The city of Lima played host to representatives of Peruvians organization working for an economy based on social justice at a Workshop to Pool Experiences of an Economy Based on Social Justice from 12th to 14th March.
Peru aiming for an economy based on social justice
The event was organized by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation, the Instituto de Estudios sobre Desarrollo y Cooperación Internacional – HEGOA and the Basque Agency for Development Cooperation and involved the main local movements such as the Grupo Red de Economía Solidario del Perú (GRESP) and the Red Latinoamericana de Mujeres Transformando la Economía (REMTE).
Participants were able to visualize the potential of experiences of an economy based on social justice and how they contribute to the country’s inclusive and sustainable development and help overcome economic, social, ethnic and gender inequalities. On the other hand, there was emphasis on the important role the state plays in confronting social and environmental tensions and disputes and responding to the need for care, employment and financial income in the business sector.
The experiences participants presented demonstrated the importance of women’s participation and leadership in social organizations and in the development of projects promoting an economy based on social justice. The conclusion was that one of the current challenges facing the movement is to promote and defend women’s economic, social and cultural rights.
Pending tasks
The participants in the workshop, which included senior representatives from the Ministry of Production and the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion, drew up and presented a Public Declaration to a plenary session, which included commitments and proposals to promote cooperative, craft and agroecological activities with an objective of gaining recognition for the various forms of non-profit business ventures and the vision of an economy based on social justice.