E-Gender – March 2009

March 2009 E-Gender

Contents

A) EVENTS/CAMPAIGNS/PRESS RELEASES

B) PRIZES/AWARDS/FUNDING

C) CALL FOR PAPERS/PROPOSALS/ARTICLES

D) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/CONFERENCES

E) JOB OPPORTUNITIES

F) RESOURCES/MATERIALS/PUBLICATIONS

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A) EVENTS/CAMPAIGNS/PRESS RELEASES

1) IWDA FEAST – 22nd March 2009: is a night of delicious food, local wines and exciting entertainment, with all proceeds supporting our work with women in the Asia Pacific region. Twenty renowned female chefs will come together on the night to cook for 400 guests, with tables of ten enjoying each of their three courses from a different chef. As well as this, guests will enjoy local wine produced by thirteen female winemakers representing vineyards around Victoria. We recognise that food security depends on the empowerment of women, so we invite you to come and celebrate the sustaining work of women worldwide with IWDA at this fantastic Melbourne Food and Wine Festival event. Feast will take place on Sunday March 22, at 7pm, at the Grand Hyatt, Savoy Ballroom (123 Collins St, Melbourne, entry via Russell Street). Tickets are $185 plus booking fee and are selling fast! Cocktail dress code applies. For more information regarding the chefs, winemakers, auctions, entertainment, and to buy tickets online, please visit http://www.iwda.org.au/feast/

2) FEAST@HOME/WORK: Throughout March and April, IWDA invites you to host your own feast to support women in developing countries and celebrate International Women’s Day. Just invite your friends to share a meal at home, or enjoy food with co-workers, and ask guests to donate the money they would usually spend on ‘eating out’ to IWDA. Food security – access to affordable, sufficient, safe and nutritious food – is critical to human well being, and that over 60% of the world’s most chronically hungry are women and girls. This is a fun and easy way to contribute to our work in this area. Please see our website for more information.

http://www.iwda.org.au/feasthome-feastwork/

3) AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S POLICY CHANGE ESSENTIAL TO ACHIEVEMENT OF MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL 5: Universal access to reproductive health by 2015 (IWDA). Australia is the only country in the world that still has a ban on family planning advice being part of its overseas aid program says Jane Sloane, Executive Director, International Women’s Development Agency. ‘Australia’s policy is now out of step even with the United States as the only other country which upheld the ban, with President Barack Obama’s lifting of this ban last week. http://www.iwda.org.au/2009/02/02/media-release/

4) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, UNIFEM: This year’s theme is “Women and Men: united to End Violence against Women”. The United Nations will focus on the UN Secretary-General’s multi-year campaign, UNITE to END Violence against Women. There will be a number of activities, most notably, a high-level panel discussion on Thursday 5 March on this year’s theme, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI).

http://www.unifem.org/news_events/event_detail.php?EventID=195

5) LOVE AND JUSTICE, HIGH TEA FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: The mayor and councillors of the City of Port Phillip are hosting ‘High Tea’ to celebrate International Women’s Day at the South Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday March 8, 2.30-4.30pm. Special guests include ARIA award-winning singer songwriter, Kavisha Mazzella, and guest speakers Carolyn Whitzman (lecturer in urban planning, University of Melbourne), Kellie Burns (president of the Women’s Planning Network) and Janet McGaw (lecturer in architectural design, University of Melbourne) who will discuss the contribution women planners and architects are making to urban planning and design. Entry is by gold coin donation to support the work of Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service. RSVP is essential for catering purposes (advise of any special dietary requirements) and please specify if booking a table for six or for one: 03 9209 6777 or email rsvp@portphillip.vic.gov.au. Enquiries: Taimor Hazou, Communications: 03 9209 6581 / 0432 140 211 or Deputy Mayor Cr Judith Klepner: 0409 968 850. Council webpage: www.portphillip.vic.gov.au

6) AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY: Inter Press Service spoke with Theresa Mugadza, a lawyer, human rights activist and one of the coordinators of the Feminist Political Education Project (FePEP), which has actively engaged regional and national leaders throughout the contested elections and the negotiations since. FePEP also works with ordinary women inside Zimbabwe, as part of ensuring that women’s voices and views are part of the political development of Zimbabwe. http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=45717

7) GENDER OBSERVATORY ESTABLISHED IN RWANDA: As a step towards gender equality, three officials were sworn in on 27 January as administrators of the new Gender Observatory in Rwanda. UNIFEM has been a strong advocate for the establishment of the Gender Observatory, in conformity with article 185 of the National Constitution of Rwanda.

http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=786

UN COMMITTEE CONCERNED BY IMPACT OF FINANCIAL CRISIS ON RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS: A statement by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women was issued in Geneva, February 6th 2009.

http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/0/729C9B20592FE293C12575550057FE47?opendocument

B) PRIZES/AWARDS/FUNDING

1) UNIFEM RECEIVES SPANISH WORKERS’ UNION EQUALITY AWARD: Executive Director Inés Alberdi received on behalf of UNIFEM the Equality Award (“Avanzando en Igualdad”) of the Spanish Federation of Public Services (FSP), a branch of the Workers’ General Union (UGT). The ceremony was held in Valencia on February 13, in recognition of UNIFEM’s work toward the implementation and defense of gender equality. http://www.unifem.org/news_events/story_detail.php?StoryID=823

2) CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: THE MARY FRAN MYERS GENDER AND DISASTER AWARD 2009: The Gender and Disaster Network and the Natural Hazards Center invite nominations of those who should be recognised for their efforts to advance gender-sensitive policy, practice, or research in the areas of disaster risk reduction. The intent of this award is to recognise women and men whose advocacy, research, or management efforts have had a lasting, positive impact on reducing disaster vulnerability. Nominations must be submitted by April 15th 2009, further details can be found at: http://www.gdnonline.org/mfm_award_nomination.php

3) CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: THE DARROCH AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RESEARCH: The Darroch Award recognises an emerging leader in the field of sexual and reproductive health, where scientific evidence is essential to guiding the policies and programs of the future. The award honors Jacqueline E. Darroch, Ph.D., whose three decades of directing research exemplifies rigorous and innovative work in this field and commitment to the practical application of research to policy and programs. The award committee asks you to nominate candidates who are emerging as leading researchers in the field and whose work demonstrates these strengths. The deadline for nominations is May 15 2009. http://www.guttmacher.org/media/nr/2009/02/20/Darrochaward.html

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C) CALL FOR PAPERS/PROPOSALS/ARTICLES

1) CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS: WAVES OF RESISTANCE: YOUNG FEMINIST BLOGGERS WANTED: The new website of Waves of Resistance was “launched” on February 5th. There you will find a brand new section on the “Young Feminist National Day of Decentralised Action” – March 8th 2009, a forum (on which you are invited to participate), lots of surprises and a blog!

http://www.awid.org/eng/Women-in-Action/Calls-for-Participation2/Call-for-Contributions-Waves-of-Resistance-Young-Feminist-Blogers-wanted!

2) CALL FOR PROPOSALS: EQUALITY AND JUSTICE UNDER THE RULE OF LAW: The International Women’s Program (IWP) seeks to promote the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality in law and practice, and the empowerment of women to ensure participation in democratic processes. The International Women’s Program invites proposals focusing on one or more of the following objectives: Reducing Discrimination and Violence Against Women, Strengthening Women’s Access to Justice, Increasing Women’s Role as Decision Makers and Leaders. The deadline for proposal submission is March 8th 2009, please see website for application details.

http://www.soros.org/initiatives/women/news/equality_20090213

3) CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: VOICES OF OUR FUTURE: World Pulse, a global media organisation covering world issues through the eyes of women, has announced a call for applications for Voices of Our Future, an exciting new international women’s correspondent network. World Pulse will choose up to 30 applicants who are beginning to use new media to speak for themselves to the world, transform their communities and change their own lives. Three of the top correspondents will receive the Voices of Our Future Award and an all expenses paid trip to attend awards ceremonies in the U.S. Additionally, one correspondent will receive a full scholarship to Empowerment Institute Certification Program starting January 2010. To apply, please visit the website and join the Voices of Our Future Group on PulseWire by 14 March 2009.

http://www.worldpulse.com/ pulsewire/groups/3740

4) CALL FOR PAPERS: MOVING GENDER: CONFLICTS, NEGOTIATIONS AND REDEFINITIONS: Economic, social and cultural changes have impacted contemporary societies in many ways, thus redefining the role, status and social position of both men and women. In light of such changes, it is important to challenge conventional ways of framing gender relations as well as to rethink and deconstruct the cultural making of both femininities and masculinities. Abstracts (in French or in English) should be submitted by April 26th 2009.

http://wunrn.com/news/2009/02_09/02_16_09/021609_call2_files/Moving%20Gender%20Conference%202009.pdf

5) CAMPAIGN DECLARATION: AFRICA FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS: In the majority of African countries discrimination remains rooted in law and practice: women are denied equal rights to inheritance, property, custody and guardianship of children, and are subjugated to their husbands. Women have unequal and limited access to education, health, justice and public affairs. Africa for Women’s Rights calls upon all national, regional and international actors to join the Campaign so that, together, we can achieve gender equality and full respect of women’s human rights. To sign the declaration, visit:

http://www.africa4womensrights.org/pages/CAMPAIGN-DECLARATION/DECLARATION-DE-CAMPAGNE

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D) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/CONFERENCES

1) FIVE DAY GENDER EQUALITY TRAINING WITH CERTIFICATION: Gender Equality Incorporated is running a course in Toronto, April 20-24 2009, which will enable participants to gain the practical tools and tips they need to integrate and address gender equality considerations effectively in their programs and organisations.

http://www.genderequality.ca/Projects_News.htm

2) SVRI FORUM 2009: The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is pleased to invite you to its first conference, coordinated evidence-based responses to end sexual violence, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 6th-9th July 2009. The conference is aimed at promoting research on sexual violence, highlighting innovation and encouraging sharing and networking in the area of sexual violence.

http://svriforum2009.svri.org/index.htm

3) INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM ON WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY, MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Coinciding with International Women’s Day (March 8), women leaders from around the world will convene for the International Colloquium for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security (the Colloquium) at the SKD Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa on March 7th-8th 2009. The Colloquium will bring together 400 international participants and 400 Liberian national participants and seeks to create an environment for women and their champions around the world to discuss, learn, demonstrate and act on the benefits and lessons learned from women in leadership.

http://womenscolloquium.org/col.html

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E) JOB OPPORTUNITIES

1) DIRECTOR OF ADVOCACY: The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), Washington, DC, USA. The Director of Advocacy will oversee the strategic development and implementation of all advocacy and policy related activities of ICRW, backed by high quality policy analysis that is translated into materials targeting various audiences. She/he will work with a broad range of stakeholder groups including: U.S. policymakers, donors, key international development NGO partners, and other targeted constituencies to advocate for funding and programs to improve the lives of women and girls in developing countries. Incumbent must also monitor and evaluate the delivery and impact of ICRW’s advocacy efforts.

http://www.icrw.org/html/jobs/dc/Director-of-Advocacy.html

2) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Women Organised to Respond to Life-threatening Disease (WORLD) is recognised as a national leader in developing and promoting leadership and advocacy among HIV-positive women. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to lead and grow an outstanding, well-run organisation that is making an immensely positive impact in the world. Please send a cover letter and resume no later than March 9, 2009.

http://womenhiv.org/files/Executive%20Director.pdf

3) DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION: The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) is an international feminist organisation working to strengthen the voice, impact and influence of women’s rights advocates, organisations and movements internationally. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance and Administration is responsible for providing leadership and day-to-day management of the finance and administration functions for AWID, and ensuring that these functions meet full legal and fiduciary requirements in each of the offices of the organisation. Please submit your CV and cover letter by March 16th 2009.

http://www.awid.org/eng/Jobs/Jobs-at-AWID/Director-of-Finance-and-Administration

4) AFRICA PROGRAM OFFICER, NAIROBI: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S PROGRAM: The Open Society Institute (OSI) works to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. As part of OSI, the International Women’s Program (IWP) seeks to promote the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality in law and practice. Reporting to the Director of IWP, the Africa Program Officer (Nairobi) will be responsible for facilitating the implementation of IWP’s strategic plan for the region. The Program Officer will work jointly with the Program Officer for Africa and Director of Advocacy Projects based in New York. Please email resume, cover letter and salary requirements before March 20th, 2009.

http://www.soros.org/about/offices/brussels/africa_20090211

5) CHIEF OF GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERMENT SECTION, P-5: The United Nations is looking to appoint a Chief of Gender Equality and Empowerment Section to be based in Bangkok, Thailand. Please see website for further details and information on how to apply. Closing date is March 24, 2009.

https://jobs.un.org/Galaxy/Release3/Vacancy/Display_Vac.aspx?lang=1200&VACID=273c3232-c62b-4188-8c14-410ca2f283ea

6) SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER: Save the Children NZ is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance and are seeking an exceptional individual for the position of Senior Program Manager in Papua New Guinea. A demonstrated understanding of gender empowerment and women’s rights in the PNG context would be an advantage. For a full position description, please see: http://www.savethechildren.org.nz/new_zealand/jobs/main.html

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F) RESOURCES/MATERIALS/PUBLICATIONS

1) UNSCR 1325 ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY: IMPLICATIONS, IMPLEMENTATION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR AUSTRALIA: IWDA intern Jasmine Kim Westendorf has drafted a paper relating to the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 which was passed unanimously on 31 October 2000. Resolution (S/RES/1325) was the first resolution ever passed by the Security Council that specifically addressed the impact of war on women, and women’s contributions to conflict resolution and sustainable peace. http://www.iwda.org.au/2009/02/10/unscr1325-iwda-position-paper/

2) ADDRESSING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: UNFPA STRATEGY AND FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION: In this report, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) identifies priority areas for intensified action on gender-based violence: policy frameworks, data collection and analysis, focus on sexual and reproductive health, humanitarian responses, adolescents and youth, men and boys, faith-based networks, and vulnerable and marginalised populations. It is intended to provide a common platform and technical guidance for UNFPA at country, regional and global levels and effectively guide capacity-development initiatives, resources and partnerships. http://www.unfpa.org/upload/lib_pub_file/834_filename_GBV_Strategy.pdf

3) NEW CASE STUDY: GENDER AND CLIMATE CHANGE FINANCE, PHILIPPINES: What do women’s rights have to do with climate finance? Investing in women is one of the most effective ways to advance sustainable development and fight climate change devastation. Taking an in-depth look at the Philippines, Women’s Environment and Development Organisation (WEDO) explores the gender dimensions of climate finance at the national level in our latest publication Gender and Climate Change Finance: A Case Study from the Philippines.

http://www.wedo.org/prototype/wp-content/uploads/genderandclimatechangefinance.pdf

4) MATERNAL MORTALITY IN INDIA: A HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS: In a new report, the Center for Reproductive Rights calls for legal action in response to India’s staggering maternal mortality problem. Despite the country’s growing economy and an ambitious rural health initiative, over 100,000 women die from pregnancy-related causes each year, more than anywhere else in the world. Many more suffer debilitating complications that they endure in silence due to impunity and lack of accountability in the health system. Maternal Mortality in India: Using International and Constitutional Law to Promote Accountability and Change assesses the crisis and urges a human rights approach to solving it.

http://reproductiverights.org/en/feature/maternal-mortality-in-india-a-human-rights-crisis

5) BRIDGE-GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT, SIYANDA UPDATE: Gender and Care (Issue No. 73, February 2009): Providing care can be both a source of fulfilment and a terrible burden. For women and girls in particular, their socially prescribed role as carers can undermine their rights and limit their opportunities, capabilities and choices – posing a fundamental obstacle to gender equality and well-being. How can we move towards a world in which individuals and society recognise and value the importance of different forms of care, but without reinforcing care work as something that only women can or should do?

http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/reports/CEP_Care_OR.pdf

6) ON THE WAY TO IMPROVED LEGAL REALITY: STRATEGIES AND INSTRUMENTS USED TO TACKLE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN IN THE ARAB WORLD: One of the root causes of the social and economic problems in the Arab world is the structural discrimination against women in these countries, a conclusion reached by the Arab Human Development Reports. This paper analyses successful case studies for change in Egypt, Jordan and Yemen and looking at the lessons learnt from these case studies.

http://www.eldis.org/go/topics/resource-guides/gender&id=42167&type=Document

7) HIV AND AIDS: WORKING WITH YOUNG WOMEN; EMPOWERMENT, RIGHTS AND HEALTH: Although there has been a significant amount of work done to promote women’s empowerment, most of it has been geared towards the experiences of adult women. This manual, part of an initiative called Program M, includes a series of group educational activities to promote young women’s awareness about gender inequities, rights and health. It also seeks to develop their skills to feel more capable of acting in empowered ways in different spheres of their lives.

http://www.eldis.org/go/topics/resource-guides/hiv-and-aids&id=42079&type=Document

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009 under E-gender, Recent.