Experience Sharing Workshop on Women s Political Empowerment. Workshop Report. Gender Focal Person in Ministries and Departments

Transcription

1 Experience Sharing Workshop on Women s Political Empowerment Workshop Report Reservation in Political Parties Elected Women s Associations Orientation of EWRs Training in Politics Village-Level Women s Assemblies Best Reporting on Women Leaders Gender Focal Person in Ministries and Departments Legislation for Women s Quota Women in Politics Gendered Policy Screening Tool Micro-Level Power Map Fellowship for Mentoring EWRs Leadership Awards for EWRs Negotiation Skills Conflict Resolution Women s Manifesto Composite Performance Index Women Voter Mobilisation Women s Reservation in Public Enterprises Adult Learning Methods for Women's Training Reserved Budget July 2016 Bangkok, Thailand

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3 Experience Sharing Workshop on Women s Political Empowerment Workshop Report July 2016 Bangkok, Thailand

4 Local Governance Initiative and Network (LOGIN) is a multi-stakeholder knowledge exchange platform that supports greater decentralisation and strengthened local governance in South and East Asia. Spanning over 11 countries, LOGIN s members include elected representatives, training institutions, think tanks, government departments, non-governmental organisations and inter-governmental organisations, among others. Working in favour of accountable, transparent and inclusive local governance, LOGIN facilitates knowledge sharing and peer-engagements on key governance issues amongst its members. Since its inception in 2013, LOGIN has been connecting and capacitating various actors and change agents who are driving reform agendas within their countries and the region. As part of LOGIN s thematic focus on Gender and Social Inclusion, an experience sharing workshop was held from July 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand. This learning offer provided an opportunity for LOGIN members to share and discuss experiences in supporting women s political participation with an aim to identify key strengths, challenges, successful strategies and good practices from the region. LOGIN members working directly on women s political empowerment at the local level; including non-governmental organisations, local government departments, training institutions, and women leaders from political parties; representing 11 South and East Asian countries participated in this event. This Workshop Report summarizes the methods and proceedings of the three-day meeting. LOGIN is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. LOGIN Asia, 2016

5 Contents Abbreviations Executive summary iv v Background 1 Introduction to the workshop 1 Perspective setting: Importance of women s political empowerment for local governance 2 THEME 1 Affirmative Action for Supporting Women s Economic and Political Empowerment 5 1. Country contexts 6 2. Panel discussion 8 THEME 2 Preparing Women to Enter the Political Arena 9 1. Case studies Group reflections 12 THEME 3 Enhancing Women s Capacities to Govern Case studies Group reflections Panel discussion 19 THEME 4 Coalition Building and Advocacy Case studies Group reflections 25 Dialogue and learning between peers 26 Concluding session 27 Next steps 28 Annexures 31 Annexure I: Programme schedule 32 Annexure II: List of participants 34 Annexure III: The LOGIN learning offer 36 Annexure IV: Affirmative actions Summary of country presentations 38 Annexure V: Participant case studies 45 iii

6 Abbreviations ADDCN BNEW BOSS CEDAW EPD EWR FAFEN FSLGA KMVS LAG-LOG LOGIN MoWA MuAN NCAW NCDD NCWC NILG NMAWO RSCD SDG SIESA SWEEP THP TIN Association of District Development Committees of Nepal Bhutan Network for Empowering Women Budgets, Orders, Services and Schemes Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women Equality for Peace and Democracy Elected Women Representative Free and Fair Election Network Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan Learning and Action Group for Local Governance Local Governance Initiative and Network Ministry of Women s Affairs Municipal Association of Nepal National Commission for Advancement of Women National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development National Commission for Women and Children National Institute of Local Governance New Message for Afghan Women Organisation Resource and Support Centre for Development Sustainable Development Goal Social Institution for Skill Employment and Awareness Strengthening Women s Empowerment through Electoral Processes The Hunger Project Tax Identification Number iv

7 Executive summary An experience sharing workshop on women s political empowerment was held from July in Bangkok, Thailand with the aim to enable LOGIN members to (i) exchange knowledge on the current state of practice in strengthening women s leadership, (ii) identify successful strategies, good practices and challenges, (iii) develop connections across peer-institutions within the network, and (iv) explore interests in developing a coherent and relevant learning agenda for LOGIN. The workshop provided a platform for in-depth discussions around the need and importance of women s political empowerment and participation in local governance. Participants opined that women s role in governance was important as women understood women s issues better. Further, women had an equal right to participate in politics, and had the potential to be agents of transformation. The patriarchal culture and value systems prevailing across countries were identified as key challenges to women s political empowerment. Further, their economic dependence and stereotyping by the media were seen as barriers to empowerment. As a starting point of exchange, participants mapped affirmative action for women s political empowerment in their country contexts. Over the course of three days, based on participant case studies, attendees also deliberated on the themes of preparing women to enter politics, capacity building of women and advocacy and coalition building for supporting women s participation in political processes. Debate brought to the fore key issues in women s political empowerment. While women s participation in politics was evident in participating countries, the context and affirmative actions varied across countries. Further, while there was hope in the trajectories that different countries had taken towards women s political empowerment, there was a need to distinguish between women s constraints and systemic constraints. Moreover, the need to engage with the media, given the stereotyping prevalent across countries, was emphasised. Discussions on the theme of preparing women to enter politics were centred on seven case studies. Participants identified several barriers that women faced in entering the political arena, and stressed the need for more women to enter politics for progressive reduction of barriers. Voter awareness was seen as an important enabling factor to bring more women within the politic arena. The importance of quotas, as well as the need to go beyond quotas for getting into real decision making roles, was emphasised. Economic independence was highlighted as a necessary condition for women s engagement in politics. Capacity development, according to participants, was needed at multiple levels; ranging from leadership training to making women understand the way political parties work. The theme on enhancing women s capacities to govern reviewed seven case studies. Participants noted that that training programmes aimed at helping women engage in political processes were necessary. Further, networking and alliance building were useful in enhancing peer-learning, creating role models and identifying potential members. Linking social, economic and political transformative actions to capacity building was critical in achieving definite results. Public/government funding for election campaigns, and allocation of funds by the government for programmes that support women s capacity development were considered positive steps that helped empower women to take up political roles. Participants shared that in most countries, the emerging women leaders were first generation politicians. Therefore, their performance needed to be measured in this context. While quotas provided the first opportunity for women to contest and take up positions, converting these positions to positions of power required additional efforts and support. v

8 The final theme on coalition building and advocacy was discussed around eight case studies. Participants concluded that concrete analysis of the existing situation was a prerequisite to identifying potential allies for building effective coalitions. Clear articulation of a vision and mission, setting up an appropriate institutional structure, and establishing transparent systems and processes were identified as necessary conditions for coalitions to be effective. Establishing the right identity and attaining adequate visibility were also seen as important. Advocacy and networking with government, organisations and the media were considered critical. Further, horizontal coordination, ownership of the coalition by the partner organisations, and resource mobilisation were seen as critical in sustaining the coalition. On the final day, two ongoing peer-learning engagements aimed at strengthening women s political empowerment processes were shared. Partnering organisation emphasised the importance of jointly developed collaborative frameworks, openness in sharing knowledge resources, and the adaptation and contextualisation of practices as prerequisites for peer-learning. In the concluding session, good practices identified via case studies and country experiences were discussed further. Participants shared next steps in terms of (i) what they would like to offer (to other countries) and, (ii) what they would like to demand (from other agencies or countries), which triggered possibilities of deeper engagement and learning across peers. Participants proposed that LOGIN could build a resource pool for the region, as well as collate and develop a document of good practices to support women s political empowerment. Further they suggested mainstreaming women s issues across learning events, and the continued engagement with this topic within the network. vi

9 Background Women s political empowerment has been an area of consistent interest among LOGIN members. It is a challenge that many member countries continue to face, even as they strive towards greater participation and inclusion in local governance. The workshop held from July 2016 was a follow up to a travel workshop that LOGIN had offered its members in 2014 on collectivisation of local governments. At this travel workshop, among the key takeaways, attendees had expressed interest to learn further on women s participation in local governments, including practices that could help strengthen their leadership capacities and prepare them for electoral processes in their countries. It is in this context that in 2016 LOGIN designed and offered a workshop that aimed to enable its membership to: Exchange current practices in strengthening women s leadership Identify successful strategies, good practices and challenges in supporting women s political empowerment Develop possible connections across peer institutions within the network Explore interests in developing a coherent learning agenda for the overall LOGIN network in the area The workshop was structured to facilitate detailed conversations across participating institutions on the issue of women s political empowerment, leveraging their knowledge and experiences from the field. Each attendee served as a mirror to his/her peers for experience sharing, analysis and reflections. Over the course of three days, four areas influencing women s political empowerment were explored: Affirmative action for women s economic and political empowerment Preparation of women to enter politics Enhancing women s capacity to govern Coalition building and advocacy The workshop was designed as a non-hierarchical learning platform, with spaces for deliberations around personal and institutional experiences. Group discussions and panel reflections were held at the end of each thematic exploration to further support dialogue and learning. To catalyse the process of learning through peer-exchange, and to create opportunities to examine relevant practices in countries where LOGIN has its presence, participants shared brief case studies detailing their experiences prior to the workshop. For this, a template was developed that helped participants analyse their current context, identify key strategies and recognise prevailing challenges. At the workshop, these case studies were arranged and displayed in a market place, around the workshop themes. Annexure V of this workshop report details the case studies shared by participants. Introduction to the workshop The workshop began with a welcome note by Ms. Preeta Lall, Team Leader of the LOGIN Secretariat. Ms. Lall introduced LOGIN, its objective, thematic focus, methodologies and activities. She provided a detailed background to the workshop; sharing its intent, aims and deliverables. Mr. Santanu Lahiri, the workshop facilitator, initiated the event with an ice breaking session. A group exercise was used where participants grouped themselves with attendees unknown to them. This exercise helped set the tone for close interactions. 1

10 Mr. Ranjan Kamaker, Executive Director of Steps Towards Development Bangladesh, introduced the workshop topic. He explained how women s political empowerment had emerged as a learning agenda within LOGIN. The 2 nd and 3 rd General Assemblies had discussed the state of elected women representatives in countries where LOGIN had its presence. At these meetings, members had unanimously agreed that women did not enjoy equal rights and authority and, therefore, were unable to act as equal partners in the decision-making processes in local governance. Moreover, women involved in political activities faced various challenges from the patriarchal culture prevalent in countries, as well as within political parties. Women transformed themselves into political activists typically from preceding roles as social activists. In the process of their emergence as political leaders with skills in advocacy, negotiation and bargaining; they were actively supported by the government, community based organisations, development partners and women s movements. Based on the interest generated towards this topic, in the 2 nd General Assembly (December 2014), LOGIN members from Bangladesh; anchored by Aparajita (a coalition of organisations including Steps Towards Development, PRIP Trust, Democracy Watch and Khan Foundation) along with the National Institute of Local Government, Helvetas, WaterAid, the Center for Disability in Development and others; came forward to host a learning event in Bangladesh. Due to prevailing political conditions in the country, the workshop could not be organised in Over the years, women s political empowerment continued to remain a challenge that many member countries faced as they moved towards strengthening local governance. The discourse on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) brought to the fore the full and effective participation of women; providing equal opportunities for women to take on leadership roles at all levels by reducing social, economic and political inequalities. Towards this end, strengthening the role of women and other marginalised groups in local governance was seen as vital. The topic again emerged as a learning priority in December 2016, and considerable preparations were made to host a learning event in July However, owing to certain unfortunate developments in Bangladesh, the workshop venue was shifted to Bangkok. This had implications on the overall event design and participation. Perspective setting: Importance of women s political empowerment for local governance The workshop discussions commenced with a session on perspective setting where, in mixed groups, attendees discussed the importance of women s political empowerment for local governance. Specifically, participants explored the following questions: Why is women s political empowerment important for local governance? What are the biggest challenges faced? The salient points emerging from the discussion were as follows: Women have the right to equal participation in social and political affairs. As women form half the population, this right cannot be overlooked Women can be agents of transformation if given adequate opportunities in politics and governance Women are likely to deliver good governance with low levels of corruption Women s knowledge about their issues should be utilised in local governance. Women are also aware of the critical issues at the grassroots and community level It is essential to have women s role in decision making to overcome marginalisation Women s participation in politics could help in according priority to critical issues such as child marriages, corruption, etc. 2

11 Inclusion of women could strengthen the very process of governance. It could add impetus to decentralisation. Further, sensitivities to their issues could help better understand the problems of the poor, the marginalised and the youth As women play a pivotal role in family matters, their empowerment could lead to the empowerment of families Drawing from experiences, participants highlighted the following challenges to women s political empowerment: Owing to socio-cultural and religious settings, patriarchal values continue to dominate societies. This is a major impediment to women s political empowerment The prevailing mind set (of both men and women) are not conducive to women taking up political roles. Negative and passive mind sets impose constraints on women s political engagement Women living in patriarchal societies typically lack own source of income; they find it difficult to enter and sustain their position in politics without being economically independent Women in patriarchal societies have low levels of education and awareness; these constrain their political participation Institutions in patriarchal societies typically have a masculine character. They often do not encourage, and sometimes even obstruct, women s roles in decision making Existing political parties do not provide opportunities to women. Moreover, women in political parties face inequalities within Nomination and disqualification criteria set in electoral processes are often forms of institutionalised opposition to women s entry into politics Women are held in stereotyped media portrayals and narratives; these create barriers that are difficult to overcome Even when a process is initiated to encourage women s political participation, sustainability of the process becomes a challenge In societies with dominant patriarchal cultures, women are solely responsible for household chores and duties. This makes any political or social engagement an additional burden for them This discussion set the backdrop for the workshop, helping participants develop a common ground for learning and knowledge sharing. 3

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13 THEME 1 Affirmative Action for Supporting Women s Economic and Political Empowerment 5

14 1. Country contexts Affirmative actions that are directed towards strengthening women s political and economic empowerment are derived from laws that encourage women s political participation. These include constitutional provisions and amendments, quotas and reservations for women. Often national and state level ministries and departments, with dedicated funds and resource allocations, and large scale programmes, run targeted capacity building initiatives for promoting women s political participation and empowerment. Women s empowerment is further given a fillip by countries signing international commitments, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). To examine some of these actions in countries where LOGIN has its presence, seated in country groups, participants analysed the current status of affirmative actions and challenges in their countries. Based on these assessments, attendees ranked their countries on a ten-point scale, where the extent and effectiveness of affirmative action progressively increased from 1 to 10. Participants provided three reasons for the rank that they assigned to their country. Following this, groups where asked to think of future steps that they would like their country to take in promoting women s participation in political processes, especially at the local level. Discussions varied across groups, with multiple perspectives being shared. Assigning ranks generated a debate within country teams. Highlights of affirmative actions across the groups are summarised in the table below. A summary of the assessment, including the ranks assigned and future course of actions identified, are given in Annexure IV of this report. Table 1: Affirmative actions identified by country groups Country Afghanistan Bangladesh Affirmative actions CEDAW has been ratified. The country is party to the Universal declaration on Human Rights Ministry of Women s Affairs exists at the centre Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women has been passed Gender responsive budgeting is practiced CEDAW committee is present at the national level The Constitution offers equal rights to all 15% seats in the National Parliament are reserved for women 33% positions are kept aside for women in political parties. Political parties also have women s wings 10% of the jobs in public sector are reserved for women Anti-violence laws cover sexual harassment and domestic violence 6

15 Bhutan Cambodia India Laos Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Sri Lanka CEDAW has been ratified A Parliamentary Committee on Women has been formed Constitutional provisions and specific laws ban domestic violence Policy screening tools are being used to integrate gender within policies and programmes National Plan of Action to Promote Gender Equality in Elected Offices is being promoted CEDAW has been ratified The Constitution ensures equal rights to all Ministry of Women s Affairs as well a National Council for Women exist. There are also technical groups working on gender Since 2002, it is mandatory to have at least one woman in all local councils Goals have been set for 25% reservations for women in local governments and 30% reservations at the national level CEDAW has been ratified National Commission for Women and State Commissions for Women exist 33% quota for women in local governance has been enhanced to 50% in many states. 14 of the 29 states have 50% seats in local governments reserved for women Five states have provision for Mahila Sabhas (women s assemblies) Bill seeking 33% reservation for women in the Parliament is pending CEDAW has been ratified The Constitution ensures equal rights to all Primary education has been made compulsory The National Commission for Mothers and Children was set up in 1992 The National Commission for Advancement of Women was set up in 2003 Law for Protection and Development of Women was passed in 2005 Law to End Violence against Women was recently passed in 2015 CEDAW has been ratified National Programme on Gender Inequality was initiated in 2002 Gender Equality Law was passed in 2011 Law Against Domestic Violence was passed in 2014 The country is in the process of moving towards a federal democracy The 21st Panglong Conference has set quotas for women in local government The new Constitution assures 33% reservations for women in governance at the national level. In certain cases, this has reached 40% Ministry of Women and National Women s Commission are present Law on Violence against Women has been enacted National Commission on the Status of Women exists Women Development Ministries are present at the provincial levels 60 seats are reserved for women in the National Assembly 33% quota exist for women in the Punjab Provincial Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly are women CEDAW has been ratified As part of the electoral reforms in 2016, 25% quota in local governments and 30% quota in provincial councils exist for women 4% of the national budget is reserved for women s programmes Ministry of Women s Affairs is present at the national and provincial levels 7

16 2. Panel discussion The discussion on affirmative action enabled participants to appreciate the different country contexts in which efforts were being made to support and strengthen women s political empowerment. The floor was opened for attendees to seek further details and clarifications regarding the country assessments presented. A panel, comprising of four persons from among the participants, further deliberated on the issues discussed. Highlights from the discussion are given below: The need for women s participation in politics is evident in all countries. However, the context and affirmative action differs substantially across countries. For example, in Sri Lanka, it is important for women to understand their role in politics. For this, monitoring and follow up activities are necessary to ensure the quality participation of women in politics, helping them emerge as agents of change in the political arena There is a need to measure performance beyond anecdotes and case studies, to ensure continuous support for, and improvement in, women s participation. In Afghanistan for instance, despite constraints, women have contested and won electoral polls, often defeating their male counterparts The array of affirmative actions reported across different countries highlight the trajectory that different countries have taken towards women s political empowerment. For example, in Bangladesh advocacy efforts supporting women s empowerment are imperative for converting plans into action, or policy into programmes that support women s inclusion in political processes. Here, civil society groups have an active role to play in influencing governments. They must be trained to assume this role The abysmally low level of women s political representation, despite comprising 50% of the population, is a matter of concern for all countries. To overcome this challenge, quota should emerge automatically; 50% quota for women is a matter of right and not a favour. Further, quotas are an important means by which women from weaker sections enter politics, which is essential to prevent elite capture of women s political space. Countries should invest in improving women s enrolment as voters and candidates in elections. In this endeavour, political parties have a key role to play in supporting systems that encourage women s participation in politics Discussions emphasised the indivisibility of action, where women s participation in politics was seen to be as critical as their participation in other domains. An overwhelming concern was raised on the stereotyping of women by the media. To overcome this challenge, participants reflected that institutions should work with the media. In the wake of extremely biased perceptions regarding women s capacities to function in the political arena, participants shared that it was important to distinguish between women s constraints and systemic constraints. Panellists agreed that affirmative action on the political front should be supplemented with facilitative action on the economic front for women to not only enter politics, but also sustain their positions in this arena. 8

17 THEME 2 Preparing Women to Enter the Political Arena 9

18 1. Case studies An important first step in women s political empowerment is preparing women to enter politics, which involves strategies and processes for awareness building, and the gender sensitisation of groups and communities. Considerable efforts and investment go into confidence building of women, getting women out of their homes and empowering them to exercise their electoral rights. A critical element in this process is the sensitisation of, and continuous engagement and dialogue with the media; including community media. Significant progress has been made in leveraging the gains in women s economic empowerment to prepare women as political leaders. To delve deeper in this theme, participants had an in-depth look at the case studies of seven institutions, reviewing their strategies and interventions in preparing women to enter the political arena in these countries. Steps Towards Development, Bangladesh Steps Towards Development, in partnership with three organisations, has been implementing project Aparajita at the policy and practice level. The key goal of the project is the well-being and political empowerment of disadvantaged and poor women. Working on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, inclusiveness and justice; Aparajita s mission is to reduce gender gap in decision making. Towards this end, Aparajita has been advancing the participation and role of women in politics. Aparajita s interventions begin with base line studies and experiential learnings, followed by field level planning. Establishing collaborative partnerships and developing synergies are a part of the overall strategy. Aparajita had been instrumental in getting the criteria of submitting Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) removed for filing nominations for elections. This has been a crucial achievement for the project, as most women contesting elections do not have an income and, therefore, do not possess TINs. Aparajita has gained acceptance as a collective at the national and district level, and has been able to establish critical linkages with government and non-governmental agencies, political parties, media and women s networks within the country. The project has been able to influence policymakers in supporting certain changes in electoral laws; it has been instrumental in getting the Village Courts Act amended in Bangladesh. Bhutan Network for Empowering Women, Bhutan Bhutan Network for Empowering Women (BNEW) was established as an outcome of the first national consultation of elected women representatives, organised by the Department of Local Government and the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in BNEW aims to create an enabling environment that supports women s participation in governance. 10

19 BNEW mobilises and motivates women to participate in politics by developing the necessary leadership skills. The Network supports gender sensitisation programmes to reduce attitudes arising out of gender stereotyping. It also works towards raising awareness in the society for greater acceptance of women as leaders. BNEW s strategies and interventions include reviewing of laws, legislations and policies for creating the enabling legal and policy environment for women s participation in politics. Mainstreaming gender into plans, policies, programmes and projects is part of this strategy. BNEW develops tools and action plans to enhance women s participation and provides support mechanisms to women leaders. The Network conducts capacity building programmes for both women leaders and aspiring leaders. BNEW has trained over 3000 women, preparing them for enhanced participation in the local government elections in Jointly with NCWC, BNEW has organised the first national conference on women in politics (2014) to advance the agenda of gender equality in politics. It has also developed a national action plan for the country. Ministry of Women s Affairs, Cambodia Ministry of Women s Affairs (MoWA), Government of Cambodia, has several programmes aimed at enhancing women s participation in politics. The Ministry has set targets for increasing women s participation in the senate, national assembly and commune councils. MoWA has set up a technical working group on women, leadership and governance that works towards strengthening women s role in politics and decision making. MoWA also conducts campaigns aimed at raising public awareness and supporting behavioural change to promote women s empowerment. The Ministry has a programme that promotes the participation of young women and women from vulnerable groups in politics. Cambodia has established a National Forum for Women in Leadership, which meets every five years. Line ministries, civil society organisations and development partners coordinate activities aimed at promoting women s participation in politics and decision making. Further, the Ministry works closely with the Royal School of Administration and the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development (NCDD) to improve capacities of electoral candidates and civil servants. Abhivyakti Media for Development, India In India, Abhivyakti Media for Development works towards improving women s political participation through efforts in participatory media production and communication. The organisation focuses on women s participation and leadership at the village level. The strategies adopted by Abhivyakti include research, documentation and dissemination of success stories on elected women representatives and women social entrepreneurs. Through its work, Abhivyakti has been generating print and audio-visual material on success stories of women in different walks of life. The organisation has tested training modules in participatory media production. Abhivyakti has also motivated several women in leadership roles to use media tools to solve community issues. The organisation is now encouraging and training women to make media a source of livelihood. Women for Change, Mongolia In Mongolia, Women for Change is working towards enhancing women s political participation in the country. The organisation aims to increase women s status in the society, with an objective to improve their overall status in the country. In partnership with other organisations, Women for Change is working to improve women s participation in politics in Mongolia. The organisation s key interventions include influencing political parties to increase the number of women candidates in local government elections. Women for Change organises workshops for prospective candidates and existing women leaders. 11

20 As over half the Mongolian population lives in the capital, Women for Change s work is mostly focused around the Office of the City Mayor, where they have been trying to establish a council to encourage women s role in decision making. Free and Fair Election Network, Pakistan Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) is a network of 42 civil society organisations. The Network was formed in 2006 and works in four thematic areas parliamentary reforms, electoral reforms, governance reforms, and reform of political parties. FAFEN supports initiatives that aim at reducing the deficit of women voters in the country s electoral rolls, and enhancing women s participation in elections and politics. This involves removing barriers that hinder women s participation in elections. FAFEN works on breaking stereotypes around the role and work undertaken by women Members of Parliament, for better recognition and acknowledgement of their efforts. The Network uses gender as a cross-cutting theme for meaningful representation of women in local governments. A key strategy has been the coordinated efforts to reduce women voter deficit through state-society collaboration, pushing for a verifiable model for mobilisation and registration of women voters. FAFEN, through its interventions, has been able to bring the deficit of 11 million women in the country s electoral rolls to national attention, leading to proactive responses from the Election Commission. The deficit of women voters has been progressively reducing as a result of the follow up actions taken. Due to FAFEN s efforts, the work by women Members of Parliament have been getting increased recognition. Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities, Sri Lanka The Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities (FSLGA), engages with political parties to utilise the opportunity offered by the introduction of a new quota system in local governments for women s political empowerment. The organisation believes in more women contesting local government elections as pathways to provincial and national politics. FSLGA works towards building genuine women leaders, with awareness on their roles and responsibilities as local councillors. To achieve their goal, FSLGA has developed a set of strategies. They map the location of women political mobilisers to identify gaps. The organisation has developed a pool of mentors from former councillors of local governments, to support women s endeavours in entering politics. FSLGA is also working to identify and connect potential new entrants in the political arena. FSLGA has been successful in developing a set of criteria to help avoid nepotism in nominations. They have conducted awareness campaigns and developed a database on potential candidates. The organisation has gained recognition as a national association for local governments. Hosting of the national platform for women councillors, over the last eight years, has helped FSLGA become well-connected with councillors. The organisation has gained acceptance and is supported by the national as well as provincial governments in the country. 2. Group reflections Case study presentations were followed by group reflections where, in five stakeholder groups, participants discussed the strategies and interventions adopted by the seven institutions. Two groups were formed representing non-governmental organisations, along with one group each representing elected women representatives, local government associations and policymakers. Within their groups, participants reflected on the following questions: What is the process/social capital needed to strengthen women s entry into politics? What are the initial challenges in drawing women into governance processes? 12

21 Who are the allies in these efforts? What are the strategies that work to draw women into the political arena? Each group presented their reflections in a plenary. The salient points emerging from the discussion are summarised below: Barriers to entry Women should be encouraged to join political parties and efforts should be taken towards reducing barriers to entry Barriers can be overcome only with the involvement of more women in policymaking Identifying inspired women to engage in social activities is crucial. Women have to participate from the grassroots level upwards in politics Mobilisation of women and engaging elected women representatives in mentoring programmes are important for developing their overall leadership Women need to join politics to change politics, they need to join political parties to change them Environment Voter awareness is crucial for facilitating women s entry into politics. Young women voters can be critical. Mapping areas with low women turn out in elections and working towards improving their participation in future elections is crucial Quotas may be useful, however, there is a need to go beyond quotas; to power sharing and taking on real decision making roles Disqualification criteria has worked against women s entry into politics; advocacy against disqualification criteria based on age, gender and ethnicity is important Economic factor Economic independence is necessary for empowerment Women do not get funds for election campaigns Women need government support for funding Education There is a need to include women s rights in the educational curriculum Within this curriculum, there is a need to integrate learning on women s role in politics Platforms There is a need for an international forum to push women s political agenda across countries A channel for coordination is important across governments, political parties and the media Platforms should be established to award and reward the good work undertaken by elected women representatives. This would help them gain recognition as political leaders Capacity development Women need capacity development and leadership training Women may start with quotas, even as proxies, given the patriarchal structures that they have to 13

22 negotiate through. Engaging women to help them emerge as leaders of their own standing requires working with them from early stages Developing party literacy is crucial; new entrants should understand how political parties work and how decisions are made. They should understand and map power structures Methods to identify and train potential candidates entering electoral politics should be encouraged Media Systematic efforts are needed to break the stereotyping of women by the media Women leaders have to find effective ways of engaging with the media In order to change the typical attitude of the media towards women; characterised by extreme forms of stereotyping; women have to engage seriously with the media Media should be encouraged and influenced to take up showcasing of good practices, avoiding reinforcement of stereotypes 14

23 THEME 3 Enhancing Women s Capacities to Govern 15

24 1. Case studies Being in politics makes it necessary to be able to understand and negotiate with power structures. This means understanding the way politics works and political parties function, as well as understanding policies, legislations and budgets. Women have to develop technical capacities to be competent actors in politics. Further, women have to build solidarity with appropriate groups and issue-based formations to generate the necessary support for their work. Mentoring new entrants to take on decision making roles requires concerted and continuous efforts. Networking is crucial to be effective in negotiating power structures. Conflict resolution and transformation is another aspect in developing women s leadership in politics. This session centred on seven case studies, each reflecting how the participating institution has worked towards enhancing women s capacities to govern. New Message for Afghan Women Organisation, Afghanistan New Message for Afghan Women Organisation (NMAWO), has set women s empowerment as its strategic principle. NMAWO works towards defending women s rights. The organisation aims to enhance women s role in society as decision makers to empower them to overcome social and cultural barriers. NMAWO s interventions include conducting of thematic workshops, community dialogue sessions and civic education programmes. Thematic workshops explore topics such as advocacy, leadership, civic engagement, elimination of violence against women and CEDAW. Community dialogue sessions are held to reduce violence against women, and early and forced marriages. Civic education programmes look at women s political participation, human rights and gender. NMAWO established the Omid Khaton Network in 2014, with more than 45 organisations and entities. The Network aims at empowering women to participate in social, cultural, political and economic issues. The organisation provides technical assistance to women contesting provincial council elections, and in developing their messages and campaigns. CARE, Bangladesh CARE, Bangladesh works towards ensuring participation of women in formal spaces in local governance. The organisation has been working towards the inclusion of women in all available spaces in local governance. It conducts training programmes that examine the Local Governance Act of 2009, Right to Information Act of 2009, budgets, literacy and social accountability efforts in the country. Further, CARE supports and holds capacity building programmes for women leaders that aim to strengthen their negotiation and bargaining power on rights and entitlements. It works towards sensitisation of communities to break gender stereotypes, and for improving women s participation in social accountability processes. 16

25 A key strategy by the organisation has been the establishment of EKATA Empowerment, Knowledge, and Transformative Action a community-level platform for women. JATRA Journey for Advancement of Transparency, Responsiveness and Accountability has been a major campaign that the organisation has taken up. Through this campaign, CARE has improved the participation of women in different committees and processes of local governance. National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development, Cambodia In Cambodia, the National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development s (NCDD s) approach has been to use existing mechanisms and legal frameworks to advocate for programmes that build women s capacity in politics. NCDD has been working towards capacity development and coaching of women leaders, both existing and potential; in areas such as advocacy, lobbying, reporting and public speaking. NCDD uses research and assessments to formulate its interventions and strategies. It engages with political leaders for gender sensitisation and accountability. Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan, India Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS), a federation of women s collectives in Gujarat, India; works towards the total empowerment of rural women through their conscientisation, organisation and mobilisation into local collectives capable of independently addressing gender inequalities in the development process and engendering a sustainable socio-economic transformation in the region. KMVS has set effective implementation of the 73 rd Amendment Act of the Indian Constitution, especially women s leadership and role in local governance and building capacities and abilities of women to be effective leaders of local governments, as its goals for women s political empowerment. During , KMVS started working with elected women representatives to understand their capacity building needs. After an intermittent period, in 2006 KMVS started work on mobilising and orienting elected women representatives. The organisation formed block level bodies of elected women representatives and held regular capacity building programmes. In the third phase, starting in 2009, KMVS has been preparing elected women representatives to address challenges at the community level and in local governance. Block level bodies have been federated at the district level. KMVS has been using public radio transmission, and subsequently community radio, for awareness generation. Close to 4500 women have been covered under an awareness programme on citizenship and election process. There has been collective advocacy to address administrative inefficiencies and gaps in Panchayats. Resolutions passed at women s village council meetings, Panchayats agreeing to revise tax structures, and the formation of Panchayat level women protection committees, have been some of the achievements of the programme. The Hunger Project, India The key goal of The Hunger Project (THP) in India is the building of leadership skills of elected women representatives in Panchayats so that they are empowered as public office holders. THP runs programmes and trainings that strengthen the capacity of elected women representatives to mobilise communities, raise awareness to access rights and entitlements, foster an enabling environment where elected women representatives are accepted as leaders, and advocate for responsive and inclusive governance for forging alliances. THP s strategy to empower women in the political sphere includes: Building and strengthening the capacity and leadership skills of elected women representatives via training on leadership, rights, roles and responsibilities Enhancing knowledge and skills through workshops and peer-learning Increasing the use of information, education and communication materials in training programmes Sustaining efforts in building capacities via its Training of Trainers programmes 17

26 Building an enabling environment for elected women representatives through campaigns on Strengthening Women s Empowerment through Electoral Processes (SWEEP), violence against women, food security, water sanitation and hygiene Since 2001, THP has trained close to 120,000 elected women representatives in the country. It has conducted 23 SWEEP campaigns and has trained 1000 trainers. It has engaged with 1000 journalists and awarded 46 media professionals for their efforts in reporting on women and Panchayati Raj. THP has archived 11,000 articles in the media and has documented more than 500 case studies. THP is recognised as a pioneer in women s political empowerment in India. The organisation is invited as a thought leader on women s political empowerment to multi-stakeholder platforms at the national and international levels. It collaborates with over 100 community based organisations on gender justice, women s political empowerment and decentralisation. It has developed tools and processes for women s political empowerment, and has partnered with BNEW for knowledge transfer. MALA and City Mayor s Office, Mongolia In Mongolia, MALA intends to establish a council under the City Mayor for ensuring women s voice in decision making processes. MALA supports cooperation among agencies and facilitates civil society organisations working for women s political empowerment. MALA s strategies include influencing political parties to involve more women in the local elections scheduled for October It organises workshops for women who show interest in participating in politics, as well as women leaders at the city and parliament levels. It conducts awareness building events for citizen representatives. MALA intends to publish a book capturing the success that women leaders have achieved in their tenure. Social Institution for Skill Employment and Awareness, Nepal Social Institution for Skill Employment and Awareness (SIESA s) goals include conservation of biological diversity and environment to ensure wise use and management of natural resources, and the promotion of institutional and human capacity in Nepal. SIESA s interventions include campaigns and training programmes that build political awareness in the country. Programmes aimed at economic empowerment form another important area of work. SIESA is promoting small scale income generation activities of women at the grassroots level. Through the promotion of economic empowerment of women, SIESA has been able to make women self-dependent. Further, through awareness building the organisation has supported women s engagement in politics. 2. Group reflections Following this sharing, within mixed groups, participants reflected on the case studies to discuss: What are the enabling conditions to be created at the meso/micro level? What are some of the good practices in capacity building? What are the key approaches to sustain capacity building efforts beyond projects/electoral cycles? Ideas shared by groups, based on discussions and examination of case studies, are presented below: Good practices Training programmes that help women engage in political processes and experience sharing Well-conceived and well-designed modules that develop technical knowledge and facilitate leadership management, planning, prioritising, understanding gender and patriarchy 18

27 Discourses that help marginalised women cast their vote Scientific assessment of performance in quantitative and qualitative terms for performance monitoring and continuous improvement Voter education on selecting good leaders using mainstream and alternative media Sharing experiences with the media and encouraging media to take note of the relevance of programmes Capacity building processes Training of women to work as master trainers Principles of adult training suitable for effectiveness of capacity building efforts Networking of elected women representatives, and building alliances to enhance peer-learning, creating role models and identification of potential members Sustaining capacity development Regular and consistent advocacy Regular efforts to increase women s participation in decision making processes Work to free women from gender-based violence so that they can sustain in politics Conflict management Work against religious discrimination Establishing women s network at local levels Documentation Documentation for the media Documentation for dissemination back to the communities Constituency building Environment Public/government funding of election campaigns to ensure levelled playing field Allocation of funds by government for women s capacity building programmes Investment in political parties Across the room, groups felt that linking social, economic and political transformative actions to capacity building was critical in achieving definite results. Further, mentoring by senior political leaders was crucial in capacitating new and potential leaders. 3. Panel discussion The issues emerging from the two sessions on preparing women to enter politics and enhancing women s capacities to govern were further discussed by a panel drawn from the participants. The salient points emerging from the discussion are given below: Panellists noted that irrespective of the vast differences across countries, issues relating to women s political participation are fundamentally similar. Discrimination exist in terms of wages for the same work as against countries considered developed and advanced 19

28 A panellist shared anecdotes from India where small steps taken by women are having ripple effects. For example, women are being elected as presidents of their Gram Panchayat (local government), they are hoisting the Indian flag in ceremonies, they are checking the registers and books of accounts. These small steps are creating huge leaps in terms of empowerment and enhancement of abilities to assume political offices that women can occupy In Laos, women are improving the process of governance. A panellist argued that, in the country, national politics set the tone for local politics. There are limiting structures that constrain women in delivering their duties and performing their roles. These need to be recognised and worked upon Sharing Bangladesh s context, a panellist pointed out that, like Laos, national politics set the tone for local politics; what women can do is limited by the nature of the structures that exist. Expecting men to play supportive roles in advancing women s political agenda is challenging; there may be cases where men may support processes, however they are more exceptions than the rule Panellists warned against over-emphasising the adjectives and qualifiers describing women in politics. It was noted that approaches which presumed that men in politics were perfect models than women were fundamentally faulty. There was a need to acknowledge the fact that in most countries emerging women leaders were first generation politicians. This was a systemic issue and, therefore, it was important to stay away from judgements even as women are transforming themselves from informal politics into formal politics A panellist raised the question whether women could leverage on ideas and own capabilities to overcome barriers imposed by lack of resources. Bangladesh s experience was discussed, where pressure from the people had forced the government to withdraw the requirement of TINs in submitting nominations for elections. A panellist also brought to the fore experiences from land rights movements to exemplify instances where women without resources had taken up issues and succeeded in their struggles It was also emphasised that quotas provided the first opportunity, creating a fertile ground for women to enter politics. But taking it forward from there required additional efforts and support 20

29 THEME 4 Coalition Building and Advocacy 21

30 1. Case studies Coalition building is fundamentally the horizontal integration of diverse stakeholders around issues. Issuebased advocacy can transcend boundaries, linking individuals and groups around the issue. Federations or associations of women leader can be the starting point for integration. Mobilisation and integration from below to progressively influence decisions at the higher level are a part of alliance building. Alliances may be formed temporarily however, in due course they could even evolve into peer-platforms. Emergence of such platforms would require sustained efforts. In this session, eight case studies were presented and discussed around the theme of women s coalition building and advocacy. Equality for Peace and Democracy, Afghanistan Equality for Peace and Democracy (EPD) is a civil society, non-governmental, non-political organisation dedicated to empowering women and youth at the community and policy levels in Afghanistan. EPD strives to build the capacities of women and youth to make them more capable in representing their development needs, and being the front face for peace building and democratic process in the country. Mobilisation of women as change agents in the areas of political participation, peace, reintegration, good governance, and their access to good education are few of the key goals of EPD. The organisation intends to empower and strengthen women at the community and policy levels to build coalitions and networks to promote human rights, peace and good governance. EPD highlights the contributions of women politicians and public figures. It also works towards transforming the attitude of women leaders through awareness raising campaigns, and sensitising public opinion on women s constructive political participation. EPD s interventions include the establishment of women s networks in 15 provinces in Afghanistan, developing training curricula on women s political participation, producing advocacy toolkits and research reports, and conducting tailored training programmes. EPD s achievements include the establishment of Salah a consortium of five leading civil society organisations, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Women Affairs for supporting provincial women s networks. Democracy Watch, Bangladesh Democracy Watch is one of the partner organisations promoting the Aparajita project in Bangladesh. The organisation is playing a facilitator s role to support networking amongst elected women representatives to deepen and widen existing networks so that they become national movements that lobby for change on two 22

31 fronts (i) enhanced gender sensitivity in policy and practice of local service provision, and (ii) more conducive provisions for, and environment for, women s political inclusion and participation. Alliance with civil society organisations, and sharing experiences within these alliances, are part of Democracy Watch s key strategies. The project s achievements include significant women contesting elections to urban and rural local governments with impressive success rates. Resource and Support Centre for Development, India Resource and Support Centre for Development (RSCD), India focuses its programmes on political empowerment of women. It works towards ensuring effective women s participation in Panchayats, and for advancing the cause of women s rights over land and property. The organisation builds awareness on recognising women s labour as a productive force. RSCD s strategies include social mobilisation, horizontal and cross-learning, cadre building and capacity building of elected women representatives, formation of association of elected women leaders and former leaders, alliance building and policy advocacy. RSCD has developed a strong cadre of women s leaders and a large membership of women at the field level. The Centre has enhanced women s participation in various decision making positions up to the state level. RSCD has made significant contribution to women-centric policymaking in village assemblies, and achieved 30% reservation for women to hold the position of the village secretary. The government decision on honorarium and travel allowance for women village heads, and the policy on no-confidence motion against elected women representatives are also themes of campaign for RSCD. RSCD has been able to mobilise support from academic institutions, civil society organisations and experts. It effectively liaisons with women s wings in political parties. It works in close coordination with the State Institute of Rural Development. RSCD has also established good rapport with the media. National Commission for Advancement of Women, Laos The National Commission for Advancement of Women (NCAW) in Laos has its goals set on women s political empowerment. These include awareness raising on women s rights and equality, as well as strengthening women s participation in the social, economic and political development of the country. NCAW aspires to the total elimination of violence against women. Promotion of women s opportunity for participation and decision making is one of its key strategies. NCAW envisages strengthening its relationships with international organisations in order to share technical aspects related to women s political empowerment. NCAW has drawn up a set of interventions for the period These include developing information and statistics on issues relating to women s political empowerment, and awareness raising on gender and women s equality. Enhancing women s rights and decision making role are part of this strategy. Promotion of human resources on women s issues, and strengthening cooperation among internal and international organisations are also integral to its missions. MALA, Mongolia MALA in Mongolia works towards strengthening women s role in politics, and believes that enhanced participation of women helps in corruption-free politics. The organisation supports women in raising their voices to influence decision making. MALA s interventions include attempts to change public perception of women through the media, improving women s participation in politics, and training women on a regular basis. Training of local level women s representatives since 1994 has resulted in women becoming chairpersons in local bodies. MALA has conducted training programmes for more than 6000 women engaged in politics. The organisation s efforts have made headway in changing the public perception on women. MALA s programmes strengthen elected women to evolve into leaders. 23

32 Learning and Action Group for Local Governance, Myanmar Learning and Action Group for Local Governance (LAG-LOG) is a not-for-profit multi-stakeholder network in Myanmar. The Network enables its members and stakeholders to explore learning opportunities, and supports collective action for advancing decentralisation and local governance reforms in Myanmar. LAG-LOG is a member-based network. It uses the skills and strengths of its members to promote collective advocacy towards good governance in Myanmar. LAG-LOG identifies policies that directly affect local governance and support policy formulation at every level state, regional and national. The network attempts synchronisation of bottom-up and top-down plans for comprehensive planning by providing system inputs. It monitors budget utilisation and offers recommendations; it supports civil society organisations to access the budget across sectors. LAG-LOG works towards strengthening institutions at the village and township levels to make them inclusive and representative. The network promotes civil society s role in ensuring public service delivery. Strong links with civil society organisations and the government at all levels is one of the key strengths of LAG-LOG. Association of District Development Committees of Nepal, Nepal Association of District Development Committees of Nepal (ADDCN) works towards making district governments more capable in development functions such as planning, monitoring and evaluation. ADDCN aims to influence local governance to ensure women s participation at all levels; it lobbies with local governments to realise 33% reservation for women. It plays an advocacy role with the government for implementing the national laws and international conventions. The association tries to influence policies to make new laws women-friendly. It trains local governments for inclusion of women in planning process. ADDCN has influenced government policies to enhance women s participation in governance. Over the years, the Association has been able to take the advocacy role from the local to the central government level. It has proven strengths in building campaigns through consultative processes. ADDCN envisages to evolve into the role of a watch dog for the proper implementation of the constitution and laws. ADDCN sees opportunity in the context of the ongoing state restructuring process. The new Constitution of Nepal has several progressive aspects to it. There have been attempts in positive discrimination for ensuring women s participation in public sector institutions and political bodies. Women have reached positions of power. Above all, the government has been showing readiness to implement rules. Municipal Association of Nepal, Nepal Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN) is involved in advocacy and lobbying for making women and childfriendly cities. It aims to increase women s participation by enhancing leadership capacity of emerging women leaders. It envisages to promote women s leadership from local to national levels. The organisation s intervention strategies include policy advocacy for gender responsiveness, capacity building programmes for emerging women leaders, building women s network and alliance with other stakeholders at national and local levels, and creating awareness within community and local government and non-governmental agencies on women s meaningful participation. MuAN is partnering with other local governance agencies, Ministry of Federal Affairs, Ministry of Local Development etc. It has also partnered with DFID. MuAN is presently revising its statutes and regulations to ensure better representation of women in its board. The agency is working with political parties for including more women candidates in their lists for upcoming elections. It is developing a capacity development programme for orienting potential women leaders at the local level. MuAN is in the process of revitalising its women s department through exposure and training programmes. The agency is updating its strategic planning documents to align them with gender equality and social inclusion; these are also getting aligned more with environment-friendliness and disaster preparedness. 24

33 2. Group reflections Following these presentations, discussions were held in mixed groups around two key questions: What are the demonstrated means of coalition building? What are the necessary conditions for coalitions to be effective? Across groups, participants reflected that they worked in challenging environments, where concrete problems shaped coalitions. To overcome these challenges, participants shared that outreach programmes by organisations can attract the attention of like-minded organisations, which could eventually lead to partnerships. Further, attendees highlighted that concrete analysis of the existing situation is a prerequisite to identifying potential allies and building effective coalitions. Consultative sessions covering the vision and mission of organisations may be necessary at this stage. Target groups are critical in forming coalitions. Defining common goals, or agreeing on a common programme, and placing the coalition in the right niche are important in sustaining effective coalitions. Common goals could be set through objective analyses of existing instruments; this is the starting point for formulating coalition strategies. Defining the roles of each partner, and finding the resources for collective movement, are critical. From the sharing of country experiences, the following were identified as necessary conditions for coalitions to be effective: Clear articulation of vision and mission through discussions Setting in place a structure based on a clearly defined criteria, code of conduct, bylaws, roles and responsibilities Systems and processes that are transparent, making the collation accountable to its members Identity and visibility across the network, and with the media, to ensure sufficient visibility of its activities and programmes Advocacy and network building with government, other alliances and the media It was pointed out that for a collation to succeed, an organisation must play the pivotal role in sustaining horizontal integration. Resource mobilisation and the ownership of coalitions by partner organisations are critical in sustaining the coalition. 25

34 Dialogue and learning between peers Exchange between peers, via a deeper long-term connection, is a significant learning process supported by LOGIN. In the past three years, key peer-engagements have been supported by the Network. These exchanges have been driven by the interest expressed by one organisation/country to learn from the specific experience of another organisation/country. At the workshop, two peer-learning processes on women s political empowerment were shared: Leadership development and capacity building of elected women representatives; wherein BNEW, Bhutan had articulated their interest to learn from THP, India Interactive capacity building programme for elected women representatives; wherein Aparajita, Bangladesh had expressed interest to learn from the experience of RSCD, India At the workshop, the four organisations shared details regarding the learning process as it had evolved. They reflected upon the purpose, the process of contextualisation and modification, initial outcomes as well as the way forward. BNEW, Bhutan and THP, India BNEW is a leading organisation in Bhutan that works towards bringing women into the political space at the national and local levels. In 2015, BNEW expressed interest to learn from THP in India; an organisation that has vast experience in mobilising women s entry into politics, systematically building their capacities in seven states in India. Since May 2015, the two organisations have collaborated to contextualise training modules for pre-election awareness and leadership development in Bhutan. These efforts have been geared towards the local government elections in Bhutan, due to be held in the later part of Understanding of the local context and customisation of training modules as per local needs has been crucial in this partnership. BNEW has used this partnership to leverage a large range of stakeholders in Bhutan, including collaboration with the Election Commission at the national and local levels, and with community representatives. Following the gender orientation and Training of Trainers programmes organised in collaboration with THP, a series of Potential Leadership Workshops and media interactions have been carried out in Bhutan. Aparajita, Bangladesh and RSCD, India In its work with elected women representatives in India, RSCD has developed a programme, popularly called the Budgets, Orders, Services and Schemes (BOSS) course. The idea is to keep elected women representatives abreast of available provisions in the government, and build their capacities to leverage such provisions and programmes. At part of the Aparajita project, RSCD s experience has been contextualised for Bangladesh. Starting with discussions on experience sharing and possible replication, the team from Bangladesh has aligned with the National Institute of Local Governance (NILG) to tailor the idea and course to Bangladesh s context. For this initiative, a core team has been formed which works closely with NILG to develop the course modules, including processes for implementation of pilots. The result is that the project has been included under the National Capacity Building Framework in Bangladesh. The modules for the capacity development programme have been developed, and Training of Trainers (resource persons and facilitators) as well as pilots are being planned. 26

35 Concluding session In the concluding session, participants identified and discussed the good practices that had emerged from the case studies and the three-day deliberations. In the process, participants also listed additional practices that could support women s participation in politics. Table 2: Good practices identified by participants Country Bangladesh Bhutan India Laos Mongolia Pakistan Sri Lanka Good practice Reservation for women in political parties Reservation for women in public enterprises Fellowships for mentoring elected women representatives and potential leaders Sarkar Darshan orientation of elected women representatives in local governments Gender focal persons in key ministries and departments Sectoral policy screening tool from the gender perspective Entitlement quotas via a Parliament act, with provisions for women to contest elections Mahila Gram Sabhas (village women s assemblies) as equivalent to Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) Composite index as a measure of performance Media awards for best reporting on the work undertaken by women leaders in local governance Micro-power maps Training programmes that strengthen women s capacity in politics Programmes that engage the youth, especially young women, in governance Entitlement quota through a Parliament act, with provisions for women to contest elections Drawing women into voter pools Reserved budget for women Associations dialoguing with political parties Women s manifesto A few common practices identified across countries included: Reality shows/video documentaries that capture the work being undertaken by elected women representatives Awards that recognise the leadership role that women representatives are assuming Inclusion of conflict resolution and negotiation skills in capacity building programmes that aim to train elected women representatives in their roles and responsibilities Linking grassroots women with women leaders to encourage cross-learning 27

36 Next steps Following these discussions, participants were asked to explore future learning opportunities in the context of the three-day deliberations. Specifically, attendees were asked to identify: What I would like to offer in this area? What I would like to demand in this area? In this process, what we can expect from LOGIN? Table 3: Learning offers by participants Organisation CARE, Bangladesh STEPS, Bangladesh Abhivyakti, India RSCD, India THP, India MALA, Mongolia LAG-LOG, Myanmar FAFEN, Pakistan Offer Methodology to build capacity of women to understand local governance issues Social accountability tools Fellowship for potential mentors Young women associations that support entry into politics Videos that reflect on the work undertaken by elected women representatives Development of interactive learning materials, radio programmes and video films Women s village assembly BOSS course through distance education Sarkar Darshan or Know Our Government programmes Capacity building modules THP s strategy to train and build leadership of elected women representatives at the local government levels THP s experience in running the SWEEP campaign The organisation s work in federation building in the country Monitoring and evaluation tools using composite capacity index Training programmes for women run by MALA Networking efforts with sub-national level authorities The Network s mobilisation efforts for women s political empowerment Programmes that ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of elected women representatives Programmes that help elected women representatives connect with citizens Negotiation strategies with Election Commissions and political parties to make elections more transparent and accountable Table 4: Learning demands by participants Organisation BNEW, Bhutan MoWA, Cambodia LAG-LOG, Myanmar FAFEN, Pakistan Demand The what and how of Mahila Sabhas in India How governments fund women s entry in politics Good practices seen at the local government level in supporting women s participation Women s empowerment in the decision making processes Gender focal persons in ministries and departments in Bhutan Election fund system in Bhutan Policy screening tools Dialogues with religious institutions 28

37 Organisation FSLGA, Sri Lanka Demand BOSS course Composite index Effective communication skills in facilitating workshops Training modules empowering women political leaders In the final round, participant shared their ideas on what LOGIN could do to further support learning on this topic within the network. Table 5: Advise to LOGIN Country Afghanistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Mongolia Myanmar Pakistan Sri Lanka Advise Creation of a Facebook page for LOGIN Creation of a network on women s empowerment Documentation of good practices and challenges in women s political empowerment Formation of a regional network of elected women representatives, in association with national and local level networks Affirmative action and continuous discussions to help advance women s agenda within the network and in the countries that LOGIN has its presence Online resource bank on women s political empowerment Memorandum of Understanding between the Mongolian government and LOGIN for future cooperation in this area More participation of women parliamentarians within the LOGIN network Development of sustainable strategies on the issues Participation of political parties in the LOGIN network Regular participation of network members from Pakistan in the LOGIN learning offers on the issue Regional fund for capacity building of elected women representatives Development of a resource personnel pool on women s political empowerment 29

38

39 Annexures 31

40 Annexure I: Programme schedule Background: Women s political empowerment has been an area of consistent interest within the LOGIN membership. This is a challenge that many LOGIN member countries continue to face even as they strive towards greater participation and inclusion in local governance. This workshop follows a travel workshop that LOGIN had offered its members in 2014 on collectivization of local governments. Among the key takeaways, participants at the travel workshop had expressed their interest to learn further on women s participation in local governments; specifically programmes strengthening their leadership capacities and preparing them for electoral processes and strategies supporting women s collations and associations. About: In this context, this workshop aims at enabling (i) exchange on the current state of practice amongst the network membership in strengthening women s leadership, (ii) identification of potentially successful strategies, good practices and challenges, (iii) connections across peer institutions in the network, and (iv) exploration of interest in developing a coherent and relevant learning agenda. 26 July 2016, Tuesday Introductions. Participant and facilitators expectations Setting the workshop tone Coffee/Tea Why focus specifically on women s engagement in local governance and local politics? What has the LOGIN membership told us so far? Is there more that this group has to say? Lunch Affirmative action for supporting women s political and economic participation: What works, how and in what conditions? (Country experiences) Coffee/Tea What are the affirmative actions that create enabling conditions in each of our countries at the macro level? What else does this need to be accompanied by (focus on macro conditions)? Participant panel and seminar Strategies and tactics for creating an enabling environment 32

41 27 July 2016, Wednesday Preparing women to enter the political arena What is the social capital to build upon? What are the initial challenges in drawing women into the governance process? Who are the allies in these efforts? What has worked from our experiences so far? Coffee/Tea Plenary Lunch Enhancing capacities of women to govern Do the strategies have to be different from the mainstream capacity building efforts? What does our pool of experience tell us in terms of (i) Considerations to be taken into account, (ii) Enabling conditions to be created at the meso and micro level, (iii) Sustaining the efforts beyond projects is federating an effective strategy, (iv) Good practices? Coffee/Tea Participant panel and seminar Approaches and strategies for enabling women to enter the political arena and stand their ground 28 July 2016, Thursday Coalition building and advocacy: Current strategies, false starts, good practices (i) Learnings from past efforts of members on issue-based advocacy, (ii) What are demonstrated means of coalition building? (iii) What are necessary conditions for coalitions to be effective? Coffee/Tea Questions and group discussion Lunch Consolidation of insights and learning interests What do we want to know more in each of the themes? What is my institution s learning interest in the future? Is there someone here I want to learn from? Coffee/Tea Wrap Up 33

42 Annexure II: List of participants S.No. Participant Designation Organisation Afghanistan 1. Mr. Mohammad Edrees Omarzad Deputy Director Equality For Peace and Democracy 2. Mr. Mohammad Reza Haidari Project Manager New Message for Afghan Women Organisation 3. Ms. Zohra Nawabi Member of Provincial Council Dah Afghanan Bangladesh 4. Ms. Humaira Aziz Director, Women s Empowerment CARE Bangladesh 5. Ms. Lakshmi Sarkar Vice Chair Kotalipara Upazila Parishad 6. Mr. Ranjan Karmakar Executive Director Steps Towards Development 7. Ms. Taleya Rehman Executive Director Democracy Watch Bhutan 8. Ms. Dechen Zangmo Member of Parliament National Assembly of Bhutan, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa Opposition Party 9. Ms. Phuntshok Chhoden Tshering Coordinator Bhutan Network for Empowering Women 10. Mr. Sonam Penjor Deputy Chief Program Officer National Commission for Women and Children Secretariat Cambodia 11. Mr. Chhun Hak The Deputy Director General, Gender Equality and Economic Development Ministry of Women's Affairs 12. Ms. Nirmita Hou Director Department Ministry of Women's Affairs 13. Ms. Sreymom Vorng Chief NCDD's Inter-Sectoral and Cooperation Office India 14. Mr. Bhimrao Nivruti Raskar Director, Program Resource and Support Centre For Development 15. Mr. Jitendra Kishor Pagare Program Coordinator Abhivyakti Media for Development 16. Ms. Latabahen Ajit Sachde Founder Member Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan 17. Ms. Ruchi Yadav Director-Programmes The Hunger Project Laos 18. Ms. Emina Hadziabdic Programme Officer Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation 19. Mr. Viengprasith Thiphasouda Program Coordinator Maginalised Urban Women, Care International 20. Ms. Vilayphone Keophoxay Deputy Chief of Division Vientiane Capital Commission for the Advancement of Women 34

43 S.No. Participant Designation Organisation Mongolia 21. Ms. Gerelee Odonchimed Manager - Women's Leadership and Empowerment Program Women for Change 22. Ms. Erdenechimeg Baasandamba Foreign Relations Director Mongolian Association for Local Authorities 23. Ms. Purevdorj Yanjinlkham Advisor Ulaanbatar City, Mayor s Office Myanmar 24. Ms. Nan Moe Lwe Member Lower House of Parliament, Ta arng National Party 25. Ms. Nyo Mar Than Programme coordinator Spectrum, Sustainable Development Knowledge Network Nepal 26. Ms. Maya Bhatt Executive Member Association of District Development Committees of Nepal 27. Ms. Sajida Khatun Siddqi Chairperson Social Institute for Skill Employment and Awareness 28. Ms. Shyama Regmi Member Women s Department, Municipal Association of Nepal Pakistan 29. Ms. Hina Tabassum Siddiqui Manager Partner Coordination Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability - Free and Fair Election Network Sri Lanka 30. Ms. Chandrika Kusumlatha De Zoysa Rannulu 31. Ms. Ganewattage Deepani Hemanthi Goonasekera 32. Ms. Sujeewa Samarasinha Arachchige 33. Ms. Thakshila Damayanthi Kaluhannadige LOGIN Vice President Chief Executive Officer Counsellor Member Sri Lanka Freedom Party - Womens' Wing Federation of Sri Lankan Local Government Authorities Thissamaharama Pradeshiya Sabha, Southern Province Urban Council, Weligama 34. Ms. Preeta Lall Team Leader LOGIN Secretariat 35. Ms. Jayapadma Vaidyanathan Ramanathapuram Learning Facilitator 36. Mr. Sajith Sukumaran Consultant LOGIN 37. Mr. Santanu Lahiri Consultant LOGIN LOGIN Secretariat 35

44 Annexure III: The LOGIN learning offer Learning Topic : Women s Political Empowerment Mode Face-to-face experience sharing workshop Timeframe July, 2016 Location Bangkok, Thailand Capacity 40 Note: The learning offer was prepared at the time of soliciting applications. The original methodology planned included a workshop and field visit in Bangladesh. This was subsequently modified when the venue was shifted from Bangladesh to Bangkok. Background to the topic: SDG 5 (gender equality) calls for the full and effective participation of women and equal opportunities for women for leadership at all levels. SDG 10 calls for reduction of all kinds of social, economic and political inequalities. Towards this end, it is important that the capacities of citizens are built so that they are empowered with voice to get their demands addressed through the local governance systems. Strengthening the role of women and other marginalized groups in local governance includes ensuring their adequate representation in local governments, their participation in planning and budgeting as well as sensitizing the larger community and local governments towards addressing specific problems of marginalized groups and ensuring social justice. Specifically, this includes: Legislations and policies institutionalizing women s participation in local governance Creating enabling conditions, and institutionalizing participation of women and other marginalized groups in local governance Systematic effort to build capacities of women and other marginalized groups for participation in local governance In this context, women s political empowerment has been an area of consistent learning interest among LOGIN members. This is a challenge that many LOGIN member countries continue to face even as they move towards strengthening local governance. Background to the event: Following the 1st LOGIN General Assembly (December 2013), as part of the Learning Journey on promoting civic engagement in local governments, a travel workshop was organised in August 2014 on collectivization of local governments. Among the key takeaways, participants expressed interest to learn further about participation of women in local governments, developing their leadership capacities, preparing them for elections and building associations of elected women representatives, etc. This demand was re-iterated in the 2nd and 3rd LOGIN General Assembly. Who is this workshop for? The workshop is for organisations working directly on women s political empowerment at the local level, including non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations, Departments of local government, training institutions, representatives of local governments who are members of associations/ federations, women s leaders from political parties. Objectives of the workshop: The purpose of the workshop is to share and discuss key experiences of women s political empowerment, which would help to identify key strengths, challenges, successful strategies and good practices. 36

45 Key themes include: a Evolving/ changing process of women s political empowerment (overcoming social, economic and political barriers) b Mainstreaming gender concerns in planning, budgeting, service delivery in local governments c Working together through women s networks at local levels Participants will deliberate on: 1. Why women s leadership development and political empowerment is necessary? }} Women s political empowerment process in the context of fundamentalism and patriarchy }} Overcoming barriers to social, economic and political empowerment - Traversing uncontested and contested domains 2. How does it happen? What are the processes in women s political empowerment? }} Enabling conditions, including legislations, charters of political parties, etc. }} Evolving/changing process from social activism to political empowerment }} Mainstreaming gender concerns in planning, budgeting, service delivery in local governments }} Role of women s leadership in bringing women s needs to the fore (women as role models, women s voice, women as agents of change) }} Working together through women s networks at local levels }} Federating/coalition building - women s collectivization and policy advocacy 3. What are other examples of women s political empowerment that organisations in the region can draw inspiration from The workshop will allow participants to appraise: }} Experiences from LOGIN member countries and others on policies, institutions, interventions to strengthen women s political empowerment }} Strategies to improve women s participation in local governance, women s representation in political processes, and mainstreaming women s priorities in local government s plans }} Institutional processes of building networks of elected women representatives, shaping their activities (including action research and advocacy), and influence on policies and implementation processes of local governments Methodology: Participants will prepare and share case studies based on their experience prior to the workshop. The workshop methodology will incorporate participatory learning methods, including in-depth discussions on case studies and experiences in the region, methods of capacity building, strengthening networks and coalitions and relevance of action research and advocacy. Group activities and reflections will help to identify common and different strategies to strengthen interventions. A one-day visit for field interactions with local stakeholders is also planned. The workshop will contribute to developing a forward looking learning agenda on women s political empowerment in the region and building peer-connections. It will be facilitated by a capable team of resource persons. 37

46 Annexure IV: Affirmative actions Summary of country presentations Afghanistan The Government of Afghanistan has a Ministry of Women Affairs at the centre. The country has ratified CEDAW and is party to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Millennium Development Goals have been part of Afghanistan s national development strategy. The country had also passed laws for the elimination of violence against women. Gender responsive budget and a gender department within the Ministry have been part of the country s efforts towards women s empowerment. Programmes by numerous organisations, including internationals organisations, have been facilitative in promoting women empowerment in the country. The country team at the workshop ranked Afghanistan 3, based on the following: Strengths Active civil society organisations and enactment of laws Community Development Council International support Freedom of speech Challenges Serious flaws and gaps in the execution of laws Country has been lagging in fulfilling international commitments Lack of involvement of women in decision making processes Discrimination against women Future Systematic implementation of laws for eliminating violence against women Conduct of parliament elections Distribution of electoral identity cards to citizens Increase in women s participation in police Bangladesh The Constitution of Bangladesh offers equal rights to women and men. There is a CEDAW committee at the national level. Women have 15% of the seats in the National Parliament. Further, political parties have kept aside 33% of the positions for women. Political parties also have women s wings. One-third of the members directly elected to Union Parishads are women; the position of vice chairpersons in Upzila Parishads have been reserved for women. Women also have quotas in Standing Committees of Upzila Parishads. One-third of the positions for chairpersons in Union Parishads and Upzila Parishads combined have been reserved for women. Women voter participation has been impressive in the country. There is a quota system in place which reserves 10% of the jobs in public sector for women; in service and education sectors, the reservation has been as high as 60%. Gender budgeting and resource allocation have been part of the national policy. 38

47 Anti-violence laws cover sexual harassment and domestic violence. There has been educational support for girls in the form of stipend; this has been put in place as part of the country s Education Policy. The Bangladesh team ranked the country 5 by assigning ranks on four parameters: Mobility and security: 3 Women s participation: 7 Access and control over resources: 2 Decision making role: 5 Future Establish authority, role and resources for elected women representatives in local governments Ensure more active role of women in political parties Enact uniform family code by changing or reforming the existing inheritance law A change in men s and institutions attitude towards women Reduce violence against women, including domestic violence Bhutan Bhutan has a dedicated agency for addressing women s issues. Ten years before the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan came into existence in 2008, there had been a Royal Decree that underlined the importance of women s participation in politics. The Kingdom of Bhutan ratification CEDAW as early as Bhutan has constitutional provisions and specific laws, such as the one banning domestic violence to enable women s empowerment. The country has specific targets and indicators in its development plans. The Eleventh Five Year Plan has put forward National Key Result Areas for gender-friendly environment. There has been a parliamentary committee on women set up by the country s bicameral system. Bhutan has put in place policy screening tools for integrating gender in programmes. This has been a step towards gender responsive planning and budgeting. There is a National Plan of Action to Promote Gender Equality in Elected Offices. Government of Bhutan has increased the duration of maternity leave from three to six months. Establishing crèche facilities at work places has been another enabling step. The country has the advantage of having non-governmental organisations working for the economic empowerment and political participation of women. BNEW has been working on targeting, mobilisation, and capacity building of aspiring women for entering electoral politics. The sole representative of Bhutan in the workshop, from BNEW, assigned a score of 5 to the country. Rationale for this rank was the number of affirmative actions that the country had already taken, balanced by the need to do much more to ensure women s political participation and empowerment. According to her, the following should have immediate priority in the future: Temporary special measures: Keep holding discussions and debates regularly for their value in awareness raising, advocacy and education. This was considered important in keeping the process moving Gender sensitisation and awareness: There was a need for awareness raising at the grassroots level in order to change mind sets, and to reverse culturally formed gender stereotypes Work with the media: This is for influencing the media in the portrayal of women, women leaders, and role models Capacity building: Confidence building of elected women to help them meet expectations so that they would not be rated as failures 39

48 Cambodia The Constitution of Cambodia ensures equal rights to all to participate in political, economic, and social life. The Ministry of Education has been implementing programmes for enhancing girls education. The country ratified CEDAW in 1992; the Constitution was passed in Since 2002, it was made mandatory to have at least one woman in all local councils; at least one in every three village leaders has to be woman. Attempts were made to localise Millennium Development Goals in 2003; goals for having 25% women in local governance and 30% at the national level were set. Capacity building and leadership development programmes were initiated. Since 2012, gender mainstreaming action plans have been part of all line ministries programmes. Cambodia has a Ministry of Women s Affairs as well a National Council for Women. There are also technical groups working on gender. The country team assigned a rank of 5.5 to Cambodia. The rationale for the rank was: More and more women are participating in public work; support and acknowledgement have been progressively on the rise However, actions from political parties have been slow Future Build commitment and support from families and communities through communication and advocacy Create enabling environment for women at work places and community level Develop and implement women s empowerment programmes Develop programmes for building capacity and enhancing participation of young women in public affairs India Government of India s steps for decentralisation of powers took a new path when it amended the Constitution in 1992 to strengthen its local governments. The 33% quota introduced for women as part of the amendment was further enhanced to 50%. Of the 29 States in the country, 14 have 50% seats in local governments reserved for women. Five States have also made Mahila Sabha, assemblies of women, equivalent to constitutionally mandated Gram Sabha, the village assembly of local governments. National Commission for Women, State Commissions for Women, and State Election Commission which were set up following the Constitutional Amendments, have been significant instruments in protecting the interests of women in politics. Justice Verma Committee set the ball rolling for the passing of better laws. However, a bill seeking 33% reservation for women in Parliament has been long pending. The country had ratified CEDAW. Team from India allotted a rank of 6 to the country based on the following rationale: Following the Constitutional Amendments and the elections to the local governments, there were 1.5 million elected representatives in local governments across the country Since the Constitutional Amendments in 1992, there has been slow yet steady progress There has been a positive push towards affirmative action in parliament The team identified the following as to be done : The bill ensuring quota for women in parliament should be passed The honorarium available to the elected representatives to be made uniform across the country Political parties should declare quota for women as a policy 40

49 Laos The Constitution of the Lao People s Democratic Republic ensures equal rights to women. The country had ratified CEDAW in Primary education has been made compulsory in the country. Laos set up the National Commission for Mothers and Children in 1992; the National Commission for the Advancement of Women was set up in The country passed a law on the development and protection of women in 2005, which was followed by a law to end violence against women and children in Eighth National Economic and Social Development Plan ( ) comprised the following goals: Mass organisations to have women as 15% of its leaders 20% women leaders in government organisations National assembly to have women as 30% of its members The three national mechanisms for women s promotion and development included the Lao Women s Union, National Commission for Advancement of Women, and the Women s Caucus. The country team ranked Laos 8 based on the following strengths the country had and the challenges it was faced with. Strengths Strong policies and plans (vision) Existence of strong women leaders No gender discrimination in political party Supportive culture Challenges Real facts and figures showed that men are predominant in higher decision-making positions There had been questions raised on women s leadership capabilities Rural urban divide has been significant Future Finish drafting of the law on gender equality Dissemination of law and awareness building Knowledge and experience exchange between rural and urban organisations in order to (a) raise knowhow, and (b) meet the quota of the eighth NESDP Mongolia Mongolia initiated a National Programme on Gender Inequality in Women s programmes are under the Ministry of Population and Development. Gender equality law was passed in 2011; this was followed by a law against domestic violence in However, implementation of the law leaves much to be desired. Mongolia had ratified CEDAW; has been party to the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals. The team assigned a rank of 2 to the country for the following reasons: There exists numerous barriers including social, cultural, and educational ones against women s entry into politics Women s representation in local governments is inadequate 41

50 Processes, however, have been getting democratised and awareness on the importance of local governments has been on the rise. Future Women shall contest the presidential elections in 2017 and win Public awareness to overcome existing social and cultural barriers Women shall contest and win the local government elections in 2016 Myanmar Myanmar is in the process of moving towards a federal democracy. There are armed groups that have not signed the National Ceasefire Agreement. The 21st Panglong Conference has set quotas for women in local government. The first lady and three women leaders were invited to the conference; they actively participated in it. The Conference had sessions meant for information sharing across civil society organisations and others. Task Forces have been formed to speed up the peace building process. The team ranked the country 3. Future Establishment of a new constitution and policies Capacity building Gender to be included in school education and to be taught in universities Nepal The new Constitution of Nepal assures 33% women participation in governance at the national level. Constitution declares equality of life and rights to property to men and women. Nepal has a Ministry of Women and a National Women s Commission. The country has enacted a law on violence against women. In general, 33% reservation has been implemented, which in certain cases have reached 40%. There has been support of government bodies as well as caste based groups in this endeavour. There has been support from World Citizen Forum too. The team from Nepal assigned a rank of 6 to the country for the following reasons: Strengths Country has strong favourable conditions in terms of Constitution and law There are programmes meant for women empowerment Education and literacy levels have been good Women were already in positions of power Challenges Lack of government stability Disaster-proneness Lack of progress in implementation of law Future A progressive constitution Completion of the ongoing restructuring of the state 42

51 Political parties changing themselves to work within the framework of the constitution Concerned ministries in office on a regular basis, ending political uncertainty Positive discrimination in public service and political bodies Support from development partners, donors, and UN agencies Pakistan Pakistan has a National Commission on the Status of Women; there are women development ministries at provincial levels. Sixty seats are reserved for women in the National Assembly. One of the provinces, Punjab, has 33% quota for women in its Provincial Assembly. Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly are women. There has been an increase in the budget allocation for girls education. Benazir Income Support Programme has been in place for several years now. The crux of the problem in Pakistan lies in enrolment of women voters; more than 11 million women are missing from the electoral rolls in Pakistan. The person representing the country in the workshop assigned a rank of 6 to Pakistan, based on the following rationale: Strengths Pakistan already has 60 seats reserved for women in the National Assembly; there are 137 seats in all, across provincial assemblies, that have been reserved for women One-third of the seats (33%) are reserved for women in local governments There is a National Women s Commission in the country Challenges The country had a serious limitation in not completing the electoral roll with all the eligible women voters There had been serious gaps in implementation of laws protecting women, which are already in place Future There should be a natural evolution of the polity into a state wherein 50% of the seats in the national and provincial assemblies are occupied by women; this has to happen as 50% of the population are women Implementation of women s protection bills that had already been passed Inclusion of those women, who were missing in electoral rolls; there were around 11 million of them Stereotypes around women in politics must be broken Work done by women members of the national and provincial councils be acknowledged and appreciated Sri Lanka Sri Lanka established a 25% quota for women in local governments and 30% in provincial councils as part of electoral reforms in The country s Ministry for Women Affairs reported on CEDAW. A total of 4% of the national budget is allocated for programmes for women development; some provinces also allocate budgets. In addition, there are programmes of the Ministry of Youth Affairs targeting young women. A policy review on local governments is going on at present. There are Ministries of Women s Affairs at the provincial level as well. 43

52 Universities in Sri Lanka conducted courses in higher education on subjects relating to gender issues. There are ongoing capacity building programmes aimed at women empowerment. Sri Lanka has a network of elected women councillors as well as a Parliament women s caucus. There are several NGOs engaged in activities meant for women empowerment. The Sri Lankan team places the country at 2 in its ranking. The rationale was given as: The quota has just been established; yet to show results Constitutions of political parties do not provide space for women Culture of violence prevented women from contesting elections in the past Future Policy reforms in political parties to accommodate more women in key positions Affirmative action to create awareness from grass root to national level with proper monitoring, evaluation, and follow up Allocating resources to strengthen the organisations involved in women s political empowerment 44

53 Annexure V: Participant case studies Theme 2: Preparing Women to enter the Political Arena BANGLADESH STEPS TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT Country/Region of operation: Bangladesh Country Context: # Considering the socio-cultural aspects Bangladesh do have a long history of women empowerment process with in the social and cultural area as well as in politics, Raja Rammohon Roy and Ishwar Chandra Viyadyasagar were the pioneers in the struggle against women s oppression regarding Sati Daha, the practice of burning Hindu widows and widow remarriage. The social reformers raised the issue of women education. Although the country is culturally rich and do have significant elements which shows that the philosophical base supports participation of women in policies arena, noteable names such as Begum Rokeya, Sufia Kamal, Jahanara Imam were social leaders who fought for women rights and empowerment, although the rapid changes in political dimension worldwide could bring major impact on the situation, although religious fundamentalism, violence against women, family obligation are considered big challenges. # If we consider the economic factor, we could term the situation as Feminization of Poverty, Only 11% of the total workforce are female and mostly are affiliated with lower-paid jobs. Inequality of payment between men and women exist, as the majority of the assets and business are controlled by men so the situation is very much unfavorable for women. As the political arena is controlled by money and muscle; its much harder for women to participate and change the situation; although notable initiatives by the government to meet the SDG goal and National Womens Advancement Policy, 7 th FYP aimed to change the current situation. Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Women movement of Bangladesh is closely linked with the global women movement. As a state party of the United Nations, Bangladesh also initiated process of reducing gender gaps exist in the society, institutions and state. The government of Bangladesh ratified UN Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women-CEDAW in 1984 keeping reservation on some of the articles of the Convention. Bangladesh Women s Movement has long been engaged in a fight to establish women s equal rights and increased participation in political decision making. Although Bangladesh, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2013, has been ranked 7th in the world in terms of political empowerment of women, there is still long way to go. Constitution of the People s Republic of Bangladesh has recognized and guaranteed equal rights to women and article 28(2) states Women shall have equal rights with men in all sphere of the state and public life. Global/national commitments and obligations of Bangladesh Government on MDG/SDG, CEDAW, CSW, CRC and UPR. FYP and National Budget of Government of Bangladesh, Local government Laws, Act., Policies and Provisions, National Women s Advancement Policy and Action Plan and Relevant Policies and Laws promote Women s Political Empowerment process. In 1997, women participated in direct election in the reserve seat of local government. It was remarkable achievement in the life of women of Bangladesh. Grassroots women broke all social barriers; join in political parties and in electoral process. Inspire of those positive approaches, religious and fundamental views are in place to hinder the process, Bangladesh government was bound to withdraw reservation from two articles but still reservation is continuing on article 2 and 16.1(c) which are fundamental elements of the convention. The government yet to formulate laws regarding direct election in Women Reserve Seat for National Election. Slide 02 45

54 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE # Steps realization men and women are not enjoying equal rights and opportunities in the family, society, institutions and state as a result they cannot act as equal partners in development and political decision making process. # The key goal of APARAJITA project is Disadvantaged and poor women improve their well-being through women political empowerment. Principals : Equality, Non-discrimination, Inclusiveness and Justice Mission: Reduced gender gap in decision making. Outcome 1: Increase Number of Women as Political Leaders. Outcome 2: Increased Number of Women including Poor and Marginalized as elected/citizen s representatives. Outcome 3: Enhanced Gender Responsive Local Governance and Services. Outcome 4: Defended gender equality and rights. Outcome 5: Networking and collaborative partnership led by collective platform of APARAJITA. Slide 03 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Awarded Political Leaders Elected Representatives Women's Political Leaders Women Political Activist Women Social Activist Potential Women Leader Slide 04 46

55 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Four organizations working together as an Alliance model at policy and practice level. Mapping and field level planning after analyzing base line findings and on the basis of experiential learning. Political Leadership capacity developed of APARAJITA. Collaborative partnership and synergy established with LG institutions and Service Providers (Educational institutions, Community health Centre, Water and sanitation, Agriculture and Village court). Developing capacity building calendar by APARAJITA. Policy and practice level activities planning, implementation and monitoring by APARAJITA. Resource sharing among Alliance member organizations and personnel. Regular collecting data and cases from the field and analyzing to identify Most Significant Changes (MSC) and challenges. Identifying advocacy issues based on MSCs and Challenges for developing strategies and action. Networking with other relevant networks, associations and groups. Slide 05 Key achievements APARAJITA project helped to withdraw the provision of TIN ID for candidates at UP election. EWRs and P-EWRs have been recognized as a collective force at the national and district level; established a good relationship with various government agencies, LGIs, political parties, media, women s movement and networks. The project has also influenced the policy makers to formulate law and make electoral process for member and councilor position to be non-partisan through national advocacy and policy debates. Aparajita program contributed to amend Village Court Act (2013), one of the key achievements which extensively follows advocacy endeavors by the APARAJITA Program with others. Slide 06 47

56 Key achievements 11 th Parliament Election 2014: A total of 03 (01 EWRs, 02 PEWRs) of the candidates got nominated & elected for reserve seat at 11th parliament. 4 th UZP Election 2014: Total 121 (47 EWRs, 74 PEWRs) contested, only 03 participated for chair position; 47 got elected all of them elected as reserve seat members. 1 st UZP Reserve Seat Election 2014: A total of 402 EWRs participated in UZP reserve seat election for the 1st time, against 205 seats; where 195 of the seats occupied by APARAJITA EWRs. Municipality Election 2015: A total of 660 candidates (Aparajita 272 and non-aparajita 388) participated from 54 Municipality; A total of EWRs 93 EWRs and PERWs (EWRs 46: PEWR 47) won in the election. Slide 07 Key achievements UP Election 2016: A total of 3440 (10 women candidates per UP) women candidates contested in UP election for different seats, 15 women candidates contested for UP Chair position (APARAJITA 12; Non- APARAJITA 03), 42 of the women candidates contested for general member (APARAJITA 37; Non-APARAJITA 05); 3383 (3.4 women per reserve seat) women contested for reserve seats, (APARAJITA 2572; Non-APARAJITA 811). S Among 15 women chairman contestants 04 of them got elected (03 APARAJITA; 01 Non-APARAJITA) 42 women contestants for general seats 04 were been elected, all are affiliated with APARAJITA (02 EWRs, 02 NAVs) 3383 contestant for reserve seats 936 got elected (738 APARAJITA, 198 Non-APARAJITA); election result is withheld in 54 seats ;( 01 tie and 02 postponed). Slide 08 48

57 Analysis of strengths Social Capital of Steps and other women political social NGO driven projects & Strong women movement. Willingness and affirmative action taken by Government. Constitutional Commitments. Global/national commitments and obligations of Bangladesh Government on MDG/SDG, CEDAW, CSW, CRC and UPR FYP and National Budget of Government of Bangladesh Local government Laws, Act., Policies and Provisions National Women s Advancement Policy and Action Plan National policies in favor of women. Women Networks and likeminded NGOs, Projects, Govt. Initiatives. Different capacity building initiatives for Women leaders by NGOs as well as Government institutions. Laws to protect women from all kinds of violence and prevent their rights. Government commitment to fulfill gender equality goal and targets of global development agenda-sdg. Slide 09 Emerging challenges of your organisation Discriminatory Laws and policies Patriarchal mindset of People as well as political parties Inadequate existing format for gender responsive budget preparation at LGIs Inadequate information for expenditure tracking and monitoring at LGIs. Data and information limitation for developing advocacy strategy Unavailability of information at LGIs for Documentation Centralized power structure and resources Political influence towards women leadership Slide 10 49

58 Emerging challenges for women leaders Negative attitude and culture towards women with in Political Parties and male counterpart. Participation in decision making process Mobility of EWRs from Union Parishad level to District level Political influence towards women leadership. Electoral process dominated by money and muscle. Discriminatory Laws and Provisions regarding election and women human rights Slide 11 Analysis of opportunities Government commitment towards economically and politically empowering women. (org.) Global commitment such as SDG goals directly emphasis on Political Empowerment of Women. (org.) Increased support in Women Human Rights Issues. (org/women leaders) National Women s Advancement Policy and Action Plan (org/women leaders) Capacity building initiatives by NGOs, Government institutions. (women leaders) FYP and National Budget of Government of Bangladesh. (org/women leaders) Local government Laws, Act., Policies and Provisions. (org/women leaders) Gender Responsive planning and budgeting at LG. (Women Leaders) Showcasing Good practices with others stakeholders. (org) Strong and organized Local support groups mainly male counterpart. (Women Leaders) Slide 12 50

59 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/ allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Government, Government Agencies/Institutions, Relevant Ministries, NGOs, CBOs, Different Forums, international Institutions, Donor Agencies. Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Government Local Government Relevant Ministries Election Commission Slide 13 Aspirations for the future Reduced gender gap in decision making. Increase Number of Women as Political Leaders Increased Number of Women including Poor and Marginalized as elected/citizen s representatives Enhanced Gender Responsive Local Governance and Services Promoting gender equality and protecting rights Amendment of discriminatory policies and laws regarding LG Networking with Networks Collaborative partnership with LGIs and public institutions Slide 14 51

60 References to share with your peers Case studies/ documentation/ website that provide an overview of your experiences References: ; Study on Women s Political Empowerment (Double-click to open) APARAJITA End phase report (Double-click to open) Slide 15 Potential women leader The project targeted the local potential women who are aware of local development process and interested to take initiatives in different change initiatives, who could work alongside the elected members as well as are looking forward to participate in election process in near future. Slide 16 52

61 Women social activist The project also work with the Women Social activist who are affiliated with various social activism; Bangladesh have a historical background of women activism; after independence the social movement and development agencies nurtured women social activism with different initiatives. Slide 17 BHUTAN NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN AND BHUTAN NETWORK FOR EMPOWERING WOMEN Country/Region of operation: Thimphu, Bhutan Country Context: Social-Cultural perception on gender division of roles (men as bread earner and women as home maker) Double and Triple Burden of Women Low self esteem and self image Patriarchal values Low education and training for women Geographical barriers and limited support mechanisms for women Slide 01 53

62 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Enabling legal framework: Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008 Election Act of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2008, section 176 Local Government Act of Bhutan 2007, section 35 Royal Decree in 1998 underlining the importance of women s participation in politics Institutional and Operational Framework: Strong Political Will National Commission for Women and Children Network of Gender Focal Persons Mainstreaming Reference group Slide 02 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE 11th FYP- National Key Results Area on Gender friendly environment for women s participation (Legislation on quota for women in elected offices including the parliament and local government bodies) Gross National Happiness Commission Policy Screening Tool National Plan of Action to Promote Gender Equality in Elected Office (NPAPGEEO) Slide 03 54

63 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Challenges: Structural barriers: - Towards National level poltiics: Requirement of university degree to contest in national elections Requirement to resign from the civil service to contest for elections - Towards local elections: Requirement to pass Functional Literacy Test held by ECB Long list of documents to be readied ie. Audit clearance, security clearance, tax clearance, marriage / divorce certificate etc etc.. To resign from any jobs however insignificant. Slide 04 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE (i) NCWC Level : Create enabling environment for women s participation in governance including elected offices Coordinate, facilitate and prepare briefs, reports for the Royal Government on such initiatives. (ii) BNEW level: Mobilise, motivate women to participate in politics Build capacity to develop leadership skills Prepare women for FLT Gender sensitise among key partners and stakeholders to reduce/eliminate gender stereotypical attitudes. Raise awareness in society to for greater acceptance of women as leaders. Slide 05 55

64 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Strategies: Create enabling legal and policy environment (Review of laws, legislations and policies) Mainstream gender into plans polices, programs and projects Provide support mechanism for women leaders Develop tools/strategies/action plans to enhance women s participation (National Plan of Action to Promote Gender Equality in Elected Office) Conduct Capacity Building Programs for women leaders and aspiring women leaders Create awareness on importance of women s participation in elected office Provide platform for women leaders and aspiring leaders to network These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation etc Slide 06 Key achievements Enhanced awareness and understanding National Plan of Action submitted and discourse continuing NCWC and BNEW organised 1st National Conf on WIP in April 2014 to advance the agenda on gender equality in politics. BNEW s work acknowledged by the Election Commission of Bhutan and Dept of Local Governance. BNEW has trained and mobilised over 3000 women between in working towards 2nd LG elections of women passed the FLT in April-May 2016 in a pool of some 3000 who passed. 30% compared to only 11% women flt passed in Slide 07 56

65 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Enabling Conditions that have been highlighted in the preceding slides. Slide 08 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Limited understanding on benefits for women s political participation in general Limited understanding on the concepts and forms of affirmative actions (quota) thereby leading to resistance from the law makers and general public in introducing quota Limited support services and institutional mechanism in place to support the women candidates Limited pool of women to contest for elections Slide 09 57

66 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Balance between their political carrier and household responsibilities Gender stereotypical attitudes and mind sets in society that discourage women from joining local politics Women at local level are least networked and ill-exposed and hence unaware about the opportunities to participate Lack of understanding about importance of women s participation in local governance Gender blindness on the whole. Limited resources as government doesn t provide Campagin funds in local elections unlike parliamentary elections. Slide 10 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Opportunities for NCWC Strong political will 11th FYP targets Gender Equality Policy NPAPGEEO Slide 11 58

67 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Opportunities for Women leaders Greater Awareness about democracy and politics Mobilisation and trainings for women leaders by CSO-BNEW Government and Civil Society Organization presence at the local level Increasing availability of early Childcare facilities at the local level Improved transportation and telecommunication facilities Slide 12 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Government institutions- Department of Local Governance, Election Commission of Bhutan, National Assembly Secretariat, National Council Secretariat, Office of the Prime Minister, Gross National Happiness Commission Royal University or Bhutan Members of the Parliament Relevant Civil Society Organizations- Ex: Bhutan Network for Empowering Women Media Houses Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Slide 13 59

68 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Election Commission of Bhutan Office of the Prime Minister Members of the Parliament Media Slide 14 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? Pursue a specific policy plan of action on women s empowerment. A much stronger and planned partnership between NCWC and BNEW to have common agenda and target to work towards to achieve gender equity in poltiics and influence policy & law makers with a stronger Voice. Slide 15 60

69 References to share with your peers Case studies/ documentation/ website that provide an overview of your experiences Slide 16 CAMBODIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS Country/Region of operation: Kingdom of Cambodia Country Context: The Constitution guarantees equal rights for men and women to participate actively in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the nation (article 35), to enjoy the right to vote and to run for elections (article 34) and to establish association and political party (article 42). Any form of discrimination against women is prohibited as stated in Article 45. (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Slide 01 61

70 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE 2003 Cambodian MDGs: Goal 3 on Promoting Gender Equality and Women s Empowerment Government Rectangular Strategies since 2004 & recognises Women as the Backbone of the Economy and Society. National Strategic Development Plan ( ) emphasizes the crosscutting nature of gender mainstreaming though policies and programs. It promotes the empowerment of women in all spheres including the public sector and politics. Five-Year Strategic Plan on Gender Equality and Women s Empowerment ( ): Promotion of Women in Public Decision-Making and Politics is the one of the Seven Strategic Areas National Mechanisms: Cambodia National Council for Women (CNCW), Ministry of Women s Affairs (MoWA), Partnership and CSOs: Technical Working Group on Gender (TWG-G), NGO Committee on CEDAW, Committee to Promote Women in Politics (CPWP) Slide 02 Key goals of Ministry of Women s Affairs in relation to WPE Increase proportion of women in political positions: Senate: 14.7% (2012) to 30% (2018) National Assembly: 20.3% (2013) to 30% (2018) Commune Councils: 17.8% (2012) to 25% (2017) Slide 03 62

71 Intervention strategies Foster Coordination to promote women in politics and decision making through Technical Working Group on Women, Leadership and Governance. Share information and learn from good experiences of other countries for increasing women s participation in politics Undertake advocacy with political parties to include women in electoral lists and in eligible positions. Public awareness raising and behavioral change campaigns to promote women s empowerment and women in leadership positions. We need to change the mindsets of leaders, family members, etc. Focus on promotion young women in politics and women from vulnerable groups Slide 04 Key achievements A high-level mechanism comprised by line ministries, CSOs and development partners in order to foster coordination to promote women in politics and decision making. A strong partnership with the Royal School of Administration, National Committee on Sub-National Democratic Development and other relevant partners to improve capacities of women in electoral lists and female civil servants Establishment of the National Forum for Women in Leadership. The National Forum takes place every five years (last meeting in November 2015). The Prime Minister has recommended in the National Forum that Political Parties shall promote more engagement of women in politics through prioritizing women in the ranks that can be nominated. Engendering including women s political participation into laws, programs and legislations including IEC campaigns/programs. Slide 05 63

72 Analysis of strengths More and More women participation in the public sectors and politics have contributed from several factors: The strong commitment of the state especially the head of the government and stakeholders Acknowledge from the society and especially from the leaders the value and the important of women s participation Self-contribution and ability of women Strong support from national machineries (MoWA, CNCW), DPs and CSOs Global trends and commitments The increased women s participation in education and public works is the key contribution in increasing women in leadership and politics Slide 06 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Difficult/limitation of coordination with political parties and CSOs Lack of support for data collections/researches Slide 07 64

73 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Social perception of women as weak and less-educated A lack support of family support in carry out political work Low salaries, exacerbate discriminatory attitudes of men towards women. Slide 08 Analysis of opportunities Young people engagement Political parties are keys in promoting women s political empowerment Gov t and Training Institution is the place for supporting elected women. Government especially MoWA is the place for coordinating the implementation framework. While CSOs and media is the actor for advocacy and communication. Slide 09 65

74 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/ allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Ministry of Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Slide 10 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? Keep focusing in Coordination Role of Ministry of Women s Affairs (MoWA) with other key actors including DPs, CSOs and political parties. Collect, document and disseminate Best Practises and Lesson Learnt: 1. Female leaders, 2. Gender Champion, 3. Temporary special measures Develop and implement the Advocacy and Communication Programe to build the commitment and promote the support from the society. Create enabled environment and opportunity for young women to exercise their talent and more engage in the society or public works as the foundation before they entries the politics Slide 11 66

75 References to share with your peers Cambodia Gender Assessment 2014 Chapter on Women in Public Decision Making and Politics. Slide 12 INDIA ABHIVYAKTI MEDIA FOR DEVELOPMENT Country/Region of operation: Maharashtra, India District: Nashik; State: Maharashtra; Region: North Maharashtra; Country: India Country Context: (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Factors that promote Free & Compulsory Education till 7th for girls Indian Law is favorable for justice to women Factors that Inhibit Patriarchy, Violence, Gender Discrimination, Low Self Esteem & Self Belief Slide 01 67

76 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment Enabling Conditions Established Political Leaders Pursuing Hereditary Politics 50% reservation for women in PRI Challenges Posed Patriarchy Family & Peer Pressures Unsecured conditions at domestic as well as at work place Slide 02 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Focus on Women's Participation and lead in Village Council Gram Sabha Motivate Elected Women Representatives (EWR s) by building their capacities in Media and Communication Improve decision making of EWR s at family, community and governance level Slide 03 68

77 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation et cetra Research, Document & Disseminate success stories of EWR s, Women Social Entrepreneurs and women in general Capacity enhancement of women leaders Slide 04 Key achievements Print and Audio Visual Material related to success stories of women in different walks of their life. Tested training modules Many women like Mayatai are in the forefront in solving community issues by using media Media as a source of livelihood for women Slide 05 69

78 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Organisational work ethics Conducive environment for learning Content strength Development critique Networking with organisations and movements Slide 06 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Understanding political context Low participation of women in the tribal region Low access to information and knowledge particularly for women Slide 07 70

79 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Patriarchy and socio-cultural conditions Low acceptance of their leadership Character assassination of women Conscious attempts to keep them away from politics Slide 08 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Opportunities of training and workshops Exposure and platforms to develop their experience and learning Opportunities for women to express themselves in public spaces about their struggles and aspirations Access to IT tools. Eg. Mobile Slide 09 71

80 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Which institutions need to be influenced/worked with to strengthen the outreach/effectiveness of the work? RSCD-MRA LOGIN and its network of partners Self-help Groups PRI Political parties Training Institutions Slide 10 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? Strengthen grassroots governance as a strategic intervention E-learning process Strategic networking with Government bodies Gender and political perspective Capitalising our field-work experiences into knowledge Capacity strengthening of our human resources on regular basis Slide 11 72

81 References to share with your peers Case studies/documentation/website that provide an overview of your experiences Maya Khodve - Ragpicker to Filmmaker : This is a story of Maya who took up camera as a tool to express her community's concern. Slide 12 MONGOLIA WOMEN FOR CHANGE Content: Where are we from? How women are doing in Mongolia? Who is the Women for Change NGO? How do we do to make change? How is it going? What do we need? What change will be make in the future? Greetings Slide 01 73

82 Country, region of operation Slide 02 Country context Unitary parliamentary Constitutional republic (1990) Population: Women-51%, Men-49% School (more women) workforce higher level (more men) Parliament members: Women-17%, Men-83% (2016) Decision making level in business: Women-25.5%, Men- 74.5% Slide 03 74

83 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Constitution of Mongolia International conventions MDGs and SDGs Gender Equality Law (2011) Law against domestic violence (2014) National Program for Gender Equality (NPGE 2002) National Committee on Gender Equality Gender Focal Points at Ministry s Slide 04 NGO Initiated by Funded by Led by For YOUNG WOMEN WOMEN Slide 05 75

84 Our Vision To enable the creation of a society that provides equal access to human rights for all Our Mission To give voice to and represent young women as a force for social change for human rights equality and gender justice. To create a solid foundation for women s empowerment and mutual development, as well as to expand and continue the fight for equality. Slide members, who are passionate about social change; From different fields: Law, media, government, business, mothers, single moms, sexual and ethnic minority etc. Creative ideas and implementations: play, street art, parade (photos) Slide 07 76

85 Strategic goals: Towards gender equality Youth empowerment Support women s leadership and political empowerment Strategy/tactics: Public awareness raising Empowerment/participation Network building Political advocacy Slide 08 Public awareness raising Slide 09 77

86 Women for women campaign WHEN QUESTION GIRL STOPPED WONDERING comics Decision girl, Candidate girl and Question girl Aiming to spread the message on Human rights based gender sensitive civil education Comics series 1 st edition: Voters and women candidates on women s political participation and leadership Next series: Public harassment, body image, domestic violence, women s leadership etc Slide 10 Slide 11 78

87 Awareness raising online Slide 12 Empowerment/participation Professional Women s Leadership Program Slide 13 79

88 Network building Intergenerational dialogue Girl power Slide 14 Advocacy Women s voices women s choices Slide 15 80

89 Key achievements 70 members, who are passionate about social change; Young, educated and passionate administrative staff; Expert board members, who aid in decision-making and monitoring; A supportive network of partnering individuals and organizations; An extensive list of completed projects, activities and events, implemented in accordance with our vision; Open social media presence with access to thousands of followers; And well-known and acknowledged integrity amongst Mongolian civil society groups and community. Slide 16 Analysis of strengths Value based Established and lead by young women Good team work Skilled and active members Creative Collaboratively work with other organizations Slide 17 81

90 Emerging challenges of your organisation New government Economic crisis Mongolia become middle income country Organisational development challenges Lack of human recourse Volunteering and philanthropy culture is new in Mongolia Slide 18 Emerging challenges for women leaders Patriarchal culture Gender stereotypes Lack of support from the parties Less social-economic recourses Affirmative actions are not adhered to Double standards for women politicians Slide 19 82

91 Analysis of opportunities Network with politicians Learning opportunities from best practises Organization has good reputation and profile New Parliamentarian Women s Caucus Slide 20 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced The partners/ allies of the Women for change in the work on women s political empowerment Women s Caucus Konrad-Adenauer Foundation MONFEMNET National Network of Women s NGOs National Gender Committee IRI International Republican Institute UN in Mongolia Other NGOs and INGOs etc. Institutions need to be influenced effectiveness of the work Government and local government Media International organizations Policy makers/think tanks Corporates Slide 21 83

92 Aspirations for the future Balanced decision making process Equality and opportunity for everyone Empower women s meaningful participation Recourse and research centre for gender equality Springboard for diverse groups of women Slide 22 Contact and more information Slide 23 84

93 PAKISTAN FREE AND FAIR ELECTION NETWORK FAFEN- An Overview: Formed in 2006, FAFEN is a network of 42 civil society organizations. FAFEN s overarching goal is to strengthen all forms of a democratic accountabilities in Pakistan. FAFEN transformed itself into a registered entity in October 2008 under the Trust Act The Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) comprises 16 Trustees. TDEA undertakes all its programming through Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Slide 01 Outreach Slide 02 85

94 Thematic areas for TDEA-FAFEN Parliamentary Oversight and Reforms Election Oversight and Reforms Governance Oversight and Reforms Political Parties Oversight and Reforms Slide 03 Cultural, social, economic factors inhibit women s participation Patriarchal social structure Rigid religious interpretations Tribal/caste culture Economic dependence on family Weak political parties with limited participation of women Ineffective affirmative action Slide 04 86

95 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by environment Enabling Conditions Recent pro-women laws National and provincial commissions on status of women Representation in parliament, provincial assemblies and local governments Increasing social appetite for female literacy Increasing number of economically active women Challenges Growing influence of radical and conservative outfits Ineffective representation in local governments Disinterest of political parties for women mainstreaming Growing intolerance and violence against women Absence of unions and organizations of working women Unfriendly workplaces Slide 05 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Deficit in women voter registration is bridged Participation of women in elections as candidates is improved Participation of women in elections as voters is increased Barriers hindering women from participating in elections are removed Stereotypes around work of women MPs are broken Women MPs work is acknowledged and appreciated Slide 06 87

96 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Investment in efforts for minimizing gender deficit in voter registration Pioneered state-society collaboration for minimizing deficit in women voter registration Implementing a unique, successful and verifiable model of women voter mobilization and registration Breaking stereotypes through objective reporting around work and performance of women MPs in legislatures Voicing for meaningful representation of women in local governments Gender is a cross-cutting theme where all interventions are planned to ensure special provisions for gender equity Slide 07 Key achievements TDEA-FAFEN has been successful in bringing the issue of 11 million missing female voters on the voters lists to the national agenda, resulting in responsive action by the ECP and other stakeholders. Deficit in women voter registration decreased Work and performance of women MPs acknowledged Unique and successful model for women voter mobilization No women turned out to vote during 2008 GE in 564 Women-Only Polling Stations FAFEN conducted FGDs with men and women living in 564 polling areas prior to GE 2013 to ascertain reasons for non-voting Separate strategy for each of 564 areas was employed involving religious leaders, women, community elders and political parties Out of 564, more than 520 areas reported an average women turnout of 22.5% in intervention areas. This is unanimously significant increase in the women voters turnout which is achieved after only two months of focused and targeted mobilization. Slide 08 88

97 Analysis of strengths Looking everything through gender lens Employing targeted and verifiable voter mobilization techniques Consistent push for gender disaggregation of political and electoral data Recognition and identification of active women MPs within legislatures Consistent advocacy with state institutions on missing women voters Evolving election and parliamentary observation methodologies capturing more issues of gender Ability to solicit political support on issues of women s political participation Continuous generation of information on electoral and parliamentary processes with gender perspective Slide 09 Emerging challenges of your organisation Relative lack of interest of political parties in political participation of women More state controls over not for profit work Growing radicalization and stiff resistance to pro-women legislation Ineffective representation of women in local governments Biased and stereotypical media reporting Slide 10 89

98 Emerging challenges for women leaders Penetrating into political party structures strictly led by men Issue of equation for women leaders emerging through affirmative actions Reinforcement of social and cultural barriers by modern institutions like judiciary etc. Slide 11 Analysis of opportunities Counter-extremism narrative making its way into vernacular press Relatively progressive legislatures Increasing number of working women Increasing number of women exercising their right to vote State institutions acknowledging gender issues Slide 12 90

99 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/ allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Civil Society Networks (working on women issues) Parliament Provincial Assemblies Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Elected Representatives/ Women Councilors Media Women Development Departments/ Commissions on the status of women Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Judiciary Media Clergy Academia Slide 13 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? Engagement with marginalized women for their political participation Engagement with Political Parties Working with CSOs from macro to micro level Continued coordination with Parliamentarians Advocacy and lobbying initiatives with government departments Focus on women leaders capacity building Encouragement of work being done by women leaders, councillors & Parliamentarians Supporting women to become role models Slide 14 91

100 References to share with your peers Case studies/ documentation/ website that provide an overview of your experiences Slide 15 SRI LANKA FEDERATION OF SRI LANKAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES Country/Region of operation: Sri Lanka Country Context Sri Lanka is a democratic social republic, that enjoys high social and economic indicators including health, life-expectancy, literacy and education, poverty, security, as compared most countries in the region. Nevertheless the women in politics stand as the lowest with only 1.78 in local governments, 4.1% in Provincial Councils and 4% in Parliament. There are many reasons inhibit women s participation including election related violence, costs, voting patterns, securing nominations, patriarchal value systems, multiple roles of women etc. Slide 01 92

101 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Enabling Conditions Local Government Election Act Number 01 of 2016, providing a quota of 25% seats for women in Local Authorities Under the new local government election system the candidates will have to cover only a ward she will be representing hence the campaigning cost is minimum. Establishment of independent election commission under the 19 th amendment to the constitution. The commission is headed by former election commissioner who has identified as a strong, unbiased civil servant, trusted by people. Media freedom and freedom of expression. Access to information and ease of communication (internet, and smartphones) Many number of local and international organizations working to promote women in politics. Slide 02 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Challenges Division in a main political party and potential candidates are reluctant to make decisions yet. Political parties are not organized at ground levels. Lack of awareness about the new quota and change in the system. Social stigma associated with previous election related violence and women believe that politics are not for them. Patriarchal society and cultural aspects which bar women entering politics. Lack of interest among professionals and economically empowered women to enter into mainstream politics. Slide 03 93

102 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE More women at rural and urban areas contest local elections as a pathway to provincial and national politics. Strong women with genuine interest in local development and issues represent the councils. Women are aware of their roles and responsibilities as Local Councilors Slide 04 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Working with Political parties on capturing their local women mobilizers and mapping their locations to identify the gaps. (vacant areas) Banners and flyers distribution Conducting programs at political party headquarters to create awareness of the new quota and steps forward to contest or nominate for upcoming elections. Conducting Workshops at district levels to create awareness on what is a local council and roles and responsibilities of a local councilor Develop a set of mentors (former women councilors) to support and encourage new comers. Allocate a dedicate phone line to support and trouble shoot on issues at ground levels. Connecting women who are interest in contesting the upcoming elections to political parties based on their political loyalties. Slide 05 94

103 Key achievements Developed the set of criteria in consultation with the political party as a prerequisite for nominations (to avoid nepotism) Developed and distribute flayers and planning to display banners in local councils to create awareness of the new 25% quota for women 1 st awareness workshop conducted at ruling party head quarters with an attendance of more than 400 participants. Started developing the data base of potential candidates. Planning to hold a workshop on mentoring for the group of exwomen councillors and they will be working as mentors and facilitators for the new comers. Slide 06 Analysis of strengths Recognition as the national association for local governments and support rendered in the past for local councillors Hosted the Women councillors National platform for last 8 years hence the women councillors are well connected to the institution. Recognition by the political party as the national platform for councillors Accepted as a neutral body that support all political party Accepted and supported by national and provincial ministries. Supported by national and international agencies Linkage to international institutes and platforms in Local Governments Quality of training delivered to local government officials and councillors. Training and capacity building opportunities provided for elected representatives and officials in local governments. Slide 07 95

104 Emerging challenges of your organisation Growing local demand cannot be met within a short period of time. Limited access to minor political parties. Limited number of strong resource persons in the local govt. Slide 08 Emerging challenges for women leaders Securing nominations to contest or appoint for the local councils due to nepotism, sexual favours and other elements. Accessibility to main political party women caucuses as they are Colombo based and travelling from remote areas are difficult Access to information is limited especially with regard to opportunities for rural women leaders Social media such as websites, facebook used in an adverse way preventing women entering politics. Emerging world trends challenges for Muslim women candidates. Slide 09 96

105 Analysis of opportunities New compulsory quota for 25% will be an opportunity FSLGA and individual candidates. FSLGA recognition with the national level political parties. Availability different forms of communication including internet and access information and knowledge. Availability of short and long terms political educational courses with universities and other institutions. Opportunities to participate or to listen to political discussions in mainstream media including television and radio which enhances the knowledge of individual candidates. Slide 10 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Women caucuses in political parties. Mainstream and social media National and international Institutions including NGOs/INGOs Universities and other institutions working on empowering women in politics. Provincial Ministries of Local Govt. Grassroot women organizations including Gramodaya Mandala, thrift societies etc. Slide 11 97

106 Aspirations for the future FSLGA hopes to have 30-40% empowered women in the local councils in the 2017 onwards, who will bring in the change in the total system minimizing corruption, and waste and maintaining principals of good local governance to transform these local units into effective and efficient units of development and service delivery. This experience will lead promoting more women in the political arena in Sri Lanka. Slide 12 References to share with your peers Face book Federation of Sri Lankan Local Govt. Authorities. Slide 13 98

107 Theme 3: Enhancing Women s Capacities to Govern AFGHANISTAN NEW MESSAGE FOR AFGHAN WOMEN ORGANISATION Country/Region of operation: Afghanistan, Kabul, Daikundi, Bamyan Country Context: (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) A number of government policies relates to women political participation, peace, and security are complementary to the NAP. One of such policy is the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan (NAPWA), which is in effect from NAPWA, which was endorsed by the Ministers Council, emphasizes access to education and healthcare services, economic security, political participation, as well as the elimination of violence against women. NAPWA also commits the Afghan Government to increase women s representation in the civil service to 30 percent. Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment An affirmative action policy and strategy is adopted and implemented in key government institutions, including government administration and judiciary and in selected non-state establishments and organizations. Programs that promote meaning partnership among women and men in decision, policy and law-making positions are adopted and implemented. Enabling mechanisms for women s participation and leadership in public life are provided. There is a progressive increase in the percentage of women in Afghan institutions and in decision, policy and law-making positions. Slide 02 99

108 Continue. Other relevant policy frameworks include: The Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), which includes gender equality as a major cross cutting issue; The Afghanistan Compact (2006) and the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (TMAF, 2012), which are among the key development documents that set out policies, outcomes, and benchmarks for accountability on the progress of Afghan women; The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), established in 1985, which includes gender initiatives; CEDAW, which Afghanistan signed in 1980 and ratified without reservation in 2003; Slide 03 Continue. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted at the fourth Global Women s Conference in Beijing in 1995, emphasizes on the significant measures needed to improve the status of women; Strategy of the Ministries of Interior and National Defense, currently being revised to attain a minimum of 20 percent increase in women s representation in their respective ministries over the next ten years. Through its Strategic Objectives Plan ( ), the Ministry of Interior has committed itself to creating opportunities for women within the police force. Slide

109 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Women s Empowerment is the first strategic principle of New Message for Afghan Women Organization NMAWO. NMAWO as one of women s rights defender organizations in Afghanistan supports Afghan women through its political participation and leadership strategic principle to pave the ground for their role in the society as decision makers and to empower them to overcome on social and cultural barriers which make constraints for their equal participation in all affairs. Slide 05 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation et cetra During the program there were some key intervention regarding to women political empowerment which is pointed as below: Conducting 20 workshops in different topics such as (Advocacy, leadership, Civic Engagement, Elimination of violence against women, UNSCR1325, CEDAW). A series of 50 community dialogue sessions conducted with local authorities to reduce violence against women, early and forced marriages. 20 civic education were held on women political participation, human rights and gender sensitive issues. Slide

110 Key achievements Establishment of Omid Khaton Network in 2014 which contains more than 45 organizations and entities. The network aimed to empower women participation in social, cultural, political and economic conditions. Providing technical assistance for those women who nominated for provincial council election to develop their campaign message and public opinion research Some of those women who received technical assistance have been selected in provincial council member. Mobilizing community people especially marginalized individuals to play vital role in presidential and parliament election. Slide 07 Continue Conducted community session to raise public awareness for their participation in polling center and observing election procedure during election. Trained 20 elite women to bring changes amongst society, thus 20 elite women trained numbers of women to take part in social and political engagement. in this case, hundreds of Bamyani women participated in celebrating international women day and marched for more than one and half kilo meter on street to speak out about their rights. Established advocacy committee in seven district of Daikundi to follow up human right cases in governmental administration Slide

111 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Active Capacity Building Programs through a network of 45 organizations and entities Organisation has technical expertise for supporting women on political empowerment Involvement of community people in election Utilising elite women different programs of women empowerment Utilising district level advocacy committee on Human Rights issues Slide 09 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? The main challenges which organization faced as below: Insecurity. Bad customs of community people. Poor interest of women in politics. Low capacity of women. Poor coordination between women in local and national level. Man power within community people. Slide

112 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? The studies show that the main challenges women leader faced as follow: Bad customs Economic and cultural issue Insecurity Threat Conservative society Symbolic role of woman Slide 11 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Increasing of adult women interest in political participation Supporting of national and international institutions Civil society organization and activist individuals Migration to discover new and open culture toward women activities. Security and political stability Organization s capacity Media Slide

113 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/ allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? NMAWO is holding the membership of women leaded networks and entities to empower women and influence government to implement its commitment: Omid Khatoon Network, National Advocacy Committee (NAC) Afghanistan Civil Society Forum (ACSFo) Afghanistan Civil Society Election Network (ACSEN) LOGIN Platform Afghan Women Network (AWN) Women leaded CSOs Counterpart International (CPI) Slide 13 Continue Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Ministry of Women Affairs Ministry of Justice Women councils Attorney General, Court Provincial Council members MP Media Slide

114 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? To make available more aspirant women in Afghanistan who can run their political office by themselves Slide 15 References to share with your peers Case studies/ documentation/ website that provide an overview of your experiences Slide

115 Elite women received technical training for women mobilization Training for human rights defenders Slide 17 Hundreds of women marched one and half km to speak out about their rights and political participation. Slide

116 Advocacy Committee at the District Level A women leaded network established Slide 19 Civic Education on women participation in peace building and political issues Slide

117 BANGLADESH CARE BANGLADESH Country/Region of operation: Bangladesh Country Context (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Norms stemming from conservative/religious values Household conditions that dictate women s opportunities outside of the home Patrilienal and patrilocal family dynamics, a strict division of labour and a systematic bias of male dominance and superiority. Property ownership, inheritance of fraction of legal share, and control over income Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment Three reserve seats in local government electoral constitution, and one reserve seat at sub-district constitution Provision of 1/3 rd committees and program to be chaired by women representative and members 30% block grants for women empowerment Male domination limits to harvest the opportunity for women gain of prosperity Slide

118 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Ensure participation of women in formal spaces standing committees, ward development committee, scheme supervision committee ward shaba, open budget etc Capacity building of women leaders on negotiation and bargaining on rights and entitlement Sensitization of gender stereotype disconfirming Women s participation in social accountability process Slide 03 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation et cetra Community level women s empowerment platform - Empowerment, Knowledge and Transformative Action (EKATA) Gender transformation and men s engagement Inclusion of women in participatory spaces ward shava, open budget, standing committees, ward development committtees, scheme supervision committees Capacity building on Local Governance Act 2009, Right to Information Act 2009, Budget Literacy, Social Accountability Process. Leadership, negotiation and bargaining skill to claim entitlements Slide

119 Key achievements JATRA ( Journey for Advancement in transparency, Responsiveness and accountability) The monitoring report reveals, 31.23% inclusion of poor and marginalized in different committees were women. 48% of the ward shava participants were women, and women raised 19% issues, and 27% block grant fund claimed from LGSP-II this fiscal year. The monitoring report reveals that 45.43% women participated in the social accountability capacity building SAMMOW (Stimulating Agricultural Management and Marketing Opportunities for Women) Evaluation report reveals that the wage rate for female agriculture day labor has gone up by around 46 percent, and wage gap gone down approximately 37 percentage points Slide 05 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? The projects has uplifted the leadership of poor and extreme poor women from community level to upper political platform at ward and union level Capacity building of women in Local Governance Act 2009, Right to information, block grants of LGSP-ll and Social Accountability process Inclusion of women in standing committees, ward development committees, scheme supervision committees Inclusion of women in participatory spaces ward shava, open budget meeting, UDCC meeting etc Slide

120 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Project based inter intervention, women empowerment and governance are cross cutting issue Women empowerment is intensive facilitation process, conscientization and collective action needs long time duration projects Slide 07 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Women s participation in local government council is not viewed positively into the community a social taboo Male constitutional seats out numbers women ( 9 male members vs 3 women members) - favours male decision and dominance Male control over resources/assets limits women campaign for upper level of politics. Slide

121 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Legal frame work of Local government act 2009, Right to Information act % block grant of LGSP-ll for women s empowerment CARE-BD has tested strategies, EKATA model, participatory tools of women empowerment. CARE-BD has formed large number of collectives, and emerging leaders, came out from projects, can be capitalized for women s political empowerment Slide 09 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Which institutions need to be influenced/worked with to strengthen the outreach/effectiveness of the work? Grass root organization natural leaders organization (NLOs), Empowerment, Knowledge and Transformative Action (EKATA, Community Support Group ( health), Village Development Community (VDC) National Level Women rights organization Local government Institute, Women and Child affair Ministry Slide

122 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? CARE s core approach Fighting gender inequality and strengthening women s voice Promoting inclusive governance Slide 11 References to share with your peers Case studies/documentation/website that provide an overview of your experiences Slide

123 CAMBODIA NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR SUB- NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT Unitary State Area: 181,035 km 2 Population: about 14.5 m Capital: Phnom Penh Currency: riel Slide 01 Country overview (contd.) GDP in 2014= 7.2% GDP/Capita in 2014= US $ 1,180 Key economic activities contributing to GDP: Agriculture = 30-33% Industry = 20-22% Services = % Slide

124 Country overview (conti.) Current Administration Management Structures: Four-tiered government structures Central Government Provinces 24 Total Commune and Sangkat = 1633 (Commune = 1407 and Sangkat=226) Average population of Province = 602,700 (126,570 families) Average population of DM = 74,562 (15,650 families) Average population of C/S = 8,850 (1,860 families) Slide 03 International and National Commitments RGC ratified CEDAW in 1992 (CEDAW committee and NGO CEDAW to observe the implementation) RGC has been implementing CMDGs (Gender is #3) RGC has been implementing rectangular strategy (Gender is mainstreamed) Decentralisation and Deconcentralisation reform Strategy (Gender is mainstreamed) Slide

125 International and National Commitments (conti.) Law on the prevention of domestic violence and protection of victims (2006) Law on Combating Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Rectangular strategy have component to have considerable progress to achieve CMDGs (Growth, Employment, Equity, Efficiency) Commitment of RGC to have at least one deputy governor in all city and provinces Slide 05 Coordination and collaboration TWGG, NAPVAW, Neary Rattanak, GBV working group, NSDP MOWA is playing a key role to mainstream gender in all sectors MOWA is coordinating and collaborating with Govt agencies, DPs, NGOs and private sectors MOWA is joining with NCDDS to mainstream gender in IP3 with all sub-programs Gender network at sub-national level GMAG, CCWC, and WCCC ( Female deputy govt are members) The Cambodian National Council for Women (CNCW) Slide

126 Intervention strategies Advocacy and lobbying: Use existing mechanism and legal frameworks to advocate and lobby Use the assessments, researches, data...etc. Engage the political leaders and male leaders to have gender sensitizations and accountable for it Slide 07 Intervention strategies (conti.) Capacity Development and coaching : Build capacity of female leaders and potential ones in some specific knowledge and skill (advocacy, lobbying, reporting, public speaking, proposal raising...) On-going coaching Networking Slide

127 Challanges Social and political behaviour Patriarchy society and male dominated at home and at workplace Representation and participation of women are still low comparing to the number of women in the country Personal behaviour Women are still in not really confident in joining politics (education and experiences) Women are not giving herself the priority to be in the seat and scoring herself not high Slide 09 Key achievements Slide

128 INDIA KUTCH MAHILA VIKAS SANGATHAN Kutch- at Glance Coast line is around 240 KMs. Largest District of India, lowest density (44) comprises of 24% of total land of Gujarat Comprises of 10 blocks(sub district unit) and 950 villages, covering 45,612 km2 Is predominantly rural, with 65% population living in rural areas. From rural communities, 23% living at subsistence levels Total population is lakhs Average literacy rate is 70%, with female literacy 60% Sex ratio is 908 female / 1000 male IMR(Infant mortality rate) rate is 41 and MMR (Maternal Mortality rate) is still 148 Ecology is fragile, with significant risk of calamities like earthquake, cyclone and drought Entire southern part is opened up for port, power, mining just past decade Community diversity Slide 01 Enabling Conditions and Challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Governance in Kutch Kutch comprises of 615 Panchayats Out of 4713 elected representatives, Total 2909 are male panchayat members while 1804 female panchayat members Of this, 398 are male Sarpanch while 216 are female Sarpanch Total- 401 are independent while 214 are group panchayats In the Panchayat elections, 199 Panchayats (32%) were Samras and 498 panchayats went in to election Panchayats have administrative officers attached to it, who is also a secretary - Appointment of talatis is 30% less than the requirement District panchayat budget of Kutch for current year lak of which lak, is allocated as developmental funds Capacity building of elected representatives is undertaken by SIRD and undertake trainings on governance, Panchayat act and other aspects of Panchayat- initially it used to be only for Sarpanch (head of Gram Panchayat), in last 6 years they have also started trainings for other elected representatives. They now commission an organisation to conduct trainings Slide

129 Critical issues- ground level situation Grants sanctioned by the District Planning Board to the Panchayats are with conditions Statutory DPCs are almost defunct According to the Gujarat Panchayat Act, more than 17 items for taxation, fees and penalties have been provisioned; however GPs remain unaware Grants from the State Government to the PRIs are of tied up nature, not even to DPs. Limited powers to the DPs to utilize funds received from the State Governments Approval required by TP to transfer grants from one activity to another activity Presence of women in meetings, Gram sabhas is still minimal. Recent resoultion on holding Mahila Gramsabha is motivating the women Real bottle necks faced by them( paradox in the act grant devolution to panchayats- (post 73 rd amendment, planning commission grants have been devolved. ), resolutions don t get materialised at district level, budgeting process- formats are same at all levels, also process for interim budgeting or unavailability of funds remains an issue, no linkages between the three tier structure) Impact of socio-politico environment on panchayats- post of Sarpanch(Panchayat head) is often seen as an entry for political scene. Over the past decade, there has been a Gradual growth in functioning of panchayats- they have now moved on to mere implementers to identifying and addressing their own issues Through efforts of various organisations, Participation of women in decision making forums is slowly rising Slide 03 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE About KMVS The overarching mission is the total empowerment of rural women through their conscientization, organization, and mobilization into local collectives capable of independently addressing gender inequities in the development process and engendering a sustainable socio-economic transformation in the region. Goal towards WPE effective implementation of 73rd amedment, especially women s leadership and roles in local governance And building capacities /abilities of women to be effective local governance leaders. Slide

130 Sushasini (good governor) Organising and federating as EWR collective, advocating their issues Ensuring participation and presence of women in Panchayats Focusing on leadership of EWRs and their gender issues Slide 05 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Phase Surveying 191 EWRs Understanding the needs of panchayati women- information and capacity building needs During the years , focus was more on earthquake rehabilitation Phase Orienting and mobilising EWRs elected in 2006 Formation of block level manch in six blocks- Mundra, Nakhtrana, Abdasa, Lakhpat, Mandvi, Bhuj Understanding the information needs and devising capacity building program to suffice it Strengthening the block level manch Phase onwards Enabling EWRs to take up challenges at community and governance level Federating block level manch to form district manch Gram sashini Running PEVAC campaign Utilising different means for awareness generation- radio Slide

131 Key achievements Information centre- a space for entitlements and making Panchayats accountable Institutionalising this space- block panchayat PEVAC campaign in 350 villages awareness to 4500 women on citizenship and election process 23% of Manch member got re elected in recent elections Collective advocacy inefficiency of Talatis(administrative officer), non functioning of block( sub-district unit)/ district panchayat officials Have raised their voices against Critical issues of grazing land, industrialisation Associating with all 615 Sarpanch( Grampanchayat head) for advocacy onhonorarium, bus pass, untied funds Resolutions of Mahila Gramsabhas (women only village level meetings) for 49 Panchayats 23 Panchayats have agreed to track indicators on education, health over the next 3 years 10 panchayats revised their tax structures 7 panchayats agreed to form women protection committees Dialoguing with DDO, Dy. DDO on specific issues of each panchayat Slide 07 Analysis of strengths Change in issues faced by EWRs Social norms hinder their women s effective participation Lack of information and knowledge of legal provision, political processes Impact of industrialisation and change in the governance scene Overall issues of women- impacting EWRs Need for collective movement for basic entitlements- PDS, ration card Nurturing environment- peer group building Introduction of concept of gender responsive governance Slide

132 Emerging challenges of your organisation No confidence motion against active women still a reality Class and caste dynamics often determine candidature of EWRs, rather than their own choice More than 70% EWRs suffer from informed decision making rather than their sounding their concerns Rarely women centric agendas are mooted/ discussed in Panchayat meetings or Gramsabhas Geographical distance of district is more meaning diverse culture and background for women so, it is a challenge to design context specific inputs. Slide 09 Emerging challenges for women leaders Even after two decades of the 73 rd CAA, more than 50% women Sarpanch are dummy and used as stamp for the Panchayat management Of the total population of women in each village, less than 10% attend/ know of the Gramsabhas (Village level meetings) Patriarchal mind sets and traditional customs still don t provide any space to EWRs to voice their concern As women get elected and try to bring in Right based approach in panchayats, they struggle to achieve their space. As the reservation is going to be 50% for women their struggles will increase Slide

133 Analysis of opportunities First time 50% reservation has been announced in the state which is a huge opportunity for women to put forth their candidature It will also bring in Issues of vulnerable in governance and developmental dialogues Increased presence of women will also ensure Transparency in governance This will also mean more number of women will require to build their capacities to be effective leaders in their panchayat Slide 11 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Government institutions trying to create space for women Training institutes designing inputs for women Society leaders who still bear large influence on women s political participation Like minded organisation who are carrying the processes to enhace women s presence National and international networks who provide ideal platforms for exchange Slide

134 Aspirations for the future Sustaining association so that it emerges as important stakeholder for women s participation Building approach of Gender and safety in EWRs so panchayats carry overall process for holistic development for women Slide 13 References to share with your peers Examples of Sarpanches from various panchayats serve as ideal case studies.. Slide

135 THE HUNGER PROJECT Country/Region of operation: India, South Asia. Seven states of Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Uttarakhand Country Context (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Patriarchal beliefs, norms & practices, feudal institutions Gender inequality, caste based discrimination Excluded from decision making (private and public domains), Lack of information on roles, rights, responsibilities Largely engaged in informal economy Limited financial stability, increased vulnerability Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Factors that enable women s political empowerment: India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic guarantees all citizens opportunity and equal social status India ratified CEDAW in 1993 International Bill of Rights for Women The 73rd & 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India (1992) guaranteeing access to political power through quotas for women Factors that inhibit women s political empowerment: Possibility of roll back of quota from 50% to 33% in Panchayats Disqualification clauses for candidates: toilets, education, two-child norm Non-responsive government institutions and non-collaborative bureaucracy Lack of investment in processes that can empower women once elected Slide

136 Key goals of THP in relation to WPE Build leadership of Elected Women Representatives in Panchayats so that they are empowered as public office holders Strengthen capacity of Elected Women Representatives to mobilize communities to raise awareness & access their rights and entitlements dignity, roles, rights, confidence, voice, gender justice, transformative leadership Foster an enabling environment where Elected Women Representatives are accepted as leaders in their communities and among other stakeholders Advocate for responsive and inclusive governance by forging alliances support structures, gender sensitive policy, devolution, de-centralization Slide 03 Intervention strategies of THP towards politically empowering women A. Strengthen capacities and leadership of EWRs: Key interventions Build capacities through training on leadership, rights, roles & responsibilities; Enhance technical knowledge and skills via workshops & IEC material; Facilitate Federations & peer learning; Training of Trainers (ToTs); Exposure visits and conventions; Build capacities of community based organizations B. Build an enabling environment for EWRs: Key interventions Campaigns on Strengthening Women s Empowerment through the Electoral Process (SWEEP), VAW, food security, WASH, 33% reservation in parliament; Build support structures in Panchayats; Influence Public Opinion via media workshops, interface with government; Build alliances for advocacy: Civil society, government, networks, CEDAW Slide

137 Key achievements Outputs 120,000 EWRs trained since SWEEP campaigns conducted 1000 trainers trained State level federation registered, SUGRAMA 46 journalists awarded, 1000 engaged with 11,000 articles in media archived 500+ EWR case studies documented Outcomes Built transformative leadership of EWRs Strengthen democratic process Promote good governance Facilitated a more equitable and just society Improved service delivery, access to rights entitlements Demystified myths related to women s participation and leadership in politics Institutional highlights Recognition of THP as a pioneer on WPE in India Invited as thought leader on WPE to multi-stakeholder platforms nationally & internationally Collaboration with over 100 CBOs on gender justice, WPE, de-centralization Developed tools and processes on WPE Transferring knowledge to region BNEW partnership Slide 05 Analysis of strengths: factors contributing to achievements Exclusive focus on EWRs: A critical & neglected constituency in Gram Panchayats Clear goals Mainstream Comprehensive the and approach: strategy: Individual & Partnership importance Implemented collective driven: Works of women s through the empowerment directly with leadership: tenure, well 40 CBOs Collaborated articulated Focus on across 7 states extensively Theory of development with the media, Change (ToC) outcomes networks, campaigns and government Collaborative & committed team. Clarity on vision, goals & strategy. Strong M&E focus: Developed qualitative and quantitative tools Slide

138 Emerging challenges for THP The changing policy environment for civil society in India; new regulations Scale vs sustainability Sectoral focus vs integrated approach Global priorities vs local needs Sustained long term funding for the body of work that THP does in India which falls under the broad categories of governance, women s political leadership, development Slide 07 Emerging challenges for women leaders Socio-cultural norms Resistance by patriarchal institutions and mind-sets in private & public sphere Prevalence of a culture of violence and hostility towards women, especially marginalized SC/ST Use of social media to name & shame women leaders through misogynistic comments Policy environment, politics, governance structures Non recognition and non responsiveness towards women s leadership by bureaucracy and government Non-investment in building women s political leadership by government or political parties Disqualification clauses for candidates Possibility of roll back of reservation in some states Other barriers to entry for women include use of muscle power, money, burden of reproductive responsibilities A non-committal government on women s reservation bill Slide

139 Analysis of opportunities Emerging opportunities THP can leverage to strengthen WPE Forge partnerships for funding & alliances for advocacy Plan for scale Be a thought leader on women s political empowerment in grassroots democracy in India Document THP-India s work and disseminate it regionally & internationally Emerging opportunities that women leaders can leverage Reservation increased from 33% to 50% (110 th CA Bill to be pushed through) Proved that women less likely to be corrupt, prioritize health, education, nutrition, community infrastructure and eradication of poverty, address social & gender justice and potentially transform gender relations (World Bank, UNICEF, UN Women, Esther Duflo, Rohini Pandey) Political will to facilitate the implementation and enforcement of new policies to strengthen women s empowerment Slide 09 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Potential partners/ allies for THP in the work on WPE? Media-print and visual to encourage positive reportage on elected women Linkages with CSOs-working on economic, social and cultural rights; land rights for women. Donor agencies for investing in intangible and tangible components of women in governance, technical assistance program to enhance the capacity of women in politics. Potential institutions that need to be influenced/ engaged with to strengthen effectiveness of the work? Local Bureaucracy Political Parties: for internal reforms. State Election Commission: to ensure women s access to political power guaranteed under CAA, as well as Violence and corruption free elections. Judiciary, national and state legislatures, executive branch to increase for support and buy in for promoting women s representation in public decision making roles Slide

140 Aspirations for the future Future growth/consolidation pathways Scale-up THP India s current operational areas Diversify funding basket Strengthen inputs on thematic verticals vis a vis implementation of core strategies Develop innovative approaches on WPE Strengthen alliances for advocacy: identify new stakeholders, renew old Build robust M&E tools to capture WPE THP is established as national & regional knowledge and resource center on WPE Slide 11 References: Learning about THPs work Website, Annual Reports, Case Studies, Films, Evaluation Report The Hunger Project India website: THP profiled on DASRA website - India s leading strategic philanthropy foundation: The Hunger Project, India Annual Report : EWRs in conversation: Rajwanti a film: Media archives, Thus spoke the Press: Case studies: UNDEF evaluation report: Slide

141 MONGOLIA MONGOLIA ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL AUTHORITY Country/Region of operation: Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia: The present administrative system divides Mongolia into 22 aimags (provinces), 330 soums (counties) and 1,681 bags (rural settlements). The latter are dispersed settlements, many of them very remote. There are three large cities: the capital city Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan and Erdenet, the latter two along the main rail route in the Central region. Over a half live in Ulaanbaatar, with the rest in rural areas. Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policy: Mongolian election law has quota of women as 20% on parties. This year could achieve 13 female parliament member could elected. This is first time in Mongolia that have many women in history of parliament. Mongolia has many organizations for women participation such as Mongolian union women and other women organizations under parties. But their activities are not common and not united. Slide

142 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Establish a council under name of City mayor, to deliver womens voice to decision makers, protect their rights Develop social security of women Increase women status in society and in politics Support cooperation and facilitate NGOs that work for WPE Organize a conference on challenges and its solution of women under name of City Mayor Increase women participation in decision making level Slide 03 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Influence to parties to involve more women for local election on October 19, 2016 Organize workshops among women who want to participate in politics and leader women who are at the parliament and city representatives Organize several events among citizen representatives about their success to encourage women Publish a book about leader women success and biography Slide

143 Analysis of strengths Have power to support women to participate in politics Easy to access and provide information Over half of the population live in the capital Easy to implement projects Slide 05 Emerging challenges of your organisation No united policy on women No information and study on women in decision making level, challenges in politics Slide

144 Emerging challenges for women leaders No time for women to participate in politics Traditionally view of women are difficult to accept as leader and politician Rate of divorce is high and influence to continue in politics. Eg: (Anujin) Slide 07 Analysis of opportunities City Mayor authority will use media and organize several discussion on TV to encourage WPE Provide more opportunity and listen women in order to develop city development Organize several trainings and implement related projects Slide

145 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced NGOs International NGOs Donor organizations Media Slide 09 Aspirations for the future At least 30 % should be female representatives in the city and local citizen By 2028 city mayor will be a women. Slide

146 References to share with your peers Slide 11 NEPAL SOCIAL INSTITUTION FOR SKILL EMPLOYMENT AND AWARENESS Country/Region of operation: Nepal, Mid West Development Region. Country Context: Nepal s progressive new constitution Nepali society always discouraged women to break the four walls of their house and to come in front line to lead the society economically, socially and politically. Still some women from elite class only represent in the government structures, government appointments on different commissions. However there are some examples where women at the top government posts but if we see at the local level, there is still variation between elite class women and community women. There are bad practices like Burka Practice, Chaupadi Practice, Tilak and Ghunghat Practice such practices dominate women and they have compelled to live like a second rank women in the community and family. There were no any opportunities to support them. But situation have been changing slowly. Awareness has been rising on the participation on the politics. They have no opportunities. That's why it was necessary to provide opportunities to come out and work for the welfare of the society and country. (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Slide

147 SISEA The next scenario of the involvement of the women is that on the one hand illiterate and elite class women were appointed as Government bodies like Ministers/MP/Commissions and other policy making level posts on the other hand literate, struggling women who Can play their role to change in policy level are kept isolated in Nepal. I've observed in the name inclusive participation, women from leader's relatives, wives, nearer and dearer ones were being appointed. There is no meaningful participation of the women in community level to national level. They become YES man to the leaders and act like a rubber stamp. Slide 02 Social Institution for Skill Employment and Awareness Nepal (SISEA-NEPAL) (contd.) 2073 has given many rights to the women.33% participation of women at policy level is granted in constitution. GESI policy is compulsory to Gos and NGOs. Nepal has adopted Secularism policy in constitution. Women of Nepal are enjoying cultural freedom but are exploited in the name of tradition and culture in excluded communities in Nepal. Now, Chief Justice of High court Mrs. Sushila Karki was appointed, The first women President of Nepal Mrs. Vidhya Devi Bhandari was elected by the Lower house called SANSAd like wise Speaker of the house was elected for the first time in Nepal Mr. On Shari Gharti. These are the indicators of the women s empowerment and involvement on government structures but if we gaze the communities child marriage, exploitation in the name of culture, religion, social practices,rape, murder, divorce, polygamy, burning live in the name of dowry, human trafficking, discrimination, untouchability are blocking the women in their progress. Political involvement is less and rare at community level. Literate women are kept out side of the political structures, YES Men were appointed in unit level to centre level structures. Slide

148 Social Institution for Skill Employment and Awareness Nepal (SISEA-NEPAL) Women are kept inside the 4 walls of the home. They are behaved as a machine of household working and entertainment goods. Social ethics are also imposed badly but beautifully up on women. Women are even not allowed to laugh loudly. It is supposed to be against of social ethics and insult of the seniors. Women cant represent any functions that can enhance their capacity. A little bit changes can be seen but not sufficient. The main issues that can mitigate all the barriers that hamper the advancement of women is linked to the Income generation activities but they are not allowed to take vocational trainings, technical trainings even take participate in the different trainings related to the Income Generation Activities. Having no resources, having no rights on land, having no Consciousness on different sector, women are not in the front line. Elite class women only represent in the Government structures. Physical Violence is common in small matter. It is the day to day activities but cant protest. Laws are not implementation strictly. Meaning full participation of women is the main burning issues at present in Nepal. Slide 04 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Implementation of Nepal s progressive new constitution Effective implementation of existing national and international laws Lunch Income Generation Oriented activities targeting to the women Civil Society Organizations and Government must go with collaborative approaches Awareness must be aroused at the grassroots level Liberal and transparent political environment must be created All forms of exploitation in the name of culture, religion, social must be eliminated. Slide

149 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE The goal of SISEA- Nepal is ''sustainable development of the country and improvement in the lives of children, women and organization, backward and disadvantaged community through improved access to health, sanitation, education, employment and income opportunities. SISEA-Nepal has been serving the community by mobilizing the unused and underutilized resources available within the society. It has also undertaken significant activities that have enhanced the production and productivity of the economy as a whole. In the mean time, it has helped the society in creating awareness through advocacy, and strengthening the leadership capability of the hitherto excluded and disadvantaged groups. Socioeconomic empowerment of the people through their own participation has been the significant achievement of SISEA-Nepal. Slide 06 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Conserve biological diversity and environment and ensure wise use and sustainable management of natural resources; Promote and strengthen institutional and human capacity and mobilize various resources through the development of agriculture, education, public health/hygiene and water and sanitation; Slide

150 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Conduct physical infrastructure works, rural and community development programmes; Enhance participation, transparency, accountability through advocacy and awareness raising activities for basic human rights and good governance; Conduct micro finance programme for employment promotion and sustainable livelihood; Implement farm and off-farm income generation activities through saving/credit mobilization and skill development initiatives; Conduct advocacy and capacity building programmes for the rights of women, children as well as gender equity; Implement livelihood and resettlement programmes for landless and marginalized groups; Conduct different programmes related to conflict management/ transformation; and Conduct research and provide consulting services and organize seminar, symposium and training, and publish reports and findings. Slide 08 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Awareness rising campaigns Political campaigns must run Political trainings must be provided to the women at grassroots level. Economically empower the women Advocacy on involvement of women at political structures with political parties Women candidates should take part in local to central level elections Issues of women s empowerment at political structures must be aroused in international areana Education Elimination of all forms of means of exploitation and barriers that hamper the women Small scale Income Generation Activities for grass root level women Meaningful participation of women can be insured with the policy of Interfere at community to national level. Slide

151 Key achievements Changes can be seen on the political scenario of Nepal (President- Vidhya Devi Bhandari, Speaker-On Sari Gharti and Chief Justice- Sushila Karki) Women s meaningful participation on structures of political parties increased through ASTHA. Women s meaningful participation on policy making level increased. Economically women were strengthened through group formation and cooperatives. Awareness increased on political movements. Women s participation increased on social works assisting gender based violence free society Women s Economically dependency on husbands decreased Slide 10 Key achievements Policy targeting to the community promulgated and implemented. Community women consumed their rights Equitable society created Social, Cultural, Religious discrimination decreased All the social barriers that hamper advancement of women addressed by women themselves. Orientation on beijing+20 to the district level key stakeholders. Sisea Nepal has been incorporating Contains of Beijing+20 in every programs under other project activities. Sisea has been emphasizing Social Mobilizers too incorporate Beijing+20's points in each sessions of their regular programs. All the toolkits were distributed to the participants and Gov/NGO's offices too. 8Orientation was successful to change the attitudes of the participants and attracted the attention on Beijing+20's contains. Slide

152 Achievement (contd.) Led campaigns against untouchability and bad practices that existed between Dalit and other communities, peace and harmony among the communities and established system to work with together. Fought and lead leadership on bad practices like Burka, Tilak, dowry, Tilak, Child marriage on Muslim, dalit communities and other communities. Played powerful role on the establishment of Republic in Nepal actively involved in The Great people's Movement 2062/63. Leading role done on the protection & promotion of Human right and Child Right including Youth right. Played important role in rehabilitation of Trafficked Girls in India's brothels. Played important role in rehabilitation of Conflict Affected people in community. Acted as a national chairperson of Youth Peace Volunteer and facilitated to establish peace and harmony in community. Acted key role to decrease gender based violence and all kinds of violence against women including domestic violence and child marriage. Continuous lobby and advocacy on genuine issues of Human Right, child right, women right, inclusiveness, crime free society, Youth and peace, sexually Transmitted diseases/hiv/aids, social security for the aged citizen, education for all, transparency, empowerment of excluded groups, poorest of the poor, minorities, Dlit, janajaties, anti corruption and so on Active role played on distribution of relief items to the disaster victims. Slide 12 Analysis of strengths Political Movements that occurred different eras in Nepal have contributed to rise awareness in large scale. Awareness campaigns led by NGOs in Nepal. Government s policy to appoint 33% of women in each structures on Gov. Different Policies, National and International policies, treaties etc Development of means of communications, medias, internet and education New Progressive constitution of Nepal (2015 A.D.) GESI (Gender Equity and Social Inclusion) Policy. Literacy rate, community mobilization through different projects, impact and influence of international changes. Collaboration with GOs and NGOs. National and International level lobbies, coordination and social, cultural and religious reformation (elimination of un touch ability and other blind traditions) Democracy Institutional development Continuous attack on blind traditions, bad practises etc.. Slide

153 Emerging challenges of your organisation Lack of Awareness Cultural Barriers Male dominant Society Women were supposed to be a sex toys Blind traditions, policies, discrimination on the name of cast, community, religion, culture The women who come out by breaking the 4 walls of home, supposed to be a characterless. Not effective implementation of Constitution, national and international rules, regulations, treaties, protocols effectively Strikes, Bandas, Hadtals and all types of political criminal activities Political Pressures Poverty, corruptions, criminal minded politicians, crime in the form of Politics Slide 14 Emerging challenges for women leaders Economic Weakness Traditional cultural barriers Influences of Elite Class Women Legacy of dynasties on politics Criminalization of politics Male dominant society Lack of solidarity of men in involvement of women in politics Division of Women in different philosophy Implementation of New Nepal s new constitution-2015 A.D. Slide

154 Analysis of opportunities Beside all the barriers, there are lots of emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment. Women are being appointed gradually on the policy making level. Nepal s new constitution has provided many opportunities for women. Reservation on Government jobs, Participation of 33% women is guarantee Due to the republic democracy, women can lead the Nepal politics, according to the census 2068, Women s population is more than men (51%). Needs solidarity of women in political field. It is necessary to enhance the capacity of the women for income generation activities so that women can play vital roles on social work as well as politics It is also necessary to eliminate criminalization on politics, eliminate all forms of exploitation in the name of culture, religion and practise. It s necessary to involve women from excluded groups to decrease the impact and influence of elite class people in Nepali politics Assist effective implementation of New Constitution 2072 to secure women s rights for forever. Lead campaigns against traditional blind traditions and address the social barriers. Slide 16 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Government, Government Bodies, political Parties, cast based groups (Mahato, Valmansa). Government NGOs with collaboration with political parties at grass root to national level. Ward Citizen Forum, Citizen Awareness Forum. Civil Society Organization Slide

155 Aspirations for the future Run programs for strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment. Strong collaboration and coordination with political parties for strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment Regular lobby, advocacy for effective implementation of new constitution to reserve the rights forever Rise awareness and establish at least 50 % leaders at VDC level Encourage women to take part in political activities Encourage women on social works Slide 18 References to share with your peers I "My wife was shocked when I asked her not to do any household work this weekend and do whatever she likes. She was afraid in the beginning as she thought I am angry with her and scolding her. But when I said I was taking responsibility of household chores for a day as decided in men's group meeting and providing her some leisure time, she was very happy. She fulfilled her long time wish to visit Swargadwari with her friends on the day. In the beginning, I thought household job is nothing and I can handle it just like that. But I was so wrong. I realized how difficult it is to work in front of fire with smoke all around." PatwariYadav, coordinator of men's group at Gadhwa, Dang sharing his experience of taking responsibility of household chores. Slide

156 Our work with the media Slide 20 Our work with the media Slide

157 Our work with the media Slide 22 Our work with the media Slide

158 Our work with the media Slide 24 Our work with the media Slide

159 Our work with the media Slide 26 Our work with the media Slide

160 Theme 4: Coalition Building and Advocacy AFGHANISTAN EQUALITY FOR PEACE AND DEMOCRACY Country/Region of operation: Afghanistan Asia EPD has established provincial women network in 16 provinces at all zones of Afghanistan Brief Description of Organization: EQUALITY for Peace and Democracy (EPD) is a civil society, non-governmental, non political organization dedicated to empowering women and youths at the community and policy levels in Afghanistan. EPD strives to build the capacity of women and youths to capable them to be the front face in presenting their needs in development, peace building and democratic processes of the country. Slide 01 EPD (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Afghanistan ranks 42 nd out of 143 countries in the Inter- Parliamentarian Union database in terms of percentage of women in parliament, with 27.7% women in the lower house and 17.6% in the upper house. Afghanistan ranks 70 th out of 94 countries in terms of proportion of women among ministerial positions, with 10% of ministerial positions held by women in data reflecting appointments up to 1 January Women s representation in political institutions is at an estimated 35% locally, 21% of Provincial Council members. Slide

161 EPD Lack of political will. Discriminatory laws and gender blind policies. Lack of rule of law Lack of Resources: Economic, Material and Human; feminisation of poverty. Corruption: illegalities Illiteracy Lack of political knowledge Patriarchy Violence and Harassment Lack of self confidence Time and space Physical security Slide 03 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment Institutions: Ministry of Women s Affairs Office of First Lady Ministry of Foreign Affairs UN Women EU Delegation Embassies Civil Society Organizations Donors International Organizations Slide

162 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE National Commitments: Afghan Constitution Articles(7, 22,44,48,53,54,83 & 84) Afghan National Development Strategy ( ANDS) National Action Plan for Women in Afghanistan (NAPWA) National Action Plan on 1325 Afghanistan Millennium Development Goals (AMDGs), Increase female participation at all levels of governance to 30% by 2020 Slide 05 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE International Commitments Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (1980, articles 1, 3, 7 & 8) Beijing Platform of Action Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) UNSCR 1325 (1820,1888, 1889 and 1960) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1983, article 2.1,3,25) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 1948, article 2 & 21) Slide

163 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Massively mobilize women as change agents in the areas of political participation, peace reintegration, good governance and access to good education, through partnering with community based as well as policy based civil society organizations and networks. We intend to empower and strengthen women at the community and policy levels to build coalitions and networks and promote human rights, peace and good governance. We work to empower and encourage the people of Afghanistan, particularly women to participate and engage in peace building, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation at both national and grassroots levels. Highlight contributions by female politicians and public figures in order to demonstrate women s constructive force in rebuilding and reshaping the Afghanistan s political scene Focus on quality rather than quantity of female political representatives Advocacy with governmental institutions to be proactive and creation of political will transforming female leaders attitude through awareness-raising campaigns that will sensitize public opinion on women s higher and constructive political participation. Slide 07 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation et cetra Establishment of women networks in 15 provinces at all zones of Afghanistan Development training curricula on political participation of women Development of advocacy toolkits Development training materials Development of Research Reports on political and civic participation of women Development of advocacy toolkits Conducting trainings at central, provincial and community level Conducting outreach sessions Conducting dialogues at community, provincial and national level Slide

164 Key achievements Becoming a member of Women Regional Network Establishing Consortium of Salah ( Five leading civil Society Organizations) Signing an MOU with Ministry of Women Affairs for supporting Provincial Women Networks Holding a national symposium with participation of women from all provinces of Afghanistan Development of Gender Responsive Budget Guideline and including six ministries gender budgets in annual national budget Slide 09 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Contribution of women at policy and grass root level Sincere support from our national and intern tonal partners Sincere Support from Afghan Civil Society Organizations Sincere support from local governments Strengthening relations with other national and international organizations at the national and international level Slide

165 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Insecurity Male dominated country Lack of support from some of governmental entities Access to information is limited Negative Insights and compression Unpleasant Cultural Traditions Decline of technical and financial support from donors and international community Slide 11 Emerging challenges for women leaders Discrimination Harassment Insecurity Lack of access of Justice Corruption Slide

166 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/ allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Civil Society Organizations, Ministry of Women s Affairs, Local Administrations, UN Women, First Lady Officer, EU Delegation, Embassies, donors, national and international partners Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Ministry of women's Affairs Local Governments First Lady Office International Organizations like UN Women and ect Slide 13 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? Educational opportunities Freedom of speech Employment Social respect Slide

167 References to share with your peers Case studies/ documentation/ website that provide an overview of your experiences Slide 15 BANGLADESH DEMOCRACY WATCH Country/Region of operation: Bangladesh Country Context: (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Factors which promote women s political participation include: Women s participation in politics and election to local government have been found to be family support, elite status within the village and relative income security; Women who were more educated and had previous contact with NGOs were more likely to contest in elections; The presence of NGO field activities during UP elections also had a positive role in making women candidates feel secure; Candidate s qualifications and personal qualities were most important in voter decision; The candidate s political party backing. Slide

168 Democracy Watch Factors which inhibit women s political participation include: Most of the women members have limited economic resources and lack of knowledge to enable them fully participates in the Local Government and political arena. Socio-cultural barriers and what women are regarded in relation to their participation in the public spheres of life leading to the low levels of women participation in the LG and political domain including deliberations, decision making and activities aimed at community development. Inadequate formal education and therefore lack of knowledge about their rights, local government operations, UP activities, women and children rights, and country politics. Inadequate competence, skills and abilities to identify problems of women in their constituencies and how best they can solve these problems. Inadequate knowledge about their roles and responsibilities as female UP members. Inadequate knowledge about the available government, NGO and private sector services available in and around the community and how to access them for the benefit of the people in their constituencies. Slide 02 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Women s rights are guaranteed in the Constitution of Bangladesh and women have equal rights in all spheres of the State and public life (Article 28 (2)). Article 9 further advances the principle of special representation of women in all local self-governing bodies. The 1997 National Policy for Women s Advancement amended in 2004 and in 2011 sets the goal of eliminating all forms of discrimination against women by empowering them with the ability to be equal partners in development. The policy includes equal rights to politics and aims to facilitate the participation of women in all national and international bodies and forums. Bangladesh is a signatory to many international conventions and agreements for women s and girls rights and development. The Country ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1984, endorsed the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) in 1995 and Bangladesh committed itself to the goals and targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)1. The Government has regularly reviewed progress and reported on the attainment of the MDGs The current Seven Five Years Plan (SFYP) of Bangladesh Government includes The vision for women's advancement and rights is to create a society where men and women will have equal opportunities and will enjoy all fundamental rights on an equal basis. Slide

169 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Significant policies and strategies have been incorporated in the SFYP to increase women s participation in economic, political and social life and to remove the existing barriers to women s advancement. The SFYP recognized the different priorities of women and needs to address women s interests while planning development interventions. It followed a twopronged approach in addressing gender based discrimination, firstly, integration of gender into sectoral interventions and secondly giving specific attention to remove all policy and social biases against women. Women s participation in political structures remains low, despite their increasing numeric representation (via reserved seats for women candidates). Today, around 20% of the 350 seats in the National Parliament are held by women. Numbers are slightly more favourable at the level of elected local government councils where women s representation is on an average 25%-30%. But once elected, many women do not automatically find themselves as equal decision makers. The government yet to formulate laws regarding direct election in Women Reserve Seat for National Election. Slide 04 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE The key goals of the organization in relation to APARAJITA project is playing the facilitator role for EWR networking so that it can deepen and widen by bringing existing networks together to become a national movement for lobbying for change on two fronts; Enhanced gender sensitivity in policy and practice of local service provision and More conducive provisions and environment for women s political inclusion and participation. The project will nurture existing networks and platforms to enhance the impact of advocacy. Networking will be built on non-partisan principles and will ensure inclusion of EWR across political parties. The project will encourage the movement to take advantage of existing role of women in different decision making process (Government consultations, All Party Parliamentary Groups- APPG engagement etc.) and also demand for effective participation (e. g campaigns, grassroots mobilization) and initially will help to broker these opportunities with the intention of gradually withdrawing so that the movement increasingly acts independently. The project will establish technical partnerships with LGD, NILG and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) in order to work together to complement and supplement interventions to advocating and facilitating change in local governance and local government capacity development. Slide

170 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Alliance NGOs are working together as a model and practicing the principles of networking and partnership Sharing experiential learning within the alliance and similar network Collaborative partnership and synergy established with LG institutions and Service Providers (Educational institutions, Community health Centre, Water and sanitation, Agriculture and Village court) Networking with other relevant networks, associations and groups such as Bangladesh Union Parishad Forum, Municipal Association of Bangladesh, Upazila Nari Unnayan Forum Upazilla Parishad Association of Bangladesh etc. Awareness building Capacity Building Coaching and mentoring Process Documentation Slide 06 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Political Leadership capacity developed of APARAJITA Developing capacity building calendar by APARAJITA Policy and practice level activities planning, implementation and monitoring by APARAJITA Resource sharing among Alliance member organizations and personnel Regular collecting data and cases from the field and analyzing to identify Most Significant Changes (MSC) and challenges. Identifying advocacy issues based on MSCs and Challenges for developing strategies and action Slide

171 Key achievements One P-EWR has been elected as the parliament member of 10th parliament. A total of 122 (50 EWRs, 72 PEWRs) contestant submit their nomination contested in 4th Upazila Election and 43 (16 EWRs and 27 PEWRs) have been elected as the Vice Chairman and 3 EWRs contested for Upazila Chairman position A total of 422 EWRs participated in UZP reserve seat election for the 1st time, against 205 seats; where 195 of the seats occupied by APARAJITA EWRs. In 2016 the UP elections took place with a total of 395 women got elected in APARAJITA working area where, 02 women got elected as chairman, 01 as general member and 392 as reserve seat members, against total 423 reserve seats from 141 Union Parishad. Total 183 candidates contested in the Municipal election 2015 from Democracywatch Aparajita (01 for Mayoral position, 02 for General seats and 180 for Reserve seats) 46 and won in the election(15 EWRs, 13 P-EWRs and 18 others) After conducting the district level meeting among EWRs and leaders of LGAs, 149 EWRs got position in different forum/associations such as Upazila Nari Unnayan Forum, Bangladesh Union Parishad Forum (BUPF), Municipal Association of Bangladesh (MAB) Upazila Parishad Foundation etc.; EWRs have taken active role in village courts, shalish (mediation) and counseling to prevent early marriage, dowry, trafficking and violence against women. For example, EWRs stopped 199 early marriages; prevented 87 cases of child trafficking and 426 cases of violence against women etc.; Slide 08 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Politically engagement of women leaders. EWRs participation on Advocacy and networking initiatives Support in the policy and political aims of the Bangladesh government and the political Advisory and technical support in during pre and post election period (nomination paper fill up, opening bank account, opening TIN numbers and other information related to election process). Social Capital of Democracywatch and other women socio-political NGO driven projects & Women Networks and likeminded NGOs, Projects, Govt. Initiatives; Political will of Government Constitutional Commitments. Global/national commitments and obligations of Bangladesh Government on MDG/SDG, CEDAW, CSW, CRC and UPR FYP and National Budget of Government of Bangladesh Local government Laws, Act., Policies and Provisions Support from donors Slide

172 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Patriarchal attitude of people as well as political parties Political influence towards women leadership Data and information limitation for developing advocacy strategy Electoral process dominated by money and muscle. Practice of corruption and non- accountability to service providers. Inadequate information for expenditure tracking and monitoring at LGIs. Non availability of information at LGIs for Documentation Centralized power structure and resources Slide 10 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Lack of effective coordination among different existing Networks and Forums. Negative attitude and culture towards women within the Political Parties. Mobility of EWRs from Union Parishad level to District level Existing patriarchal culture and structure at Local Govt. Institutions and political Parties. Centralized power structure and resources. Slide

173 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Scope to establish a Platform at National /District /Upazila Level by the participation of EWRs Government and donors commitment towards economically and politically empowering women. Proper implementation of National Women s Advancement Policy and Action Plan Proper implementation of Local government Laws, Act, Policies and Provisions. More leaders in leadership positions in Political Parties Availability of strong and organized Local support groups from male counterpart. Gender sensitive planning and budgeting at LG. Scope for establishing greater networks within the like minded organizations and networks at local and central level Sharing of good practices existed in the field for mainstreaming at local govt. Practice of accountability in service delivery. Slide 12 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Government, Government Agencies/Institutions, Relevant Ministries, NGOs, CBOs, Different Forums and networks, international Institutions, Donor Agencies. Which institutions need to be influenced/worked with to strengthen the outreach/effectiveness of the work? Central Government Local Government Relevant Ministries Election Commission Networks of Like minded organizations Slide

174 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? Increase number of women as political leaders Increase awareness of community people Increase networking among the Networks Involvement of local youth volunteers for promoting the issue Sensitize the key policy makers through lobby and advocacy Enhanced gender responsive local governance and services Amendment of discriminatory policies and laws regarding LG Collaborative partnership with LGIs and public institutions Slide 14 References to share with your peers Case studies/documentation/website that provide an overview of your experiences References: Case study: Attached Slide

175 INDIA RESOURCE AND SUPPORT CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT Country/Region of operation: India Country Context: (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Strong democratic constitution 73rd & 74th amendment for decentralization in local self governance. PESA: Panchayat Extension scheduled Act for tribal areas. National & State women s policies are in place. Women s Reservation from 33% to 50% in Local Governance. Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment Enabling Conditions Increasing Literacy rate Gender awareness on equality is slowly increasing. Alert Media Alert Judiciary Semi Alert Civil society History of women s movement Challenges Strong feudal values & patriarchy in some states Political parties are not sensitive enough Policy- Practice gaps Increasing disparity Privatization along with fundamental pressures Slide

176 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Effective participation of women in panchayats Equal rights & common control of women over property & land Women s labour to be acclaimed as productive force. Women s equal participation in building the nation & the environment. Slide 03 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation et cetra Social mobilization Horizontal & Cross learning Cadre building & Capacity building of EWR s Formation of Association of Elected & ex-women leaders Alliance building with like minded & cross section Policy Advocacy Slide

177 Key achievements Field Membership based support Strong cadre of Women leaders Effective team or Panchayat Trainers Recognition through Media & well-known Awards Women s participation in various decision making forums upto state Policy Policy on women s village assembly Govt. order on flag hosting by women head 30% Reservation for women as village secretary Policy on no confidence motion against EWR s Decision on Honorarium & Travel Allowances for village women head Creation of EWR s capacity building module. Women s Governance Chapter for women s policy. Slide 05 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Internal Geographical spread & committed Team Good Mobilization Capacity Issue-based positions by leaders EWR- centric publications A pool of Trainers in D-LG External Support from academic Institutions, Experts & civil society Liasoning with women s wings of political parties close co-ordination with state Institute of Rural Devt. Excellent rapport with media Slide

178 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Movement is seen as anti-state entity Low status of women in political parties Minimum resource support available on Governance Division of marginalised into caste, class, religion, education & sex Political equality within inequal socio-economic structures Slide 07 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Internal Minimum exposure, political education and acceptance by all socio- political structures Alternate power centres within family Administration & Budget Phobia Character as a core myth Minimum right on natural & economic resources External Weak decentralization Complex economy of Election No Reservation in upper houses. Minimum space in policy & party decision. Lack of support even from women community in general Slide

179 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Direct finance to Panchayat through central government Right to plan (GPDP) by villagers with complete resource support Right to Information & services Act Formation of Women s commissions & Panchayat committees at state level Women minister for Rural Development & Women s Development Slide 09 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/ allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Ministry of Rural Development LOGIN, CLGF & Agencies of United Nations Resource partners like CSR s Govt. Institutions, trade unions & Foreign funders Assembly of State level D-LG Related state committees & missions Sensitive multiple wings of political parties Finance commission, Women s & Election commission Present & ex Policy makers & bureaucrats Media houses & cultural groups Slide

180 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? Building strong Panchayat Leaders Association Creation of EWR centric University by EWR s & for EWR s Conducting Research Studies to advocate core issues of EWR s Build inter-state alliance on D-LG Create HLP coalition at Login level Slide 11 References to share with your peers Case studies/ documentation/ website that provide an overview of your experiences Studies Politics of recognition & engendering Governance in Maharashtra Study by T.I.S.S A decade of Women in local self Governance in the state of Maharashtra Training Manual for EWR s in partnership with Election commission. Struggles & Strategies of EWR s in Maharashtra in Partnership with University of Mumbai. Website : - rscd.1994@gmail.com Slide

181 LAOS NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN Country/Region of operation: Laos LaoPRD: Landlocked country be land link country Lao PDR borders with five countries: Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and China. Capital: Vientiane Population: 6,200,000 Area: 236,800Km2 Religion: Buddhist about 67% and others 33% Women play very crucial role in participation of development of country, social, economic and political. (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Based on the constitution of Lao PDR Women and Men have equal right, including girls and boys. No discrimination. In recent year, the government has issued policies and laws related to women issue: In 1981, the country ratified the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); In 1992, the National Commission for Mothers and Children was established In 2003, the Government acceded to the United Nations Convention Against Trafficking in Person, Especially Women and Children; In 2003 The NCAW In 2005, Laos developed and adopted the law on the Development and Protection of Women; In 2015, End Violence Against Women and Children Law Education for all Primary school is compulsory for the children ages to school Master Plan of the government on Social, Politic and Economic: women leader have to access to 15% of mass organization, 20% of government organization and should a sit at the National Assembly 30%. Challenges: Gap between urban and rural area (Social and Economic) Culture and Tradition is one of barrier of women participation Education (higher education for women less than men) Decision making Access to information Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment Slide

182 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Key goals NCAW: What it is? NCAW??? Long term strategy and goal has established , the key goals are: Conscious awareness raising on women promotion, women right and equality. Strengthening the role of women participation at all level of development of country, Political, Social and Economic development. Elimination of women discrimination and violence against women Promote and opportunity given to women in term of participation and making decision by women at all level Strengthen the relationship with others international organization in order to share experience and technical aspect related to women s political. Based of the strategy of the government, the point of will of IO s, INGO>>>>????? Slide 03 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation et cetra Strategy of intervention for the National Commission for Advancement of the Women, there are 6 programs forward to 2020.??? Develop information, statistic and research on women issue Political Awareness raising and dissemination to PUBLIC on gender, women equality issue Women right, women leadership and making decision... Promotion human resource working on women issue End of all form of elimination and violence against women Strengthen the cooperation and relationship with other organization internal and international. Slide

183 Key achievements Some statistic on women leader in leadership. No. Description Total Male Female % 1. President of National Assembly National Assembly members Ministers Vice ministers Provincial governor Vice Provincial Governor District governors Vice district governor Villages chief Slide 05 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Government and Revolution Party of Lao always pay attention seriously to women issue, women equality, women leader in leadership and women right Law on development and protection women and children Master Plan of political, social and economic (women is playing crucial important role in all level of development) Strategy Plan for Promotion of Advancement for Women 3 National Mechanism to promote and develop women * Lao Women Union * Lao National Commission for Advancement of Women * Women Caucas. Slide

184 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Changing of gender equality not really deeply and not spread out to cover all nationwide especially in rural remote area, it needs more times and need to do awareness raising regularly and men should engage. Women are able to participate but making decision it always men lead Knowledge and skill of women still limit, it doesn't meet to the criteria of the position of leader or political issue Budget allocation for women movement is limited Slide 07 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Capacity and skill is limited many people look women with low profile because many people do not understand or do not recognize women equality and right Culture and traditional is also a barriers for women leaders in leadership Organizational, social behaviour change is very affected to the role of women leaders Decision make must be made by women Slide

185 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders Government and Party is very supportive, there are many law, International Convention, treaty, degree to support and promote women role in political Organizational, Society including men should recognize the right of women and equality Men support and give opportunity Women must to increase their capacity, knowledge and skill, ability to demonstrate and making decision Slide 09 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Which institutions need to be influenced/worked with to strengthen the outreach/effectiveness of the work? Women itself need to motivate and involve at all level of development of the country, especially from 3 mechanism of agencies: Lao Women Union, National Commision for Advancement of Women and Women Caucas. Government, Party is a key to be influenced Local authority, society must recognized the role, equality, right of women as a men Slide

186 Aspirations for the future Government is always encourage, supportive and pay attention to women issue. In the future women must to reach it strategy plan and have 30 sits at the National Assembly (Women members) Women leader in leadership must involve on decision making Networking with women in this region and internationally Women can do as a men if given opportunity, support and recognize by society and especially men Slide 11 References to share with your peers Case studies/documentation/website that provide an overview of your experiences. Slide

187 MONGOLIA MONGOLIA ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL AUTHORITY Mongolia has one of the lowest population density in the world, 1.5 people per square kilometer. The total current population of Mongolia is 2.4 million, 50.4 per cent of which are women. There are 535,300 households, 54,530 of which are headed by women (1998 data). Roughly half of the total are herder households. Slide 01 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Mongolia has policy quota of women should involve for election is 20% MALA organizes trainings to increase awareness and encourage women Women area easy to discourage because of men are not accept their success Slide

188 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Strengthen women in politic because Mongolian women are more responsible in their work and not get any bribe Train and strengthen elected women for parliament and local authority Deliver voice of women to decision makers Protect womens rights Train leader women for local election on October 19, Slide 03 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Change public view on women through media Increase women participation Train women regularly Slide

189 Key achievements We trained all female citizen representatives of local level since First time women could became chair. For example in Gobisumber province a women became Khural Chair in 2000 MALA gave motivations to women to nominate to election. So far we organized trainings in class and individually to over 6000 women who involved with politics. Changed public view on women in politics Strengthen elected women who in politics be leader. Slide 05 Analysis of strengths MALA closely work with decision makers of 22 provinces, 9 districts, and 330 municipality citizen representatives. MALA has its branch organizations in all administration level of governance MALA is accepted by its continuous work in all level from first level of administration to parliament level Have most training modules and implement to different target including women, local development, sustainable development, and corruption etc Slide

190 Emerging challenges of your organisation Source of funding, since 2012 donor organisations limited their funding in Mongolia Every four years due to election people who trained are changes due to election Weak international relations, don t have constant person Slide 07 Emerging challenges for women leaders Leader women are difficult to accepted by society Women don t accept each other More social media attack to women leaders, mostly to women parliament members Women don t unite and weak team work Women are easily discourage to continue in politics Women don t have funding Slide

191 Analysis of opportunities We organize lobby events on different topics that urgent social problems, we cooperate with female parliament members and provide necessary information to them. MALA is planning to expand its activities on female participation in decision making level, therefore we working with city mayor office. We planning several projects on empower women in different level. Slide 09 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Ulaanbaatar city mayor, National Parliament, Central Government, local citizen representatives, NGOs, research institutes International donor organizations like LOGIN, SDC Influence to government organization and media Slide

192 Aspirations for the future MALA will organize comprehensive national program on women empowerment in all different administration level. This will be implemented with central government with three phases. This national program will support female leaders, change view of public opinion, increase more women in politic. 20% of 21 provinces governor should female by 2024 in order to achieve MALA will train women leaders Slide 11 References to share with your peers More information about Mongolian women: Women in Mongolia Gender overview-mongolia a des study: -content/mongolia/en/sdc-gender-%20overview- Mongolia-% EN.pdf Slide

193 MYANMAR LEARNING AND ACTION GROUP FOR LOCAL GOVERNANCE LAG-LOG stands for Learning and Action Group for Local Governance. LAG-LOG is a not for profit multi-stakeholder network that enable its members and stakeholders to have learning opportunities and collective action to strives to advance decentralization and local governance reforms in Myanmar. Country Context (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Slide 01 Lag-log Myanmar Vision Mission A future of good local governance? LAG-LOG is a member based network using the strengths of their skill and expertise, we promote peer learning among members organization, strengthen the skill and capacity of civil society organization and local governments and collective advocacy toward good local governance in Myanmar. Parallely, LAG- LOG becoming consultative status of local governance stakeholders contributing democratic local governance reform in Myanmar Slide

194 Strategic framework of LAG-LOG Policy The identification of policies effecting directly to Local Governance To support in policy formulation process in every level _State and Regional, National Planning Synchronizing the bottom up plans and Top down Plans Providing system inputs for Comprehensive Planning Budget To promote civil society access to budget both regional and sectoral which enables civil society to monitor budget utilization and provide recommendation Institution Strengthening institutions from both demand and supply sides at village tract and Township Level To establish inclusive and representative institutions Public Service Delivery To promote civil society s role to keeping public service delivery on track and ensuring government s role to provide public services Slide 03 Opportunities Potential linkages with international network (LOGIN, DELGOSIA, etc) Willingness of government on democratic reform, decentralization reform and good governance Rural Development Strategic Framework Increasing interest and players (international & local) of local governance Recognized by Ayeyarwaddy regional government International aids preference for strengthening local governance Potential international technical support by INGO members (UN,INGOs support learning and funding) Slide

195 Key achievements Development Partnership Forum at Ayeyarwaddy Region Strengthening LAG-LOG, to develop AOA? Identification research topics for the recommendation to research institute or joint research Review Administrative framework Decentralization act (which is recently submitted by Military representative in parliament) Local governance good practice documents published Slide 05 Analysis of strengths Strengths Country platform of LOG-IN Members coverage (thematic, geographical, diversity) In-network resources for all technical area (Multi expertise) Able to access Financial resources among members Strong link with local CSOs and Government at all level (DRD, S/R governments) CSO relationship and good networking Accessible to media for advocacy and public awareness Clear strategy and shared value on local governance Slide

196 Emerging challenges of your organisation Weakness Limited availability of members for LAG-LOG Limited organizational commitment for LAGLOG and more personal basis Existing individual capacity on local governance is limited Delegated decision power & presentation is limited No secretariat office and staff Broad area (less focus) Different interest, approach, strategy and ways of working among member organization Improper system and structure Slide 07 Threats Unpredictable 2015 election and political landscape after election (it might not be desirable for strengthening LG Possibly impact of ceasefire and peace building process Communal conflicts Sensitivity of individual/ organization; acts (trust & relationship with government) Upcoming policies of new government (if NLD majority). It may contradict with LAG-LOG Mission Constitutional context of decentralization (laws/acts It can be an opportunities for LAG-LOG to influence) The role of General administration department remain unchanged Inter-governmental relation Conflict of expectation upon federalism and decentralization Slide

197 Stakeholder analysis- local governance Slide 09 Guiding principles Advisory Group Key decision makers of LAG-LOG member organization Have A sound local governance knowledge and experiences, Willing to provide his/her experiences and knowledge to be functioned of network Commitment toward democratic and local governance reform in Myanmar Steering members Nominate by network members based on criteria Should be proactive members of LAG-LOG Regular participation and actively contribute time and knowledge to achieve strategic goal of LAG-LOG Have a sound experiences and technical background in local governance To be accountable and responsible to the mandate set out of by LAG-LOG Network members Interest to learn and share local governance knowledge and experiences Individual or organizational interest and working to improve local governance Regular participation in LAG-LOG activities Slide

198 Guiding principles Agreed to start with observation period to decide being or not being network members Working group Composed of network members Voluntary based self-nomination and temporary Carry out specific assign tasks set by network members and guide by steering members Dismissed after completion of the assign tasks Slide 11 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? State and Region (MPs,Government Officer, Military, CSOs.) Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? Spectrum, Action Aid,Paung Kuu, Oxfam, NAG, The Asia Foundation Slide

199 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? CSOs forum for Local Governance Peer learning within LAG-LOG and beyond Linkage with regional network (LOGIN) Community watch group model? Local governance skill building and knowledge promoting to CSOs members Budget and LDF Decentralization Social Accountability Replication of learning from LOGIN Asia Slide 13 References to share with your peers Case studies/documentation/website that provide an overview of your experiences Previous Election www///spectrumsdkn.org Slide

200 NEPAL ASSOCIATION OF DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES Nepal Slide 01 Country context Nepal is a country of great geographic, cultural, ethnic, religious diversity. Status varied from one ethnic group to another. Slide

201 Country context A women s life is strongly influenced by her father, husband and son. Marriage has a great importance in women life Slide 03 Country context Compare with men. Woman s situation is very poor in health, education, participation, income generation, self-confidence, decision-making, access to policymaking, But it is improving day by day Slide

202 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Implementing the constitutional reservations 33 percent in general and 40 percent in specific Positive discrimination Policies Slide 05 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE ADDCN Making District Governments more capable in planning, monitoring and evaluation Contributing Local Self Government Act where insure the women participation in all level Lobbing to make local government constitutional where 33 percent women s participation insured Slide

203 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women Advocacy to government for implementing the national laws and international conventions Making new laws women friendly Trained Local government to make women participation in every planning process Publishing the local democracy publication addressing the women issues Slide 07 Key achievements Local self governance act, 1999, ensuring at least one woman in a any political bodies New Constitution addressing 33 percent participation in each political bodies President, Speaker and Chief Justice are women Shailaja Acharya, first woman deputy prime minister of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, the first woman President of Nepal Slide

204 Analysis of strengths Local to central level advocacy Making women cell and campaigning in consultation process Advocacy Slide 09 Emerging challenges of your organisation Local election Reconstruction of local level numbers and boundaries Election on regular basis ( we have no local election by 14 years) Slide

205 Emerging challenges for women leaders Education and literacy Economic condition Social norms and values Slide 11 Analysis of opportunities Very progressive constitution made by Constitutional Assembly State restructuring process going on Positive discrimination in all sectors from public service commissions and political bodies Women are in powers and Government ready to implement all rules Slide

206 Partners/ Allies/ Institutions who need to be influenced Political parties to make in their parties based on constitutional Development partners ( donor agencies), UN agencies Concern Ministries Slide 13 Aspirations for the future Collaboration with the all provinces and local government Make them capable Watch dog for proper implementation of constitution and laws Slide

207 References to share with your peers Slide 15 MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF NEPAL Country/Region of operation: Nepal, across the country (217 municipality) Country Context (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Promoting Factor New constitution has ensured equal rights to women as a citizen of Nepal in education, property and citizenship Nepal is a secular nation as per the new constitution, it discourage all the rigid cultural practice. Government of Nepal, other development agency and media/ social media has been promoting women equality. Slide

208 Continued Country/Region of operation: Nepal, across the country (207 municipality) Country Context (Cultural, Social and Economic factors that promote or inhibit women s participation) Inhibit Factors Patriarchy mindset is still deeply rooted in behavior level Tokenism presentation in political parties Less livelihood opportunity and no control over resource Young generation are not interested in a politics Slide 02 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment Promoting Factor Different government and non government agencies are working on Women Empowerment New Constitution has ensured 33 % women participation Local Self Governance Act also has ensured 33% women participation at local level Violence Against Women Act article&id=53&itemid=83 Slide

209 Enabling conditions and challenges posed by the environment towards WPE Policies, programs, institutions, etc. which promote or inhibit the work in women s political empowerment Promoting Factor Different government and non government agencies are working on Women Empowerment, Ministry of women, Women Commission New Constitution has ensured 33 % women participation Local Self Governance Act also has ensured 33% women participation at local level Violence Against Women Act Slide 04 Conti. Inhibit Factor Controversy on citizenship Act on the name of mother Women can not pass citizenship to her spouse( Husband ) Huge gap between policy and practice Slide

210 Key goals of your organisation in relation to WPE Advocacy and bobby for the making women and child friendly cities To increase women participation by enhancing leadership capacity of emerging leaders To promote women leadership from local to national level Slide 06 Intervention strategies of your organisation towards politically empowering women These could be in the area of awareness building, trainings, accompaniment, federating/coalition building, advocacy, documentation et cetra Policy level advocacy for gender responsiveness Capacity building program to empower women emerging leaders Building women s network and alliance with other stakeholder at local and national level Creating awareness within community and local government non government agencies about women s meaningful participation Slide

211 Key achievements National Level Women are holding key positions of the country such as President of Nepal, Speaker of the Parliament of Nepal since 2015, and Chief Justice. Local Level Women literacy rate is 44.5% Women are organized at local level and participating in local development activities in VDC, municipalities DDC level. Slide 08 Analysis of strengths What factors have contributed to these achievements? Due to political revolution at different time frame made by different political parties and women participation themselves has increased the voice of women. Women participation highly increased in the political party after Moist revolution in Nepal Effort made by development agency to aware the civil society to recognized the needs of equal society. Slide

212 Emerging challenges of your organisation What are the key challenges faced by your organisation in the work on women s political empowerment? Absence of Local Election Only one women in MuAN working committee Due to elected people s representatives low level of revenue generation Insufficient plan for leadership capacity building process Slide 10 Emerging challenges for women leaders What are the key challenges faced by the women leaders engaging in local governance? Women are not well prepared for political leadership Lack of investment about women leadership from family, society and political party Lack of orientation, training, exposures etc for woman leaders Young woman are not so interested or motivated about political culture Slide

213 Analysis of opportunities What are the emerging opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen the work on Women s Political Empowerment? Try to distinguish between opportunities for your organisation and for those for women leaders. Constitutional rights encourage women to lead their life equal to men (property rights, citizenship rights etc). Strong position of local govt. In the new constitution Women leaders can enjoy reservations in political positions as well as civil and other services Slide 12 Partners/Allies/Institutions who need to be influenced Who are the partners/ allies of the organization in the work on women s political empowerment? Which institutions need to be influenced/ worked with to strengthen the outreach/ effectiveness of the work? MuAN is a partnering with other local governance agencies like Association of VDC, DDC. Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development, DFID etc. Political parties, Ministry of women, women commission and all the local governance agencies. Slide

214 Aspirations for the future What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? MuAN is revising its statute and regulations ensuring provisions of women participation in its Board as per new constitution MuAN is advocating and lobbying with political parties to be prepared for women candidacy in the upcoming local election in line with constitutional provisions MuAN is developing a capacity development programs for orienting potential women leaders at the local level Slide 14 Aspirations for the future conti... What are future growth/consolidation pathways for your organisation? MuAN is revitalizing its Women Department through empowering its members through exposures and trainings. MuAN is updating its strategic planning documents much more in line with GESI ( gender equality and social Inclusion), environment friendly and disaster preparedness policies of Nepal. Slide

215 Some glimpse of women s movement in Nepal Women Leader coming together on 8 th March, voicing out for equal wages Slide 16 Some glimpse of women s movement and its achievements in Nepal Slide

216 Some glimpse of women s movement and its achievements in Nepal 1 st Women President, Bidhya Bhandai, 1 st Women Speak person of the Parliament- Angsari Gharti Magar, 1at Women Chief Justice Shusila Karki Slide 18 Some glimpse of women s movement and its achievements in Nepal One Billion Raising Campaign-Violence Against Women-National level Slide

217 Some glimpse of women s movement and its achievements in Nepal One Billion Raising Campaign-Violence Against Women, in Dharan Municipality Slide 20 Some glimpse of women s movement and its achievements in Nepal Slide