Posts filed under ‘International Section’
Launch of International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict
We are excited to share news with you about the launch of the International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict with a Week of Action May 6-13. We at CFUW are thrilled to be a member of the first ever collaboration between Nobel Peace Laureates, international advocacy organizations, and groups working at the regional and community levels in conflict areas to stop rape.
As you may already know, challenges to collecting data on rape in conflict persist, but the numbers are alarming. From Congo and Kenya to Burma and Colombia, everyday rape is used as a weapon to humiliate people and tear apart communities.
The International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict unites us—organizations and individuals—into a powerful and coordinated effort for change. We will demand urgent and bold political leadership to prevent rape in conflict, to protect civilians and rape survivors, and call for justice for all—including effective prosecution of those responsible.
Take the personal pledge today to support the Campaign at www.stoprapeinconflict.org or http://nobelwomensinitiative.org/international-campaign-to-stop-rape-and-gender-violence-in-conflict/join-or-endorse-the-international-campaign-to-stop-rape-gender-violence-in-conflict/
Please help us spread the word : Make sure to connect with the Campaign online during the Week of Action May 6-13.
Visit the website: www.stoprapeinconflict.org
Find the Campaign on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/stoprapecmpgn. Always use the hashtag #IPLEDGE to show your support for the Campaign and share the action you will undertake for the Campaign.
Find the Campaign on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StopRapeInConflict
Thank you for your support !
Together & united,
Canadian Federation of University Women
Seven Billion Actions
On 14 September 2011, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the 7 Billion Actions in New York to recognize that the global population will have reached 7 billion people, by the end of 2011,with women and girls comprising half of the world’s population.
He said that “a world of 7 billion has implications on sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment”. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), also said, “Population is about people. It is about embracing the dignity and human rights of every individual. In a world of 7 billion people, we need to count on each other”.
The 7 Billion Actions are challenges, opportunities and calls to action to recognize and celebrate our common humanity and diversity. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all to get involved with the campaign saying, “Small actions taken by each one of us, multiplied across communities, can create a better world”. For example, one person can read to a child, visit with a senior, stand up for others and make someone smile. Organizations can meet the Campaign Objectives by “Building global awareness and Inspiring others to take actions that will have a socially positive impact”.
Visit www.7BillionActions.org to learn more and stay connected with Facebook.com/7billionactions; Twitter.com/7billionactions and Twitter hashtag: #7billion.
International Opportunities
1. APPEAL – Online volunteer assistance for educators in Afghanistan;
2. VACANCY – USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI)
1. Educators in at-risk areas invited to receive help from skilled online volunteers
The Canadian International Learning Foundation is looking for educators in regions affected by war, illness or poverty to join our new Educator Volunteer Network (EVN).
The EVN is a social website (www.educatorvolunteer.net) where educators can receive mentoring and one-on-one assistance from online volunteers in a range of fields, including teacher training, information technology, communications and strategy. The EVN also provides educators and volunteers with training, a library of resources and a place to share information and ideas together online.
For example, the EVN volunteers and resources could help you to improve a mathematics course you are teaching, write a grant request letter or plan for the future years of your school.
Both educators and volunteers must apply to be members of the EVN. There is no charge for membership. If you think the EVN could help you to help your students, please read the information below and apply to join.
Areas of Assistance
Education Development: Developing curriculum plans and specific lessons and creating partnerships with recognized educational institutions.
Examples: Editing English or mathematics lessons, or obtaining online classes from accredited institutions in the United States or Canada.
Infrastructure and Information Technology: Improving schools’ facilities and implementing new technologies, such as low-power computing and renewable energy.
Examples: Helping decide which laptops and programs might help your school, editing a request for donations of second-hand computers, or planning for water pumps at your school.
Communications: Building public awareness and support for your school and encouraging students to share their stories with the world.
Examples: Developing a website for the school, editing stories about the school and helping the school use websites such as Facebook or Twitter if appropriate.
Business and Strategy: Planning for the future of your school, identifying new sources of funds and finding ways to reduce costs.
Examples: Editing a grant application, helping prepare a school budget or writing a business plan.
Requirements for Joining the EVN
Access to the Internet: Educators should have Internet access at least once a week for several hours. It is best if the Internet is available at your school but the EVN also accepts educators with regular access to Internet cafes.
Proof of registration: Educators must show proof that your school is a legally registered business, non-profit organization, charitable organization or government entity. If you are unable to legally register because of oppression or discrimination from the government, you will need to obtain signed references from at least 2 prominent members of the community, such as lawyers, doctors, elected officials, business owners, religious officials or journalists.
Regard for human rights: To be a member of EVN, you must sign a legally binding agreement that says you and your school will not deny entrance or discriminate against a student because of their race, gender, ethnicity, religion, tribal affiliation or sexual orientation. However, we do allow schools to focus on a specific gender or ethnic group if the group has fewer educational opportunities.
Respect for the EVN’s purpose: EVN is designed to help share knowledge and expertise. It is not designed to provide direct financial assistance, and educators should not ask volunteers to donate their own money or to hold fundraisers. Educators can ask volunteers for help approaching businesses or foundations for grants, but should also ask for help with other things such as education development.
A willingness to share, explore and try something new: We want the EVN to be full of innovative educators who are excited to be part of something new, and willing to share stories of their school and students with the volunteers who are working to help improve the quality of education at their institution.
How to Apply to Join the EVN
To apply, e-mail staff@educatorvolunteer.net to request an application form. For more information, please visit us online at www.educatorvolunteer.net.
About the Canadian International Learning Foundation
The Canadian International Learning Foundation (CanILF) is an Ottawa-based, volunteer-run registered charity that provides and promotes professional education in areas of the world affected by war, illness and poverty.
CanILF sponsors scholarships, purchases equipment and provides development assistance for a school in Kandahar, the Afghan-Canadian Community Center. Our partnership has helped hundreds of students receive high-paying jobs, support themselves and their families and participate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Through the Uganda Literacy and Education Program, CanILF sponsors scholarships and provides educational equipment for St. Paul’s Kabira Adult Attention and School of Orphans (KAASO). CanILF sponsors dozens of student scholarships through KAASO’s Community Empowerment Program, which provides training in business, literacy and small-scale industry and agriculture.
In 2011, CanILF created the Educator Volunteer Network (EVN) based on the success of the online partnerships it created between educators at these two schools and skilled volunteers in Canada. The goal of the EVN is to one day have a team of trained, dedicated international online volunteers for every educator whose students are struggling to overcome war, illness or poverty.
For more information on CanILF, please visit www.canilf.org. To learn more about the EVN, visit www.educatorvolunteer.net.
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2.
(OTI) has opened a new position located in Afghanistan
For full information about this position, as well as instruction on how to apply, please visit www.globalcorps.com
The USAID/Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) has opened a new position located in Afghanistan:
• Country Representative, Afghanistan – Field Programs Division, at the GS-14/15 equivalent level.
This is a full-time Personal Service Contractor (PSC) position and is open to U.S. citizens only due to security clearance requirements.
Applications for this position are due no later than November 14, 2011 at 5:00 PM EST.
For full information about this position, as well as instruction on how to apply, please visit www.globalcorps.com
IFUW Update
Uganda BRPID Project Underway
Girls currently enrolled in the Kibuye Primary School and those out of school are participating in what is called the Bina Roy Energy Briquette Production Club. The project involves training girls to collect waste, such as charcoal dust, banana peels and other organic waste, and to recycle these into energy efficient fuel briquettes.
IFUW Receives Legacy from Alice Paquier, former IFUW
Executive Secretary
IFUW has received a legacy of 15’000 Swiss francs from Alice Paquier (1925-2011), who served as IFUW Executive Secretary from 1974 to1988. In her 14-year tenure, she was highly regarded and appreciated for her contributions, particularly in raising IFUW’s presence at the United Nations and promoting the rights of women and girls throughout her lifetime.
UN Working Group on Ageing: Gaps in Protection of Older Persons
The Second Session of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing met in New York from 1-4 August 2011. Participating Member States and NGOs warned that the quality of life of many older persons is poor in both developed and developing countries, and that unless this is addressed, it will worsen as the numbers of elderly increase.
ILO Adopts New Convention on Domestic Workers
During the 100th session of the International Labour Conference in June 2011, gender was a major part of the discussion on Decent Work, this year’s theme. Most important, the passage of a new International Convention 189 on the Rights of Domestic Workers was a big step forward for women. While domestic workers everywhere face injustice, it is women who suffer the most.
IFUW Website Changes
IFUW’s website is shifting to a new content management system that will make it easier to use and more interactive.
For the full IFUW update visit: IFUW Update August 25, 2011
Women’s Worlds 2011, July 2011
Susan Russell, International Relations
The 1,900 participants came to Women’s Worlds 2011 from NGOs, academia and the private sector, young and old, “able” and disabled. First Nations women were an integral part of the opening ceremonies at the Great Hall of the Museum of Civilization on Sunday and were visible throughout the conference.
Listen when you hear the women roar as they make connections and converse! The theme was “Inclusions, Exclusions and Seclusions: Living in a Globalized World”. Dr. Roseanne Runte greeted us on the first morning and Allan Rock at the end – representing both Universities.
Each day started with a plenary discussion in the new Conference Centre and themed:
1. Breaking Cycles
2. Breaking Ceilings
3. Breaking Barriers
4. Breaking Ground
Over 100 workshops daily were each based on the day’s theme. When sessions ended at 6.30 they segued into movies, exhibitions and receptions.
Workshops:
- UWC Vancouver’s workshop dealt with Prostitution (the Nordic Model).
- IFUW’s Louise Croot, and Anne Ronning dealt with widowhood – as an emerging issue.
- Shirley Randall spoke about her work on gender equality in Rwanda.
- Brenda Wallace introduced the CFUW workshop on Barriers to Maternal Health and set the scene leading into my talk about barriers and framework, next came Brenda Robertson’s personal stories about Tanzania and then Teresa Chiesa from the CARE Canada spoke as a health professional just back from the Congo.
The CARE movie, “No Women, No Cry” dealt with challenges to health care in Africa prepared us for our own workshop on the next day.
Abigail Disney’s documentary: Pray the Devil Back to Hell – about the Liberian women who came together at the end of a bloody civil war to make sure that their men made peace shows how determined women can make a difference. It is part of a series on war by this producer.
It is important to include women at every level – women have the power to make lasting change. One woman at a time we can all make a difference.
Amnesty International: End Sexual Violence Against Women and Girls in Nicaragua
Rape and sexual abuse are widespread in Nicaragua. More than two thirds of reports to police from 1998 to 2008 involved girls under the age of 17. Many girls do not speak out, fearing that they will be blamed. Many also do not receive the support they need to recover and seek justice. Instead, most girls suffer in silence.
Amnesty International has met with many survivors of sexual violence in Nicaragua and we wanted to provide an avenue for them to share their stories and speak out. We have launched a new website: www.amnesty.ca/endsexualviolence which includes the stories of survivors and women’s rights advocates, as well as more information on access to justice, shelters, and support in Nicaragua.
We are also inviting our members and supporters to take a second essential action of sending a much needed message of solidarity to women and girls in Nicaragua, by creating a virtual butterfly. We chose the butterfly image because of our work with women’s rights defenders in Nicaragua. Martha Munguía, the Executive Coordinator of the Nicaraguan Alliance of Women’s Centres told Amnesty International,
“For us, the butterfly is a symbol of the desires to realise our dreams, to spread our wings and multiply into so many women and girls that can fly like butterflies from one place to another, from one country to another, fighting with strength for our rights.”
Individuals can use the online tool to create a butterfly message that Amnesty International will deliver to the women and girls of Nicaragua for them to use in demonstrations in September.
This year is Amnesty International’s 50th Anniversary, and we are focusing on ending sexual violence against girls in Nicaragua as a global action for our members around the world. More details on our global campaigns is available on our new website: www.AI50.ca.
CFUW Calls On Government to Put Human Health Before the Asbestos Industry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, June 16, 2011 – “It’s time to put human health ahead of the asbestos industry” was the message sent to Prime Minister Harper today. Brenda Wallace, National President of the Canadian Federation of University Women, called on PM Harper to stop preventing the UN Rotterdam Convention from adding chrysotile asbestos to its list of hazardous substances.
It is well recognized that many countries who import chrysotile asbestos have lax standards for safe handling of the product. For fear that it will not be handled safely, most countries have either severely restricted or banned the use of all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile. Canada’s failure to take action on this issue is contributing to the premature deaths of many thousands of people in countries with poor standards.
The Convention promotes responsible trade by requiring that “prior informed consent” be obtained before a country exports a hazardous substance on its list. The Convention’s Chemical Review Committee has repeatedly called for chrysotile asbestos to be put on the list, but Canada has refused. Harper and Minister Christian Paradis have said that Canada will continue to block the listing.
“It is indefensible for Canada to continue to block the listing, and their actions are bringing shame on Canada’s international reputation,” said Wallace, “We call on PM Harper to do the right thing: Support the Rotterdam Convention and human rights, not the asbestos industry.”
CFUW is a non-partisan, voluntary, self-funded organization of close to 10,000 women university graduates, students and Associate Members in 113 Clubs across Canada that works to improve the status of women and human rights, education, social, justice, and peace. CFUW holds special consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC) Commission on the Status of Women and belongs to the Education Sector of the Canadian Commission to UNESCO. CFUW is the largest of the 67 affiliates of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW).
For more information contact:
Robin Jackson, executivedirector@cfuw.org, 613-234-8252 ext. 102
IFUW March 8 2011 Update
100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day
Today, March 8th, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. When Clara Zetkin tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day, it was a very different world, with women demanding not only the vote in some countries but also shorter hours and better pay. A century later, we are still working for equality in many areas. As we celebrate our successes, we must also re-commit ourselves to the task ahead. We have made progress, but much remains to be done… This Update gives a snapshot of the activities being organized by of some of our NFAs to celebrate what has now become a global event. Let us not forget those women, who had the courage 100 years ago to propose that every year women should celebrate on the same day to press for their demands.
Marianne Haslegrave, IFUW President
Launch of the Museo de la Mujer
The Federación Mexicana de Universitarias (FEMU) has chosen International Women’s Day for the official opening of their new Women’s Museum – “El Museo de la Mujer”. According to FEMU founding president and IFUW Vice- President, Patricia Galeana, the museum aims both to offer a place where people can learn about the important role women have played in the development of the country, and to promote gender equality and women’s human rights. It is only the second of its kind in all of Latin America. Through photographs, texts, graphics and multimedia presentations, the exhibits will show situations confronting women and the feminist revolution from historical periods through to modern times. In addition to displaying the works of well-known Mexican artists, the museum will also feature a document centre and a specialized library. We wish FEMU much success with this important initiative.
Some of the Ways IFUW Members are Celebrating
- In Switzerland a panel organized at the United Nations by Conchita Poncini, Coordinator or IFUW’s Representatives in Geneva, is addressing the theme of “Celebrating Women’s Rights: Higher Education – Pathway to Gender Equality and Decent Work”. On the panel will be representatives from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the International Labour Office Bureau for Gender Equality and the World Bank to share their views. Marianne Haslegrave will speak on behalf of IFUW.
- Members in Amsterdam will celebrate 8th March with a special evening gathering where older members of the Dutch Association (VVAO) in their 70s and 80s will talk with a group of younger members, sharing stories of their student and professional lives.
- The Canadian Federation (CFUW) is encouraging members to participate in Oxfam’s 100 Letters for 100 Years of International Women’s Day. To mark a century of women’s achievements, members are writing letters to the their local newspapers about a woman who inspires them; their wish for women living in other parts of the world, their wish for their daughter, niece, sister or granddaughter; the moment at which they became interested in women’s rights; or what we might celebrate on International Women’s Day in the next 100 years.
IFUW’s Status of Women Committee would like very much to hear about any activities your NFA or local group organized for International Women’s Day 2011. You can send your short articles and photos to update@ifuw.org.
Message from UN Women Executive Director, Michelle Bachelet
In her IWD message, Michelle Bachelet, said that she suspected that the courageous pioneers would look at our world today with a mixture of pride and disappointment. She noted that there has been an unprecedented expansion of women’s legal rights and entitlements, but despite progress over the last century, the hopes of equality expressed on that first International Women’s Day are far from being realized. She pointed out that almost two out of three illiterate adults are women. Girls are still less likely to be in school than boys. Every 90 seconds of every day, a woman dies in pregnancy or due to childbirth-related complications despite us having the knowledge and resources to make birth safe. She remarked that women continue to earn less than men for the same work. In many countries, they have unequal access to land and inheritance rights. Women still make up only 19 percent of legislatures, 8 percent of peace negotiators, and only 28 women are heads of state or government. She stressed that it is not just women who pay the price for this discrimination. We all suffer for failing to make the most of half the world’s talent and potential. We undermine the quality of our democracy, the strength of our economies, the health of our societies and the sustainability of peace. This year’s IWD focus on women’s equal access to education, training, science and technology underscores the need to tap this potential.
For the the full statement see – http://www.unwomen.org/news-events/international-womens-day/messages/#usg .
IWD Message from the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Navanethem Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, saluted the women of the Middle East and North Africa, along with women all over the world who are taking great risks to stand up and fight for dignity, justice and human rights for themselves and for their compatriots. She pointed out that in Egypt and Tunisia, women were on Twitter, on Facebook, on the streets, and marching alongside men, pushing boundaries and breaking gender stereotypes, just as eager for change, for human rights and for democracy. Ms Pillay warned, however, that the work is far from over. In these moments of historic transition, it is important to ensure that women’s rights are not set aside as something to be dealt with after the ‘crucial’ reforms are won. Women’s rights should be at the top of the list of new priorities. She noted that while women have played an important role in the call for change, concerns have already been raised that constitutional reviews and the development of reforms are undertaken without their full participation. Only when women participate fully in policy-making and institution-building will their perspective be truly integrated. The concept of democracy is only truly realised when political decision-making is shared by women and men, and women’s full participation in institutional re-building is guaranteed.
For the full statement see http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true
International Federation of University Women
10 rue du Lac, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland¦ ifuw@ifuw.org
IFUW February 9 2011 Update
9 February 2011
New IFUW Programme for Action
We are pleased to announce the launching of the new IFUW Programme for Action (PfA) -
“The Power of Education in Effecting Change”.
The development of the PfA has involved our members through the on-line discussions and the input that was given during the conference in Mexico City. These ideas and suggestions have been “fine-tuned” by the Status of Women Committee, the members of which the Board wishes to thank for their hard work and innovative ideas.
The new PfA has four pillars or themes:
- Education for empowerment and leadership
- Education for freedom from violence
- Education for financial independence, employment and entrepreneurship
- Education for sustainable futures
These themes of the four pillars will form the basis of IFUW’s ongoing programme, one expected to last beyond the current triennium.
At the beginning of December 2010, we presented the cross-cutting focus chosen for IFUW’s international advocacy: “Education for the realization of the rights of women and girls”. We hope that each national federation and association (NFA) will integrate all or part of the new PfA into their own programming and advocacy.
Marianne Haslegrave, IFUW President
What’s New on the IFUW Website
- IFUW Programme for Action - http://www.ifuw.org/programme/
- This section provides suggestions for subthemes and action for the new PfA. We encourage you to check back often, as the Status of Women Committee will be posting new material regularly.
- CSW 55th Session – http://www.ifuw.org/programme
- If you would like to know more about what will be happening at the 55th CSW Session, this page provides links to the key background documents, information about events IFUW is helping to organize, as well as a list of our delegation.
- New IFUW Blog posting – http://www.ifuw.org/blog
- Ardith Toogood, CIR of the Canadian Federation (CFUW), is guest blogger this week on Civil society input for UN Women Beyond the First 100 Days. She shares input that CFUW has made to the new UN Women consultation process.
Bina Roy Partners in Development (BRPID)
2011 Competition Underway
IFUW’s BRPID Programme is now accepting project proposals for the 2011 competition. The deadline for applying is 28 February 2011. BRPID supports projects empowering women and girls through education and leadership development. NFAs in developing countries with a per capita gross national income (GNI) of 10,000 USD or less are encouraged to apply. The grants, ranging from 1000 to 2000 Swiss francs, will be awarded on a competitive basis and will cover a twelve-month period beginning 1 June 2011. The Projects Committee is delighted with the response and is looking forward to reviewing the proposals in March.
Participants in the successful 2010 BRPID Literacy Project run by the Egyptian Association
Young Women, Bright Stars
In a recent message to the IFUW Member’s Network, Michelle Imison shared an idea young members in Australia are trying. After the conference in Mexico, and with the sense that other women’s organizations must be having the same difficulties as our NFAs in maintaining and growing our membership, she went home and made contact with the ‘younger’ chapters of UNWomen (then still UNIFEM) and Business and Professional Women in Sydney. She hopes they can build mutually useful relationships and networks into the future – and they’re starting with a joint event on International Women’s Day, March 8th. It’s an evening, cocktail-type event with a speaker, lucky door-prize and raffle and lots of networking opportunities. They’re deliberately keeping ticket costs low (finger food and some drinks are included), but they still hope to have money left to split three ways for the three organizations’ women’s and girls’ education projects. They are calling their event ‘Young Women, Bright Stars’. This is an idea that young members in other countries could also try.
Michelle Imison, Young Member, Australia
Convener, IFUW Projects Committee
International Federation of University Women
10 rue du Lac, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland
www.ifuw.org ¦ ifuw@ifuw.org
