Financing Justice, Resourcing Resistance: Feminist Pathways To Secure Justice And Equality In An Era Of Rollbacks

The event organised by ActionAid and PSI spotlighted the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers and strengthen access to justice for all women and girls.

Phillip emphasised that well-funded, high-quality public services are a cornerstone of equity for women and girls, as well as for Black, Indigenous, and racialized people and LGBT communities. Public services, she noted, are often the primary way governments can meaningfully support those who face systemic discrimination and barriers. 

When services are privatised, workers’ rights are weakened and progress on gender and immigration rights is often rolled back

Drawing on the experience of public service workers, Phillip highlighted the importance of pushing back against privatisation. When services are privatised, she explained, workers’ rights are weakened and progress on gender and immigration rights is often rolled back. These changes disproportionately impact those who already face inequality, including women, people of color, LGBT people, and Black, Indigenous, and racialised workers.

Phillip stressed that the effects of privatisation are not abstract - they are felt directly by the communities who rely most on accessible and equitable services. Ensuring robust public investment in healthcare, education, and social supports is therefore critical to promoting fairness and opportunity for all. 

Her message was clear: advancing equality requires defending and strengthening public services. With adequate funding and a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, public services can remain a powerful tool for supporting marginalised communities and building a more just and equitable society.