Women's Resource Centres
Between 2003 and 2007, UNIFEM supported the provincial Departments of Women’s Affairs (DOWAs) in establishing Women's Resource Centres (WRCs) in Parwan, Ghazni, Kandahar and Herat provinces. View profiles of the centres »
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The purpose of these centers was to provide;
- support to women in communicating with the Ministry of Women's Affairs (MOWA) to influence policies and programmes that improve their lives;
- a safe, independent and private space for women to come together as partners in their own empowerment, and learn skills to contribute towards the country's reconstruction; and
- tailored services to address the needs and priorities of women in each province.
UNIFEM's approach also resulted in an ever-improving relationship between NGOs and the provincial Departments of Women's Affairs (DoWA).
Vocational and Literacy Training
By linking literacy classes with skills training, women were able to experience the true importance of literacy in their daily lives. Through the WRCs, UNIFEM worked to better link vocational training with adult literacy.
Project Highlight: Literacy classes and poultry farming in the Panjshir Valley »
Women interviewed have said they see many changes in their lives since they began literacy and skills training. For example, women are better able to make decisions on their own, and feel they have not just obligations, but rights as women.
One woman explains:
Now, a window has been opened, so please, don't leave us now!
Another women relays how she was finally able to convince her father of the importance of her literacy classes when he found that she was taking them. Following their long discussion, her father went on to send another daughter to the same class.
Other Training Programmes
By working with local field coordinators and MOWA's Training and Advocacy Department, UNIFEM provided monthly training sessions to women from local communities. Training programmes included:
- Income generation;
- Literacy;
- Computer skills;
- English language training;
- Health education; and
- Legal rights awareness.
Sessions also included information on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the National Action Plan for Women (NAPWA), as well as vocational and literacy training.
Furthermore, in order to ensure sound management practices and effective services, UNIFEM conducted training for men and women on how to monitor WDC operations and make practical assessments of services.
Election forums
In 2003, programmes on voter education and political participation were held at the centers in order to promote women's involvement in the country's election process. UNIFEM supported broad-based forums that encouraged dialogue for women to participate in the elections as activists, political party members, candidates and elected officials.
These forums were essential in creating links between policy-level and community-based organizations from diverse backgrounds, each working to promote women's involvement in the Afghanistan's emerging political processes.
Other Activities
UNIFEM has also provided funding to NGOs which have established six community-based internally Displaced Persons Centres (IDPCs) throughout the country.
UNIFEM