Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network Malta, May 2015

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1 Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network Malta, May 2015 The Royal Commonwealth Society is seeking applicants for a five-day forum in Malta, where young people from around the Commonwealth will meet to discuss gender inequality issues. The participants in the forum will form the inaugural members of the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network, which will focus on youth priorities for gender issues, and actively engage with Commonwealth processes to ensure youth priorities are reflected in policy and practice. The forum will take place six months ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and will be a key opportunity to discuss gender equality concerns and priorities ahead of active engagement in the Commonwealth Youth Forum, People s Forum and Women s Forum, which all take place in the wings of CHOGM. Applicants must have experience working on gender equality issues, either in the workplace, through studies or as a volunteer. Context and Background Young people are able to actively participate in Commonwealth political processes via a number of platforms. The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) is a chance for young people to debate their priority areas for further Commonwealth action, and to present this to Heads of Government. The Commonwealth Youth Council was established in 2013 to represent the voice of youth in the Commonwealth with an elected executive of 12 representatives from national youth councils rotating every two years. However, there is no gender youth network to advocate for gender equality issues within the formal structures of the Commonwealth. The RCS is proposing to contribute towards filling this gap by launching an international Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network. Given its substantial work on gender issues the RCS is well placed, alongside a range of participating experts, to interact with young citizens of the Commonwealth, to work with them to develop a strong youth voice on gender and equality issues. The Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Forum The forum will take place in Malta on 13 th 17 th May It will be a five-day residential programme which will bring together young professionals and experts in an inter-generational learning environment for the purpose of capacity-building the group. This will occur through workshops, discussions and training sessions. The interaction will aim to develop knowledge in a range of areas, including on various gender issues, on effective advocacy, and on further practical skills. Themes covered will include child marriage, harmful practices, domestic violence, sexual violence, access to education, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, STEM, LGBT rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The workshops and discussions will be facilitated by trainers and experts, and will serve as a space to share knowledge and experience, as well as capacity-building the participants to be able to understand the issues more clearly in their global context, gain a greater idea of the ways in which they can effectively affect policy changes, and advocate more effectively at key moments, particularly within Commonwealth structures. 1

2 Application form (for return by 20 February 2015) Thank you for your interest in the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Forum. In order to be considered as a participant, we ask that you complete and submit this application to us, attaching the required supporting documents, by 20 February PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY Applicants are subject to eligibility criteria; please tick the following statements as they apply to you. You must be able to check all of the following boxes to be eligible to participate in the CYGEF. I will be aged between 18 and 29 at the start of the event I am resident in a Commonwealth country (check here for a full list of member states and overseas territories) I am committed to upholding the Commonwealth values of good governance and sustainable development I am fluent in English the working language of the Forum I confirm that I am medically fit to travel and participate in the Forum I am able to evidence professional or voluntary experience on gender equality issues I am willing to share case studies and highlight relevant aspects of my work I am willing to be an active participant and to spread the values and outcomes of the network in my home country 2. GENERAL INFORMATION First name: Last/ family name: Gender: Title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Dr etc): Date of birth: Nationality: Country of current residence: Home address: Post code: 2

3 Telephone number (with international code): Mobile number: Passport number: Passport expiry date: Name of your nominating body: Name, position, and telephone number of professional referee: Any professional membership: Your Professional Background Please provide a brief overview of your background and career to date (i.e. academic achievements, community involvement and relevant hobbies). Please explain how you think you are eligible for participation in respect of your professional activities, knowledge, experience or positions held (in no more than 300 words). 3

4 Your Personal Statement Please tell us why you think you should be selected to participate in the Forum: how might you contribute to the Forum, how might your participation have an impact in your current work and how would you use the experience (in no more than 300 words). Further comments (No more than 50 words). 4

5 3. FINAL DETAILS How did you hear about the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Forum? Signature: Date: 4. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Please ensure that you attach: A recent CV or resume A letter of recommendation from a person knowledgeable about your professional career 5. SENDING YOUR APPLICATION FORM a. Complete the application form fully b. Attach it to ONE with the subject headed [Your Name] Gender Forum Application c. Attach your supporting document(s) d. to communications@thercs.org by 20 th February 2015 The deadline for completed application forms is 20 th February Applications will be acknowledged. You will be notified of your selection by 6 March. Contact: Leila Asrari Leila.asrari@thercs.org 5