Gender and Development e -Brief / Issue 45

July 4, 2006

IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS

FOREIGN AID

Foreign aid must focus on smaller goals

ENVIRONMENT

Community of Practice for Eco-health in the Middle East and North Africa Region, CoPEH - MENA

Environmental NGO highlights potential financial benefits of recycling trash

GENDER

Arab businesswomen meet counterparts at “Davos for women”

Conciliation between paid work and family life

Decision in Jordan to stop recruitment of Filipina maids welcomed

Government campaign aims to root out worker abuse in QIZs

Global Summit of Women in Cairo aims to poke holes in common stereotypes

Jordanian women encouraged to join the legal system

Jordanian female labourers hard pressed to get minimum wage Female workers are discriminated

Local Iraqi NGO warns of rising cases of sexual abuse

Landmark paternity case highlights dangers of urfi marriage in Egypt

Study finds MENA trailing world average in economic participation for women

Women's conference tackles mortality rates and girl's education in Jordan

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Damascus rejects US charges of human trafficking

YOUTH & CHILDREN

Workshop in Yemen to train young people on rights of children

REPROTS, BOOKS & ARTICLES

ECONOMY & TRADE

Protecting labor rights through trade agreements: an analytical guide

GENDER

Ending violence against women and girls: protecting human rights good practices for development cooperation

Foreign Direct Investment, development and gender equity: a review of research and policy

Female and male illiteracy rates – UNESCO

Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: A Critical Analysis of the Third Millennium Development Goal

Institutional Support for a Program of Activities with the West Bank/Gaza

Improving Postpartum Care among Low-parity Mothers in Palestine

Measuring Women's Empowerment: Participation and Rights in Civil, Political, Social, Economic, and Cultural Domains

Social protection and gender

Supporting women’s ICT-based enterprises: a handbook for agencies in development

Trade and Gender

Trade in the Americas: women central to the debate

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Community

Taking Action: Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering Women

The Terms of Women's Empowerment: Islamic Women Activists in Egypt

Women's Empowerment through Sustainable Micro-Finance: Rethinking “Best Practice”

Bridging the Digital Gender Divide: Issues and Insights on ICT for Women's Economic Empowerment

HURRIYAT

A glance at the situation of Palestinian refugees

RESOURCES          

CAPACITY BUILDING

Nonprofit Capacity Building Toolkit

DONORS PROFILES

Advancing Women's Leadership: Training of Trainers Guide

Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) – Egypt

Global Fund for Women founder provides advice on leading positive change
MAKING GENDER STATISTICS

National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI)

New CD-Rom

Mapping the World of Women's Information Services

WOMANKIND Worldwide

NGOs

Ideaccess - Middle East and Central Asia

NEWS

FOREIGN AID

Foreign aid must focus on smaller goals

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a "Utopian, feel-good scheme" bound to fail because no single aid agency was held responsible for anything. That was the word from New York University economics professor, William Easterly, speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa in Cape Town. Easterly described the MDGs as "the worst designed incentive scheme for public policy seen in my lifetime". For more information, see

www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=68&art_id=vn20060602014804267C657104 

ENVIRONMENT

Community of Practice for Eco-health in the Middle East and North Africa Region, CoPEH - MENA

Community of Practice for Eco-health in the Middle East and North Africa Region, CoPEH - MENA, is a network of practitioners of health and environment that addresses economic, institutional and environmental challenges to human health. For more information:

http://topics.developmentgateway.org/environment/rc/ItemDetail.do~1065518?intcmp=700

Environmental NGO highlights potential financial benefits of recycling trash

Environment Minister Yaacoub Sarraf recently announced a new plan to increase the amount of recycled garbage from 5 to 20 percent, but apart from a few local initiatives by municipalities non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and women's groups, no national recycling program exists in Lebanon.www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=73482 

GENDER

Arab businesswomen meet counterparts at “Davos for women”

 Around 900 women from 88 countries participated in the 16th annual Global Summit for Women, which concluded on Monday in Cairo. The summit, popularly referred to as _The Davos for Women_, focused on providing female business leaders from both the.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53916&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=EGYPT

Conciliation between paid work and family life

KS, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities, has developed a project outline regarding the combination of paid work and family life.

This discussion note outlines possible EEA funded projects regarding combination of paid work and family life...

http://topics.developmentgateway.org/glocalization/rc/ItemDetail.do~1064934?intcmp=700

Decision in Jordan to stop recruitment of Filipina maids welcomed

Human rights groups on Wednesday welcomed a decision by the government of the Philippines to stop sending domestic helpers to Jordan, saying such a step would highlight the abuse Philipinos and other nationals are subjected to at the hands of.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53943&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=JORDAN

Government campaign aims to root out worker abuse in QIZs

More than 100 Bangladeshi expatriates were withdrawn from a factory in the Sahab Qualified Industrial Zone (QIZ) after the discovery of cases of abuse by their employer, a labour ministry official said on Sunday. For more information: http://www.IRINnews.org

Global Summit of Women in Cairo aims to poke holes in common stereotypes

The Global Summit of Women has opened in Cairo, with attendees of the event - the second such gathering in an Arab country - aiming to break ingrained stereotypes of Muslim women. Informally known as the "Davos for Women," the summit convened Saturday under the theme "Redefining Leadership.

www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=73110  

Jordanian women encouraged to join the legal system

More women are being encouraged to join the legal profession in Jordan by a local NGO, the Jordanian National Forum for Women. For more information:

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=54087&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=JORDAN

Jordanian female labourers hard pressed to get minimum wage Female workers are discriminated

gainst and still often paid below the minimum legal salary a month after the government raised the minimum wage by the equivalent of US $22, according to workers and union leaders.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53865&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=JORDAN

Local Iraqi NGO warns of rising cases of sexual abuse

There has been a massive increase in reported cases of sexual abuse in Iraq since the days of Saddam Hussein's regime, according to the Women's Rights Association (WRA), a local NGO.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53936&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=IRAQ

Landmark paternity case highlights dangers of urfi marriage in Egypt

Activists and experts working on women_s rights issues warned of the dangers of a general lack of information regarding urfi marriage, a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common in Egypt.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53705&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=EGYPT

Study finds MENA trailing world average in economic participation for women

Arab women's participation in economic activities in their own countries is far behind their counterparts in the rest of the world, according to a study released on Thursday. "An estimated 55.2 percent of women form part of the global economy, whereas in the Arab region only 29 percent of women participate in the national economies

www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=3&article_id=73397  

Women's conference tackles mortality rates and girl's education in Jordan

Prominent women leaders from around the world gathered in a three-day conference at the Dead Sea in Jordan earlier this week for the launch of a Global Women's Action Network to combat newborn mortality and to ensure that girls everywhere have access.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53933&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=JORDAN

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Damascus rejects US charges of human trafficking

Syria on Wednesday dismissed a US State Department report listing it among the countries accused of human trafficking, saying that the report was _irrational, far from reality and aims at subjugating Damascus to the political orientation of the US_.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53780&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=SYRIA

YOUTH & CHILDREN

Workshop in Yemen to train young people on rights of children

A workshop devoted to children’s rights began in Sana'a on Monday, timed to coincide with the International Day against Child Labour. The week-long programme was organized by the Ebhar Foundation for Childhood and Creativity and funded by the.

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=53857&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=YEMEN

REPORTS & BOOKS & ARTICLES

ECONOMY & TRADE

Protecting labor rights through trade agreements: an analytical guide

This paper provides an analytical introduction to the policy and practice of including labour rights provisions in trade agreements. It surveys the main existing trade agreements that address labour issues, and identify approaches that are most likely to achieve the goals of improved working conditions and greater rights for workers.

Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21569

GENDER

Ending violence against women and girls: protecting human rights good practices for development cooperation

This report argues that the root causes of violence against women are dominant gender norms and the unequal power balance between men and women.

Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC22131

 
Foreign Direct Investment, development and gender equity: a review of research and policy

This paper provides a summary of the empirical and policy-related literature on the multifaceted relationships between gender inequalities and foreign direct investment (FDI). It reviews the research on the impact of FDI on investment, productivity, trade, employment, wages and working conditions Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC21992

Female and male illiteracy rates – UNESCO

The following link provides a gender breakdown of illiteracy rates of selected countries in the Arab States and North Africa

http://www.uis.unesco.org/ev_en.php?ID=4960_201&ID2=DO_TOPIC

Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: A Critical Analysis of the Third Millennium Development Goal

Through discussion of the third Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on gender equality and women's empowerment, this paper highlights ways in which the indicators associated with this goal - on access to education, share of employment, and political participation - can contribute to women's empowerment.

http://www.siyanda.org/static/kabeer_empowerment.htm

Institutional Support for a Program of Activities with the West Bank/Gaza

This report describes a project which aimed to improve the health status of Palestinian women and their children in the West Bank and Gaza, where cultural norms favor early marriage, a preference for sons, and large family size.

http://www.comminit.com/strategicthinking/st2006/thinking-1755.html

Improving Postpartum Care among Low-parity Mothers in Palestine

As part of this project of the United States Department for International Development (USAID), the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Center for Development in Primary Health Care (CDPHC), a second home visit was provided to consenting women of low parity 30-38 days after delivery. For more information:

http://www.comminit.com/evaluations/eval2006/evaluations-266.html

Measuring Women's Empowerment: Participation and Rights in Civil, Political, Social, Economic, and Cultural Domains

In examining attempts to measure women's empowerment, this article offers a framework of its own. http://www.siyanda.org/static/moghadam_empowerment.htm

Social protection and gender

This key issues page presents an introduction to some of the key issues surrounding gender and social protection, and considers some policy implications in providing gender-sensitive social protection interventions in developing country contexts.

Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/gender/socialprotection.htm

Supporting women’s ICT-based enterprises: a handbook for agencies in development

This handbook aims to provide support and ideas for women’s ICT-based interprises. The authors describe ‘enterprise’ as the entities with a business focus that have an interest sales and income. The handbook gives an overview of the advantages of supporting women’s ICT-based enterprises, especially the benefits to poor women in developing countries. The authors also include analytical tools as well as good practice guidance on the business, and an overview of gender specific aspects of these types of enterprises. A resource guide for further information on women’s ICT-based enterprises is also included at the end of this handbook.

http://www.eldis.org/cf/search/disp/docdisplay.cfm?doc=DOC21607&resource=f1gender

Trade and Gender

This Key Issues page focuses on the relationship between trade and gender - that is, the different ways in which trade policies affect men and women. The guide focuses on the gendered impacts of trade liberalization, asking questions such as: How are men and women differently affected by trade liberalization? How does trade advance or impede gender equality? What effects does gender equality have on trade?

Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/trade/Gender_trade_frontpage.htm

Trade in the Americas: women central to the debate

This paper examines the reality of trade in the Americas. It examines the impact of trade and trade negotiations form a critical gender focused perspective. It gives an overview of the different regional trade agreements in the Americas and evaluates them. The second part of the paper explores the linkages between gender and trade.

Available online at: http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC16379

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Community

South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV in the world, and has responded with widespread awareness raising campaigns, initiatives, and media programmes. However, the LGBTI experience is, almost without exception, missing from strategies to increase awareness and reduce stigma through sharing the stories of everyday lives. For more information:

http://www.comminit.com/drum_beat_351.html

Taking Action: Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering Women

Prepared by the United Nations (UN) Millennium Project Task Force on Education and Gender Equality, this report identifies strategic priorities and practical actions for achieving women's empowerment by 2015.http://www.siyanda.org/static/grown_empowerment.htm

The Terms of Women's Empowerment: Islamic Women Activists in Egypt

This study asserts that Islamic women are not dominated and oppressed, but instead are empowered as a result of their willing submission to higher levels of religious attainment.

http://www.siyanda.org/static/hafez_islamicempower.htm

Women's Empowerment through Sustainable Micro-Finance: Rethinking “Best Practice”

This report challenges assumptions about the automatic benefits of micro-finance for women.

http://www.siyanda.org/static/mayoux_empowerment.htm

Bridging the Digital Gender Divide: Issues and Insights on ICT for Women's Economic Empowerment

 This document draws lessons from specific projects and programmes which focus on women's economic empowerment in South Asia.

http://www.siyanda.org/static/bridge_rpc_empowerbiblio.htm

HURRIYAT

A glance at the situation of Palestinian refugees

Palestinian refugees have had a chequered existence in the Middle East. According to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Palestinian refugees are those who had been residents of Palestine between June 1946 and May 1948 and who had lost their homes and means of livelihood, as a result of the 1948 Arab-Israel conflict.

he following articles are a selection of features and news stories on Palestinian refugees published by IRIN over the past 3 years

JORDAN: Palestinian refugees feel neglected - AMMAN, 19 Jun 2006

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=54028&SelectRegion=Middle_East

LEBANON: Palestinian refugees complain they are second class citizens - BEIRUT, 2 Oct 2005

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=49326&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=LEBANON

SYRIA: Focus on Palestinian refugees - DAMASCUS, 14 Feb 2005

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=45540&SelectRegion=Middle_East&SelectCountry=SYRIA

RESOURCES

CAPACITY BUILDING

Nonprofit Capacity Building Toolkit

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Toolkit includes complete, step-by-step guidelines, tools and techniques for the most important activities in any nonprofit organisation. The Toolkit contains four guidebooks to to developing and operating your nonprofit Board of Directors, strategic planning and facilitation as well as marketing and evaluation. For more information, see www.allianceonline.org/Store/books/nonprofit_capacity_building_1.off

DONORS PROFILES

Advancing Women's Leadership: Training of Trainers Guide

This training manual was designed to expand opportunities for women’s grassroots leadership. Created for leadership training facilitators, the ten-day workshop curriculum fosters strength-based, participatory approaches to health and development, and can be used to create practical opportunities for community members to determine and direct the changes in their lives. http://www.cedpa.org/content/publication/detail/664

Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) – Egypt

CEOSS is an organisation that works to empower rural women and girls aged between 6 and 14 in Egypt. CEOSS implements a variety of preventative health programmes and medical activities, at the request of participating communities, which are designed to meet the health and education needs of economically poor rural and urban women and children.

http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds2006/experiences-3717.html

Global Fund for Women founder provides advice on leading positive change
Drawing on her extensive experience in the international philanthropic world and particularly on the founding and growth of The Global Fund for Women, Anne Firth Murray provides practical advice for others who want to effect positive change in her book Paradigm Found: Leading and Managing for Positive Change. Both a personal story and a handbook for positive change, the book leads the reader through the journey from the beginning of an organisation to the transition from its founding leadership. For more information, see www.stanford.edu/~afmurray/paradigmfound/index.html

MAKING GENDER STATISTICS

Gender statistics is a relatively new field and conceptually more than just data broken down by sex. We have created this section to provide you with general information about gender statistics in order to give a clearer picture of the subject.

http://www.unece.org/stats/gender/genstats.htm

National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI)

This national representative organisation for women and women's groups in Ireland works to create a society where women can participate equally in all aspects of social and economic life...
http://www.comminit.com/links/linksgov/links-1876.html

New CD-Rom

Mapping the World of Women's Information Services

As from February 2006, the Mapping the World database will be available on CD-Rom. The database consists of about 400 women’s information services around the world and is updated weekly. The idea for developing a CD-Rom came when the IIAV evaluated the use of the database among gender officers in government institutions around the world. Respondents from Africa overwhelmingly said they would use the database if it was on CD-Rom. For those without Internet access, downloading the database was simply not viable, so effectively they had no access to the information. http://www.iiav.nl/nl/ic/index.html

WOMANKIND Worldwide

A UK-based organisation devoted to supporting women in sharing practical ideas for improving their own lives and lifting their families and communities out of poverty through collaborative and rights- and advocacy-based initiatives in developing countries around the world...http://www.comminit.com/links/linksngos/links-1875.html

NGOs

Ideaccess - Middle East and Central Asia

A joint project of the Canada-based International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy) and the Syria-based Etana Press, Ideaccess aims to make human rights resources accessible to civil societies in the Middle East and Central Asia, with a particular emphasis on resources considered useful for women's rights activists and women's movements. This includes translating these resources as well as distributing them in print and electronic formats...

http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds2006/experiences-3722.html

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