Time for a Fare Share in Development Assistance for Women
May Activities
Summary Programme Dutch Awareness-Raising Activities,
16th-21st May 2009
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Project title
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WAR (Women Alert Regional) in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Time for a Fare Share in Development Assistance for Women?
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Project location
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The Netherlands
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Period
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16th-21stth May 2009
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Background Information: Regional Stakeholders Meeting
The position of women in Afghanistan and in its neighbouring countries has been extremely understated by the international community. Taking into account the current rise of Talibanisation in the Afghan and Pakistani region, and its effects on the women living in that area, it now has become more important than ever for stakeholders in the region to discuss matters such as women, peace and security.
Gender Concerns International is preparing to bring together gender and development experts from Afghanistan,Pakistan, Iran, India, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for a regional stakeholders meeting on gender, peace and security in Kabul, in June 2009. The idea of this broad regional conference is an attempt to fulfill the vacuum created by the absence of any regional consultation, which would strengthen the dispersed potential of women’s ability as an actor for change.
Program May: Awareness-Raising Activities
The Awareness Raising Activities from the 16th until the 21st of May in The Hague will complement the eventual regional stakeholders meeting in Kabul.
Several important women stakeholders from the region Afghanistan are invited to participate in the May activities. Following, the programme for that week is presented:
16th & 17th ARRIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL GUESTS
May 2009 The regional women representatives will arrive in The Netherlands. They will be welcomed by Gender Concerns International team. A preliminary consultation will take place.
18th May 2009 In the morning: FOCUS ON DUTCH PARLIAMENTARIANS
The regional women representatives will meet Dutch politicians at the Dutch Parliament for a closed expert meeting on the concerned issues. The meeting chaired by Dutch Member of Parliament Chantal Gill’ard, will place women’s issues inAfghanistan and in its neighboring countries at the forefront of the discussion. Participants will be welcomed by Mariëtte Hamer, Chair Dutch Labour Party, The House of Representatives. Opening words will be addressed by Sabra Bano, Director of Gender Concerns International.
Lunch break
In the afternoon: FOCUS ON YOUTH AND EUROPEAN ELECTIONS
The regional women representatives are invited, together with Dutch politicians and other civil society representatives to contribute to a debate for students held at The Hague University. This will be a public meeting that will focus on upcoming Euro-Parliamentary elections and Women’s share in European development assistance. The event will be based on panel discussion activity as well as public debate in interaction with students.
19th May 2009 FOCUS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT: ROTTERDAM
The regional women guests are invited to the City Hall of Rotterdam to meet local politicians and concerned organizations.
In the evening there will be an event from 20.00 till 22.00 in Amsterdam with Gender Issues at Stichting Perdu.
20th May 2009 BREAK
Guests will enjoy free time to discover The Netherlands. Visit of the PeacePalace in The Hague and diner at Scheveningen.
21st May 2009 FOCUS ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT: AMSTERDAM
The regional women guests are invited to the City Hall of Amsterdam to meet local politicians and concerned organizations.
A concluding meeting will be held between the regional women stakeholders and Gender Concerns International. A press statement will be issued.
22nd May 2009 DEPARTURE OF GUESTS
A final and more detailed schedule will be presented during the first day of the visit.