US - Netherlands Relationship: The Role of Women's Organizations in Emerging Democracies
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
The Hague, 27th April 2011
U.S. – Netherlands Relationship:
The Role of Women Organizations in Emerging Democracies
Gender Concerns International supports and welcomes U.S.-Dutch Partnership to Enhance Women’s Political Participation & Role in Society
Upon conclusion of the bilateral meeting between the U.S. Department of State and the Netherlands last Thursday, April 21st, a joint statement was released that both parties have agreed to strengthen their efforts in regards to women empowerment around the globe with a focus in emerging democracies. Through cooperation and a dual-partnership, both intend to promote the important role of women in political, social and economic progress especially in regions that are undergoing social transformations and democratic transitions. It was stated that if women’s voices are neglected than the “processes of democratization, conflict resolution, peace-building, and security” will not become sustainable solutions. Both the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Dutch Foreign Minister, Uri Rosenthal, believe long term peace and stability are only achievable when women are integral figures in the process of a transition.
Furthermore, the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region was a topic of high-importance due to the recent events taking place in response to the repressive governments and regimes that have ruled these regions. Gender Concerns believes there is a needed wave of transformation in the Middle East and North Africa regions and respect women’s right to democracy, because of this we stand behind these two political actors who will work together to combat this gender gap and “recognize that all men and women are born free and equal in rights and dignity.[1]” This relationship is of great importance to Gender Concerns International(GCI) based on the conference that American Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer not only attended but was a Keynote Speaker for the WOMEN AT THE FLASH POINT: 2010 AND BEYOND, WOMEN’S VOICES FROM AFGHANISTAN AND THE NEIGHBORNING COUNTRIES hosted by Gender Concerns on the 14th of January 2010. Our conference was a cornerstone event that greatly contributed to the U.S & Dutch government’s movement to form a gender framework and agenda. The recent effort of both governments not only demonstrates, but further confirms our united vision to improve gender equality. The gender framework that was agreed upon last week by both government parties will ensure women’s safety and equality, promote good governance and political participation, and support the development of women’s roles in society. Gender Concerns Director, Sabra Bano, stated that “we stand behind a U.S. – Dutch relationship for it will make a lasting impact and measureable increase in women’s political participation in fragile states and improve gender equality world-wide.”
Statement from U.S. Department of State
Source: Press Release: “U.S.-Netherlands Joint Statement on Supporting Women’s political Empowerment in Merging Democracies.” US Department of State, Press Releases April 21, 2011.
“The Netherlands and the United States share the view that the participation of women in political and economic processes is particularly urgent in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region in these times of transition and reconciliation. We intend to work together to promote women’s empowerment in the region, based on the experience of our ongoing and cooperative efforts throughout the world.
The United States and the Netherlands recognize that a multi-faceted, collaborative approach drawing upon local expertise and networks and leveraging various resources and activities is urgently needed to address women’s participation in the various reform processes across the MENA region. We plan to identify areas of collaboration that leverage ongoing initiatives focused on increasing women’s participation in the political and social arenas. Particular emphasis is to be given to providing technical and capacity-building assistance for women-led and women-focused NGOs, which historically have been underutilized and which are critical to effective and sustainable progress for women in the region.
Key areas for collaboration:
1. Ensuring women’s human rights, especially in the legal, political and economic spheres,
2. Fostering women leaders and political leadership training,
3. Building the capacities of women’s civil society organizations, and
4. Engaging civic education initiatives – aimed at both female and male audiences – to raise awareness about women’s participation as key to a stable and prosperous society.
The Netherlands and the United States intend to focus our mutual efforts on working with local leaders and organizations. These women and their organizations are considered as the key stakeholder and therefore the main “owners” of their process. We believe that working with women and civil society organizations builds capacity for good governance for all citizens, irrespective of gender, and that as the political reform process moves peacefully forward, the human rights of all, including those of women, can be protected.”
For further information please contact:
Rachel Rotteveel
Gender Concerns International
Phone: 00 31 (070) 4445082
Laan van Meerdervoort 70 2517 AN, The Hague
Email: rachel@genderconerns.org Site: http://www.genderconcerns.org
[1] “U.S.-Netherlands Joint Statement on Supporting Women’s Political Empowerment in Merging Democracies.” US Department of State, Washington D.C., April 21, 2011.