Just and Sustainable Socio Economic Transformation

Together with its partners, FES aims to develop economic and social policy alternatives to address persisting inequalities in South Africa. These alternatives are informed by feminist economics, heterodox political economy, and the idea of socio-economic justice. Our vision of economic restructuring includes socio-economic redistribution within the context of the low carbon and digital economy transitions – for a truly Just Transition. FES believes in building political agency and engagement for moving towards an alternative economy that places social justice at its core. To this end, we support research and analysis, policy advocacy, dialogue and building alliances between various social actors including trade unions, civil society and think tanks.

A Just International Financial System for Global Equality 

There are fundamental shifts occurring in the international political economy that have an impact on South Africa and its position in it. As we grapple with increasing threats to multilateralism driven by oligarchies, right-wing governments and orthodox economic policies, progressive social forces have to reform the international economic system to address global inequality. FES supports progressive voices from labour, feminist, climate and other social movements to engage on how we can foster an international economic system that promotes a fair taxation, debt and trade regimes, industrial policy that is people-centered and can support improved access to public services, and economic transformation. FES thereby aims to bring local actors in conversation with international voices through its global network to promote international dialogue amongst progressives. The aim is not only to foster international understanding but also to build progressive international alliances for a just international economic system.