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Efforts to make Burkina Faso only the second country in West Africa after Benin to legislate against all forms of violence against women and girls get underway next week. A two-day consultation organized by the Burkinabè parliament and IPU on 14-15 June with MPs, parliamentary staff, government ministries, law enforcers, civil society, women’s and human rights groups will mark the first step in the drafting of a new bill on tackling violence against women in the country. The consultation will focus on different forms of violence, their causes, their prevalence and consequences as well as the challenges faced in addressing the issue. It will be followed by the creation of a committee including MPs, national and international experts including one from IPU as well as civil society, who will then draft the bill.

Women in Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in West Africa, suffer from widespread and multiple forms of violence. This includes the most common form, domestic violence, as well as rape, early and forced marriage. A 2008 study found one in five men regularly beat up his wife for contesting his authority in any way while another survey found that 71 per cent of women thought it acceptable that their husband beat them for going out without informing him, burning food, arguing with him or not taking care of the children. The problem is exacerbated by law enforcers who see violence, particularly domestic violence as a private and unimportant affair.

IPU’s assistance to the Burkinabè parliament funded by Irish Aid follows similar support to Togo, where a draft bill has been tabled in parliament and is awaiting committee review. Support is also being given to Burundi on addressing gender-based violence.

Efforts to make Burkina Faso only the second country in West Africa after Benin to legislate against all forms of violence against women and girls get underway next week. A two-day consultation organized by the Burkinabè parliament and IPU on 14-15 June with MPs, parliamentary staff, government ministries, law enforcers, civil society, women’s and human rights groups will mark the first step in the drafting of a new bill on tackling violence against women in the country. The consultation will focus on different forms of violence, their causes, their prevalence and consequences as well as the challenges faced in addressing the issue. It will be followed by the creation of a committee including MPs, national and international experts including one from IPU as well as civil society, who will then draft the bill.

Women in Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in West Africa, suffer from widespread and multiple forms of violence. This includes the most common form, domestic violence, as well as rape, early and forced marriage. A 2008 study found one in five men regularly beat up his wife for contesting his authority in any way while another survey found that 71 per cent of women thought it acceptable that their husband beat them for going out without informing him, burning food, arguing with him or not taking care of the children. The problem is exacerbated by law enforcers who see violence, particularly domestic violence as a private and unimportant affair.

IPU’s assistance to the Burkinabè parliament funded by Irish Aid follows similar support to Togo, where a draft bill has been tabled in parliament and is awaiting committee review. Support is also being given to Burundi on addressing gender-based violence.

Efforts to make Burkina Faso only the second country in West Africa after Benin to legislate against all forms of violence against women and girls get underway next week. A two-day consultation organized by the Burkinabè parliament and IPU on 14-15 June with MPs, parliamentary staff, government ministries, law enforcers, civil society, women’s and human rights groups will mark the first step in the drafting of a new bill on tackling violence against women in the country. The consultation will focus on different forms of violence, their causes, their prevalence and consequences as well as the challenges faced in addressing the issue. It will be followed by the creation of a committee including MPs, national and international experts including one from IPU as well as civil society, who will then draft the bill.

Women in Burkina Faso, one of the poorest countries in West Africa, suffer from widespread and multiple forms of violence. This includes the most common form, domestic violence, as well as rape, early and forced marriage. A 2008 study found one in five men regularly beat up his wife for contesting his authority in any way while another survey found that 71 per cent of women thought it acceptable that their husband beat them for going out without informing him, burning food, arguing with him or not taking care of the children. The problem is exacerbated by law enforcers who see violence, particularly domestic violence as a private and unimportant affair.

IPU’s assistance to the Burkinabè parliament funded by Irish Aid follows similar support to Togo, where a draft bill has been tabled in parliament and is awaiting committee review. Support is also being given to Burundi on addressing gender-based violence.

During Burkina Faso’s first-ever country-wide municipal elections in April 2006, more than 5,000 women were elected as local councilors. Women will now be an important part of the local decision-making process and assume an unprecedented role in local government.
Burkina Faso’s decentralization process has dramatically altered the political landscape in the West African country, creating unprecedented opportunities for women’s leadership.During Burkina Faso’s first-ever country-wide municipal elections in April 2006, more than 5,000 women were elected as local councilors. Women will now be an important part of the local decision-making process and assume an unprecedented role in local government. Prior to the elections, decentralization had increased the number of communities in Burkina Faso from 49 to 350, establishing local government structures for the first time in many parts of the country. This decentralization also increased the number of local councilor seats in Burkina Faso to 17,000, which in turn allowed for a dramatic increase in opportunities for women to enter politics at the local level. In response, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) organized a national forum titled, “Women’s Role and Participation in Political Life,” which aimed to spur greater women’s participation in the upcoming local elections and identify the women that would be nominated by their parties to run for local office. Nearly 100 political party leaders and political activists, including Burkinabe Minister for the Promotion of Women, Hon. Gisèle Guigma, Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the ruling CDP Hon. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, Minister of Human Rights Promotion Hon. Monique Ilboudo and visitor Hon. Danielle Perrier of the National Assembly of Mauritius, were present and subsequently, thousands of women were nominated as candidates for local office by their political parties. Since many of these women candidates were running for the first time, NDI provided them with intensive training sessions on the decentralization process, the local election's legal framework and the fundamentals of running an electoral campaign. NDI trained more than 350 women candidates at these sessions and distributed 4,000 copies of its candidate guide for participants to distribute to their fellow women candidates. Immediately following the elections, NDI set up a roving team of trainers that traveled throughout the country to train more than 1,600 of the 5,000 newly-elected women in an effort to prepare the elected women for their new role and responsibilities. The trainers held workshops in local languages and organized interactive, role-playing activities for the women on how to listen to citizens' concerns, assert political positions and improve interpersonal communication skills. NDI also provided training on implementation of the decentralization process. As a complement to the trainings, NDI produced handbooks for the newly-elected councilors to help them better understand the new local legislative process and the role of elected officials. They have been widely distributed throughout the country by the training teams. The local councilor handbook, candidate guide and other materials are also available at a newly-created resource center in Bobo Dialassou, Burkina Faso's second largest city outside of the capital, Ouagadougou. The resource center provides a location outside of the capital for women to attend trainings, find resources and network. Equipped with valuable leadership skills - and local councilor workbooks - thousands of women are actively shaping economic and social development for their communities. NDI will continue supporting women's participation in politics nationwide with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and will continue to work with its local partner, the Burkinabe Coalition for Women’s Rights (Coalition de Burkinabe pour les Droits de la Femme, or CBDF), in preparation for legislative elections in 2007 and in support of the decentralization process.

During Burkina Faso’s first-ever country-wide municipal elections in April 2006, more than 5,000 women were elected as local councilors. Women will now be an important part of the local decision-making process and assume an unprecedented role in local government.
Burkina Faso’s decentralization process has dramatically altered the political landscape in the West African country, creating unprecedented opportunities for women’s leadership.During Burkina Faso’s first-ever country-wide municipal elections in April 2006, more than 5,000 women were elected as local councilors. Women will now be an important part of the local decision-making process and assume an unprecedented role in local government. Prior to the elections, decentralization had increased the number of communities in Burkina Faso from 49 to 350, establishing local government structures for the first time in many parts of the country. This decentralization also increased the number of local councilor seats in Burkina Faso to 17,000, which in turn allowed for a dramatic increase in opportunities for women to enter politics at the local level. In response, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) organized a national forum titled, “Women’s Role and Participation in Political Life,” which aimed to spur greater women’s participation in the upcoming local elections and identify the women that would be nominated by their parties to run for local office. Nearly 100 political party leaders and political activists, including Burkinabe Minister for the Promotion of Women, Hon. Gisèle Guigma, Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the ruling CDP Hon. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, Minister of Human Rights Promotion Hon. Monique Ilboudo and visitor Hon. Danielle Perrier of the National Assembly of Mauritius, were present and subsequently, thousands of women were nominated as candidates for local office by their political parties. Since many of these women candidates were running for the first time, NDI provided them with intensive training sessions on the decentralization process, the local election's legal framework and the fundamentals of running an electoral campaign. NDI trained more than 350 women candidates at these sessions and distributed 4,000 copies of its candidate guide for participants to distribute to their fellow women candidates. Immediately following the elections, NDI set up a roving team of trainers that traveled throughout the country to train more than 1,600 of the 5,000 newly-elected women in an effort to prepare the elected women for their new role and responsibilities. The trainers held workshops in local languages and organized interactive, role-playing activities for the women on how to listen to citizens' concerns, assert political positions and improve interpersonal communication skills. NDI also provided training on implementation of the decentralization process. As a complement to the trainings, NDI produced handbooks for the newly-elected councilors to help them better understand the new local legislative process and the role of elected officials. They have been widely distributed throughout the country by the training teams. The local councilor handbook, candidate guide and other materials are also available at a newly-created resource center in Bobo Dialassou, Burkina Faso's second largest city outside of the capital, Ouagadougou. The resource center provides a location outside of the capital for women to attend trainings, find resources and network. Equipped with valuable leadership skills - and local councilor workbooks - thousands of women are actively shaping economic and social development for their communities. NDI will continue supporting women's participation in politics nationwide with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and will continue to work with its local partner, the Burkinabe Coalition for Women’s Rights (Coalition de Burkinabe pour les Droits de la Femme, or CBDF), in preparation for legislative elections in 2007 and in support of the decentralization process.

During Burkina Faso’s first-ever country-wide municipal elections in April 2006, more than 5,000 women were elected as local councilors. Women will now be an important part of the local decision-making process and assume an unprecedented role in local government.
Burkina Faso’s decentralization process has dramatically altered the political landscape in the West African country, creating unprecedented opportunities for women’s leadership.During Burkina Faso’s first-ever country-wide municipal elections in April 2006, more than 5,000 women were elected as local councilors. Women will now be an important part of the local decision-making process and assume an unprecedented role in local government. Prior to the elections, decentralization had increased the number of communities in Burkina Faso from 49 to 350, establishing local government structures for the first time in many parts of the country. This decentralization also increased the number of local councilor seats in Burkina Faso to 17,000, which in turn allowed for a dramatic increase in opportunities for women to enter politics at the local level. In response, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) organized a national forum titled, “Women’s Role and Participation in Political Life,” which aimed to spur greater women’s participation in the upcoming local elections and identify the women that would be nominated by their parties to run for local office. Nearly 100 political party leaders and political activists, including Burkinabe Minister for the Promotion of Women, Hon. Gisèle Guigma, Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the ruling CDP Hon. Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, Minister of Human Rights Promotion Hon. Monique Ilboudo and visitor Hon. Danielle Perrier of the National Assembly of Mauritius, were present and subsequently, thousands of women were nominated as candidates for local office by their political parties. Since many of these women candidates were running for the first time, NDI provided them with intensive training sessions on the decentralization process, the local election's legal framework and the fundamentals of running an electoral campaign. NDI trained more than 350 women candidates at these sessions and distributed 4,000 copies of its candidate guide for participants to distribute to their fellow women candidates. Immediately following the elections, NDI set up a roving team of trainers that traveled throughout the country to train more than 1,600 of the 5,000 newly-elected women in an effort to prepare the elected women for their new role and responsibilities. The trainers held workshops in local languages and organized interactive, role-playing activities for the women on how to listen to citizens' concerns, assert political positions and improve interpersonal communication skills. NDI also provided training on implementation of the decentralization process. As a complement to the trainings, NDI produced handbooks for the newly-elected councilors to help them better understand the new local legislative process and the role of elected officials. They have been widely distributed throughout the country by the training teams. The local councilor handbook, candidate guide and other materials are also available at a newly-created resource center in Bobo Dialassou, Burkina Faso's second largest city outside of the capital, Ouagadougou. The resource center provides a location outside of the capital for women to attend trainings, find resources and network. Equipped with valuable leadership skills - and local councilor workbooks - thousands of women are actively shaping economic and social development for their communities. NDI will continue supporting women's participation in politics nationwide with financial support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and will continue to work with its local partner, the Burkinabe Coalition for Women’s Rights (Coalition de Burkinabe pour les Droits de la Femme, or CBDF), in preparation for legislative elections in 2007 and in support of the decentralization process.

During the 51st Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women (UNDAW) are organizing a one-day parliamentary event entitled A parliamentary perspective on discrimination and violence against the girl child.
New York, 1 March 2007Organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the UN Division for the Advancement of WomenDuring the 51st Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women (UNDAW) are organizing a one-day parliamentary event entitled A parliamentary perspective on discrimination and violence against the girl child. The meeting will take place on 1 March 2007, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the ECOSOC chamber at United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event will provide a forum for debate between parliamentarians from all over the world and is aimed to contribute to the deliberations of the 51st CSW Session regarding the role of parliament and the difference it can make in addressing and putting an end to violence and discrimination against the girl child.

During the 51st Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women (UNDAW) are organizing a one-day parliamentary event entitled A parliamentary perspective on discrimination and violence against the girl child.
New York, 1 March 2007Organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the UN Division for the Advancement of WomenDuring the 51st Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women (UNDAW) are organizing a one-day parliamentary event entitled A parliamentary perspective on discrimination and violence against the girl child. The meeting will take place on 1 March 2007, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the ECOSOC chamber at United Nations Headquarters in New York. This event will provide a forum for debate between parliamentarians from all over the world and is aimed to contribute to the deliberations of the 51st CSW Session regarding the role of parliament and the difference it can make in addressing and putting an end to violence and discrimination against the girl child.

All around the world, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partners with civil society organizations dedicated to empowering women and protecting women's rights. In the western Romanian city of Timişoara, APOWER is one organization doing just that. Each November and December, activists on the streets of Romania's cities send a critical message to the world: violence against women and girls affects everyone.

All around the world, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partners with civil society organizations dedicated to empowering women and protecting women's rights. In the western Romanian city of Timişoara, APOWER is one organization doing just that. Each November and December, activists on the streets of Romania's cities send a critical message to the world: violence against women and girls affects everyone. November 25th, International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, through December 10th, International Human Rights Day, marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This international campaign, started in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, highlights the link between violence against women and human rights and calls attention to the worldwide epidemic of gender-based violence. In Romania, cities across the country participate in the annual Silent Witness exhibition, a display of hundreds of silhouettes representing women who have died as a result of domestic violence. Activists march peacefully throughout the streets carrying the life-sized silhouettes and signs that read "Stop violence against women" and "Women's protection - a standard for European integration!" Running Timişoara's Silent Witness exhibition is the Association for the Promotion of Women in Romania (APOWER), an organization working tirelessly to change attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate the cycle of violence. APOWER established the country's first crisis hotline for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse and has expanded its services to offer women free psychological and legal counseling, vocational training and prevention and education programs in secondary schools and universities. Campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and the Silent Witness exhibition have helped APOWER enhance its relationship with local and national governments and motivate elected officials to develop policies and practices that work to end violence against women and girls. Similarly, APOWER has developed civic and voter education programs to inform women of their political and legal rights, and has also held public forums to involve political parties and local leaders in developing sustainable solutions to end violence against women. Most recently, APOWER organized a campaign demanding that the parliament adopt an amendment to Romania's existing domestic violence law, which was lacking key provisions on victims' protection. With limited financial assistance and training on strategic planning and advocacy from NDI, APOWER drafted their own amendment to the domestic violence law and secured more than 8,000 signatures of support, including those of government representatives, before submitting it to parliament. Largely due to APOWER’s efforts, the amendment successfully passed. After garnering funding from the Balkan Trust for Democracy and working with NDI to develop a strategic plan to guide its advocacy efforts, APOWER is now applying its expertise and dedication to ending gender-based violence in monitoring the law's implementation across the country. Though NDI no longer offers direct assistance to APOWER, the Institute will continue to coordinate efforts with the organization as part of its program funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which aims to strengthen women’s political participation in Romania.

All around the world, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partners with civil society organizations dedicated to empowering women and protecting women's rights. In the western Romanian city of Timişoara, APOWER is one organization doing just that. Each November and December, activists on the streets of Romania's cities send a critical message to the world: violence against women and girls affects everyone.

All around the world, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partners with civil society organizations dedicated to empowering women and protecting women's rights. In the western Romanian city of Timişoara, APOWER is one organization doing just that. Each November and December, activists on the streets of Romania's cities send a critical message to the world: violence against women and girls affects everyone. November 25th, International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, through December 10th, International Human Rights Day, marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This international campaign, started in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, highlights the link between violence against women and human rights and calls attention to the worldwide epidemic of gender-based violence. In Romania, cities across the country participate in the annual Silent Witness exhibition, a display of hundreds of silhouettes representing women who have died as a result of domestic violence. Activists march peacefully throughout the streets carrying the life-sized silhouettes and signs that read "Stop violence against women" and "Women's protection - a standard for European integration!" Running Timişoara's Silent Witness exhibition is the Association for the Promotion of Women in Romania (APOWER), an organization working tirelessly to change attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate the cycle of violence. APOWER established the country's first crisis hotline for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse and has expanded its services to offer women free psychological and legal counseling, vocational training and prevention and education programs in secondary schools and universities. Campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and the Silent Witness exhibition have helped APOWER enhance its relationship with local and national governments and motivate elected officials to develop policies and practices that work to end violence against women and girls. Similarly, APOWER has developed civic and voter education programs to inform women of their political and legal rights, and has also held public forums to involve political parties and local leaders in developing sustainable solutions to end violence against women. Most recently, APOWER organized a campaign demanding that the parliament adopt an amendment to Romania's existing domestic violence law, which was lacking key provisions on victims' protection. With limited financial assistance and training on strategic planning and advocacy from NDI, APOWER drafted their own amendment to the domestic violence law and secured more than 8,000 signatures of support, including those of government representatives, before submitting it to parliament. Largely due to APOWER’s efforts, the amendment successfully passed. After garnering funding from the Balkan Trust for Democracy and working with NDI to develop a strategic plan to guide its advocacy efforts, APOWER is now applying its expertise and dedication to ending gender-based violence in monitoring the law's implementation across the country. Though NDI no longer offers direct assistance to APOWER, the Institute will continue to coordinate efforts with the organization as part of its program funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which aims to strengthen women’s political participation in Romania.

All around the world, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partners with civil society organizations dedicated to empowering women and protecting women's rights. In the western Romanian city of Timişoara, APOWER is one organization doing just that. Each November and December, activists on the streets of Romania's cities send a critical message to the world: violence against women and girls affects everyone.

All around the world, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) partners with civil society organizations dedicated to empowering women and protecting women's rights. In the western Romanian city of Timişoara, APOWER is one organization doing just that. Each November and December, activists on the streets of Romania's cities send a critical message to the world: violence against women and girls affects everyone. November 25th, International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, through December 10th, International Human Rights Day, marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This international campaign, started in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, highlights the link between violence against women and human rights and calls attention to the worldwide epidemic of gender-based violence. In Romania, cities across the country participate in the annual Silent Witness exhibition, a display of hundreds of silhouettes representing women who have died as a result of domestic violence. Activists march peacefully throughout the streets carrying the life-sized silhouettes and signs that read "Stop violence against women" and "Women's protection - a standard for European integration!" Running Timişoara's Silent Witness exhibition is the Association for the Promotion of Women in Romania (APOWER), an organization working tirelessly to change attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate the cycle of violence. APOWER established the country's first crisis hotline for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse and has expanded its services to offer women free psychological and legal counseling, vocational training and prevention and education programs in secondary schools and universities. Campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and the Silent Witness exhibition have helped APOWER enhance its relationship with local and national governments and motivate elected officials to develop policies and practices that work to end violence against women and girls. Similarly, APOWER has developed civic and voter education programs to inform women of their political and legal rights, and has also held public forums to involve political parties and local leaders in developing sustainable solutions to end violence against women. Most recently, APOWER organized a campaign demanding that the parliament adopt an amendment to Romania's existing domestic violence law, which was lacking key provisions on victims' protection. With limited financial assistance and training on strategic planning and advocacy from NDI, APOWER drafted their own amendment to the domestic violence law and secured more than 8,000 signatures of support, including those of government representatives, before submitting it to parliament. Largely due to APOWER’s efforts, the amendment successfully passed. After garnering funding from the Balkan Trust for Democracy and working with NDI to develop a strategic plan to guide its advocacy efforts, APOWER is now applying its expertise and dedication to ending gender-based violence in monitoring the law's implementation across the country. Though NDI no longer offers direct assistance to APOWER, the Institute will continue to coordinate efforts with the organization as part of its program funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which aims to strengthen women’s political participation in Romania.

In a meeting with UN Heads of Agencies in Kenya, the incoming United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon concluded his first visit to Africa with a strong message on promotion of women's leadership and zero tolerance for sexual violence and exploitation.

Date: 5 February 2007 http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=555

Nairobi — The incoming United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon concluded his first visit to Africa with a strong message on promotion of women’s leadership and zero tolerance for sexual violence and exploitation. Mr. Ban started his visit to Kenya with a visit to the Kibera shanty towns yesterday afternoon where he deplored the extreme poverty people are living in. He expressed concern about sanitation and disease and stated that the United Nations must invest in community programmes that empower citizens to change the mindsets of the community to improve their own situation.

At a meeting with the UN Heads of Agencies in Kenya, UNIFEM Regional Programme Director Ms. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda applauded the UN Secretary-General for the appointment of women to high positions since he took office, especially the appointment of Dr. Asha Rose Migiro as Deputy Secretary-General. Ms. Gombonzvanda briefed the Secretary-General on women’s poverty in Kenya, which has led to increased risk of HIV and sexual and gender-based violence. She also highlighted UNIFEM’s commitment to Millennium Development Goal no. 3, especially the target of increasing the number of women in leadership through the multi-donor gender and governance programme in Kenya.

The UN Secretary-General emphatically stated that violence against women and sexual exploitation is unacceptable, and that the United Nations must have coordinated interventions and responses. He stressed further his commitment to moving forward the gender recommendations of the report of the High Level Panel on Systemwide Coherence, as well as paying primary attention to the One UN approach. He equally indicated his commitment to gender parity in UN staffing, recognizing meritocracy.

The Secretary-General was in Kenya for two days following his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the African Union, where he attended the Africa Union Summit.

For more information, contact Ms. Roselyn Gicira, Partnerships and Communications Officer, UNIFEM, +254 20 762-4725, roselyn.gicira[at]unifem.org

In a meeting with UN Heads of Agencies in Kenya, the incoming United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon concluded his first visit to Africa with a strong message on promotion of women's leadership and zero tolerance for sexual violence and exploitation.

Date: 5 February 2007 http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=555

Nairobi — The incoming United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon concluded his first visit to Africa with a strong message on promotion of women’s leadership and zero tolerance for sexual violence and exploitation. Mr. Ban started his visit to Kenya with a visit to the Kibera shanty towns yesterday afternoon where he deplored the extreme poverty people are living in. He expressed concern about sanitation and disease and stated that the United Nations must invest in community programmes that empower citizens to change the mindsets of the community to improve their own situation.

At a meeting with the UN Heads of Agencies in Kenya, UNIFEM Regional Programme Director Ms. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda applauded the UN Secretary-General for the appointment of women to high positions since he took office, especially the appointment of Dr. Asha Rose Migiro as Deputy Secretary-General. Ms. Gombonzvanda briefed the Secretary-General on women’s poverty in Kenya, which has led to increased risk of HIV and sexual and gender-based violence. She also highlighted UNIFEM’s commitment to Millennium Development Goal no. 3, especially the target of increasing the number of women in leadership through the multi-donor gender and governance programme in Kenya.

The UN Secretary-General emphatically stated that violence against women and sexual exploitation is unacceptable, and that the United Nations must have coordinated interventions and responses. He stressed further his commitment to moving forward the gender recommendations of the report of the High Level Panel on Systemwide Coherence, as well as paying primary attention to the One UN approach. He equally indicated his commitment to gender parity in UN staffing, recognizing meritocracy.

The Secretary-General was in Kenya for two days following his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the African Union, where he attended the Africa Union Summit.

For more information, contact Ms. Roselyn Gicira, Partnerships and Communications Officer, UNIFEM, +254 20 762-4725, roselyn.gicira[at]unifem.org

In a meeting with UN Heads of Agencies in Kenya, the incoming United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon concluded his first visit to Africa with a strong message on promotion of women's leadership and zero tolerance for sexual violence and exploitation.

Date: 5 February 2007 http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=555

Nairobi — The incoming United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon concluded his first visit to Africa with a strong message on promotion of women’s leadership and zero tolerance for sexual violence and exploitation. Mr. Ban started his visit to Kenya with a visit to the Kibera shanty towns yesterday afternoon where he deplored the extreme poverty people are living in. He expressed concern about sanitation and disease and stated that the United Nations must invest in community programmes that empower citizens to change the mindsets of the community to improve their own situation.

At a meeting with the UN Heads of Agencies in Kenya, UNIFEM Regional Programme Director Ms. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda applauded the UN Secretary-General for the appointment of women to high positions since he took office, especially the appointment of Dr. Asha Rose Migiro as Deputy Secretary-General. Ms. Gombonzvanda briefed the Secretary-General on women’s poverty in Kenya, which has led to increased risk of HIV and sexual and gender-based violence. She also highlighted UNIFEM’s commitment to Millennium Development Goal no. 3, especially the target of increasing the number of women in leadership through the multi-donor gender and governance programme in Kenya.

The UN Secretary-General emphatically stated that violence against women and sexual exploitation is unacceptable, and that the United Nations must have coordinated interventions and responses. He stressed further his commitment to moving forward the gender recommendations of the report of the High Level Panel on Systemwide Coherence, as well as paying primary attention to the One UN approach. He equally indicated his commitment to gender parity in UN staffing, recognizing meritocracy.

The Secretary-General was in Kenya for two days following his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the African Union, where he attended the Africa Union Summit.

For more information, contact Ms. Roselyn Gicira, Partnerships and Communications Officer, UNIFEM, +254 20 762-4725, roselyn.gicira[at]unifem.org

The IPU is organizing its Third Annual Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament on the occasion of the 51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
New York, 2 March 2007 (closed meeting)The IPU is organizing its Third Annual Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament on the occasion of the 51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women The meeting will be held on 2 March 2007, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in Room 8 This meeting, open to all women Speakers of Parliament, will discuss the role of women Speakers of Parliament in protecting and empowering the girl-child - the next generation of women. The debates will be introduced by experts and followed by discussions between participants.

The IPU is organizing its Third Annual Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament on the occasion of the 51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
New York, 2 March 2007 (closed meeting)The IPU is organizing its Third Annual Meeting of Women Speakers of Parliament on the occasion of the 51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women The meeting will be held on 2 March 2007, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, in Room 8 This meeting, open to all women Speakers of Parliament, will discuss the role of women Speakers of Parliament in protecting and empowering the girl-child - the next generation of women. The debates will be introduced by experts and followed by discussions between participants.

UNIFEM, Zimbabwe's National AIDS Council and other partners launched an advocacy dialogue on 30 January 2007 with the parliament's portfolio committees on Gender and Health: "Facing the Challenges of Home-Based Care
Date: 2 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=556 Harare — The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in partnership with Zimbabwe's National AIDS Council, the UN Country Team and other implementing partners, launched an advocacy dialogue on 30 January 2007 titled, "Facing the Challenges of Home-Based Care," targeted at parliamentarians. The dialogue initially was held with the portfolio committees on Health and Gender, and subsequently will address all 210 members of Parliament (MPs).The following are the recommended issues to be discussed by parliamentarians:The burden of care for people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS falls disproportionately on women. MPs should speak out more openly on the need for greater involvement of men as caregivers. There should be more public acknowledgement by MPs of the critical role played by primary and secondary caregivers, including the role of women, in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS. MPs should lobby for an incentive package for secondary caregivers. Such a package should include a monthly stipend, uniforms and bicycles (when caregivers have to travel long distances), as well as food packs. MPs should lobby for access to free treatment at clinics and hospitals and preferential access to anti-retroviral treatment for caregivers living with HIV/AIDS. Caregivers should also be given preference in access to agricultural inputs and micro-credit schemes. Eligible secondary caregivers should be given preference in nurse training. This would encourage younger people (including men) to get involved in home-based care programmes. "HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe wears a women's face, and the burden of home-based care falls squarely on women," said Ms. Eunice Njovana, UNIFEM Zimbabwe Programme Coordinator, during the advocacy dialogue. She emphasized the need for MPs to encourage the involvement of men in home-based care.For more information, contact Tafadzwa Sekeso, +263 4 792681, tafadzwa.sekeso[at]unifem.org

UNIFEM, Zimbabwe's National AIDS Council and other partners launched an advocacy dialogue on 30 January 2007 with the parliament's portfolio committees on Gender and Health: "Facing the Challenges of Home-Based Care
Date: 2 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=556 Harare — The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in partnership with Zimbabwe's National AIDS Council, the UN Country Team and other implementing partners, launched an advocacy dialogue on 30 January 2007 titled, "Facing the Challenges of Home-Based Care," targeted at parliamentarians. The dialogue initially was held with the portfolio committees on Health and Gender, and subsequently will address all 210 members of Parliament (MPs).The following are the recommended issues to be discussed by parliamentarians:The burden of care for people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS falls disproportionately on women. MPs should speak out more openly on the need for greater involvement of men as caregivers. There should be more public acknowledgement by MPs of the critical role played by primary and secondary caregivers, including the role of women, in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS. MPs should lobby for an incentive package for secondary caregivers. Such a package should include a monthly stipend, uniforms and bicycles (when caregivers have to travel long distances), as well as food packs. MPs should lobby for access to free treatment at clinics and hospitals and preferential access to anti-retroviral treatment for caregivers living with HIV/AIDS. Caregivers should also be given preference in access to agricultural inputs and micro-credit schemes. Eligible secondary caregivers should be given preference in nurse training. This would encourage younger people (including men) to get involved in home-based care programmes. "HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe wears a women's face, and the burden of home-based care falls squarely on women," said Ms. Eunice Njovana, UNIFEM Zimbabwe Programme Coordinator, during the advocacy dialogue. She emphasized the need for MPs to encourage the involvement of men in home-based care.For more information, contact Tafadzwa Sekeso, +263 4 792681, tafadzwa.sekeso[at]unifem.org

UNIFEM, Zimbabwe's National AIDS Council and other partners launched an advocacy dialogue on 30 January 2007 with the parliament's portfolio committees on Gender and Health: "Facing the Challenges of Home-Based Care
Date: 2 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=556 Harare — The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in partnership with Zimbabwe's National AIDS Council, the UN Country Team and other implementing partners, launched an advocacy dialogue on 30 January 2007 titled, "Facing the Challenges of Home-Based Care," targeted at parliamentarians. The dialogue initially was held with the portfolio committees on Health and Gender, and subsequently will address all 210 members of Parliament (MPs).The following are the recommended issues to be discussed by parliamentarians:The burden of care for people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS falls disproportionately on women. MPs should speak out more openly on the need for greater involvement of men as caregivers. There should be more public acknowledgement by MPs of the critical role played by primary and secondary caregivers, including the role of women, in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS. MPs should lobby for an incentive package for secondary caregivers. Such a package should include a monthly stipend, uniforms and bicycles (when caregivers have to travel long distances), as well as food packs. MPs should lobby for access to free treatment at clinics and hospitals and preferential access to anti-retroviral treatment for caregivers living with HIV/AIDS. Caregivers should also be given preference in access to agricultural inputs and micro-credit schemes. Eligible secondary caregivers should be given preference in nurse training. This would encourage younger people (including men) to get involved in home-based care programmes. "HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe wears a women's face, and the burden of home-based care falls squarely on women," said Ms. Eunice Njovana, UNIFEM Zimbabwe Programme Coordinator, during the advocacy dialogue. She emphasized the need for MPs to encourage the involvement of men in home-based care.For more information, contact Tafadzwa Sekeso, +263 4 792681, tafadzwa.sekeso[at]unifem.org

UNIFEM co-sponsored the Symposium on Gender and Development in Liberia in Washington, DC, from 13-14 February 2007. Participants included 18 Liberian women and took place in conjunction with the Liberia Partners' Forum. Key priorites for the women participants included national security, revitalization of the economy, strengthening governance and the rule of law, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure.
Date: 12 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=557Washington, DC — The enhancement of national security is a key area of focus in the reconstruction of Liberia alongside the revitalization of the economy, strengthening governance and the rule of law, and the rehabilitation of the infrastructure. In addressing national security, a broader view of security must be embraced, particularly in light of the increasing incidence of gender-based violence, including rape, in communities.This was one of the key priorities identified by a group of 18 Liberian women who are in Washington, DC, to participate in the Symposium on Gender and Development in Liberia. The symposium was organized by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in collaboration with the Initiative for Inclusive Security and The World Bank. The symposium was timed to take place in conjunction with the Liberia Partners’ Forum scheduled for 13–14 February 2007. The Forum will bring together representatives of the government of Liberia and donor countries and agencies to jointly review progress made by the government in the reconstruction of the country, discuss Liberia’s interim poverty reduction strategy (I-PRS), and discuss financial needs for the reconstruction and development agenda.The Liberian women, led by the Hon. Vabah Gayflor, Minister of Gender and Development, include representatives of women in Parliament, women in advocacy groups, women living with HIV, and women entrepreneurs. The key message from the women is that Liberian women are major stakeholders in the post-conflict reconstruction of their country. Mechanisms must be established, within the framework of implementation of the interim poverty reduction strategy, for women’s effective participation in the formulation and reform of policies, including on land tenure reforms, national security, and education.While commending the government for its commitment to address gender inequality through the adoption of a gender policy, and economic empowerment projects, they called for a more structured approach across all the four pillars of the interim poverty reduction strategy. They urged the government to create an inter-ministerial mechanism for ensuring accountability for gender equality by line ministries, and to significantly enhance the technical and institutional capacity of the Ministry of Gender and Development.Concerned that 85 per cent of adult women in Liberia are illiterate, the women wish to see greater emphasis on adult literacy to complement the commitment to basic education. The women appreciate the focus on job creation and call for increased investment in the creation of decent work for women and youth across all sectors.Finally, participants in the symposium noted that under the current leadership, Liberia has the opportunity to produce a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) for 2008-2012 that will better address gender equality issues. The Ministry of Gender and Development was mandated to develop a partnership and joint work with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Finance in preparing for the development of the full PRSP. In addition, various studies will be conducted on gender as well as on various sectors of the economy, and gender expertise in key ministries and non-governmental organizations will be developed in readiness for engagement in the PRSP process.

UNIFEM co-sponsored the Symposium on Gender and Development in Liberia in Washington, DC, from 13-14 February 2007. Participants included 18 Liberian women and took place in conjunction with the Liberia Partners' Forum. Key priorites for the women participants included national security, revitalization of the economy, strengthening governance and the rule of law, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure.
Date: 12 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=557Washington, DC — The enhancement of national security is a key area of focus in the reconstruction of Liberia alongside the revitalization of the economy, strengthening governance and the rule of law, and the rehabilitation of the infrastructure. In addressing national security, a broader view of security must be embraced, particularly in light of the increasing incidence of gender-based violence, including rape, in communities.This was one of the key priorities identified by a group of 18 Liberian women who are in Washington, DC, to participate in the Symposium on Gender and Development in Liberia. The symposium was organized by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in collaboration with the Initiative for Inclusive Security and The World Bank. The symposium was timed to take place in conjunction with the Liberia Partners’ Forum scheduled for 13–14 February 2007. The Forum will bring together representatives of the government of Liberia and donor countries and agencies to jointly review progress made by the government in the reconstruction of the country, discuss Liberia’s interim poverty reduction strategy (I-PRS), and discuss financial needs for the reconstruction and development agenda.The Liberian women, led by the Hon. Vabah Gayflor, Minister of Gender and Development, include representatives of women in Parliament, women in advocacy groups, women living with HIV, and women entrepreneurs. The key message from the women is that Liberian women are major stakeholders in the post-conflict reconstruction of their country. Mechanisms must be established, within the framework of implementation of the interim poverty reduction strategy, for women’s effective participation in the formulation and reform of policies, including on land tenure reforms, national security, and education.While commending the government for its commitment to address gender inequality through the adoption of a gender policy, and economic empowerment projects, they called for a more structured approach across all the four pillars of the interim poverty reduction strategy. They urged the government to create an inter-ministerial mechanism for ensuring accountability for gender equality by line ministries, and to significantly enhance the technical and institutional capacity of the Ministry of Gender and Development.Concerned that 85 per cent of adult women in Liberia are illiterate, the women wish to see greater emphasis on adult literacy to complement the commitment to basic education. The women appreciate the focus on job creation and call for increased investment in the creation of decent work for women and youth across all sectors.Finally, participants in the symposium noted that under the current leadership, Liberia has the opportunity to produce a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) for 2008-2012 that will better address gender equality issues. The Ministry of Gender and Development was mandated to develop a partnership and joint work with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Finance in preparing for the development of the full PRSP. In addition, various studies will be conducted on gender as well as on various sectors of the economy, and gender expertise in key ministries and non-governmental organizations will be developed in readiness for engagement in the PRSP process.

UNIFEM co-sponsored the Symposium on Gender and Development in Liberia in Washington, DC, from 13-14 February 2007. Participants included 18 Liberian women and took place in conjunction with the Liberia Partners' Forum. Key priorites for the women participants included national security, revitalization of the economy, strengthening governance and the rule of law, and the rehabilitation of infrastructure.
Date: 12 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=557Washington, DC — The enhancement of national security is a key area of focus in the reconstruction of Liberia alongside the revitalization of the economy, strengthening governance and the rule of law, and the rehabilitation of the infrastructure. In addressing national security, a broader view of security must be embraced, particularly in light of the increasing incidence of gender-based violence, including rape, in communities.This was one of the key priorities identified by a group of 18 Liberian women who are in Washington, DC, to participate in the Symposium on Gender and Development in Liberia. The symposium was organized by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), in collaboration with the Initiative for Inclusive Security and The World Bank. The symposium was timed to take place in conjunction with the Liberia Partners’ Forum scheduled for 13–14 February 2007. The Forum will bring together representatives of the government of Liberia and donor countries and agencies to jointly review progress made by the government in the reconstruction of the country, discuss Liberia’s interim poverty reduction strategy (I-PRS), and discuss financial needs for the reconstruction and development agenda.The Liberian women, led by the Hon. Vabah Gayflor, Minister of Gender and Development, include representatives of women in Parliament, women in advocacy groups, women living with HIV, and women entrepreneurs. The key message from the women is that Liberian women are major stakeholders in the post-conflict reconstruction of their country. Mechanisms must be established, within the framework of implementation of the interim poverty reduction strategy, for women’s effective participation in the formulation and reform of policies, including on land tenure reforms, national security, and education.While commending the government for its commitment to address gender inequality through the adoption of a gender policy, and economic empowerment projects, they called for a more structured approach across all the four pillars of the interim poverty reduction strategy. They urged the government to create an inter-ministerial mechanism for ensuring accountability for gender equality by line ministries, and to significantly enhance the technical and institutional capacity of the Ministry of Gender and Development.Concerned that 85 per cent of adult women in Liberia are illiterate, the women wish to see greater emphasis on adult literacy to complement the commitment to basic education. The women appreciate the focus on job creation and call for increased investment in the creation of decent work for women and youth across all sectors.Finally, participants in the symposium noted that under the current leadership, Liberia has the opportunity to produce a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) for 2008-2012 that will better address gender equality issues. The Ministry of Gender and Development was mandated to develop a partnership and joint work with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Finance in preparing for the development of the full PRSP. In addition, various studies will be conducted on gender as well as on various sectors of the economy, and gender expertise in key ministries and non-governmental organizations will be developed in readiness for engagement in the PRSP process.

UNIFEM supported the Gender Justice Workshop for South Sudan held from 12-14 February 2007, and participants came from government ministries, civil society organizations, the donor community and the media. The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the concept of gender justice in the context of Southern Sudan and to create a space for women and men to discuss openly the most pressing gender justice issues.
12 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=558Juba — More than 70 participants attended the first day of the Gender Justice Workshop for South Sudan, being held on 12–14 February. The workshop aims to familiarize participants with the concept of gender justice in the context of Southern Sudan, as well as to create a space for women and men to discuss openly the most pressing gender justice issues, including the range of obstacles to gender justice facing women in Sudan. Participants in the workshop come from government ministries, civil society organizations, the donor community and the media.Hon. Lieutenant General James Loro Seresio, Minister for Environment and Wildlife, stated in his opening address that the workshop is happening at the right moment in Southern Sudan because laws are being formulated and significant changes are expected to address gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) has provided policy instruments designed to protect women and girls and ensure that women's concerns are addressed. What remains to be done is translating these policy instruments into laws and implement them, he added.In his opening remarks, the Swedish Ambassador to Sudan, H.E. Steffan Tillander, stated that gender justice is a major challenge for the justice system because it entails setting up or reforming existing systems to be sensitive to women's needs and aspirations. He affirmed that without justice for all, there can be no peace, security and justice for women and girls — gender justice must be part of the rule of law and the legal system of any country. He added that adequate legislation and the empowerment and participation of women are essential to achieving the goals for gender justice. Laws are not meaningful and effective if those who practice and interpret them do not comprehend the significance of gender justice. The attitudes of men and women need to be changed and addressed. He concluded that it is the responsibility of every government to adopt strategies and policies to promote gender equality and justice in accordance with international standards, and that the international community has a responsibility to support national efforts.In her remarks, UNIFEM Regional Programme Director Ms. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda congratulated the Government of Sudan for its key achievements towards promoting gender equality in the last two years. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan has been a key milestone in providing for the protection of women's human rights. Another key milestone has been the establishment of an institutional mechanism of governance, including the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs; the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, which has a gender desk; the Human Rights Commission that deals with women's human rights; and the Committee on Gender, Social Welfare, Youth and Sports of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly, which has the mandate to deal with gender issues. Furthermore, issues of women's participation in peace, reconciliation and development have been addressed through the appointment of Sudanese women to key posts.In a paper titled "Gender Analysis of the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan," Hon. Agnes Nyoka, Member of Parliament, the Government of National Unity (GNU), made key recommendations on the need for the Government to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); to promote awareness of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security as well as the Millenium Development Goals; and to implement the Sudanese Women's Priorities and Recommendations delivered at the Oslo International Donors Conference on Sudan (2005). This was seconded by Dr. Sidiga Washi, who urged civil society organizations and the Government to work together to monitor follow up of the ratification of CEDAW.Acting Governor of Central Equatoria H.E. Hon. Clement Wani admitted that there are injustice and inequalities, and that much needs to be done to change cultural practices and beliefs. He thanked all the partners for organizing and participating in the workshop and added that such a dialogue is crucial in advancing women's rights and awareness.Ms. Beatrice Aber, of the Peace Commission, stated that peace is a cross-cutting issue and touches on issues of gender justice. She said that the Peace Commission was looking forward to the discussions and recommendations comming out of the deliberations at the workshop.In a paper titled "Gender Justice Issues in Government of Southern Sudan Policies," Mr. Peter Sokule, the Under Secretary General for the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs, stated that the policies and priorities of the Ministry aim to support women's effective participation in legislative and executive positions as well as in the social and economic life of Southern Sudan; to promote research on traditional practices that impact negatively on women and recommend remedial approaches, including legislation; to develop policies on gender-based violence in collaboration with partners; and to promote women's participation in peace-building and reconciliation. He concluded that the Ministry is planning to lobby for legislation to protect women from domestic violence, and to punish those who defile children.Hon. Joy Kwaje Eluzai, Chairperson of the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission, presented a paper on "Gender and Human Rights in the Context of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement." She stated that as much as the women of Sudan acknowledge that UN Security Council resolution 1325 is a milestone in mainstreaming gender, equality and advancement of women in conflict prevention, peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, the feeling is that there is a need for a more vigorous engagement in its implementation for the resolution to have a meaningful impact on the lives of the numerous Southern Sudanese women emerging from the civil war. She added that, although both the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan provide for 25 per cent affirmative action as a way forward to ensure gender balance, the challenge has been inadequate implementation of the policy at all levels of government.The participants noted the impressive efforts to mainstream gender and lauded UNIFEM's efforts in the area of gender justice as part of Sudan's overaching peace and reconstruction plans.The workshop has been organized by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitution Development; the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs; the Peace Commission; and the Office of the Presidential Advisor for Gender and Human Rights, with financial support from the Government of Sweden and UNIFEM.

UNIFEM supported the Gender Justice Workshop for South Sudan held from 12-14 February 2007, and participants came from government ministries, civil society organizations, the donor community and the media. The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the concept of gender justice in the context of Southern Sudan and to create a space for women and men to discuss openly the most pressing gender justice issues.
12 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=558Juba — More than 70 participants attended the first day of the Gender Justice Workshop for South Sudan, being held on 12–14 February. The workshop aims to familiarize participants with the concept of gender justice in the context of Southern Sudan, as well as to create a space for women and men to discuss openly the most pressing gender justice issues, including the range of obstacles to gender justice facing women in Sudan. Participants in the workshop come from government ministries, civil society organizations, the donor community and the media.Hon. Lieutenant General James Loro Seresio, Minister for Environment and Wildlife, stated in his opening address that the workshop is happening at the right moment in Southern Sudan because laws are being formulated and significant changes are expected to address gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) has provided policy instruments designed to protect women and girls and ensure that women's concerns are addressed. What remains to be done is translating these policy instruments into laws and implement them, he added.In his opening remarks, the Swedish Ambassador to Sudan, H.E. Steffan Tillander, stated that gender justice is a major challenge for the justice system because it entails setting up or reforming existing systems to be sensitive to women's needs and aspirations. He affirmed that without justice for all, there can be no peace, security and justice for women and girls — gender justice must be part of the rule of law and the legal system of any country. He added that adequate legislation and the empowerment and participation of women are essential to achieving the goals for gender justice. Laws are not meaningful and effective if those who practice and interpret them do not comprehend the significance of gender justice. The attitudes of men and women need to be changed and addressed. He concluded that it is the responsibility of every government to adopt strategies and policies to promote gender equality and justice in accordance with international standards, and that the international community has a responsibility to support national efforts.In her remarks, UNIFEM Regional Programme Director Ms. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda congratulated the Government of Sudan for its key achievements towards promoting gender equality in the last two years. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan has been a key milestone in providing for the protection of women's human rights. Another key milestone has been the establishment of an institutional mechanism of governance, including the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs; the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, which has a gender desk; the Human Rights Commission that deals with women's human rights; and the Committee on Gender, Social Welfare, Youth and Sports of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly, which has the mandate to deal with gender issues. Furthermore, issues of women's participation in peace, reconciliation and development have been addressed through the appointment of Sudanese women to key posts.In a paper titled "Gender Analysis of the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan," Hon. Agnes Nyoka, Member of Parliament, the Government of National Unity (GNU), made key recommendations on the need for the Government to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); to promote awareness of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security as well as the Millenium Development Goals; and to implement the Sudanese Women's Priorities and Recommendations delivered at the Oslo International Donors Conference on Sudan (2005). This was seconded by Dr. Sidiga Washi, who urged civil society organizations and the Government to work together to monitor follow up of the ratification of CEDAW.Acting Governor of Central Equatoria H.E. Hon. Clement Wani admitted that there are injustice and inequalities, and that much needs to be done to change cultural practices and beliefs. He thanked all the partners for organizing and participating in the workshop and added that such a dialogue is crucial in advancing women's rights and awareness.Ms. Beatrice Aber, of the Peace Commission, stated that peace is a cross-cutting issue and touches on issues of gender justice. She said that the Peace Commission was looking forward to the discussions and recommendations comming out of the deliberations at the workshop.In a paper titled "Gender Justice Issues in Government of Southern Sudan Policies," Mr. Peter Sokule, the Under Secretary General for the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs, stated that the policies and priorities of the Ministry aim to support women's effective participation in legislative and executive positions as well as in the social and economic life of Southern Sudan; to promote research on traditional practices that impact negatively on women and recommend remedial approaches, including legislation; to develop policies on gender-based violence in collaboration with partners; and to promote women's participation in peace-building and reconciliation. He concluded that the Ministry is planning to lobby for legislation to protect women from domestic violence, and to punish those who defile children.Hon. Joy Kwaje Eluzai, Chairperson of the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission, presented a paper on "Gender and Human Rights in the Context of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement." She stated that as much as the women of Sudan acknowledge that UN Security Council resolution 1325 is a milestone in mainstreaming gender, equality and advancement of women in conflict prevention, peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, the feeling is that there is a need for a more vigorous engagement in its implementation for the resolution to have a meaningful impact on the lives of the numerous Southern Sudanese women emerging from the civil war. She added that, although both the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan provide for 25 per cent affirmative action as a way forward to ensure gender balance, the challenge has been inadequate implementation of the policy at all levels of government.The participants noted the impressive efforts to mainstream gender and lauded UNIFEM's efforts in the area of gender justice as part of Sudan's overaching peace and reconstruction plans.The workshop has been organized by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitution Development; the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs; the Peace Commission; and the Office of the Presidential Advisor for Gender and Human Rights, with financial support from the Government of Sweden and UNIFEM.

UNIFEM supported the Gender Justice Workshop for South Sudan held from 12-14 February 2007, and participants came from government ministries, civil society organizations, the donor community and the media. The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the concept of gender justice in the context of Southern Sudan and to create a space for women and men to discuss openly the most pressing gender justice issues.
12 February 2007http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=558Juba — More than 70 participants attended the first day of the Gender Justice Workshop for South Sudan, being held on 12–14 February. The workshop aims to familiarize participants with the concept of gender justice in the context of Southern Sudan, as well as to create a space for women and men to discuss openly the most pressing gender justice issues, including the range of obstacles to gender justice facing women in Sudan. Participants in the workshop come from government ministries, civil society organizations, the donor community and the media.Hon. Lieutenant General James Loro Seresio, Minister for Environment and Wildlife, stated in his opening address that the workshop is happening at the right moment in Southern Sudan because laws are being formulated and significant changes are expected to address gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) has provided policy instruments designed to protect women and girls and ensure that women's concerns are addressed. What remains to be done is translating these policy instruments into laws and implement them, he added.In his opening remarks, the Swedish Ambassador to Sudan, H.E. Steffan Tillander, stated that gender justice is a major challenge for the justice system because it entails setting up or reforming existing systems to be sensitive to women's needs and aspirations. He affirmed that without justice for all, there can be no peace, security and justice for women and girls — gender justice must be part of the rule of law and the legal system of any country. He added that adequate legislation and the empowerment and participation of women are essential to achieving the goals for gender justice. Laws are not meaningful and effective if those who practice and interpret them do not comprehend the significance of gender justice. The attitudes of men and women need to be changed and addressed. He concluded that it is the responsibility of every government to adopt strategies and policies to promote gender equality and justice in accordance with international standards, and that the international community has a responsibility to support national efforts.In her remarks, UNIFEM Regional Programme Director Ms. Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda congratulated the Government of Sudan for its key achievements towards promoting gender equality in the last two years. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan has been a key milestone in providing for the protection of women's human rights. Another key milestone has been the establishment of an institutional mechanism of governance, including the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs; the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, which has a gender desk; the Human Rights Commission that deals with women's human rights; and the Committee on Gender, Social Welfare, Youth and Sports of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly, which has the mandate to deal with gender issues. Furthermore, issues of women's participation in peace, reconciliation and development have been addressed through the appointment of Sudanese women to key posts.In a paper titled "Gender Analysis of the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan," Hon. Agnes Nyoka, Member of Parliament, the Government of National Unity (GNU), made key recommendations on the need for the Government to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); to promote awareness of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security as well as the Millenium Development Goals; and to implement the Sudanese Women's Priorities and Recommendations delivered at the Oslo International Donors Conference on Sudan (2005). This was seconded by Dr. Sidiga Washi, who urged civil society organizations and the Government to work together to monitor follow up of the ratification of CEDAW.Acting Governor of Central Equatoria H.E. Hon. Clement Wani admitted that there are injustice and inequalities, and that much needs to be done to change cultural practices and beliefs. He thanked all the partners for organizing and participating in the workshop and added that such a dialogue is crucial in advancing women's rights and awareness.Ms. Beatrice Aber, of the Peace Commission, stated that peace is a cross-cutting issue and touches on issues of gender justice. She said that the Peace Commission was looking forward to the discussions and recommendations comming out of the deliberations at the workshop.In a paper titled "Gender Justice Issues in Government of Southern Sudan Policies," Mr. Peter Sokule, the Under Secretary General for the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs, stated that the policies and priorities of the Ministry aim to support women's effective participation in legislative and executive positions as well as in the social and economic life of Southern Sudan; to promote research on traditional practices that impact negatively on women and recommend remedial approaches, including legislation; to develop policies on gender-based violence in collaboration with partners; and to promote women's participation in peace-building and reconciliation. He concluded that the Ministry is planning to lobby for legislation to protect women from domestic violence, and to punish those who defile children.Hon. Joy Kwaje Eluzai, Chairperson of the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission, presented a paper on "Gender and Human Rights in the Context of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement." She stated that as much as the women of Sudan acknowledge that UN Security Council resolution 1325 is a milestone in mainstreaming gender, equality and advancement of women in conflict prevention, peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, the feeling is that there is a need for a more vigorous engagement in its implementation for the resolution to have a meaningful impact on the lives of the numerous Southern Sudanese women emerging from the civil war. She added that, although both the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan provide for 25 per cent affirmative action as a way forward to ensure gender balance, the challenge has been inadequate implementation of the policy at all levels of government.The participants noted the impressive efforts to mainstream gender and lauded UNIFEM's efforts in the area of gender justice as part of Sudan's overaching peace and reconstruction plans.The workshop has been organized by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitution Development; the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs; the Peace Commission; and the Office of the Presidential Advisor for Gender and Human Rights, with financial support from the Government of Sweden and UNIFEM.