CSW62 Ministerial Level Roundtable #2 Part 1 by GWI President Geeta Desai

[Anonymous]

CSW62 – Second Ministerial Level Roundtable: Part 1

Topic: Good Practices in the Empowerment of Rural Women and Girls, including through Prevention of Gender-based Violence and through Access to Justice, Social Services and Healthcare.

This was a discussion of national plans and laws, fiscal policies, investments and services that are being implemented in countries that have seen progress in the empowerment of rural women and girls as well as actions that these countries aspire to.

GWI Note: Since many countries were represented in this discussion and because there are so many good ideas that are being implemented and shared, GWI is summarizing this discussion in four parts, so that its NFAs can build the necessary knowledge to support the good work of their respective country governments and/or to advocate for best practices highlighted in this roundtable.

Colombia: Study on the Institutional Tolerance of Violence against Women – 45 % of public servants deal with violence. Additional trainings are needed so that gender stereo -types do not normalize Gender- Based Violence (GBV).

Albania: 42% of population lives in rural areas where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched. So, change is challenging but the country’s legislation is being brought to conform with international standards. Awareness of rights and direct outreach to women is helping GBV victims come forward.

Turkey: Law enforcement with special units for women and children with female personnel. Provision of shelters and family centers with sociol, economic cultural, occupational, health and psychological supports. Empowerment of rural women is included in National Strategy Plan.

Burkina Faso: Adoption of legal instruments to prevent violence and provide reparation to GBV victims. Land Laws enacted – these need to be publicized to build capacity into the implementation of these laws. Integrated assistance centers provide legal assistance. 80% of tariffs on healthcare have been reduced for women and girls to support access to healthcare including pregnancy and cancer services. Support of rural women entrepreneurs is helping women emerge from a shadow economy.

Denmark: Men and boys must be part of the solution to GBV. Social norms and masculine negativity are discussed as well as practicing prevention, protection and prosecution. Young people are targeted for education to break the cycle of violence.

Finland: Inclusive and coordinated policies at the national level and global level are needed. I in 5 Finnish women experience intimate violence. In response to recommendations from international bodies. Finland has created mechanisms to coordinate all actors: risk assessment, law enforcement, child services, health services and addiction. Result: Reduced 80% of recurring cases. Increased numbers of shelters available.

Morocco: 33% of women work in rural areas in agriculture and cattle – rearing and are not paid for their work. Law protecting women’s personal income has been passed and social services including maternity care and student centers are provided.

Lichtenstein: To ratify Istanbul Convention soon. Laws are not enough – much work at the society level needs to be done to sensitize society. “No Way” Initiative launched to create awareness of GBV – bread sold in bag with slogan and emergency contact numbers. National Human Rights Institution created to advise women and girls and for legal remedies.

Ireland : Overlap in favor of rural women between National Strategy and Department of Community and Rural affairs. Six National objectives -for women economic/ social, health, visibility, elimination of violence leadership and participation in decision- making. Rural entrepreneurs are being provided with mentorship and there is a national plan for jobs for women and an intention to ratify the Istanbul Convention.

To be continued…

Sincerely,

Geeta

[Author]

Posts