As we stand on the precipice of change, a historic moment awaits us: for the first time, all UN member states will gather to negotiate a binding tax instrument, known as the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. This is not merely a procedural increment, but a monumental shift in the realm of international tax governance, offering a platform to reshape tax policies that fortify the rights of women and girls.
Although achieving this stage is a remarkable success, our journey toward equitable tax reforms is just beginning. Vigilance is essential as discussions commence on the specifics of the Framework Convention and its accompanying protocols. Advocates must ensure that the voices of women and girls resonate within these critical negotiations and are not sidelined.
The potential of tax policy as a transformative tool for societal improvement, particularly for women, is staggering. Yet, the current structure of tax policy often deepens existing inequalities. Recent findings reveal that nations are losing a staggering US$492 billion annually to tax dodging by multinational corporations and affluent individuals, draining resources vital for public good, disproportionately affecting women and low-income families.
When governments face financial strain, women bear the brunt, as social services face cuts. This lack of resources exacerbates the burden, leaving vital gender equality initiatives unfunded and forcing women to shoulder increased caregiving responsibilities without compensation. Simultaneously, reliance on regressive taxes emerges, further entrenching the gender tax burden at a time when women require greater support.
The UN Tax Convention holds immense potential to rectify these injustices through progressive taxation and transparency measures. This landmark occasion can redefine international taxation to ensure fairness and combat illicit financial flows, paving the way for a system that prioritises gender equality. However, without intentional gender-responsive frameworks, tax policies may merely perpetuate existing structural disparities.
Hence, it is imperative to call for the inclusion of robust gender-transformative provisions within this historic tax agreement. By aligning with UN human rights conventions, we can ensure that every facet of this convention channels support towards equalising the tax system and dismantling the barriers women face, thus nurturing a future where fairness prevails in economic governance.
The article highlights the importance of incorporating gender-transformative provisions into the UN Tax Convention, a historic moment where all UN member states will negotiate a binding tax instrument. Advocates emphasise the need for vigilance to ensure women’s rights are central to these discussions. The current tax policies disproportionately burden women and contribute to inequalities. Urgent calls are made for tax reforms that align with human rights conventions to pave the way for a fairer tax system.
In conclusion, the upcoming UN Tax Convention represents a watershed moment for global tax reform, especially regarding women’s rights and gender equality. The advocacy for gender-transformative provisions is not just a demand but an essential step in breaking the cycle of inequality perpetuated by current tax structures. As the world prepares to reshape tax policies, it is crucial that women’s voices are not merely heard but actioned, ensuring that tax systems serve as tools for justice and equality.
Original Source: taxjustice.net
