AVOW – Amplifying the Voices of Women in Politics: The Second Asia-Pacific Conference on Women in Politics and Governance
Women comprise 50% of the world’s population, but across the globe women in political decision-making roles are more of an exception rather than the norm. Statistics show there has not been a large increase in the number of women in politics over the last ten years, even while there has been a higher number of female graduates from universities and more women in executive business positions than a decade ago. This underrepresentation then sparks the perpetual question: Why haven’t more women moved from the sidelines?
See the full event report here: WIP Conference Report- Oct 27, 2011
APWLD in collaboration with the Alola Foundation
Invite women political leaders to register to attend:
Amplifying the Voices of Women in Politics: The Second Asia-Pacific Conference on Women in Politics and Governance
Dili, Timor Leste, 29 September – 1 October 2011
Deadline for Application: 5 September 2011
Women face multiple challenges in their involvement in political life generated by patriarchal power, structures and practices which stereotypically confine women’s role in the private and informal public sphere. In Asia women currently hold less than 18% of elected parliamentary seats and the Pacific Islands fare even worse with 2.5% and 5 Pacific Island States having no women parliamentarians at all.* Women continue to face religious, traditional and cultural barriers; societal stereotyping and invisible barriers; the unequal division of labour and responsibilities within households and other factors; as well as the impacts of neo liberal globalisation, militarisation, fundamentalism; corrupt and repressive systems continue to violate women’s human rights and civil liberties.
This conference will bring together women who are actively involved in advocacy and action for women’s participation in politics and governance (women from marginalised communities, current, former and aspiring parliamentarians, local government officials, members of the judiciary; those who have run in national and city elections; representatives of women’s organisations, activists, political parties and other NGOs), regional partners and APWLD members.
The objectives of the conference are:
- To identify and share examples of transformative leadership (including election strategies, lobbying, legislative and policy development) that increase and facilitate women’s political participation.
- To increase the knowledge and practical skills, of women leaders and potential leaders in Asia Pacific to advance women’s rights (with a particular focus on the impact of globalisation, militarisation and fundamentalisms).
- To strengthen solidarity and collaboration of women in politics and governance in the region who share a commitment to advancing women’s rights through democratic processes.
Proposed workshops include:
► Strategies of Political Participation; Campaigning Skills; Gender Budgeting; Using CEDAW and other international instruments; Women leading just development policy; Women leading peace negotiations; Women leading nation building in post conflict states;
► Combating Fundamentalism and rights regression; Using technologies to claim democratic spaces for women; Claiming democratic space for LBT women.
Who should attend: Women currently or formerly elected to parliaments and local governments; women aspiring to elected representative positions; women in political democratic leadership positions (trade unions, civil society organisations campaigning for democratic rights, party officials). Approximately 40 women from the region will attend.
Cost of the Training and Sponsorship:
APWLD will cover costs of board and lodging for the training period. Participants are encouraged to cover their travel costs (to Dili, Timor Leste and back) either fully or partially. However, for those who are unable to fund their travel costs, sponsorship for limited number of candidates is available.
Application Procedure:
All applicants should submit her curriculum vitae and submit the application form to june@apwld.org by the 5th September.
