatives that put marginalised women, girls and gender-diverse people first and committing to anti-racism. We base this commitment in feminist principles of inclusion, gender and social justice, anti-racism and structural transformation – both within and beyond the G7 countries. Second is our shift in aspirations towards just, equitable and green economies that centre sustainability, wellbeing and care as part of the pandemic recovery and beyond. Finally, we are committed to accountability and the meaningful participation of all as a central part of democratic decision-making.
Through drafting these policy recommendations, the W7 is helping to ensure that feminist perspectives, the expertise of women’s rights organisations, and the lived realities of people of all genders are front and centre in the G7 process – and that G7 leaders hear them. As the G7 Summit approaches in June 2021, representatives of the W7 will meet with key decision-makers to put forth our proposals for the G7.
This year the W7 Summit was organised by the Gender and Development Network (GADN), Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS), Care International UK and ActionAid UK.
“It is is not what we fund but how we fund. Let’s stop and change this travesty where only a tiny percentage of development assistance and philanthropic resources find their way particularly to Southern-based Women’s Rights Organisations; and more generally, a tiny percentage find their way to women’s rights agendas. We need to increase the funding dramatically and we need to change the way in which we fund to make sure that we’re getting the resources to people who are living these experiences and who are making the change.”
Overarching recommendations to the 2021 G7 Summit
Gender equality must be genuinely mainstreamed across all areas including climate change, open democracy, finance, trade and foreign policy. The W7 Summit revealed the rich array of work already being done to promote gender equality, and evidence of the many approaches that have been shown to work but need much more support. It is not enough for the G7 to focus on a few small-scale initiatives under the different tracks, rather than addressing the real solutions to systemic challenges around which there is already much consensus.
Rhetoric must match the reality. While increased discussion of gender equality is indeed warmly received, we want to see tangible results – and this requires funding to match the rhetoric, not just for girls’ education but for ending violence, fulfilling reproductive health, and implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Bold action must be taken by G7 leaders, if they are to deserve their titles. COVID-19 has highlighted the need for real, transformative change in the way we think about economic policy domestically and internationally. Leaders will need to listen to the mounting evidence and be prepared to consider innovative and transformative solutions that focus on the creation of just, equitable and sustainable economies.
The full W7 Communique will be published on Friday 30th April. Please make sure to refer back here to access it on the announced date.
“There is a yearning across much of the world for us to build back better fairer, more inclusively and more resiliently. A concern with gender justice has to be central to this vision because it challenges the basic tenets of the old paradigm and holds the key to a new one.”
Selected recordings
The recordings from the Summit’s speakers include:
UK Government Speakers
The Rt Hon Priti Patel, Secretary of State for the Home Department
Baroness Elizabeth Berridge, Minister for Women and Equalities
W7 Keynote Speakers
Theo Sowa, Independent Consultand and Advisor
Dr. Naila Kabeer, Professor of Gender and Development at the London School of Economics
Recommendations from Civil Society Organisations to the G7
Actions needed by G7 leaders in the long-term to tackle the structural barriers to gender equality
Specific recommendations for the 2021 G7 on gender equality and women’s rights