Economic Justice

Global trade can either promote or hinder justice, peace and sustainable economic development. Trade on unequal terms creates and maintains inequities. Along with a crippling backlog of debt, unfair trade can lead to violence, conflict and environmental destruction. CWS is part of a global network working to break the chains of debt and tackle the negative impact of international trade rules on the world's most impoverished people. Your role in this effort is vital.

Peace & Justice News
Church World Service promotes full employment and decent work for all

Resources on Economic Justice

Powerpoint presentation for International Women’s Day, March 8:
Breaking the Chains of Debt and Empowering Women (176 kb)
This brief, downloadable resource explains the connection between debt cancellation and the empowerment of women, what CWS is doing to break the chains of debt, and provides information on resources and advocacy that you can use. CWS is partnering with Jubilee USA Network on the campaign, "2007: The Sabbath Year," and this presentation can be used as a part of your participation in this campaign.

Mustard Seeds:  Churches & Grassroots Actions Against Poverty in Africa, a publication of the All Africa Conference of Churches (75 pages, PDF file, 3.3 mb)
Mustard Seeds documents community-driven poverty alleviation initiatives, including several that are supported by CWS: Mathare Women's Group, Kenya; Kiragati Community Water Project, Gathehu, Kenya; and Giving Hope empowerment program, Tanzania and Rwanda. The lessons from this resource, which affirm that the poor can support themselves and manage businesses, can be used to develop strategies on how national and international policies, such as the Millennium Development Goals, can implement some practical and achievable steps to end hunger and poverty.