Commission on the Status of Women 2004

The 48th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held in March 2004, served as a forum for UN members states and more than 900 NGO representatives to address issues affecting women and girls. Further to its review of critical areas of concern in the Beijing Platform for Action, the CSW focused on two topics: the role of men and boys in achieving gender equality, and women’s equal participation in conflict prevention, resolution and peace-building. In addition to the Commission’s official proceedings, more than 170 events were organized around those two themes. The CSW also discussed the upcoming ten-year review of the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing + 10), which will be the focus of the 49th Session of the CSW in 2005.

        After deliberations (read the expert panel discussions and statements), the CSW approved agreed conclusions on both thematic issues. The conclusions on the role of men and boys recognize that men have joint responsibility for gender equality and encourage member states and civil society, among other actions, to improve educational programmes, use public information campaigns that target men and boys, and provide positive leadership role models on gender equality. The conclusions on women’s equal participation call on governments, the UN system and international, regional and local actors to improve data collection on women in the context of prevention and early warning systems, to ensure that peace agreements and processes address the full range of issues from a gender perspective, and to promote women’s equal participation in all post-conflict electoral, reconstruction and rehabilitation processes.

        On preparations for Beijing + 10, member states agreed that the 49th session should focus on implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, and the outcome document (PDF, 130KB) of the 23rd Special Session of the General Assembly in 2000 (Beijing + 5). Also stressed was the need to integrate a gender perspective in the five-year review of the Millennium Declaration, which also takes place in 2005. It was recommended that ECOSOC request the General Assembly to convene a high-level plenary meeting to which the CSW will transfer its general debate.

        A large number of delegations suggested that there be no negotiated outcome documents, a view that was supported by a majority of NGOs present. NGOs also stressed that there be no re-negotiation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Beijing + 5 outcome document. Governments have been asked to complete a questionnaire for the review, and NGOs are planning their own alternative reports. In the context of the discussions on Beijing + 10, the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, the Women’s Environment Development Organization (WEDO), and the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) facilitated inter-active dialogues on strategies and goals for 2005. For more information, read the summary report.

For further information, visit:

• UN Division for the Advancement of Women
• UN Regional Economic Commissions:
  • UN Economic Commission for Africa
  • UN Economic Commission for Europe
  • UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
  • UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
  • UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
• Organizations facilitating the formulation of review strategy for NGOs:
  • Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL)
  • NGO Committee on the Status of Women
  • Women’s Environment Development Organization (WEDO)
  • Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (Peacewomen)
     

» return to top

Notes From CSW 2004
UNIFEM at CSW

UNIFEM organized, cosponsored and participated in several events at the 48th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Statement by Noeleen Heyzer to the CSW
UNIFEM Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer gave a presentation at the opening session titled "Ending Violence Against Women Vital in Implementing the Beijing Platform for Action." » Read the statement

Security Council Resolution 1325 – What's Next?
Throughout February and March, UNIFEM co-hosted a moderated e-mail discussion called, "Security Council Resolution 1325 – What's Next?" with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and the International Women's Tribune Centre (IWTC). Nearly 300 activists, academics, UN staff, as well as representatives from governments and NGOs from thirty countries participated in the e-discussion. The primary concern expressed by participants was the pressing need for 1325 to be fully implemented. Accountability, the setting of specific targets, the establishment of reporting and monitoring mechanisms, the sharing of lessons learned at the grassroots level and the drafting of a second, more focused resolution were all suggested as means to achieve better implementation. Many participants also pointed to the urgency of informing women about 1325 to make it relevant and accessible to women at all levels of society and in countries at all stages of conflict.
        For more information, and to read the discussion threads, visit UNIFEM's portal on women, peace and security.

Panel: Time for Action: On the Continuum of Violence Against Women
In anticipation of the launch of Amnesty International's (AI) global 6-year "Stop Violence Against Women" campaign, UNIFEM and AI organized a panel discussion focused on the issue and on women's efforts — with the growing support of men — to end the abuse. The "Stop Violence Against Women" campaign will mobilize AI's membership worldwide to join with the global women's movement and other key actors in efforts to eradicate violence against women both in times of armed conflict and peace.

Panel: Gender Perspectives of Peace Processes
Two of UNIFEM's partners from the field gave vivid accounts on the experiences of women working on the ground. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, president of the Federation of African Women's Peace Networks (FERFAP), spoke passionately about the continuing efforts of African women to make their voices heard in peace processes. Catalina Rojas, speaking on behalf of the Women Waging Peace Policy Commission, described the important role that Colombian women have played in reviving hope and optimism among Colombians after the failure of official peace negotiations. The Council of Europe presented the proceedings of the Fifth European Ministerial Conference on Equality Between Women and Men, while the National Democratic Institute (US) introduced Win With Women, its global action plan to strengthen political parties by promoting women's equal participation. A statement was also made on behalf of the First Lady of Egypt, describing her work to create a culture of peace in the Middle East. For more information on gender and peace processes, go to www.womenwarpeace.org for the issue brief.

Panel: Gender Aspects of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
Panellists Noeleen Heyzer, Ameerah Haq from UNDP's Bureau of Crisis Prevention and Recovery, Agnes Marcaillou from the UN Department of Disarmament Affairs, and Kelvin Ong from the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations discussed gender aspects of the UN's disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes, especially in regard to female combatants and female dependents of combatants. Advocates for gender-sensitive DDR have been successful in integrating a gender perspective into recent UN missions in Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire, and efforts are underway to apply this approach to all UN missions. UNIFEM's Gender-Aware Checklist and the DDR Issue Brief distributed during the discussion are available at www.womenwarpeace.org.

Book Launch: Liberian Women Peacemakers
For 14 years, they risked their lives and fought against all odds to make their voices heard, never letting go of their ultimate goal: peace for their country. A new report, "Liberian Women Peacemakers," published by the African Women and Peace Support Group and launched during the Commission on the Status of Women in March in New York, is a compelling account of the persistence and determination of Liberian women who joined forces across warring factions to stop the atrocities of the civil war ravaging their country. Based on interviews with Liberian peace activists conducted by journalists, the publication vividly retraces the women’s long struggle. Theresa Leigh-Sherman, a member of the Liberian Women’s Initiative and a speaker at the book launch, remembered how the women made their way into the peace negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria in 1995: “Of course we were not on the agenda, but we got to Abuja ... . We talked about the killing and how these men were opening these women’s stomachs and betting on their babies. We talked about everything, because the women were tired ... . And I tell you, the nine Presidents that were there and ... everybody was in tears, because these are facts that these people did not know about.” As UNIFEM Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer says: “[The book] is both a fascinating history of Liberain women’s struggle to influence their country’s future and a case study of the critical role women can play in conflict resolution and peace-building worldwide.” $19.95, available through Women Ink.

Book Launch: Rethink: A Handbook for Sustainable Peace
In celebration of their tenth anniversary, the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation (Sweden) launched a tool kit that discusses the role of women in peace-building and reconciliation processes. The publication draws from their experiences of working with women in conflict zones, and on peace-building initiatives. It also provides examples of best practices and recommendations for actions in support of creating sustainable peace. For more information, e-mail info@iktk.se, or visit www.iktk.se. The handbook is available to download.

» return to top

Notes From CSW 2004
Iraqi Women Appeal for International Support

A delegation of Iraqi women, comprising members of the Iraqi Women's Higher Council, lawyers, doctors, academics and government officials, were at the CSW in New York to highlight the situation of women in their country and appeal for greater international community support to ensure the full participation of women in the rebuilding of Iraq.

        Speaking at a forum organized by the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the UN, Ms Ala Talabani, co-founder of the Iraqi Women's Higher Council, described the proliferation of women's groups being established to promote women's involvement during the transition period. "Women are busy making their voices heard. A lot of NGOs are being set up — there are at least 45 already in Baghdad alone — and they are busy organizing workshops and conferences all over the country. We need to reach out and include women from all parts of the country — many of us don't know what democracy is, we have never practiced it."

        On March 8, the Iraqi Governing Council signed an interim constitution, paving the way for elections and for sovereignty to be handed over to Iraqis. The constitution includes a goal of no less than 25% female representation in the transitional national assembly, which Ms Talabani described as an achievement for Iraqi women, despite their petitioning for a higher target of 40%.

        "It's important now to look at monitoring this and how to ensure this 25%. Some women will be nominated by parties, but what about the independent women who are capable? We need a lot of training to encourage them to run. And training not just for leaders but also for voters, especially teaching women to vote for women," she added.

        Dr Sharifa Hadi Hussain Ali al-Hamdani, a former English professor from Mosul and now public official with a local city council, spoke of the urgent need for greater security in local cities. "The situation is worsening every day. We go to sleep every day, and wake up 'by chance.' Anyone who is considered to be working for the government or the CPA is at risk. Attackers don't care if you are innocent, if you are women or children ... . The police, many of whom are young and working for the first time, need better training and equipment. "

        The delegation also called for urgent attention to health needs. Lack of access to food, water and sanitation is contributing to the rapid spread of disease, while a shortage of doctors, medicine, equipment and hospital facilities is preventing medical personnel from adequately responding to deteriorating health conditions.

        UNIFEM's programme in Iraq focuses on promoting and protecting women's human rights and roles within the ongoing peace and reconstruction process, raising awareness among society as a whole around women's rights, and building women's capacity to fully participate in public and economic life. For further information contact amman@unifem.org.jo.

» return to top

Notes From CSW 2004
Where Are the Girls?

Where Are the Girls? a book by Dyan Mazurana and Susan McKay, presents findings from research on the presence and experiences of girls in fighting forces and armed groups, during conflict in Mozambique, Northern Uganda and Sierra Leone. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and Rights and Democracy, an international NGO.

        The question, "Where are the girls?" has only recently been raised in discussions about youth in armed conflict. This is mainly due to the near-exclusive focus on boys as soldiers, and continued use of the ambiguous term "child soldiers." Little is known about the distinct physical, emotional and spiritual long-term effects of girls' experiences, or about their relationships and roles within fighting forces, including as combatants themselves.

        The authors found that girls were part of fighting forces in 55 countries, and were involved in armed conflict in 38 of those countries. Many were abducted or forcibly recruited, and where girls made a decision to join, most often this was in response to violence against themselves or their community, a protection strategy or an opportunity to meet basic needs. The book also examines the challenges of social reintegration for girls after conflict. Their communities may not welcome them because of the stigma attached to rape and giving birth to babies fathered by rebel-captor "husbands." STDs and HIV/AIDS also represent major threats for these girls and their children, many of whom will become orphans or die themselves.

        The authors say that their research reveals double standards by governments — condemning the use of "child soldiers" on the one hand to discredit armed opposition forces, while simultaneously failing to address their own forces' violations, or seek remedies for youth survivors. The book highlights key information that officials need to use and action they must take in planning more effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programs for children.

        For further information, visit the Rights and Democracy Web site or contact Dyan Mazurana, d.mazurana@tufts.edu or Susan McKay, McKay@uwyo.edu.

» return to top

UNIFEM Around the World

I call on the world community to pay close attention to what women are telling us about the situation they live in – their needs, hopes and visions of a better future. It is our responsibility to amplify their voices and to use them to guide our work and policies. Only then can we hope to achieve a world in which both men and women are able to lead the best lives they can.

— Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, UNIFEM
International Women's Day, 8 March 2004
» read the entire statement

Ecuadorian Soccer Players Team Up Against Violence. The most popular Ecuadorian soccer teams came together in four cities on the weekend preceding International Women's Day to support the call for an end to violence against women. As part of the initiative organized by UNIFEM and CONAMU, the national Ecuadorian women's association, banners with a nonviolence message were paraded during the matches at half time, while league employees wore UNIFEM T-shirts with a similar message. Shirts were also worn by the coaches and players, such as Santiago Jacome of team Liga Deportiva Universitaria (right), during press conferences and warm-up periods. For more information, contact Diana Henderson, diana.henderson@undp.org.

Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals in Brazil. "Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals" was one of the topics of a conference jointly organized by UNIFEM and UNDP in Brazil. The event highlighted opportunities to expand the Millennium Development Goals' indicators to better reflect the reality of women's situation in areas such as economic autonomy and employment, women's reproductive health and rights, domestic and sexual violence against women, access to land and credit for rural women, and racial equality. For more information, contact Joana Chagas at jchagas@undp.org.br.

Rising Concerns Voiced Over HIV-Infections in Slovakia. The rapidly increasing rate of HIV infections in the CEE/CIS region was the topic of a roundtable in Kosice, Eastern Slovakia, that UNIFEM organized in partnership with UNDP, UNFPA and Fenestra, a local women's NGO. The event provided an opportunity for women living on the border with the Ukraine to discuss their concerns. In this region, prostitution and trafficking are increasing, which has led to growing rates of HIV/AIDS infections. For more information, contact Eva Havelkova, eva.havelkova@undp.org.

Women and HIV/AIDS in Mongolia. The impact of HIV/AIDS on women was also the central topic of outreach activities organized by UNIFEM and the UN Gender Theme Group in Mongolia: A local parliamentarian, the director of the National AIDS Foundation, and Namsrai Suvd, actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador, participated in a radio discussion that was broadcast live; university students were invited to join a seminar on women and HIV/AIDS; and the main avenue in Ulaanbaatar carried banners on protecting women from the spread of the epidemic. For more information, contact Ts. Undrakh, unifem.mn@undp.org.

Indian Railways Helps Fight the Epidemic. Indian Railways, the world's third largest employer, presented its collaboration with UNIFEM to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country. The Railways employs about 1.6 million workers, and has begun peer counselling, treatment and education programmes for this community. An exhibition of posters and paintings by UN agencies and a forum and film and music video screening on women, violence and the epidemic were other activities organized by UNIFEM and its partners in India. The Women's Feature Service, with UNIFEM support, launched a Media Centre on Gender and HIV/AIDS that aims aims to be a source of new findings and to generate more interest in the issue, particularly among the media. For more information, contact suneeta.dhar@undp.org or gita.gupta@undp.org.

Zimbabwe Launches National Gender Policy. Zimbabwe used the occasion of International Women's Day to launch its National Gender Policy. Developed in collaboration with UNIFEM, the Zimbabwe Gender Forum and UNDP Zimbabwe, the policy will facilitate gender mainstreaming in all sectors of the economy and government to promote gender equality and redress historical gender imbalances. For more information, contact Nomcebo Manzini, nomcebo.manzini@undp.org.