Open Session of the Feminism and International Law Committee

Open Session of the Feminism and International Law Committee

Thursday, 11 August 2016, 9.00am

 

The Working Session of the Committee was attended by a wide cross-section of Conference attendees.  This contributed to a lively exchange of views after the formal presentation of the report by the Chair (and Acting Co-Rapporteur) and Co-Rapporteur (see report of Working Session) and ensuing discussion on its contents and findings.  Ably chaired by Professor Helene Ruiz-Fabri, contributions and questions from those attending the Working Session saw additional topics such as the importance of education for economic empowerment being emphasised, as well as the dowry system in some countries.  The link between these two topics in two jurisdictions - India and Greece - underlined the interlinkages and complexities of a wide range of areas (affecting the subject matter of the Committee's mandate, and reports) and the need to draw on empirical research from different cultural backgrounds.  While the Committee's work to date had focused on the positive impact of international law, the question posed as to whether a negative impact could be discerned, also gave food for thought.  The Committee members in attendance found the interaction with those non-Committee members to be fruitful not least in terms of reflecting on the next and final report.

 

Chair of the meeting, Professor Helene Ruiz-Fabri, Chair of the Committee Dr Patricia Conlan and Co-rapporteur of the Committee Professor Christina Binder)