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March 2007 – In This Issue:
51st Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
The 51st session of the Commission on the Status of Women took place from 26 February to 9 March 2007. In accordance with its multi-year programme of work for 2007-2009, the Commission considered its priority theme, "The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child."
The Commission adopted agreed conclusions on the last day of the session as well as specific resolutions in the following areas:
- Women, the Girl Child and HIV/AIDS
- Situation of and Assistance to Palestinian Women
- Ending Female Genital Mutilation
- Forced Marriage of the Girl Child
These documents will be available shortly on the CSW website.
The Commission also held an interactive dialogue on "Progress in the implementation of the agreed conclusions on the role of men and boys in achieving gender equality"; an interactive expert panel on "Elimination of all forms of violence against women: follow up to the Secretary-General's in-depth study at national and international levels"; and panels on "Key policy initiatives to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child" and "Capacity-building on mainstreaming a gender perspective in the development, implementation and evaluation of national policies and programmes for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child."
The Commission also organized a joint parallel event with the Statistical Commission as part of its increased focus on measurement of progress in implementation. This was in line with the Commission's new methods of work adopted in 2006 that allow it to dedicate more attention to ways and means of accelerating the implementation of global commitments at national level.
In addition to the Commission's official proceedings, more than 170 parallel events were organized by Permanent Missions to the United Nations, United Nations entities, and NGOs around the priority theme. Approximately 2,000 NGO representatives attended the 51st session.
To facilitate preliminary discussion on the priority theme for the Commission's 52nd session in 2008, the Commission convened an informal panel on "Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women." Panellists from diverse backgrounds shared their experiences and lessons learned in relation to mechanisms and processes through which funds and resources are allocated to promote gender equality and women's empowerment, including (i) gender-sensitive budgeting; (ii) development cooperation; (iii) funding for the women's movement; and (iv) role of the private sector.
On International Women's Day, UN Secretary-General Calls for Enhanced Institutional Response to Women's Rights
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marked International Women's Day 2007 by calling for a single UN agency to lead the world in the fight for women's rights. This follows the recommendation of the High-Level Panel on UN System-Wide Coherence in November 2006 to combine several current structures into one dynamic, ambitiously funded agency. This recommendation was echoed by UNIFEM Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer, who stated that "what is needed now is a serious strategy and resources to upscale the work through a strong gender entity within the UN system, bringing the system together to promote the strategies and practices that have worked." Highlighting the theme of this year's International Women's Day, Ban Ki-moon added that more needs to be done to combat violence against women and girls, observing that "it is too often tolerated under the fallacious cover of cultural practices and norms." He specifically addressed the use of gender-based violence "as a weapon in armed conflict, condoned through tacit silence and passivity by the State and the law enforcement community." In response, he proposed that the UN General Assembly discuss the problem of violence against women and girls annually, and that the Security Council establish a formal monitoring mechanism within the framework of resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. Read UN Secretary-General Ban's remarks and UNIFEM Executive Director Noeleen Heyzer's statement for International Women's Day.
UN to Intensify Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict
What can the UN do to intensify efforts to end sexual violence in conflict? That question provided the theme of a provocative, expert debate held on 5 March 2007 at UN Headquarters to generate ideas on how the United Nations can augment efforts to end the "silent crime" of rape. This discussion took place against the backdrop of a new cross-UN initiative, the UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, uniting ten UN agencies to prevent all forms of gender-based violence in conflict and to support survivors. In response to the challenges raised, Mr. John Holmes, Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs — who devoted his first day as Emergency Relief Coordinator to this issue — pledged to lead the humanitarian community in this "war that can be won." Read the complete story.
New Virtual Network Unites Women in Politics around the Globe
The first virtual network linking women in politics throughout the world was launched on 27 February 2007 at the United Nations: the International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics). Drawing on a database of more than 100 experts on women in politics, iKNOW Politics allows users to access an online library with more than 400 reports, handbooks and training materials from leading international agencies, research institutions, academia and civil society groups. Other highlights include a virtual forum for mediated discussions, high-profile interviews, member-created sites and a variety of resources on campaigns, elections and quotas, political parties, parliaments and representatives, advocacy and lobbying, skills building, budgets and legislation and post-conflict and transitional participation. iKNOWPolitics was jointly founded by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNIFEM. Read the complete story.
European Commission and United Nations Launch New Partnership to Strengthen Gender Equality for Development and Peace
The European Commission and the United Nations are launching a programme to bolster advocacy for investment in gender equality and women's empowerment as a vital part of development assistance. The programme will partner UNIFEM and the International Training Center of the International Labour Organization (ILO) with EC delegations in developing countries to identify ways to incorporate gender equality and women's human rights into EC-supported aid programmes. Efforts will include strengthening implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, as four of the pilot countries will be post-conflict settings. The programme also features the launch of a website designed to provide a wide range of actors with the tools and resources needed to advocate for stronger gender equality programming. Read the complete story.
Public and Private Sector Experts Discuss Women's Health Care, Education and Economic Empowerment
On 7 March 2007, the Virtue Foundation in partnership with Avon, co-sponsored by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA), and UNIFEM, held the Global Summit for a Better Tomorrow, a gathering of leading experts on women's issues from the public and private sector. The event focused on three critical areas: health care, education and economic empowerment. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, UNIFEM, drew attention to the resource deficit for work to improve women's lives, saying "if we are to have a safer world, we must invest in that world." Shashi Tharoor, UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, emphasized "a two-word mantra that can change the face of the globe: educate girls." On the occasion, Avon shared the results of the First Annual Avon Global Women's Empowerment Index, a poll of 8,000 women in 16 countries. Among other findings, women polled indicated education and career opportunities as areas needing improvement. On behalf of Avon and the Virtue Foundation, Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson introduced the new "Hello Tomorrow" award programme, to support initiatives to empower girls. Read the complete story.
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UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women
New UN Trust Fund Grants to Address Link between HIV/AIDS and Violence against Women
UNIFEM, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and Johnson & Johnson announced on 1 March 2007 that they are providing grants to organizations in five countries to address links between gender-based violence and the spread of HIV/AIDS. The grants will be provided by Johnson & Johnson through the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, a multilateral funding mechanism administered by UNIFEM. The new grantees include organizations from Botswana, the Dominican Republic, India, Nigeria and Vietnam. They will pursue innovative strategies to raise awareness, uphold laws, provide medical assistance, train service providers and reduce stigma and discrimination. Read the complete story.
UN Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Trust Fund to End Violence against Women
To mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, UNIFEM hosted a special event on 16 February 2007 in the Economic and Social Council Chamber at UN Headquarters. UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman participated along with leading UN officials, including newly appointed UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro. They called for more resources and concerted action to build on the results of a decade of work by the Trust Fund. Read the complete story. Visit the 10th Anniversary microsite.
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UNIFEM around the World
ARAB STATES
Women's Caucuses Established within Iraqi Parliament
UNIFEM conducted a workshop on 6-8 November 2006 in Amman for women parliamentarians of the Kurdish region in Iraq. This was the last in a series of meetings with parliamentarians to establish women's caucuses within the main political blocs of the Iraqi parliament in order to advocate for gender equality and promote women's human rights in parliamentary discussions. The two-day workshop aimed to enhance parliamentarians' capacity to mainstream gender and their familiarity with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), as well as to provide a forum to share experiences. For more information, please contact Dina Zorba, +962 6 520-0060, dina.zorba[at]unifem.org
ASIA & THE PACIFIC
Policy Conference on Home-Based Workers in India
On 18-20 January 2007 in New Delhi, India, UNIFEM and Ahmedabad-based Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) jointly organized a three-day Policy Conference on Home-Based Workers of South Asia, focusing on "Women, Work & Poverty." The conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Conference culminated in the adoption of a "Regional Strategic Action Plan for Home-Based Workers of South Asia". Key features of the Action Plan include: prioritizing the rights and needs of home-based workers in the upcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit, April 2007; ratifying the ILO Convention 177 (the "Home Work Convention"); formulating national policies for home-based workers; collecting statistics on home-based workers and developing the SAARC Gender Database to include data on home-based workers; increasing trade opportunities for home-based workers through exclusive retail platforms and trade promotion initiatives; and recognizing HomeNet South Asia as a representative body of home-based workers. This Action Plan was endorsed by participating ministers, secretaries, senior government officials, networks of home-based workers, trade unions, NGOs, and researchers from South Asian countries. For more information, please contact Meenakshi Ahluwalia, meenakshi.ahluwalia[at]unifem.org
AFRICA
Liberian Women Articulate Priorities for National Reconstruction
On 12 February 2007, 18 Liberian women formulated women's priorities for national reconstruction during the "Symposium on Gender and Development in Liberia" in Washington DC. The symposium was held in conjunction with a donors' conference, the Liberian Partner's Forum, and organized by UNIFEM in collaboration with the Initiative for Inclusive Security and The World Bank. It reaffirmed that Liberian women are major stakeholders in the post-conflict reconstruction of their country. Their priorities included: enhancing national security and embracing a broader view of security that encompasses addressing gender-based violence; revitalizing the economy; strengthening governance and the rule of law; and improving infrastructure. The women also called for greater emphasis on adult literacy, for the creation of decent work for women and youth in all sectors, and for women's active participation in policy reform. While commending the government's commitment to addressing gender inequality through the adoption of a gender policy and economic empowerment projects, they urged it to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry for Gender and Development. Read the complete story.
New Project Advances Women's Participation in Peacebuilding in Burundi
UNIFEM launched a project in January 2007 to "Advance Women's Roles, Rights and Security for Peace-Building in Burundi," with support from the Government of Denmark. Burundi is one of the first focus countries of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), and UNIFEM is working to ensure the effective engagement of women in peacebuilding and reconstruction through strategic dialogue with the PBC and national institutions responsible for formulating policy on transitional justice, security sector reform — particularly responses to sexual and gender-based violence — and issues related to economic security, including land rights. "We hope that this programme will reinforce the capacities and offer opportunities for the participation of women in the consolidation of peace," stated Ms. Françoise Ngendahayo, Minister for National Solidarity, Human Rights and Gender, acknowledging UNIFEM's continuous support to the Burundian Government on the development of a national gender policy. For more information, please contact Marie Nduwayo, marie.nduwayo@unifem.org or Irene Zirimwabagabo, irene.zirimwabagabo[at]unifem.org
UNIFEM Holds HIV/AIDS Advocacy Dialogue with Legislators in Zimbabwe
UNIFEM, in partnership with Zimbabwe's National AIDS Council, the UN Country Team and other partners, held an advocacy dialogue with parliamentarians on the challenges of home-based care on 30 January 2007. "HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe wears a woman's face, and the burden of home-based care falls squarely on women," said Ms. Eunice Njovana, UNIFEM Zimbabwe Programme Coordinator, during the dialogue. In response, it was recommended that members of Parliament encourage the involvement of men and youth in home-based care; acknowledge the disproportionate burden of women in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS; lobby for an incentive package for caregivers; and give secondary caregivers preference in nurse training. Read the complete story. For more information, contact Tafadzwa Sekeso, +263 4 792681, tafadzwa.sekeso[at]unifem.org
Nigerian Women Articulate Action Plan for 2007 Elections
In response to the challenges facing women aspiring for political positions in Nigeria, UNIFEM, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Federal Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Joint Donor Basket Fund gathered stakeholders in Abuja on 5-7 December 2006 at a conference entitled, "Women and the Elections: Issues, Challenges and Prospects for 2007." The conference culminated in a declaration, which called on political parties to advance equity for women in political participation and governance by adopting the 30-percent affirmative action benchmark, and on the media to devote increased attention to women's issues. It also called on all Nigerian women to join political parties and register to vote in the forthcoming elections. A highlight of the event was the launch of a trust fund to support women with political aspirations across the country. For more information, please contact Ikechukwu Attah, ikechukwu.attah[at]unifem.org
AMERICAS
Brazil Launches Plan to Counter Rise in HIV Infection Rates among Women
The Brazilian Government, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), UNIFEM and other partners launched a new plan on 7 March 2007 to curb the rise in HIV infections among women by raising awareness and reducing women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The initiative aims to double the number of women tested for HIV, reduce mother-to-child transmissions, and boost investment in HIV/AIDS research. The plan was launched to coincide with International Women's Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro. Read the complete story.For more information, please contact Ana Luiza Zenker, +55 61 3038-9286, ana.zenker[at]unifem.org
First Meeting of Parliamentarians and Women Members of Bolivian Constituent Assembly
On 20-21 January 2007, UNIFEM, in cooperation with UNDP, the Union of Parliamentary Women of Bolivia (UMPABOL), and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), organized the "First Meeting of Women Members of the Constituent Assembly and Parliamentarians" in La Paz, Bolivia. The international meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of best practices on gender mainstreaming in constituent assembly processes and for strengthening the collaboration between women leaders and constituent assembly members. It resulted in a signed agreement in which parliamentarians and constituent assembly members in attendance affirmed their commitment to ensuring that women's rights will be coherently and effectively addressed in the new Bolivian Constitution. They agreed to include a National Women's Rights Coordinator within the framework of the constituent assembly process. For more information, please contact Verónica Burneo, +593 2 2460-332, veronica.burneo[at]unifem.org
Programme to End Gender-Based Violence in Urban Areas Launched in Argentina
On 14 December 2006, the project "Safe Cities: Violence against Women and Public Policy" was launched in Rosario, Argentina. The aim is to encourage women to influence public policy to prevent gender-based violence in cities. The project is coordinated by UNIFEM and financed by the Spanish Agency of International Cooperation (AECI), and counts on the partnership of several women's networks for its implementation. Beyond Rosario, Safe Cities will be piloted in cities across Chile and Colombia, and is projected to expand into Brazil and Peru. For more information, please contact Sonia Ortiz Arcos, sonia.ortiz[at]unifem.org
Brazilian Government Awards Gender Equality Seal of Approval to Corporations
More than 10 Brazilian corporations received the "Pro-Gender Equity Seal" at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Brasilia on 12 December 2006. The Seal, launched by the Special Secretariat for Women in Brazil with support from UNIFEM and the International Labour Organization (ILO), attests to a company's commitment to promote gender equality. The aim is to encourage companies to adopt internal policies to address such issues as wage differentials and the under-representation of women in leadership roles. Read the complete story. For more information, please contact Sonia Ortiz Arcos, sonia.ortiz[at]unifem.org
UN Agencies Provide HIV Education to Ecuadorian Youth during Annual Rock Concert
In a joint effort to find innovative and alternative HIV/AIDS communication strategies to reach Ecuadorian youth, UNIFEM participated in Quito Fest, an annual drug and alcohol-free rock concert, held on 2-3 December 2006. Throughout this high-profile concert, attended by more than 50,000 Ecuadorian youth, UNIFEM distributed more than 27,900 educational materials regarding the twin pandemics of violence against women and HIV/AIDS. In collaboration with UNDP and the Ecuadorian Red Cross, UNIFEM assisted in the provision of ongoing health talks on safer-sex practices and the prevention and transmission of HIV/AIDS. For more information, please contact Verónica Burneo, +593 2 2460-332, veronica.burneo[at]unifem.org
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Recent Publications and Tools
 A Life Free of Violence Is Our Right! The UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women. This booklet outlines examples of promising approaches that grantees of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women from different regions of the world have used to eliminate all forms of violence from women's lives. It seeks to demonstrate how grantees have succeeded in breaking intergenerational cycles of violence, in empowering survivors to make changes in their own lives, in transforming communities and institutions into advocates for change, and in advocating for enabling policies and legislation. read more »
 Advancing Gender Equality – Using CEDAW and UN Security Council Resolution 1325. This training module is a tool to build the capacity and awareness of gender equality advocates in government and civil society in the Southern Caucasus to advocate for and support the implementation of the Convention on the Elmination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. read more »
 Report of the United Nations Development Fund for Women on the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Note by the Secretary-General (2006). This report to the fifty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women and the fourth session of the Human Rights Council documents the activities undertaken by UNIFEM in 2006 to eliminate violence against women and to manage the United Nations Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women. read more »
 Passport to Equality (new edition). This pocket-sized publication presents, explains and reproduces the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in the form of a personal passport. The purpose of the Passport is to make women and men all over the world aware of the existence of the Convention. read more »
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