Making Democracy Work for Women: Initial Experiences from 10 UNDEF Funded Projects

Summaries of projects in Argentina, Cambodia, Ecuador, Great Lakes Region, Haiti, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Palestine and an IPS Regional Project in Africa Making Democracy Work for Women: Initial Experiences from 10 UNDEF Funded Projects

Background Plan 2008-2011), the United Nations De- Women’s participation in governance, velopment Fund for Women (UNIFEM), whether in time of peace or war, continues has been working to increase the number to be limited, yet it remains a top priority of women in decision-making positions and and a critical element for achieving gender building their capacities for effective en- equality. Only when women have full ac- gagement and influence. UNIFEM draws cess to decision-making positions will together women’s organizations, govern- laws, policies, and budgets reflect the ments, the United Nations and the private needs of all citizens and support women’s sector to build partnerships that foster rights. World leaders meeting at the World women’s roles in governance. The pro- Social Summit (2005) agreed that pro- grammes that UNIFEM implements and moting increased women’s representation supports help bring more women into all in government decision-making bodies is levels of government, train women leaders, essential to achieving the Millennium De- and equip women with the skills to actively velopment Goals. These leaders also reaf- participate in elections as candidates and firmed their commitment to the United Na- voters. tions Democracy Fund (UNDEF) which was established in July 2005. The pur- In August 2006, the first round of UNDEF pose of the Fund is to promote democracy call for proposals awarded $36 million to by providing assistance for projects that 125 projects. consolidate and strengthen democratic in- stitutions and facilitate democratic govern- ance. The Fund’s comparative advantage lies in its capacity to help build the ena- bling environment required for democratic institutions to function more effectively. In- stitutions that are eligible to receive fund- ing include:

Independent and constitutional bodies Civil society and non-governmental organizations Global and regional inter-governmental bodies, organizations and associations Organizing women against corruption in Government agencies Argentina United Nations agencies and pro- grammes. Grant awards ranged between $50,000 and $500,000. UNIFEM received funding In pursuing its goal to attain the implemen- for 10 projects, with grants ranging from tation of ―national commitments to advance $250,000 and $350,000, for a total amount gender equality and women’s empower- ment in stable and fragile states‖ (Strategic of $3,123,000. UNDEF funded projects are underway in effectiveness and ability to mainstream Argentina, Cambodia, Ecuador, Haiti, Mo- gender issues in political decision and pol- rocco, Nepal, Nigeria and the Occupied icy making and advance their know-how to Palestinian Territories. Burundi, the De- promote leadership as well as increase the mocratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and incidence of women running for office. For Tanzania are participating in a Great instance, the project in Nepal created a Lakes Regional project, while Inter Press group of experts on UN SCR 1325. Service International is implementing a project in Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Building Networks among women’s organizations and women leaders to un- Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, d e r t a k e Senegal, Sierra Leone and Swaziland. such ac- They have all gone through the first year of t i v i t i e s implementation (2007-2008). as: i) monitor- A common factor among all the projects is i n g the creation of an enabling environment women’s that provides an opportunity for women to polit ical participate in reform policies, agendas and participa- tion and decentralization processes. Many of the decision- countries have or will hold elections some- m a k i n g ; Strengthening the Voice and time between 2006 and 2009, and in sev- ii) sup- Visibility of Women in eral countries, women have run for office. p o r t i n g Elections in Africa The problem is that they struggle to win and men- elections, or if they succeed they face the toring women candidates and elected offi- challenge of forming effective alliances cials; and iii) advancing women’s participa- tion in governance and political processes and being heard. by joining efforts, and exchanging informa- tion, experiences and cooperation in The projects funded by UNDEF and man- achieving common goals. The Inter Press aged by UNIFEM tend to focus on the fol- project, for example, fostered linkages be- lowing strategies: tween journalists and female politicians to

enable them to interact and understand Capacity Building of women leaders, each other and gain confidence in working candidates and elected officials to together. strengthen these women’s skills in such areas as governance, parliamentary proce- Communications and Advocacy to elimi- dures, forming coalitions, and developing nate obstacles that mitigate against national agendas that reflect women’s women’s participation in politics; to needs and priorities. Training is also pro- strengthen implementation of commit- ments to gender equality; to incorporate vided to improve presentation and public women’s needs in relevant inter- speaking skills, media relations, develop- governmental forums, in civil society and ment of effective campaigns, and pre- among the general public; to raise aware- election strategies, etc. These projects are ness and understanding about the gender strengthening the skills of elected female dimensions of corruption; and to support political leaders by improving their political women’s participation, decision-making and leadership in public office. The project in the Great Lakes Region established an advocacy agenda for women’s participa- tion, decision-making and leadership in public office.

Raising Awareness among different populations including youth and legislators about youth rights and women’s rights; with party leaders on the need to reserve special quotas for women politicians; and among citizens, intergovernmental bodies, civil society actors, and international coop- eration partners on the need to address Strengthening Women’s Participation in gender issues. The youth corps in the Oc- Governance in Nigeria cupied Palestinian Territories raised awareness among grassroots youth about Cham (11% of all seats). Provided support their rights and mobilized them to act on to over 900 women candidates and dou- issues that concern them. bled, from 1,161 to 2,328 the number of women listed at the top of the roster of Initial Results candidates.

Many of the projects spent the first year building capacities in the areas mentioned Ecuador — drafted a regional ―Agenda for above and formalizing networks. All the Women‖ that was presented to the Na- projects achieved some initial results to- tional Constituent Assembly. Also, estab- ward fulfilling their objectives. A sample of lished a baseline of needs and capacities results achieved in each country follows. of women politicians in sectional and local These are described in more detail in the project summaries listed on the next page. governments through an inclusive process of consultations with political associations. Argentina — established the Women on the Edge of Information Network which has Great Lakes Region — established, highlighted issues of urban safety and traf- among women leaders, an advocacy ficking, the impact of corruption on women agenda for women’s rights with particular and women’s role in anti-corruption efforts. focus on the implementation of the Peace Also established a data base with informa- and Security Pact. tion on how eight targeted provinces ad- dress such issues as gender violence, Haiti — established an alliance of key or- heath, sexual and reproductive rights, and ganizations focused on the political in- urban gender violence. This information is volvement of women, which produced rec- available at h t t p : / / ommendations to Parliament on facilitating www.mujeranticorrupcion.org.ar/ the participation of women in the electoral busqueda.htm. process.

Cambodia — increased the number of Morocco — initiated three community women commune councilors elected from reparation pilot projects that address women’s needs, interests and involvement 27 to 28 in Takeo (11% of all seats); in community reparation programmes. The from28 to 79 in Kampong Tom (14% of all BBC produced and aired a documentary seats) and from 95 to 148 in Kampong on women’s suffering, and Morocco’s ex- initial achievements can be seen in the perience in addressing state sponsored following pages: violence. The documentary generated widespread international interest of the Organizing Women Against Corrup- projects as a regional model for gender tion in Argentina and transitional justice. Promoting Women in Decision- Nepal — built consensus with women’s Making in Cambodia groups, political parties, civil society, and government ministries on new draft Consti- Strengthening the Political Partici- tution incorporating gender equality con- pation of Women Leaders in Ecua- siderations. Created a group of experts on dor UN SCR 1325 among government officials and training institutes. Strengthening Women’s Engage- ment in Peace and Recovery in the Nigeria — established an Equal Opportu- Great Lakes Region nity Committee that includes 28 members representing eight major political parties to Supporting Women’s Political Par- ensure that women are given equal oppor- ticipation in Haiti tunity in leadership positions in the parties and that more women are recruited into Securing Women’s Rights in Transi- parties to form a critical mass of women in tional Justice Processes in Morocco political leadership positions. Deepening Democracy through — Women’s Participation in Politics and Peace in Nepal

Youth Rights Corps in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Strengthening Women’s Participa- tion in Governance in Nigeria IPS Africa — created a web site, Africa from Strengthening the Voice and Visibility P♂lls1 to P♀lls dedicated of Women in Elections in Africa: A Re- to elections in Africa with a gender per- gional Project with Inter Press Service In- spective. The site contains stories in Eng- ternational. lish, French and Swahili which were trans- formed into radio bulletins and uploaded at For more information http://ipsinternational.org/africa/radio.asp. On UNIFEM executed UNDEF projects contact: Letty Chiwara (Cross Regional Project Summaries Programmes Manager) at: [email protected] and/or Caroline Summaries of these projects, which de- Horekens (Cross Regional Programmes scribe the current political situation in each Analyst) at [email protected] country and inform on what the projects For inquiries on individual country projects set out to accomplish, their strategies, and contact the individuals listed in the project

summaries. Organizing Women Against Corruption in Argentina

Corruption, which recently resurfaced, has How were objectives accomplished? attracted the public’s attention. In September 2006, a judge condemned Fernando De La The project applied the four following strate- Rúa, Argentina’ s President in 2001, and Do- gies: mingo Cavallo, his Minister of Economics, Monitoring Elections and Financing of for fraud in a mega exchange (―Megacanje‖) Political Parties to foster gender equality in with international banks. training politicians and electoral campaigns and to advocate for more democratic and Women arguably suffer most from the theft gender sensitive decision-making. of public resources ex ante from the public Encouraging Access to Public Informa- purse. Since women are typically responsi- tion through the ―Women on the Edge of ble for running households, which implies Information‖ network that requests gender caring for children, sick and elderly members relevant information from governments of the family, women rely more than men on throughout the country. public services and government resources Conducting a Public Information Cam- Thus, corruption and its costs to society seri- paign to raise awareness and understand- ously threaten women’s human rights. ing about the gender dimensions of corrup- tion. What did the project set out to do? Hosting the Inter American Forum of Women Against Corruption: 29 Septem- The key objectives of this US$300,000 two- ber - 1 October 2008 to bring together year project funded by UNDEF are to: Government officials, jurists, law enforce- Mainstream gender equality and ac- ment officers, legislators, NGO members, countability in political parties; entrepreneurs of the Americas to identify Provide access to public information as a anti-corruption strategies, tools and mecha- tool to fight corruption in gender pro- nisms with a gender perspective. grammes, and defend women’s human rights; Initial Achievements Combat gendered corruption by raising awareness about the gender dimensions Monitored the public and private funding of of corruption through public information five political parties, with an emphasis on campaigns ; identifying gender inequalities. The moni- Share substantial knowledge about gen- toring uncovered certain irregularities in ac- der and corruption issues among cessing information regarding the source of women’s rights advocates of the Ameri- funds for campaigns and a lack of transpar- cas. ency regarding public disclosure of cam- paign financing.

Raised awareness about the impact of corruption on women and women’s role in Completed and published in, Mujeres en Polí- anti-corruption efforts through a mass me- tica, a comparative study of gender equality dia campaign that addressed such issues issues in the charters of five political parties. as: a) gender violence (family violence, Established a women’s network responsible trafficking in women, rape, mobbing); b) for collecting public information from provin- health, sexual and reproductive rights; cial governments. The Women on the Edge and c) urban violence. of Information network received the following information from six governmental offices in the provinces where the network is active:

City Municipality of Buenos Aires – The city municipality provided information on safety and urbanism while its judiciary branch provided information on trafficking.

Cordoba – the Office for Crime Victims and local police informed on enforcement of Prov- ince Violence Law. The Provincial Secre- tariat of Law shared information on the work- ing conditions of women.

In Chaco—3 out of 78 municipalities relayed Produced 10 radio spots to promote ac- their interest in promoting drafts on Access to cess to public information broadcasted Information. throughout the country. Access to infor- mation covered in 72 newspaper articles, The Municipality of Comodoro Rivadavia, 15 TV and 62 radio programmes. in Chubut—declared its interest in presenting legislation to control brothels or houses of Produced web-based and printed materi- prostitution. als to inform about the Inter American Fo- rum of Women Against Corruption 2008 Jujuy — collected information on trafficking which will be held in the fall of 2008. The from the Border Patrol. information is available at www.mujeresenigualdad.org.ar. Misiones – adopted the Law on Access to Public Information.

Partners Established a data base with information on how the eight provinces address such issues Fundación Mujeres en Igualdad is the im- as gender violence, heath, sexual and repro- plementing partner. ductive rights, and urban gender violence. The website also provides information on Ar- For more information contact: gentina’s national, provincial and municipal legislation on Access to Information. Andrea Rodriguez Goñi UNIFEM Focal Point in Argentina E-mail: [email protected]

Promoting Women in Decision-Making in Cambodia

Cambodia, an emerging democracy has a women’s participation in public deci- hierarchical and authoritarian past. Since sion-making and promoting an inclu- 2002, decentralization reforms have offered sive gender equality agenda. people, especially women, greater accessi- bility and more of a voice in governance, de- How were objectives accomplished? cision-making and opportunities to improve public service delivery at the commune level. The project applied the following four Decentralization holds great potential for strategies: women’s electoral prospects and their ability to influence the distribution of resources. Capacity-building: build skills of poten- tial women candidates and elected Cambodia’s MDGs include targets to in- women officials in planning pre-election crease the proportion of women holding pub- strategies, campaigning techniques, gov- lic office, such as increasing the seats held ernance issues and parliamentary proce- by women commune councilors to 25% by dures. Increase understanding among 2015. At present, two thirds of all 1, 621 voters of their rights and the importance commune councils in Cambodia have no of women’s leadership and political par- elected women representatives. In the first ticipation. term in 2002, only 8.5% of women held com- mune council seats and they seldom occu- Communications & Advocacy: create pied high positions on those councils. buy-in on supporting women’s participa- tion, decision-making and leadership in What did the project set out to do? public office through dialogues with politi- cal parties, provincial and commune The key objectives of this two-year $346,150 leaders. Develop media campaigns to project funded by UNDEF are to: broaden public awareness on women’s Increase the number of women candi- political participation as a development dates running for local government seats and rights issue. and build their capacity to influence pol- icy-making and local spending decisions. Peer support networks: create and mo- bilize a women’s civil society network to Create a positive environment for monitor women’s political participation women’s participation in public office by and decision-making, support and men- focusing efforts on local, provincial and tor women candidates and elected offi- national administrators, potential party cials. leaders, female candidates and voters, and the general public. Institutionalizing the CPWP – a coali- tion of 7 NGOs – as a non-partisan train- Mobilize a women’s support network to ing and support network on women’s po- ensure sustained momentum in litical participation. Initial achievements

Established Secretariat for the Committee Provided support to 919 women candidates to Promote Women in Politics (CPWP) re- and doubled the number of women candi- sponsible for planning, approving budgets dates listed at the top of the roster of candi- and work plans, and reviewing financial and dates at the national level, from 1,161 to action plans. 2,328.

Trained 170 candidates from four political Increased the number of women commune parties in 12 provinces in: a) campaigning councilors elected from 27 to 28 in Takeo using persuasive communication to effec- (11% of all seats); from 28 to 79 in Kampong tively inform the public about issues; b) gen- Tom (14% of all seats) and from 95 to 148 in der and development; c) gender and decen- Kampong Cham (11% of all seats). tralization. Also, provided on-the-job men- toring during commune council sessions. Increased the confidence of women Com- mune Councilors (CCs) to address women’s Participants showed a stronger appreciation issues in Community Council meetings. A of what kind of information they needed to quarter of the women CCs who participated campaign effectively as indicated in the ta- in the training were able to take on leader- ble below: ship roles because they improved their knowledge and gained skills by debating their concerns with men; something they had Figure 2: What information do you need in order to never done before. participate in the campaign?

40% Pre-test Post-test Developed a peer network strategy to moni- tor women’s political participation and deci- 30% 30% 26% sion-making.

19% Broadcasted messages to promote women 20% 16% 15% 15%

10% in leadership on TV and radio and produced 8% 8% 10% two TV spots for the 2008 national election

3% campaign. Percentage of participants of Percentage 0% People's Know ledge Development No answ er Party and its needs and of voters and social policies Partners rights and the local problems area The Committee to Promote Women’s Politi- Pre-test N=212, Post-test N=239 cal Participation (CPWP) is implementing this project.

The training also increased understanding that the decentralization reform involved For further information contact: devolving power to the local level. Elaine Tan, Country Coordinator Increased the number of women running for UNIFEM Cambodia office from 16% in 2002 to 21% in 2007; the E-mail: [email protected] number of women elected rose from 8.5% to 15%. Strengthening the Political Participation of Women Leaders in Ecuador

In 2006 national, intermediate and local relationships among leaders while build- level elections were held in Ecuador which ing their capacities. has suffered from weak institutionalization of democratic principles, problem-ridden Disseminate crucial information to all legislative processes and low participation stakeholders (officials, candidates, of women in the political arena. The few women’s leaders and the general public) women in governance in leadership roles to change the patriarchal socio-culture. work in a hostile environment and often go unheard in male-dominated political institu- As a result of a National Referendum, that tions considered strongholds of male took place on April 2007, a new Constituent power. Assembly process was approved. Elections were held in September 2007 to elect the Nevertheless, there have been consider- 130 ―asambleistas‖ in charge of elaborating able achievements in advancing women’s the new Carta Magna of the country. At the political participation. Ecuador’s Carta end of November, the Constituent Assembly Magna (1998) mainstreams gender equal- officially took office. ity and addresses the right to equal politi- cal participation of men and women. In This historical moment affected the project. 2000, the affirmative action quota law was Activities were reoriented to ensure that the amended to address the gender imbalance Constituent Assembly does not renege or in decision-making positions. The 2006 eliminate any of the rights that were granted election was an opportunity to strengthen to women in the Political Constitution of women’s participation at all levels of the 1998. electoral processes throughout the coun- try. The new focus aims to broaden the rights included in the Constitution and provides What did the project set out to do? mechanisms to assure their implementation and to monitor compliance. Consequently, the goal is to broaden the appeal of the Na- This US $297,000 UNDEF two-year tional Women’s Political Agenda beyond funded project has the following key objec- women politicians and the women’s move- tives: ment to have the Assembly adopt it. This Ensure the legitimacy of a coherent context has strengthened the processes cohesive participatory process that in- generated by the project, while not affecting cludes women; its main objectives, strategies or activities. Increase access to women in the lead- ership school at the Universidad Andi- na Simón Bolívar, and thereby foster personal networks to strengthen , How were objectives accomplished? (Riobamba, Chimborazo, June 2007).

The project applied the following four This agenda is under consideration as the As- strategies: sembly deliberates on establishing new consti- tutional norms. Capacity-building for women leaders to strengthen know-how, promote leadership The key components of this agenda are: i) and increase the incidence of women run- equality and parity in political participation; ii) ning for office; and for men and women in guaranteeing the right to a life free from gen- public office to improve their understanding der violence, providing protection and repara- of institutional designs that foster discrimi- tions for the victims; iii) respecting sexual and nation and exclusivity and their impact on reproductive rights, and secularism; iv) having women and other socially excluded equal access to resources, goods and ser- groups. vices, v) recognizing domestic work as produc- tive and guarantee rights for housewives; and Strengthening and building networks by vi) strengthening the national women’s ma- encouraging women’s organizations and chinery. women leaders to join efforts, exchange information, experiences and cooperation Established a group of experts to analyze key in achieving common goals. legislative political decisions and processes.

Advocacy for women’s needs in relevant Disseminated the ―National Women’s Political inter-governmental forums, in civil society Agenda‖ throughout he country and raised and among the general public using such awareness about it through the mass media. methods as a) developing tools and cam- paigns; b) fostering cooperation between Established a baseline of needs and capaci- diverse stakeholders; c) disseminating in- ties of women politicians in sectional and local formation; and d) building awareness. governments through an inclusive process of consultations with political associations. Train- ing modules are being developed based on Presenting findings of the needs assessment. the agenda for Women’s Rights Partners

The project is being implemented by a partner- ship that includes: Consejo Nacional de las Mujeres Raising Awareness among the people, (CONAMU) (nacional women’s machinery) intergovernmental bodies, Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar civil society actors, and international coop- (academic institution) eration partners on the need to address Fundación Equidad y Desarrollo (FEQ) gender issues. (civil society organization)

Initial Achievements For further information contact: Recently elected women drafted a regional ―National Women’s Political Agenda ‖ at Lola Valladares the National Pre-Constituent Assembly of UNIFEM- Andean Region Project Coordinador Women -UNDEF E-mail: [email protected] Strengthening Women’s Engagement in Peace and Recovery in the Great Lakes Region

For over a decade, as a result of intricate the basis on which this project was con- and interstate conflicts, the people of the ceptualized. Great lakes Region (GLR)1 have suffered millions of deaths, massive human rights What did the project set out to do? violations; millions of them are refugees or internally displaced persons. Women and With UNDEF Funding of $ 267,950.00 this girls bear the brunt of the conflicts, endure regional project which focuses on three insecurity, human rights violations and countries in the Great Lakes Region of high levels of gender-based violence, in- Africa: Rwanda, Burundi and the Democ- cluding sexual abuse and rape. The Inter- ratic Republic of Congo aims to: national Conference on Peace, Security Strengthen women’s capacity to effec- Democracy and Development in the GLR tively participate in politics at the na- (IC-GLR) supported by the African Union tional and regional level; and and the United Nations is a process which Promote the ratification of the Pact started in response to the endemic conflict and implementation of the Protocol on which plagued the region for over a dec- the Prevention and Suppression of ade, and culminated in December 2006 Sexual Violence against Women and with the signing of the Pact on Security Children in the Great Lakes Region Stability and Development by the 11 heads and accompanying model legislation of States of the IC/GLR in Nairobi, Kenya adopted by the member states under and the establishment of its Conference the Pact. Secretariat headquartered in Bujumbura, Burundi. How were objectives accomplished?

As a process the IC/GLR has proven itself to be a successful framework to mobilize and bring to- The project applied the following strate- gether former belligerents and various stakeholders gies:

Within the context of the IC-GLR, the Advocacy for policy dialogue and ratifica- women have clearly articulated their de- tion of the Pact and implementation of the

mands through the Kigali Declaration2 — Protocol on prevention of SGBV.

1. The IC/GLR defines the Great Lakes Region as being composed of Angola, Burundi, , Central African Republic, DRC, Kenya, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. The Great Lakes Region in term this project in- cludes Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. 2 The Kigali Declaration is a common agenda agreed upon by women from the members states of the International Confer- ence on the Great Lakes Regional Women’s Meeting in Kigali, October 2004.

Capacity-building of women leaders and Produced advocacy materials to raise civil society organizations to monitor main- awareness of the IC-GLR protocol on streaming of gender equality principles in IC preventing SGBV. DVDs and posters -GLR programmes and protocols. were distributed to all Member States. The Media production aimed to: Initial Achievements Raise awareness of the horrors of SGBV. Supported the Rwanda women parlia- Encourage society to talk more openly mentary forum to organize a high level about SGBV; its causes, impact and ex- international conference on gender– plore means of preventive and respon- based violence and poverty in Kigali sive strategies while promoting trauma from 22 to 23 February 2007. The con- healing processes. ference produced clear and action- Remind leaders and the public of com- orientated recommendations to be ad- mitments made by the eleven Heads of dressed by government, parliaments, states under the PACT. and women parliamentarians, the pri- vate sector, civil society and the United Promote dissemination and exchange of Nations and other development part- information on SGBV initiatives. ners. The Kigali declaration on gender, nation-building and the role of parlia- The materials were produced in Arabic, ment was adopted by participants. The French, English, Portuguese and Swahili, conference called for the setting up an the five working languages of the IC-GLR. African centre of excellence on policy and research for gender and develop- Provided technical support through the ment in relation to the role of parlia- designation of a gender expert responsi- ment. Women parliamentarians were ble for integrating gender equality and asked to ensure that increased numbers women’s rights principles into the work of translate into concrete benefits for all the IC-GLR.

women. Government were reminded of Supported the entry into force of the Pact the need for restructuring gender policy in June 2008 including the Protocol on to inform macro-economic policies and the Prevention and Suppression of Sex- decisions, and the critical need for ual Violence against women and Chil- stronger mechanisms to improve dren in the Great Lakes Region. women’ s access to financial and tech-

nical support. For further information contact: Established an advocacy agenda

among women leaders for women’s Antonia Ngabala rights with particular focus on the imple- UNIFEM Central Africa Regional Office mentation of the Peace and Security Kigali—Rwanda Pact through consultation amongst [email protected] members of the Women’s Forum of the

Great Lakes Region to be established Marie Josee Kandanga under the IC/GLR. UNIFEM Central Africa Regional Office

Bujumbura– Burundi [email protected] Supporting Women’s Political Participation in Haiti

The underlying assumption of the project is How were objectives achieved? that the current period of democratic re- newal in Haiti will not be sustained in the The project applied the following strategies: absence of a significant increase in the in- volvement of women in their country’s politi- Advocacy and policy dialogue for cal processes. Chronic political crisis and stronger implementation of commitments to severe economic deprivations have exacer- gender equality. bated women’s insecurity as women are a main target of sexual violence and eco- Building sustainable knowledge and ac- nomic marginalization. As such, increased tion networks to advance women’s partici- women’s participation is not only a core pation in governance and political proc- component of democracy but also en- esses. hances commitment to gender justice. Lo- cal government elections scheduled for Capacity building of female political ac- 2007/08 are an important opportunity to ad- tors, women’s government and non- vance women’s participation and leadership governmental organizations to influence the at the provincial, community and national priorities, policies and programmes that af- levels. A concerted effort is also needed to fect their lives. build capacity in gender analysis for women and men policymakers.

What did the project set out to do? Laying the groundwork to achieve results

The key objectives of this US$349,940 Changes in the electoral calendar impacted UNDEF funded two-year project are to: project implementation as well as the order Build competencies of elected women in which certain components were imple- and other key female political decision- mented. Nevertheless the project achieved makers in governance related skills the following results in its first year: (strategic planning, administration, prob- lem solving constituency outreach, Developed and tested a module for training speech-making, parliamentary proce- elected officials (men and women) on gen- dures and gender analysis). der responsive governance. Strengthen the women’s political net-

work. A woman candidate was installed as an Strengthen the quality and quantity of electoral councilor after a broad based alli- women’s political participation in local ance of women’s organizations lobbied for government elections through capacity women candidates for the new Electoral building, advocacy and by facilitating Council. channels for dialogue between women’s organization, civil society, the govern- ment and the UN system. Established an alliance among eight key In the final cycle of the coaching pro- organizations working on the political par- gramme the training team visited individual ticipation of women. The alliance presented women’s projects in the different regions of recommendations to the proposed electoral Haiti in order to provide technical support law before Parliament which aims to facili- and monitoring. Projects included: income tate the participation of women in the elec- generation activities; literacy classes; toral process. chicken rearing; and education for children.

First year activities focused heavily on train- ing which was organized in seven cycles for Partners 18 months and included workshops and individual coaching sessions for around 30 women from throughout Haiti. The training The project is being implemented by sessions took place in Port-au-Prince with Famm Yo La, Centre for Commitment, Re- regular monitoring visits to communities sponsibility & Capacity Building (CERAC) throughout the country. with the Gender Unit of MINUSTAH.

Topics covered in the training included Famm Yo La is an NGO that focuses on management, decision making, conflict integrating women in leadership and deci- resolution, communication, presentation sion-making positions. skills, stress management, team building, team work, planning and organizing, project CERAC, founded in 2006, aims to increase management. the commitment and engagement of Haitian citizens in good governance, with a focus on the full participation of women. The coaching sessions had a ―multiplier effect‖ in the communities of participants; MINUTSTAH, The United Nations Stabiliza- some participants mobilized between 300 tion Mission in Haiti was established in and 500 women from different organisa- 2004 to assist in restoring and maintaining tions for the visit of the training team. the rule of law, public safety and public or- der.

As part of a team building exercise, partici- For additional information contact: pants in the sixth training cycle were as- signed responsibilities either as team leader, deputy team leader, or part of the Kathy Mangones UNIFEM-Haiti Country Programme Man- labour force needed to build a ―city in the sand‖. The women had an opportunity to ager alternate between different functions. E-mail: [email protected] The exercise concluded with individual coaching sessions to evaluate the ―city in the sand‖ and assess the strengths and weaknesses that the participants displayed while constructing the city. Securing Women’s Rights in Transitional Justice Processes in Morocco

Large numbers of women in Morocco were Mainstreaming gender and women’s rights victims of state-sponsored violence between at the national and institutional level in im- 1956 and 1999. Like their male counter- plementing IER recommendations. parts, they were arbitrarily arrested, illegally detained in secret locations, interrogated, Capacity-building of NGOs on gender and tortured, harassed and humiliated. In 2004, women’s human rights in the implementa- as part of the democratic transition, Morocco tion process of the IER recommendations. established an Equity and Reconciliation Commission (IER)1 to address the state’s Enhancing dialogues and partnerships past human rights abuses. The IER was among different actors at the local level given the mandate to document the truth (NGOs, local authorities, elected officials, about serious human rights violations, award decentralized governmental services) to reparations to victims, identify the institu- ensure that gender issues are addressed tional causes behind these abuses and de- and the protection of women’s rights is ad- velop recommendations for institutional and vanced. legal reform. Initial achievements What did the project set out to do? A significant amount of work in the initial The key objectives of this two year UNDEF phase of the project focused on setting up supported $350,000 project are to: management structures, monitoring proce- Strengthen the protection of women’s dures and local offices. This was done in rights by conserving women’s memory consultations with IER and partners in the and their experiences of suffering human targeted communities. In fact, the pro- rights abuses; gramme was expanded to reach eleven Pilot gender-sensitive community repara- communities instead of eight , as originally tion projects with NGOs and other civil envisioned. society actors to advance women’s hu- man rights and entitlements. The BBC produced a documentary on How were objectives accomplished? women’s suffering, and Morocco’s experi- ence in addressing state sponsored vio- The project is being implemented at two lev- lence that was broadcasted in May 2008. els using the following strategies:

1Instance Equité et Réconciliation The documentary generated widespread international interest of the project as a Established a partnership with the Interna- regional model for gender and transitional tional Center for Transitional Justice to con- justice. duct a gender analysis to measure gender mainstreaming in the implementation of IER Initiated three community reparation pilot recommendations and develop gender- projects that address women’s needs, In- sensitive indicators that will be adopted in the terests and involvement in community implementation process. reparation programs. The projects were identified and finalized in partnership with networks of local NGOs and focus primar- ily on: violence recorded during the public hearings of the IER. Developing leadership among women’s NGOs in addressing women’s human rights in Zagora. The objective is to create a multifunctional center which will provide support to women’s NGOs ;

Reconciliation and preserving history and memory in Imilchil; The school in this villages will be named Fadma Ou- harfou, one of the victims of the Years of Lead who has become a emblem of women’s suffering.

Anchoring reconciliation values among villagers through dialogues and ex- changes, in addition to activities aimed Aicha Ouharfou: Public hearing at building women’s capacities.

Economic empowerment of women in Partners Figuig by creating a social and eco- nomic center that is charged with en- hancing women’s capacities in human Conseil Consultatif des Droits de l’Homme rights and economic issues. The cen- (Consultatif Council on Human Rights) is the ter will also assist women in organiz- implementing agency. ing themselves either as NGOS or by setting up cooperatives to commercial- ize their products more effectively and participate in the decision making proc- For further information, contact esses in the city. Zineb Touimi Benjelloun, Regional program The project is producing a study that will Director include biographies of women victims of UNIFEM – North Africa serious human rights violations, entitled E-mail: [email protected] Women and Political Violence during the Years of Lead in Morocco along with testi- monies of women victims of political Deepening Democracy through Women’s Participation in Politics and Peace in Nepal

Nepal has experienced political unrest for Mobilization of women to engage in con- over a decade. Steps toward peace, a new stitutional debates. parliament and constitution emerged in April 2006. However, women have been margin- Capacity-building of women candidates alized from negotiating and decision-making for office and elected leaders and for the roles despite a strong people’s movement implementation of SCR1325; training of for constitutional reform, new path towards media on gender issues; and civic educa- peace and reform. Women’s voices have tion to promote women’s participation in not been heard and women have not been constitutional reform. included in the newly formed interim gov- ernment. Again, women are missing the Advocacy for having quotas for women at opportunity to rebuild the country. all levels of government.

Factors such as, patriarchy, lack of access Initial Achievements to information, low literacy rates including legal literacy among women, and exclusion Built consensus with women’s groups, po- from public life have marginalized women in litical parties, civil society, and government Nepalese society. ministries on new draft Constitution incor- porating gender equality considerations. What did the project set out to do? This was achieved by a team of senior lawyers and members of civil society who The key objectives of this two year studied ten foreign Constitutions, Nepal’s $350,000 project supported by UNDEF are current Constitution, drafted a gender sen- to: sitive model Constitution and shared it in regional consultations with all stake- Include gender concerns and women’s holders. rights in the new Constitution of Nepal in legislation, policies and plans; and Publicized women’s contribution to political and peace process through advocacy Increase the participation of women in tools, including a documentary on the peace process. ―Women’s Role on Peace and Politics‖ and radio jingles. Informational, educational How were objectives accomplished? and communication (IEC) materials were also used to illustrate women’s contribution The project implemented the following to political and peace processes. strategies: The project mapped women leaders be- longing to all major political parties and potential leaders. It published the names Issues covered in the Sensitization Pro- of two thousand and seven women identi- grammes on UNC SCR 1325 for 495 key fied and referred these women to political stakeholders were: parties as potential candidates for the Con- Nepal’s commitment to international stituent Assembly elections. human rights instruments such as CE- DAW, BPFA, UDHR, 1325 Strengthened commitment to gender International humanitarian law equality and women’s participation in key National laws and policies, the status of political and peace processes . This was their implementation achieved by proposing policy changes and Peace Process – participation, repre- training to increase understanding of UN sentation SCR 1325. Protection issues Mapping of capacities among central/ The project also reviewed political party local organizations manifestos, based on the findings and af- Local issues and strategies for imple- ter consultations with women’s organiza- menting UN SCR 1325 tions and key stakeholders, recommended that they include a gender perspective. Thus, the Constituent Assembly Election Partners Bill (2007), and the Truth and Reconcilia- This project had a number of implementing tion Bill (2007) are committed to strength- partners which include, the Broadcasting ening gender equality, women’s participa- Association of Nepal, Image Channel Tele- tion and human rights. vision, Jagaran Nepal, Pro-public, IHIRI- Trained a substantive number of women CON, Ministry of Peace and Reconstruc- and men at national and district levels, to tion, National Network of Indigenous participate and promote the participation of Women (NNIW), Nepal Disabled Women’s women in the peace process. Participants Association, Nepal Muslim Women’s Wel- included government officials, security fare Society, Pourakhi, Sancharika forces, parliamentarians, women’s organi- Samuha Nepal, Saathi, Student’s Parlia- zations, media, civil society actors and ment University. grassroots women.

A training of trainers to create a group of For further information contact: experts on UN SCR 1325 among govern- ment officials and training institutes ad- Sangeeta Thapa dressed the same issues as those covered UNIFEM Programme Coordinator, Nepal in workshops to sensitize people about UN E-mail: [email protected] SCR 1325 (see box below) with the addi- tion of the following topics: i) why, when, how, what about UN SCR 1325; ii) govern- ment., NGO, bi and multi lateral organiza- tions; iii) UN initiatives on implementing UN SCR 1325; iv) the importance of pre- paring a National Plan of Action on imple- menting UN SCR 1325; v) transitional jus- tice; vi) disarmament, demobilization; vii) reintegration; viii) security sector reform. Strengthening Women’s Participation in Governance in Nigeria

The political system in Nigeria has been Advocacy to identify and undertake initia- dominated by men for more than four years. tives to eliminate obstacles that mitigate Many women participated in the elections of against women’s participation in politics. 1999 and 2003, as voters and canvassers for aspiring candidates. However, few Capacity-building of elected female politi- women were elected or contested the elec- cal aspirants to increase their political ef- tion due to such constraints as socio-cultural fectiveness and to mainstream gender is- perceptions, inhibition, political violence, sues in political decision and policy mak- gender discrimination, lack of leadership po- ing. sition within political parties and the general patriarchal society in Nigeria. Outreach to enhance and promote politi- cal awareness and participation in decision To support women’s participation in Nigeria’s making among grassroots and urban evolving electoral processes, the Alliance for women. Africa (AfA) implemented a series of activi- ties in the South Eastern State of Nigeria, Awareness raising: to sensitize party from 2002 to 2005. This project builds on leaders on the need to reserve special the lessons learned from AfA’s intervention quotas for women politicians. and aims to enhance women’s capacity to participate effectively in elections and work with party leaders to address gender issues Initial achievements in party platforms and manifestos. Documented the experiences of female What did the project set out to do? politicians and, based on these findings, the project will create an advocacy tool With UNDEF funding of $339, 550 this pro- that addresses the exclusion of women in ject, based in Imo State southeast Nigeria, politics. aims to achieve the following within two years: Involve marginalized groups through in- Established an Equal Opportunity Commit- teractive consultation tee that includes 28 members represent- Build the capacity of female politicians ing 8 major political parties. This oversight body aims to ensure that women are given Develop information, education and com- equal opportunity in leadership positions in munication materials to raise awareness the parties and that more women are re- about the electability of women candi- cruited into parties to form a critical mass dates. of women in political leadership positions. How were objectives accomplished?

The project applied the following four strate- gies: The Imo State equal opportunity network was established after the 2-day reflection meeting with female political party leaders. The meeting addressed such issues as un- derstanding party politics and the role of women among political party executives, overcoming stereotypes, and using a human rights framework to address women’s partici- pation in politics. The women also developed new strategies to mainstream gender into political party systems.

Members of the network were trained on how to lobby their parties to include more Participants at the establishment and training of the women in party leadership and strategies to Equal Opportunity Network at Owerri Imo State of Nigeria mobilise women to join political parties. The meeting considered creating a women’s wing in parties, strengthening them, and It created and distributed t-shirts, posters making them effective. Quota systems and and flyers with such slogans as ―I am a their effect on increasing women’s participa- woman, I am capable, give me a chance‖; tion in politics as well affirmative action as an ―Support women for 2007 elections‖. The option were also contemplated. project developed and disseminated infor- mational materials, including three issues of The project is attributed for contributing to a newsletter on gender issues in policy mak- the following results in elections for Gover- ing and political campaigns; and an e- norship, House of Representatives, Assem- bulletin, an advocacy tool to highlight gender bly and Presidential elections in Imo State in sensitive policies and priorities. 2007: Increasing the number of women seeking to and participating in the elections. Partners Increasing the number of women sup- porting other female candidates for elec- tive positions; The implementing agency for this project is Establishing a platform, by female aspi- Alliances for Africa (AfA), a small African leg rants, to address women and solicit their charity that is registered in the UK and Nige- support; ria. AfA has Observer Status with the Afri- can Commission on Human and People’s Increasing positive media coverage Rights and has extensive multi-lateral rela- about women’s political aspirations; tionships with various international agencies Opening dialogues and discussions be- tween women’s groups and female politi- cal aspirants.

The Project also produced and broadcasted For additional information contact: radio jingles and discussion programs widely aired in Imo State. Women activists and Tolulope Lewis-Tamoka leaders discussed such issues as the pre- UNIFEM-Program Specialist sent situation of women in politics, obstacles E-mail: [email protected] preventing their effective participation and how to overcome such obstacles. Youth Rights Corps in the Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Youth Rights Monitor project aims at How were objectives accomplished? institutionalizing the participation of Pales- tinian youth in the national public policy dialogue with a special focus on the rights The project applied the following strate- of Palestinian youth. The project targets gies: youth between the ages of 14 and 25 years in the occupied Palestinian territory Capacity- building of 100 young men and (oPt): West Bank, East Jerusalem and women informed about youth rights, in- Gaza Strip, by creating a corps of 100 cluding women’s rights monitoring and young men and women as role-model- communication so that they will have the activists who know their rights and respon- skills to monitor the implementation of sibilities; work to raise awareness among these rights and communicate with mem- their peers; monitor, evaluate and dissemi- bers of the Palestinian Legislative Council nate information on legislation and imple- mentation of the rights of youth, including women’s rights; and advocate with deci- sion and policy makers.

What did the project set out to do?

The key objectives of this two year US$269,311 project, funded by UNDEF are to:

Establish a youth corps of 100 young Training young monitors men and women; and youth. Train the youth corps about youth rights, including women’s rights, the Raising awareness among youth and leg- workings of the Palestinian Legislative islators about youth rights, including Council (PLC), how to monitor the im- women’s rights. plementation of youth rights; and Organizing the youth corps into three committees: a) PLC/Monitoring Commit- Employ the youth corps as a channel tee, responsible for advocacy and lobbying of communication between Palestinian for issues raised by grassroots youth. legislators, executors of youth rights

legislation and the youth population.

b) the Media Committee, to disseminate information and spread awareness about youth and women’s rights; and c) the Grass Roots Committee to conduct aware- ness-raising workshops at the grassroots level.

Initial achievements Raised awareness among grassroots youth in Due to the prolonged stagnation of the Pal- the West Bank and Gaza Strip about their estinian Legislative Council (PLC) follow- rights and mobilized them to act on issues ing Hamas's seizure of power in Gaza, the that concern them. A majority of the youth PLC committee was reconstituted and re- reached in seventy two localities was female. named the Monitoring Committee with a Awareness raising sessions increased their focus on issues and concerns raised by confidence to speak about their rights while youth at the grassroots level. Instead of male participants were very supportive of monitoring the work of the PLC, this com- gender and women’s equality. mittee became responsible for advocacy and lobbying.

School girls participating in a workshop Raising awareness about the rights of youth

The project trained a youth corps of 98 Partners members. The training improved their un- derstanding and knowledge about the functions of the PLC, its structure, human rights and gender, and provided them with the skills and tools to lead workshops with direct beneficiaries on several issues, in- cluding human rights and gender.

- The workshops led by youth succeeded in influencing Palestinian society which be- - came more aware of youth concerns and gender equality.

U N I F E M

UNIFEM is the women’s fund at the United Nations. It provides financial and technical assistance to innovative programmes and strategies that promote women’s human rights, political participation and economic secu- rity UNIFEM works in partnership with UN organisations, governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and networks to promote gender equality. It links women’s issues and concerns to national, re- gional and global agendas by fostering collaboration and providing techni- cal expertise on gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment strategies.

United Nations Development Fund for Women 304 East 45th Street 15th Floor New York, NY 10017 Tel:+1.212.906.6400 Fax:+1.212.906.6705 www.unifem.org www.womenandgovernance.org