Global feminism and human rights

The primary purpose of this dissertation is to document and explore the significance of transnational feminist activism in the 1990s and, in particular, its utilization of a universal human rights framework. Toward this end, the Global Campaign for Women's Human Rights (1990--95) is used as a case study in contemporary feminist organizing that has significant implications for how we approach feminist projects and human rights practice in a globalizing era. The dissertation aims to arrive at a deeper understanding of a number of important projects and themes. These include: linking theory to transformative political practice; examining how "global feminism" can address internal critiques of the feminist project; arguing the importance of the universal (in terms of the particular); elaborating feminist critiques of traditional human rights thinking and practice; situating the feminist project in a context of globalization and global trends; and (re)defining accountability for the arbitrary exercise of power in a globalizing era.; It is argued that unpacking the different moments of the Global Campaign offers the possibility of mapping out a "theory of feminist practice," which is called Global Feminism. In explaining the success of the Global Campaign, five mutually constitutive moments are identified that have worked together to create an effective and expanding social movement linking diverse women and perspectives. These are (1) a global consciousness and analysis that examines and questions the exercise of power internationally; (2) an overarching ethical framework with global resonance; (3) a "common issue" of concern to women across diverse boundaries; (4) purposive networking and building of linkages toward activism; and, (5) concrete opportunities with a global dimension around which to collaborate conceptually and strategically.; Special attention is given to the issue of violence against women, which is used as a point of departure to elaborate feminist critiques of traditional human rights practice. In doing so, the dissertation explores what is required to achieve accountability for violations of human rights by private actors, in private contexts. Finally, Globalizing forces and trends, particularly understood from a gender perspective, form the socio-economic and historical context with which the dissertation is primarily concerned.