****************************************************************************** This document has been posted online by the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, DPCSD. Reproduction and dissemination of the document - in electronic and/or printed format - is encouraged, provided acknowledgement is made of the role of the United Nations in making it available. ****************************************************************************** SRC/CEE/REP.1 30 September 1996 United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women UNDP/Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States SUBREGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SENIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERTS ON THE "IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLATFORM FOR ACTION ADOPTED BY THE 1995 FOURTH WORLD CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN BEIJING, IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE" Bucharest, Romania 12-14 September 1996 REPORT United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development 2 United Nations Plaza, DC2-12th floor New York, NY 10017, USA Fax: (212) 963-3463 Web location: http://www.un.org/dpcsd/daw E-mail: daw@un.org 2 CONTENTS Paragraphs Introduction..........................................................1 - 14 Part one I. Organization of work............................................15 - 25 A. Attendance................................................15 - 16 B. Number of Plenary Sessions and Working Groups.............17 C. Adoption of the Agenda....................................18 D. Elections of Officers.....................................19 - 25 II. Conclusions and Recommendations.................................26 - 51 A. National action plans and strategies......................27 - 32 B. National machineries......................................33 - 44 C. The role of non-governmental organizations and other actors in civil society in eleaborating and implementing national action plans.....................................45 - 51 Part two III. Elaboration and Implementation of National Action Plans.........52 - 71 IV. Strengthening National Machineries for the Advancement of Women.72 - 89 V. The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Other Actors in Civil Society in Elaborating and Implementing National Action Plans....................................................90 - 100 Pages Annexes I. Outline of a Model National Action Plan ........................29 - 39 II. List of Participants............................................40 - 51 III. List of Documents ..............................................52 - 54 3 INTRODUCTION 1. The situation of women in Central and Eastern European countries in transition was analysed by the Division for the Advancement of Women in 1991, within the framework of the United Nations regional seminar on the "Impact of economic and political reform on the status of women in Eastern Europe". Various aspects of the situation of women in those countries were also highlighted in the preparatory process to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing through the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Forward-looking Strategies adopted by the Nairobi Conference in 1995 and through working contacts of the United Nations with Governments, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society. Among numerous meetings, seminars and other events in the subregion, mainly the national level, some UNDP initiatives gained particular importance and visibility. They included: A forum on women from conflict zones held in March 1995 in New York; the Regional Women's Conference held in Chisinau, Moldova in May 1995; and the Beijing Express project, a "training train", which transported 200 NGO's and government representatives from over 30 Eastern European countries, from Warsaw to Beijing and which provided opportunities for training in gender analysis, empowerment of women, human rights and computer literacy. 2. The high-level Regional Preparatory Meeting of the Fourth World Conference on Women organized by the Economic Commission for Europe in Vienna, from 17-21 October 1994 adopted the Regional Platform for Action which inter alia emphasized in paragraph 1.d the need "to highlight both the major problems faced by women and the new opportunities for realizing their potential, particularly in the economies in transition and to identify the remaining constraints to realizing that potential" and further stated in paragraph 203 that - Regional or subregional groupings are encouraged to provide an opportunity for increasing cooperation for the advancement of women and members of such organizations, especially countries in transition, are to be invited to explore new possibilities for opening cooperation to support the advancement of women in the economic, social and political as in the peace and security fields". 3. The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action stressed the need for continued international cooperation with and assistance to the countries with economies in transition (Declaration, para.37, Platform, para.356). The Platform noted that "In countries that are undergoing fundamental political, economic and social transformation, the skills of women, if better utilized, could constitute a major contribution to the economic life of their respective countries. Their input should continue to be developed and supported and their potential further realized" (para.159). In order to improve the situation of women, affected in some ways disproportionately by the process of transition and to utilize their potential in the design and implementation of the ongoing reforms, "The organizations and bodies of the United Nations system, including the technical and sectoral agencies, should facilitate the efforts of those countries in designing and implementing policies and programmes for the advancement of women......" (para.356). 4 Opening statements 4. The Conference was opened by Ms. Rodica Mihaela St†noiu, Secretary of State, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. 5. In his opening statement, Mr. Dan Mircea Popescu, Minister of State, Minister of Labour and Social Protection, welcomed the participants to the Conference and expressed the appreciation of his Government to the organizers of the Conference, the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women/Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (DAW/DPCSD) and the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States/United Nations Development Programme (RBEC/UNDP), in association with the Economic Commission for Europe. He also informed the Conference about the efforts undertaken by his Government to implement the results of the Fourth World Conference on Women which was held in Beijing, in 1995. One of them was the creation within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of a national structure for the promotion of the human rights of women, and the overall supervision of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. He further stressed the importance of the Conference for the improvement of the status of women in Central and Eastern Europe, and the strengthening of cooperation in this area between governments, parliaments, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other actors in civil society. 6. In her opening statement, Ms. Angela E.V. King, Director of the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women, expressed her appreciation to the Government and people of Romania in hosting the Conference, the first ever governmental Conference in Central Eastern Europe, addressing gender relations at the policy level as an important aspect of the on-going transition towards a free market and democracy and aimed at the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted by the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. 7. She emphasized the special importance of the Conference. First, because it placed the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action on the national agenda of the countries of the subregion and drew attention to the specific problems of women in the period of transition towards a free market and democracy. Secondly, because the Conference would contribute to increasing awareness among public policy-makers, and to strengthening the institutional capacity of national machineries and other institutions in the region and activities of non-governmental organizations and other actors in civil society. She further stated that as formulated by the Platform of Action, women in those countries have been disproportionately affected by the process of transition and that their potential and skills should be utilized in the design and implementation of reforms. The Platform also clearly designated to the United Nations system the role of assisting countries in transition in designing and implementing policies and programmes for the advancement of women. She also expressed appreciation for the concerted effort of the United Nations system, in particular UNDP in jointly preparing this Conference with DAW, and ECE, as partners towards assisting Governments to implement the Beijing Platform for Action and the preparation of national action plans and the establishment of national machineries. 5 8. In her statement to the Conference, Ms. Leueen Miller, UNDP Resident Representative, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the longstanding constructive cooperation between the Government of Romania and the UNDP Field Office in Romania which set the stage for the successful preparation of this Conference. She also extended the best wishes for the success of the Conference from Anton Kruiderink, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director of the RBEC. She further referred to the impact which the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995 had on expanding the women's agenda and actions in the subregion and worldwide and recalled that UNDP was probably the UN Agency that primarily enabled the region to be strongly represented at the Beijing Conference through the organization of Beijing Express and other efforts. The Conference also strengthened the central role of the Commission on the Status of Women in monitoring and implementing the Platform for Action within the United Nations system. She further described the strong role UNDP has played in support of strengthening the status of women and sustained development actions in the region. 9.UNDP's activities have focused on the establishment of Gender in Development units in all countries, the strengthening of NGOs, and supporting employment opportunities for women. She stressed that UNDP/RBEC would continue to include gender issues and the mainstreaming of gender concerns as the main priorities areas of the next programming period starting in 1997. 10. Mrs. Dunja Pastizzi-Ferencic, Deputy Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Europe in her opening remarks expressed her gratitude to the Government and people of Romania for hosting the Conference and stressed that recent United Nations initiatives and global conferences have demonstrated that the international community could agree on shared values and share objectives as well as strategies to make them happen. The ability to move from consciousness raising to agenda setting, to agreement by Member States, to follow up on their Conference commitments was a milestone in international relations. The present Conference contributed meaningfully to the follow-up to Beijing and could have significant impact not only on women but for the entire region. 11. Mrs. Pastizzi-Ferencic further referred to the numerous activities of the ECE designed to improve the status of women, including a high-level Regional Preparatory Meeting to the Conference in Beijing, held in Vienna in October 1994 and a consultative interagency meeting convened in Geneva in January 1996 on regional monitoring of the activities. She also stressed continued cooperation with the ECE/NGO Working Group on Women as well as the Council of Europe, Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe and subregional integration groupings, the Central European Initiative and Council of Baltic Ministers. 12. After completing the opening statements, a representative of DAW introduced an "Overview of the advancement of women in Central and Eastern Europe". She further elaborated on the political, social and economic trends in the subregion and their impact on the status of women and gender relations. 6 13. Representatives of the World Bank and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) made brief statements on the specific gender activities of their respective organizations in the subregion. 14. The report of the Subregional Conference of Senior Governmental Experts is comprised of an introduction, two parts, and annexes. Part one contains the organization of work (chapter I) and the conclusions and recommendations of the Subregional Conference (chapter II). Part two consists of chapter III on elaboration and implementation of national action plans, chapter IV on strengthening national machineries for the advancement of women, and chapter V on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other actors in civil society in elaborating and implementing national action plans. An outline of a model national action plan appears in annex I. The list of participants and the list of documents are set out in annexes II and III respectively. Part One 1. ORGANIZATION OF WORK A. Attendance 15. The Subregional Conference of Senior Governmental Experts on the " Implementation of the Platform for action adopted by the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, in Central and Eastern Europe" was held in Bucharest, Romania from 12 to 14 September 1996. The Conference was organized jointly by the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women/Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development (DAW/DPCSD) and the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth Independent States/United Nations Development Programme (RBEC/UNDP), in association with the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), and hosted by the Government of Romania. 16. The Conference was attended by 36 experts from 21 countries of the region, including Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, observers from 10 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, United States of America, Holy See and Switzerland, observers from 12 United Nations entities other than the co-sponsors; namely Centre for Human Rights (UNCHR), the Department of Development Support and Management Services (DDSMS), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Women in Development Bureau (UNDP/WID), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Labour Office (ILO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Health Organization, World Bank and United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO), one intergovernmental body, the Council of Europe, and observers from 27 NGOs (see annex II for list of participants). 7 B. Number of plenary sessions and working groups 17. The Conference was comprised of three plenary sessions and three sessions each for Working Groups I, II and III. C. Adoption of the agenda 18. At its first plenary meeting on 12 September, the Conference adopted the agenda as follows: - Opening of the Conference - Adoption of agenda - Election of Officers - Overview of Subregional Situation - Guidelines for Working Groups - General Debate - Establishment of Working Groups - Working Group Meetings - Completion of Discussions in Working Groups - Preparation of Conclusions and Recommendations - Final Conclusions from the Working Groups - Completion of Draft Report - Adoption of Report by Working Groups - Submission of 3 Working Groups Reports to Plenary - Adoption of Subregional Conference Report - Closing of the Conference. D. Election of officers 19. At the first plenary session, the Conference elected the following officers to the Bureau: Chairperson: Mrs. Rodica Stanoiu Romania First Vice-Chairperson: Mrs. Elena Feoktistova Russian Federation Second Vice-Chairperson: Mrs. Zuzana Vranova Slovakia Rapporteur: Ms. Giedre PurvaneckieneLithuania 20. The Conference also elected the following officers for the three working groups: Working Group I: Chairperson: Ms. Anna Wiecek Poland Vice-Chairperson Ms. Nina Kayoupova Kazakstan Rapporteur: Ms. Solveiga Silkalna Latvia 8 Working Group II: Chairperson: Ms. Ludmila Bozhkova Bulgaria Vice-Chairperson: Ms. Maria Muga Romania Rapporteur: Ms. Maria Muga Romania Working Group III: Chairperson: Ms. Liliana Ivanovska The former Yugslav Republic of Macedonia Vice-Chairperson: Ms. Bozgul Dodkhudoeva Tajikstan Rapporteur: Ms. Laura Grunberg Romania 21. The Working Groups were organized around three major topics. 22. Working Group I dealt with principles and forms of elaboration of national action plans including the identification of substantive sectoral priority areas of concern at the national level; and strategies for their implementation, including mobilization of resources and international cooperation. 23. Working Group II discussed ways and means of strengthening the institutional capacity of national machineries for the advancement of women and their role in the elaboration of and follow-up to national action plans. 24. Working Group III discussed various models of NGO activities at the national level and patterns of international cooperation; strategies for strengthening the role of NGOs and other actors in civil society in elaborating and implementing national action plans and promoting synergy between NGOs and the Gender and Development Centres, academic/research institutes and national machineries. 25.Working Group I was facilitated by Ms Valentine Moghadam, DAW Consultant. In Working Group II, Mrs. Dunja Pastizzi-Ferencic, Economic Commission for Europe, acted as Facilitator with substantive input also provided by Ms. Juanita Bobbitt and Ms. Tsu-Wei Zoe Chang of the United Nations Department for Development Support and Management Services (DDSMS) . In Working Group III, Ms. Rosina Wiltshire, Director of GIDP/UNDP, and Ms. Shahrbanou Tadjbakhsh, UNDP Consultant, served as Facilitators. II. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 26. The following are the conclusions and recommendations agreed by the Conference: A. National action plans and strategies 27. The Conference agreed on the need to prepare national action plans and strategies for implementation and monitoring as soon as possible. These plans and strategies should take into account the six organizing elements as follows, the need to: 9 (i) Prioritize objectives and actions; (ii) Specify time-bound targets for the objectives, set benchmarks, and establish monitoring mechanisms; (iii) Identify the actors, the consultative process, and the institutional arrangements and responsibilities; (iv) Specify necessary legislative measures; (v) Specify the resources to be allocated; (vi) Coordinate international cooperation. Eleven priority objectives for the subregion 28. The Conference agreed on eleven priority objectives of particular relevance to the subregion. Most were drawn from and consistent with the Beijing Platform for Action. Not all would be included in each national action plan, but those that are adopted would be elaborated by specifying the actors, monitoring mechanisms, legislative measures, and resource allocations. The eleven priority areas were: (i) Institutionalizing national machineries (including specification of tasks and responsibilities, which could include the generation of sex-disaggregated social statistics); (ii) Facilitating equal participation of women in decision-making; (iii) Improving the economic and labour-market situation of women; (iv) Improving women's health, including reproductive health and family planning services; (v) Eliminating violence against women; (vi) Reducing the effects of environmental degradation on women, and improve women's role in environmental management; (vii) Reducing the social costs of transition; (viii)Improving the situation of rural women; 10 (ix) Addressing the effects of armed conflicts on women, including the problems of displaced and refugee women; (x) Alleviating women's poverty (including the problems of groups of women, such as gypsy women); (xi) Utilizing the mass media for eliminating gender stereotypes and conduct gender training. 29. It was agreed that the elaboration, implementation and monitoring of national action plans should be of participatory nature, and that Governments should encourage a consultative process involving various actors from civil society, including women's organizations, NGOs and other actors. The full exchange of information among national actors and between governments could take place through the utilization of new information technologies, such the joint DAW/UNIFEM/INSTRAW Women Watch Internet project outlined in conference document SRC/CEE/INF/1. 30. The Conference recommended a series of follow-up meetings at the national, subregional and regional levels, before the mid-term review in 1998, in order to monitor progress on the implementation of national action plans. It was also recommended that other regional intergovernmental bodies, such as the Economic Commission for Europe, the Council of Europe, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Organization for European Cooperation and Development and the European Union, closely collaborate with the Governments of the subregion in this implementation process. 31. It was agreed that in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the plans, the UN, UNDP, ECE, UNICEF, UNIFEM, and other specialized agencies, funds, and programmes, as well as the Bretton Woods institutions (the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund), should provide every assistance to governments and regional groups and should ensure that governments have adequate guidelines on the preparation and implementation of such plans. It was further agreed that these international organizations should also assist the subregion in overcoming the social costs of transition. 32. The Conference noting that the subregion had not been included specifically in UNIFEM's sphere of activities, recommended, in the spirit of paragraph 356 of the Beijing Platform for Action, that UNIFEM's Consultative Committee at its 1997 session give serious consideration to extending UNIFEM's mandate to cover this subregion. 11 B. National machineries 33. The Conference invited national Governments to strengthen efforts in initiating, strengthening and refining the institutional procedures for establishing national machineries in line with the Beijing and Vienna Platforms for Action and for securing the necessary resources for their functioning. The Conference agreed that strengthening institutional capacity should be carried out and that Governments should take the following measures to: (i) Strengthen the mechanisms for the representation of women's issues within governmental structures and link these mechanisms with the overall process of administrative reform; (ii) Establish national machineries at the highest level such as in the Office of the President or Prime Minister in compliance with both the Vienna and Beijing Platforms for Action; (iii) Develop inter-ministerial/interdepartmental cooperation with a view to achieving an integrated policy based on comparative gender analyses, as well as on the evaluation of the effectiveness of such analyses for the purpose of determining the appropriate political, economic, social and legal frameworks for the improvement of women's living and working conditions; (iv) Introduce the dimension of equality of opportunity as a permanent indicator in the analyses and evaluations of overall governmental activities; (v) Allot material resources with a view to supporting, substantiating and distributing studies made in this field, training experts and establish institutions for studies and research in this area; (vi) Address the need for consultative mechanisms aimed at fostering cooperation with parliamentarians; (vii) Establish coordination mechanisms among NGOs at the national level; and (viii)Support the dialogue and bilateral and multilateral cooperation with all social partners. 34. The participants of the Conference also agreed that in order to facilitate the establishment of national machineries, a survey of such mechanisms within the subregion should be completed and widely disseminated. This survey should include information on mandates, programmes, staffing and financial allocations. Based on this information, basic criteria for improving national machineries should be outlined and adjusted through a regular updating of the subregional survey. 35. A clear expression of political will in support of mainstreaming of gender issues should be mentioned in an official governmental statement. 12 36. Methodologies and manuals should be prepared, based on existing guidelines for gender mainstreaming, as developed by the United Nations and other international organizations active in the subregion. Those methodologies should be adapted to national circumstances prevailing in countries with economies in transition. There was a need to encourage managers to see gender-aware policy making as an integral part of good management practice. 37. National machineries should consult among themselves so as to develop appropriate monitoring methodologies. For monitoring purposes, national machineries should use the reporting procedures of the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and other international treaty bodies. 38. The Conference recommended the establishment of a regular reporting system by Governments on the national implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action to the Commission on the Status of Women. 39. A mechanism to exchange information between NGOs and national machineries on a regular basis should be established. In particular, national machineries could be instrumental in establishing NGO information centres. 40. Ways and means should be explored to strengthen interaction with publicly owned media and communication systems such as electronic networks. Regular briefings for the media should be encouraged. 41. International technical cooperation sources should assist in establishing and developing national machineries, particularly in terms of national legislation, including constitutional provisions. 42. The organizations of the United Nations system and other organizations should help in organizing seminars and workshops which would increase the visibility of gender issues, according to the priorities of each country. Those organizations should also assist in securing in-country gender training. 43. The United Nations system and other international organizations should assist in: (i) The collection of and supply documentation, technical manuals and other materials necessary for the operations of national machineries and focal points; (ii) The preparation of sectoral studies and applied research through the local research institutions and women's studies departments in order to fill in the gaps identified above, provide substantial evidence for policy options, and increase the information bank; and build in a distribution system for these studies. (iii)Instituting of a consultative process with women's groups and organizations all over the country, with a view to the formation of a formal advisory council or national commission, representing all categories of women (ethnic groups, workers groups, housewives, women in poverty, and ensure that not only professional women with more confidence and access) are included in this process. 13 44. It was also agreed that those subregional groupings existing in the region which had not done so, should follow the example of the Nordic Council of Ministers in mainstreaming women's issues in their activities. C. The role of non-governmental organizations and other actors in civil society in elaborating and implementing national action plans 45. The Conference recommended strengthening relations between the Government and NGOs and agreed that the following six elements were essential if NGOs and other actors in civil society were to have an effective role in elaborating and implementing national action plans. These elements are, to: (i) Create within the Government a structure dedicated to working with NGOs and regularly update information about their activities; (ii) Build the capacity of Governments to cooperate with NGOs by sharing experiences of similar relationships at regional and subregional levels; (iii) Provide favourable legislation for the development of NGOs regarding registration and taxes; (iv) Involve each other in the design, follow-up and evaluation of programmes for women, especially the National Action Plans; (v) Governments should cooperate with NGOs in the implementation of programmes for women by financially assisting their specialized activities; (vi) Publish regular government reports on cooperation with NGOs. 47. The Conference recommended that non-governmental organizations take steps to build networks and for this purpose should: (i) Establish networks between national, subregional, regional and international NGOs, and regular exchanges of information through seminars and bulletins; (ii) Create cooperation units and umbrella organizations for NGOs outside of government structures with national and international assistance; 14 (iii) Facilitate communication and cooperation among rural and urban NGOs on the implementation of programmes for women; (iv) Women in leadership and women's NGOs should mentor young women and involve them as partners in NGO activities. 48. The Conference recommended a number of measures for building capacity, including to: (i) Provide training in fund-raising strategies, programme design and planning, proposal writing, financial and management skills, and ongoing evaluation of programmes; (ii) Provide training in legal literacy and provide access to laws that protect women's rights by publicizing them and disseminating information on them throughout the country; (iii) Provide training of trainers, especially in the rural areas; (iv) Build partnership and dialogue between the Government and NGO community aswell as monitoring and evaluation of each other's programmes; (v) Strengthen the leadership capacity of young girls; (vi) Establish, develop and implement international networks of Businesswomen's Incubator Programmes in order for NGOs to be able to finance themselves; (vii)Facilitate the work of NGOs by compiling a dictionary with common explanations of the frequently used words and concepts. 49. The Conference made recommendations to non-governmental organizations on fund-raising in which it was suggested that international organizations can provide: (i) Seed money for start-up costs and operations; (ii) Credit for income-generation activities and revolving loan funds; (iii) Partnership grants and credit, both in cash and in-kind; (iv) Sponsorship of programmes through the Women-in-Development/Gender-in-Development structures created by UNDP in the countries of the region. 50. Efforts at the national level should include: (i) Government and private financing of NGO activities for women; (ii) Introduction of soft-loan tax legislation to enable NGOs to raise funds for their activities and for self-financing; (iii) Development of credit union schemes. 51. The Conference also made recommendations on the issue of gender mainstreaming and particularly that NGOs should play an important role in educating the public. To this end they should: (i)Work with and through the media: providing training for journalists in gender-sensitive approaches and using the mass media to disseminate appropriate information; (ii) Encourage ministries and public offices to adopt gender-sensitive measures by providing specific training, and lobbying for the creation of focal points; (iii) Lobby both men and women politicians for gender concerns; (iv) Establish women's and gender studies centres both regionally and subregionally to educate women; (v) Train and promote female professional cadres; (vi) Provide educational programmes for both young men and women on gender sensitivity which could be disseminated through schools, the media and the family. Part two III. ELABORATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PLANS Summary of discussion 52. The Subregional Conference agreed that the focus of its discussion should include the principles and forms of elaboration of national action plans, including the identification of substantive sectoral priorities at the national level, and strategies for their implementation, including mobilization of resources and international cooperation. 53. The Conference reviewed the background paper, "Model Action Plan for the Implementation of the Platform for Action Adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, September 1995", (SRC/CEE/BP.2) which included a model action plan, the purpose of which was to provide a set of guide posts to assist Governments in designing and implementing their national action plans. Six items were approved by the Conference as organizing elements of the national action plans and were the focus of discussion (see paragraph 27 above). 15 54. It was pointed out that the discussion and the national action plans should take into account the unique characteristics of the subregion, including aspects of the transition process. There was consensus that the national action plans should work towards diminishing and eventually eliminating the adverse effects of the social and economic transformation on women, enhancing their participation in the transition and in the processes of economic revitalization and political democratization. 55. The Conference discussed modalities for consultation on the elaboration of the national action plan, the need to focus on region-specific issues, the appropriate implementing agency at the state level, and the importance of exchanging information across countries and agencies working in the subregion. It was pointed out that in many cases national action plans were being implemented in conservative cultures with male-dominated institutions, representing a constraint but necessitating efforts towards women and men working together. It was agreed that the consultative process should be as broad and inclusive as possible, to include, inter alia, government agencies, parliamentarians, political parties, trade unions, academics, women's organizations, and other actors in civil society. At the state level, the Ministries of Development, Social Affairs, Labour, Health, Women's Affairs and others would be part of an intergovernmental body. It would also be important to include Ministries of Finance, Industry, Foreign Affairs, Defence and others, as public expenditures, state budgets, and industrial and economic development projects impinged upon women's needs and rights and were relevant to the implementation of the strategic objectives of the Platform for Action. The Conference focused on the difficulties of setting timetables and specifying resources, especially as some of the critical areas of concern required a longer term for their realization. For some countries, too, current conditions make forecasting difficult. It was pointed out that time-bound targets could be specified as short-term, medium-term or long-term and setting deadlines was an important part of the implementing and monitoring process. 56. In the discussion which followed, experts and observers from several countries described the initiatives of their Government's organizations, often referring to the relevant background paper which they had submitted which appears in the list of documents (annex III). Some experts described features of their country's national action plan, referring to the six elements mentioned in paragraph 27 above, including priority objectives, the consultative process (including the role of NGOs), legislative measures, and the role of national machinery, for example, a department on women's human rights acting as a lead agency for the implementation and monitoring process. Such examples are discussed in greater detail in the following chapter IV on strengthening national mechanisms. 16 57. Senior governmental experts included a number of areas of concern, such as: women's health, including reproductive health and family planning; improvement of the environmental situation; improvement of the role of women in decision-making; elimination of violence against women; employment-generation for women, including the elimination of labour-market discrimination against women; social protection for single mothers; establishment of a data base with sex-disaggregated social statistics; harmonization of laws; training programmes targeted to specific groups; action-oriented research, including research on vulnerable groups; ratification and full implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other relevant instruments; and the problems of rural women. 17 58. The Conference discussed the consultative process and institutional arrangements and identified such bodies as an inter-ministerial, interagency commission; a national council of social and demographic problems; a union of women; and a state commission on women's affairs. Those governmental bodies should work with non-governmental organizations and international organizations towards the realization of the recommendations of the Beijing Platform for Action, and in particular of the implementation of national action plans. It was emphasized that the consultative process should be as broad and inclusive as possible, based on close collaboration between state and civil society. Subregional priority areas 59. The Conference agreed on eleven priority areas of particular relevance to the subregion. These appear in detail in paragraph 28 above. 60. In the area of international cooperation, it was pointed out that a number of international organizations had launched cooperative efforts, were open to proposals, and provided various forms of technical assistance in the region. These included seminars on national machineries; women's political participation; violence against women; reproductive health and rights; unemployment and labour rights; policy-oriented research on women's positions in the labour-market; adopting new labour laws or revising existing labour legislation towards greater compatibility with the market economy; assisting the development of women's entrepreneurship; and helping to build a human rights infrastructure. It was noted that some countries might require assistance in preparing proposals for international cooperation. The Conference agreed that the coordination of activities across agencies and the exchange of information on projects and other forms of technical assistance should avoid duplication of efforts. A discussion on efforts at the level of the UN system included a description of such initiatives as the system-wide medium-term plan for the advancement of women, (E/1996/16) approved by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), three interagency task forces on the implementation of UN global conferences on human rights, environment, population, social issues, women and habitat, an ACC Inter-agency Committee on Women and Gender Equality, the activities of the UN regional commissions, and the activities of the Commission on the Status of Women. 61. The Conference approved the text of the model national action plan which appears in annex I to this report as a framework from which Governments of the subregion would prepare their own plans. The model plan served as the basis of the Conference's discussion on these areas. 18 62. The Conference stated that in examining women in power and decision-making (paragraph 28 above, priority area ii) there was a need to improve the moral and cultural environment for women's involvement. It was noted that there is often a discrepancy between the de jure and de facto situation of women with respect to participation in decision-making. What was needed was a change in attitudes, to be addressed in part by political parties, NGOs, and the media, towards the formation of a more positive climate and the recognition that without gender balance in political structures there could be no democratization. A critical mass of at least 30 per cent female representation in governmental bodies at national and regional levels was cited as one overall goal (annex 1, section G). 63. In priority area (iii), improving the economic and labour-market situation of women during the present transition, it was pointed out that there were several problems to be addressed in this priority area, such as limited employment opportunities, decreased competitiveness of women in the labour market, and the fact that women found it difficult to enter and remain in the private sector, which tended to be unfriendly to women in various ways. While human-capital deficiencies could explain women's less competitive position in the labour-market to a certain extent, it was felt that discrimination against women and women's ambivalence towards male-dominated businesses necessitated action towards the promotion of businesses owned by women and legislation to prohibit discrimination in recruitment, among other actions (annex 1, section F). 64. In the priority area (iv), improving women's health, emphasis was placed on the importance of improving maternal health in some areas of the subregion; the special problems of adolescent girls; and the need to reduce abortion and increase accessibility to family planning services (annex I, section C). 65. With respect to priority area (v), eliminating violence against women, the Conference highlighted the importance of this area (annex I, section D). 66. With respect to priority area (vi), reducing the effects of environmental degradation on women and improving their role in environmental management, the Conference emphasized the need to include this area (annex I, section K). 67. In the discussion on priority area (viii): reducing social costs of transition, it was pointed out that these costs had economic and cultural aspects, including high rates of unemployment among women, loss of affordable child care, the vulnerability of single mothers and female-headed households, erosion of wages, the resurgence of a culturally conservative climate and the expansion of prostitution and trafficking in women. The adverse social costs could be reduced in part by strengthening social safety nets or systems of social protection and by providing retraining for women in order that they might adjust to the new circumstances and attain self-reliance. The view was expressed by one participant that the item could best be part of the conceptual framework for the national action plan as a whole, in which case it could be included in the introductory part of the plan. Other participants considered that it should remain as a separate priority area. 19 68. The improvement of the situation of rural women (priority area viii), including their reproductive health, education, and ecological situation, was identified as an important objective in some areas of the subregion. 69. It was noted that the effects of armed conflict on women (priority area ix), including the problems of displaced and refugee women, was of critical importance to several areas in the subregion (annex I, section E) 70. The alleviation of women in poverty, including the problems of vulnerable groups of women, such as gypsy women, was also identified as a priority area. The Conference emphasized that extreme poverty did exist among certain groups or subgroups in certain countries and it was an important area (annex I, section A). 71. The priority area of women and the mass media was elaborated to include gender training and the elimination of gender stereotypes (annex I, section J) IV. STRENGTHENING NATIONAL MACHINERIES FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN Summary of discussion 72. The background paper on capacity-building in national machineries (SRC/CEE/BP.4) was presented by the United Nations Department for Development Support and Management Services. It provided a definition of national machineries as well as of the concepts of capacity-building and mainstreaming; it then recalled the legislative mandates coming from both the Beijing and regional Platforms of Action; the paper also identified the actors involved in the implementation of programmes promoting the advancement of women, the Governments, international organizations and women's NGOs; finally it summarized some lessons learned, examples of different institutional settings of national mechanisms, technical assistance as well as some proposals for future action. 73. The Conference also examined the summary document (SRC/CEE/BP.3) which had been prepared by the Economic Commission for Europe as a basis for discussion and recommendations. On the basis of the summary, the participants agreed to focus the discussion on four major areas: (i) Experiences in establishing or strengthening national machineries in the ECE region; (ii) Objectives, functions and tasks to be performed; (iii)Future priority actions for capacity-building for the advancement of women; (iv) Recommendations. 20 74. It was agreed that for each of these areas, discussion should focus on mechanisms rather than on substantive aspects. Experiences in establishing or strengthening national machineries in the ECE region 75. The general recommendations and commitments on national mechanisms for the advancement of women as contained in the global and regional Platforms for Action were reviewed. There was a consensus that such mechanisms are essential for mainstreaming a gender perspective into the overall socio-economic policies of countries in transition. Therefore, strengthening their capacity should be an integral part of the administrative reform of the civil service. 76. Against this general background, a number of post-Beijing experiences were presented. They highlighted several approaches in establishing or consolidating national machineries such as: (i) Establish a department within a ministry, most frequently in the Ministry of Labour and /or Social Protection. It was stressed that even if such departments were under the authority of a sectoral ministry, they should enjoy a certain independence and cooperate with other actors of society to promote gender balance; (ii) Promote inter-ministerial cooperation, mostly on an ad hoc basis but with the possibility of institutionalizing such a mechanism; (iii) Establish national commissions for equality, which usually have a permanent mandate and are composed of women with high positions in the governmentalstructure. They could thus develop linkages with all ministries and a central coordinating unit established within a single ministry. Such a commission often reports to the Prime Minister or head of State; (iv) Create effective mechanisms, such as an Office of the Advisor on Women and Family Affairs, established within the Office of the Prime Minister or Head of State; (v) Convert the ad hoc committees for the preparation of the Beijing Conference into a standing advisory body; (vi) Establish a three-tier mechanism composed of the Office of Prime Minister, an Inter-ministerial committee and a NGO committee; (vii) Set up national and regional ombudsman offices. 77. The experiences presented by participants showed that the ECE Regional Preparatory Meeting and the Beijing Conference had given an impetus to the development of national mechanisms for the advancement of women. Furthermore, some specific positive achievements were singled out. In some countries, the process of legislative reform benefiting women had been accelerated. The sensitization of ministries had increased, in particular due to the preparation of national plans of action for implementing the commitments made at the Vienna regional preparatory Conference and the Beijing Conference. At a more local level, a number of initiatives had been taken such as the establishment of shelters for battered women and pilot information centres for NGOs. 21 78. On the other hand, participants had highlighted the main difficulties which hampered the further strengthening of national mechanisms in their countries. In particular these included the tendency to relegate the responsibility for change to women themselves; insufficient support by grass-roots women; and owing to the patriarchal attitude of society national machineries were treated as a token of good intentions rather than a serious element in the creation of social justice and development. The national machineries were expected to be an implementing ministry for almost half of the population despite tiny or insufficient human and financial resources and required to raise external funds to operate, or continue to operate (and in some cases, to then absorb these elsewhere in unrelated spending). Governments considered that economic policy and planning, as well as security or defence, democratization, privatization and transition to market economy were not "matters concerning women" and the national machineries were accordingly left out from any involvement in such policy-making. Moreover, "matters concerning women" or "women's affairs" were not considered "real issues", thus being marginalized in any process of policy formulation with no framework/policy in place to countervail the potentially damaging gender bias of external advisers (for example, on economic restructuring or democratization). 79. Other significant difficulties were mentioned such as the vulnerability of national mechanisms to political changes, their disconnection to women's NGOs and, more generally, the absence of cooperation with forces within civil society, including trade unions, academic institutions and the media, as well as the problem of dealing with national minorities or major population groups. 80. At institutional and organizational levels, the Conference considered that national machineries often faced the following problems: (i) An isolated and marginalized location, and repeated transfers from one ministry to another; these two tendencies have frequently hampered the consistency and sustainability of governmental action; (ii) Over-burdened and/or unclear mandates, or conversely, inflexible or limited mandates; (iii) Absence of explicit political legitimacy, management scope and authority, and frequent moves within government; 22 (iv) Lack of consultation with national mechanisms for the advancement of women in undertaking administrative reforms; (v) Allocation of scarce funds, human resources, erratic training, and lack of up-to-date information; (vi) Steep vertical internal structure, without legitimate relations with all ministries and state institutions; (vii) Absence of gender awareness and sectoral planning for the advancement of women in sectoral ministries; (viii)Insufficient access to mass media. Objectives, functions and procedures of national machineries (a) Objectives 81. During the discussion, participants referred to paragraph 202 of the Platform for Action, which highlighted the overall objective of national machineries stating that "in addressing the issue of mechanisms for promoting the advancement of women, Governments and other actors should promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming a gender perspective in all policies and programmes so that before decisions are taken, an analysis is made of the effects on women and men, respectively". 82. The Conference participants further specified the overall objectives of national machineries as follows: (i) To increase the understanding of policy-makers and enhance their commitment and support for women's needs and participation in national development; (ii) To reinforce a political, administrative, legislative and judicial environment that enables women to realize, enjoy, and defend all their economic, social and political rights on an equal basis with men; (iii) To eliminate all forms of discrimination between men and women; (iv) To undertake affirmative actions and adopt the necessary sets of objectives to change priorities, ineffective structures and procedures, as well as to change consultative processes and budgetary allocations for gender mainstreaming in all governmental structures; (v) To enhance women's ability to deal with their problems at all levels; 23 (vi) To secure and promote equality in opportunity and treatment in employment; (vii)To widely spread information on the internationally accepted legal instruments and events. (b) Functions 83. It was stressed during the Conference that the main functions of national machineries should include: (i) General planning and mainstreaming - Establish national strategic objectives and articulate sets of national strategies for the advancement of women; - Develop and initiate national plans, guidelines, policies and other measures; - Undertake advocacy and lobby to this end. (ii) Programming - Initiate programmes and projects for the advancement of women; - Set up budgets and financial targets for their own programmes and influence the national budget and the budgets of sectoral ministries for programmes benefitting women; - Liaise with international organizations (e.g. for funding, periodic campaigns, conferences). (iii)Establish linkages among ministries - Service national committees, steering committees and interdepartmental coordination committees; - Secure interaction with the Cabinet, and economic and social planning committees where they exist; - Seek advice from women's consultative committees and gender sensitive university staff to assist in these processes, and nominate women from these sources to economic and social planning committees, in the absence of sufficient staffing/resources. (c) Monitoring - Develop basic monitoring methodology for monitoring programmes and follow up recommendations made by line ministries and other bodies; 24 - Survey legislative and executive documents in order to assess their differential impact on women as compared to men, and offer advice on alternatives to the negative impact; - Ensure that each Ministry (and all its subdivisions, departments and units) takes on the responsibility for the implementation of a particular policy on the integration of gender dimensions into all its activities; - Secure sex-disaggregated statistics for monitoring purposes; - Secure sensitization, training and public information. (d) General procedures and mechanisms 84. During the discussion, the Conference participants highlighted the following main procedures: (i) Accountability - Ensure that strategies clearly assign responsibilities to the main actors, and implement specific programmes at national, provincial and local levels; - Establish appropriate national follow-up, accountability and monitoring mechanisms including procedures for reviewing policies and modifying their implementation; - Report on a regular basis, to legislative bodies on the progress of efforts, as appropriate, to mainstream gender concerns. (ii) Relationships with non-governmental organizations - Consult with women's NGOs on the preparation of strategies and the development of legislation; and consult with national social partners on employment labour issues; - Encourage and promote the active involvement of a broad and diverse range of institutional actors in the public, private and voluntary sectors to work for equality between women and men. (iii)Training and research - Provide training for members of national machineries and other mechanisms and bodies; - Train policy-makers, male and female, in gender awareness and planning to identify major problems facing women in their respective countries; - Provide training in the collection and analysis of data from a gender perspective; - Undertake research in cooperation with academic and professional institutions. 25 (iv) Information and communication - Secure the production of sex-disaggregated data and their collection; - Establish procedures which allow the machinery to gather information on government-wide policy issues at an early stage and use it continuously in the policy development and review process with the Government; - On this basis, establish a communications strategy, both within and among ministries, through periodic reviews and reports, and inter-ministerial committees and sectoral task forces; - Ensure that each party has a role to play in the communications strategy, taking into account their respective areas of work, roles and responsibilities; - Develop interaction with press and public media. 85. The above list was considered to be rather comprehensive and it was pointed out that not all activities could be carried out simultaneously. According to circumstances prevailing in each particular country, the Conference recommended that some priority actions be taken up by national machineries. 86. The mainstreaming of gender issues, such as employment, development of rural and urban areas, housing, health and education into the on-going activities of legislative and executive bodies, as well as in international development assistance should be given priority. Future priority actions for capacity-building for the advancement of women 87. There was a lively discussion on future priority actions for capacity-building for the advancement of women. The following priority actions were highlighted: (a) The preparation of national strategies and action plans was acknowledged as deserving priority and the proposed model national action plan (see annex I) would facilitate this importance task. (b) The mainstreaming of a gender perspective was considered a priority notwithstanding substantive priorities such as employment, development of rural and urban areas, housing and development of entrepreneurship. The on-going work of the United Nations in this respect was mentioned, and especially their guidelines on gender planning and mainstreaming. However, it was deemed necessary to adapt the methodology to the particular conditions, needs and concerns of countries in transition. (c) Monitoring was considered to be another priority area for action. Together with performance indicators, sex-disaggregated data were crucial for monitoring the gender aspects of the economic and social situations. Countries in transition should therefore cooperate in the compilation of relatively detailed data on women and men for benchmark reference and analyses in the full range of economic and social fields. ECE which has engaged in a number of statistical projects aimed at addressing conceptual and methodological issues related to sex-disaggregated data, could support this cooperation, together with other relevant international organizations such as the ILO, the United Nations Statistical Division and INSTRAW, and in conjunction with the Conference of European Statisticians which gathered statistics and data from ECE Member States as well as representatives of the Statistical Offices of the European Union, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD), the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. 26 88. In the course of the discussion it was noted that donor countries and international organizations were involved in capacity-building. However, the proportions of financial assistance to women's voluntary and governmental organizational development was still extremely small. It was therefore necessary to increase technical assistance programmes which would assist countries in transition. 89. It was also noted that, apart from United Nations organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, OECD and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were very active on women's issues. Their activities should therefore be taken into consideration for launching and implementing operational activities in the subregion. All the subregional groupings which have not already done so should look into women's issues in countries in transition including the Council of Baltic Ministries, the Central European Initiative and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. V. THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs) AND OTHER ACTORS IN CIVIL SOCIETY IN ELABORATING AND IMPLEMENTING NATIONAL ACTION PLANS Summary discussion 90. The Conference discussed the role of NGOs in civil society and ways in which they could cooperate in the elaboration and implementation of national action plans. 91. A background paper (SRC/CEE/BP.21) was prepared by the UNDP/RBECon the role of NGOs in the region, outlining their activities, the challenges they faced and patterns of cooperation with the Governments and international organizations. 92. The Conference discussed the need for building capacity within NGOs, developing a cooperative relationship with Governments, building subregional, regional and international networks, looking for innovative approaches to fundraising, and working with all members of society, including men and young people to increase gender awareness. 93. The need for sharing experiences between East and West was discussed and it was pointed out that it was important not only to import Western models. It was emphasized that Western 27 NGOs needed also to learn, listen and share ideas and strategies. 94. The Conference agreed that although women needed to be involved politically and take political positions, it was essential that NGOs not have political party affiliations in order not to be manipulated by the political interests of different parties. Background 95. The Conference recalled that in recognition of the specific role of NGOs and other actors in civil society in creating a "social, economic, political and intellectual climate based on equality between men and women", the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing recommended that Governments develop their implementation strategies for the Platform for Action with assistance from NGOs, while the latter were encouraged to develop their own programmes to complement government efforts and contribute to the design and implementation of those strategies or national action plans. 96. The NGOs and other actors in civil society were created in response to the need to work on behalf of a population that the state cannot always reach. These organizations had the capability to develop broad contacts among communities at all levels, were innovative and flexible, reached specific target groups, could have access to private funds, and often were highly motivated. 97. Given their participatory and integrated approach, NGOs could act as catalysts for change and the advancement of women through lobbying, mobilizing public opinion, motivating women to take part in public life, mobilizing resources, using the mass media, providing services, and developing activities that specifically target women. Challenges 98. Direct cooperation and communication between the Government and NGOs ensures the successful implementation of programmes that are beneficial to women. There could be, however, a number of challenges and obstacles to the creation of a favourable environment for the operation and growth of actors in civil society which includes: mistrust between Governments and NGOs which could result from a lack of information about the approaches of each, from a fear of cooptation and dependency by NGOs; an inadequate legislative framework for proper functioning of NGOs; and lack of infrastructure in government to facilitate the participation of NGOs in national action plans and problems of financial support. 99. In relation to issues of capacity, the Conference identified the need for NGOs to have the necessary skills and competence to be able to contribute to civil society and implement national action plans for the advancement of women. Some of the needs which they currently experienced were the lack of networks with other NGOs to share experiences and solve common problems; distrust and competition between NGOs; lack of knowledge and experience on working in partnership with the Government and the media, and with international NGOs and bodies; lack of legal literacy; lack of knowledge and experience in the management of finances and operations; inadequate involvement of young women in the activities of NGOs, and lack of access to finances. 28 100.It was agreed that the Government and civil society must combine efforts to eradicate negative attitudes towards women both in the public and private spheres and mainstream gender interests. The media often portrayed unfavourable and stereotyped images of women. Moreover, politicians in office, including women politicians, were not always sensitized to the issues that were of concern to women. One such issue, for example, is the violence which prevails in society often begins at home against women and children. 29 ANNEXES I. OUTLINE OF A MODEL NATIONAL ACTION PLAN Background The model national action plan was drawn up after a careful review of several elements of the requirements of the Beijing Platform for Action, the national action plans of about 10 countries which had been sent to the United Nations by 31 August 1996 and information on follow-up action and to Beijing commitments made at the Conference. It formed part of the background documentation of the Conference and should be read together with the comments of participants in chapter III above. The model was constructed in a manner which might be adapted by national Governments. The order follows that of the 12 critical areas of concern decided on in the Platform for Action. However, Governments may reorder, add new areas or eliminate areas if they match their priorities. Summary and overview of the model national action plan 1. This section should be limited to one or two pages, highlighting the main features of the National Action Plan (NAP), including major accomplishments and new priorities. Introduction 2. This section might include the following: (a) an assessment of the FWCW and the Platform for Action from the country's vantage point; (b) a brief presentation of those global or regional changes taking place that are relevant to the advancement of women from the national perspective, (c) a statement on the most critical areas of concern to women in that country, including relevant social indicators, (d) a reiteration of the commitments made at Beijing, and (e) a brief description of the country's accomplishments thus far in the advancement of women, including institutional mechanisms established for the advancement of women and any post- Beijing follow-up measures taken for the implementation of the recommendations of the Platform for Action. This would provide a framework for examining the priorities of the national action plan. 3. An example of item (e) above was the May 1996 report of the United States, which identifies the lead intergovernmental body as the President's Inter-agency Council on Women, established as a follow-up to the FWCW. The Council, chaired by Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala and Honorary Chair First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, consists of high-level representatives from each Federal agency working to identify initiatives in their agencies to implement the Beijing document. On September 28, 1996, the Council will sponsor a national conference via satellite when Americans will join together one year after the Women's Conference to: report on progress made since the Women's Conference, share what's working in local communities and look ahead to develop a national action agenda to improve the lives of American women and their families. 30 4. A second example comes from the report from Bulgaria, which states that The main actors involved in the preparation of the National Plan for Action in the country are: the Inter-Governmental Working Group established at the Council of Ministers; the Non-Governmental Organizations engaged in the activities for the advancement of women; the Trade Unions, represented by their respective Commissions for the defence of working women and youth as well as the Tripartite Council for cooperation; Representatives of Parliament. 5. Another example comes from the report from Denmark, which stated that in the autumn of 1995, the Government initiated a pilot project whereby all bills within the purview of the Ministry of Labour should be assessed from a gender perspective, within such areas as leave of absence and education, active labour market policies, and the working environment -- an example also of gender mainstreaming. Experience gained from the pilot project shall establish whether such a gender-impact assessment can be extended to include other areas under the purview of the Ministry of Labour and perhaps other ministries. 6. A fourth example comes from the follow-up report from the Philippines, which states that: The 1996 General Appropriations Act (Section 27) requires all departments, bureaus, offices and agencies to set aside a minimum of five per cent (5%) out of their 1996 appropriations to be used for projects designed to address gender issues .... The Philippines report also mentions that the line agency members of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women ...adopted and translated into implementable programs and targets the relevant policy imperatives ensuing from the Beijing Platform for Action. It should be noted that these policy imperatives are in consonance with the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development ... and the Women in Development and National Building Act ..., so that the monitoring of its implementation will be one and the same ... Strategic objectives and actions 7. The strategic objective on women and poverty and those that follow at the beginning of each critical area are excerpted from the Beijing Platform for Action. A. Women and poverty 31 A1. Review, adopt and maintain macroeconomic policies and development strategies that address the needs and efforts of women in poverty. A2. Revise laws and administrative practices to ensure women's equal rights and access to economic resources. A3. Provide women with access to savings and credit mechanisms and institutions. A4. Develop gender-based methodologies and conduct research to address the feminization of poverty. 8. For each of the above strategic objectives (and subsequent objectives), the Platform for Action delineates actions to be taken by Governments, in addition to actions to be taken by multilateral organizations and non-governmental organizations. In preparing their Action Plans, Governments should review the objectives and actions, decide upon those which are most urgent and feasible from the national perspective, recall the commitments they made at the Beijing Conference, and specify the targets, government agencies and NGOs involved, resource allocations, any necessary legislation, and any measures already taken. For example, if a poverty study or a living standards survey has already been conducted with methodologies that take gender into account, this may be stated, with a note concerning the agency or agencies in charge, and any plans to extend gender- sensitive survey methods to other agencies or sectors. If poverty-alleviation projects for women are in place or are planned, the description of these should specify the targets, institutions and resources involved. An example is a commitment expressed in Beijing by the Government of Papua New Guinea, to contribute 1 million (in PNG currency) to the Rural Bank for Rural Credit's Mini-Loan Scheme for Women. An action plan would also specify the monitoring mechanisms. Costa Rica made a commitment to improve the status of female-headed households. An action plan would specify time-bound targets and benchmarks for monitoring the implementation of this commitment, and describe the resources allocated. 9. Social indicators available in various documents could help in the identification of priorities, time-bound targets, and benchmarks. For example, where female-headed households are a disproportionately large or growing proportion of all poor households, a government may establish a benchmark and specify the ways and means of meeting this goal. To help alleviate women's poverty, a benchmark could be established to narrow the gender-based income gap, with remuneration ratios and women's average wages monitored to assess progress. B. Education and training of women B1. Ensure equal access to education. B2. Eradicate illiteracy among women. B3. Improve women's access to vocational training, science and technology, and continuing education. B4. Develop non-discriminatory education and training. B5. Allocate sufficient resources for and monitor the implementation of educational reforms. B6. Promote lifelong education and training for girls and women. 32 10. This section might begin with a statement and data on women's literacy, school enrolments, and educational attainment (in absolute terms and relative to boys and men), the quality of girls' schools and coeducational schools, access of rural girls to schools, and any other relevant information. The objectives would set a time-frame and benchmarks to be monitored, and specify the government agencies and other actors involved in achieving the goals, resources to be allocated, and any legislative changes. An example of an action to be taken from the follow-up report by Armenia: eliminate negative cultural attitudes and practices: develop gender sensitive curricula, teaching materials, textbooks; educate adults on the harmful effects of certain practices and traditions.... promote educational setting that eliminates all barriers that impede the schooling of married pregnant girls and young mothers. Here it would be useful to specify existing barriers, the time-frame for realization of the objectives, the resources to be allocated, and the agencies, organizations, and institutions involved in carrying out the objectives. Similarly, China's commitment expressed at the Beijing Conference to eliminate illiteracy among young and middle-aged women by the year 2000 could be elaborated by a description of resource allocations and participating agencies. Costa Rica's commitment to review textbooks in order to eliminate gender stereotypes could also include details as to the ways and means of its achievement. C. Women and health C1. Increase women's access throughout the life cycle to appropriate, affordable and quality health care, information and related services. C2. Strengthen preventive programmes that promote women's health. C3. Undertake gender-sensitive initiatives that address sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and sexual and reproductive health issues. C4. Promote research and disseminate information on women's health. C5. Increase resources and monitor follow-up for women's health. 11. This section may also begin with relevant current and prospective social indicators, followed by the specification of objectives, targets, benchmarks, monitoring mechanisms, actors, and financing. From the follow-up report of the United States, an example of a set of objectives and actions (absent, however, the details): 12. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has made improving women's health a top priority by establishing women's health coordinators in each of their agencies and regional offices, creating the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women's Health position and combining its commitments with financial strength. The Department is taking action on a range of health issues affecting women of all ages, with special attention to the health concerns faced by women of low income and from ethnic and racial minorities. Several initiatives include: - Implementation of a National Action Plan on Breast Cancer; - Continued commitment to increasing research on women's health issues and the requirement that women be included in clinical research trials; - Public policy agenda on HIV/AIDS specific to women, adolescents, and children; and - Initiation of the largest prevention study ever undertaken in the U.S. on the causes of death and disability in postmenopausal women. 33 13. Another example comes from Armenia, which will: develop special mechanisms to minimize the use of induced abortions and increase the use of contraceptives in the villages as well as in the cities. Use of radio and TV programming for advocacy and education. Develop legal measures to prevent dangerous practices of abortions. Such objectives should be elaborated by a time-frame and benchmarks. Mongolia, for example, made a commitment to reduce maternal mortality by 50 per cent and infant mortality by 33 per cent by the year 2000 as measured against the 1990 rates. D. Violence Against Women D1. Take integrated measures to prevent and eliminate violence against women. D2. Study the causes and consequences of violence against women and the effectiveness of preventive measures. D3. Eliminate trafficking in women and assist victims of violence due to prostitution and trafficking. 14. An especially relevant recommended action may be paragraph 124 (e): Work actively to ratify and/or implement international human rights norms and instruments as they relate to violence against women, including those contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment." Governments might specify whether this action has been undertaken, and the institutions involved in monitoring human rights compliance and violations, including the human rights of women and various forms of violence against women. 15. An example from the Latvian follow-up report is: The Latvian Human Rights Office in cooperation with the Police Department of the Ministry of Interior and consultants from the Netherlands Police are working on a project for training police officers about domestic violence. 34 The report also mentions several human-rights-related projects initiated and supported by national NGOs and international groups. Among them is: The NGO Femina has started gathering signatures to achieve changes in legislation, that could provide for punishment for domestic violence. The signatures gathered will be submitted to the relevant institutions -- the Parliament and Cabinet of Ministers, in order to direct the attention of politicians on these issues and to bring about changes in legislation." The report further mentions the drafting of a Criminal Code addressed to "the exploitation of prostitution and trafficking of women." Similarly, the report of the United States mentions an initiative on "trafficking of children for prostitution" and states that the Department of Labour's Bureau of International Labour Affairs "has continued its efforts to broaden the international dialogue on forced child prostitution problem". Another example comes from the Philippines, which intends to promulgate legislation of more stringent laws penalizing those who engage in trafficking, illegal recruitment and undocumented migration as well as laws that would shift criminal liability from the prostituted women to pimps and procurers. These objectives should be elaborated by time-bound targets, identification of actors and resources, and specification of the monitoring process. For example, the United States committed itself to launching a six-year, $1.6 billion initiative to fight domestic violence and other crimes against women. The United States Department of Justice will apply funds for specialized police and prosecution units and train police, prosecutors and judicial personnel. E. Women and armed conflict E1. Increase the participation of women in conflict resolution at decision-making levels and protect women living in situations of armed and other conflicts or under foreign occupation. E2. Reduce excessive military expenditures and control the availability of armaments. E3. Promote non-violent forms of conflict resolution and reduce the incidence of human rights abuse in conflict situations. E4. Promote women's contribution to fostering a culture of peace. E5. Provide protection, assistance and training to refugee women, other displaced women in need of international protection and internally displaced women. E6. Provide assistance to the women of the colonies and non-self-governing territories. 16. An example of a pertinent objective taken from the report from Armenia is: "secure the social revival for refugee women and for women who have suffered in the armed conflict." Here it may be useful to specify the actions to be taken, including the consultative process and institutions involved, the legislation required, and resources to be allocated. 17. The participation of women in conflict resolution, peace-making and peace-keeping is a relevant objective. For example, the report of Denmark stated that: 35 The Danish military defence makes a targeted effort to promote equality in recruitment to the national defence and to the Danish International Brigade. Women participate in international tasks in connection with the assignment of units from the Danish International Brigade and as United Nations observers. Women can also be assigned as observers to attend to tasks under the mandate of OSCE and EU. 18. Governments may also wish to specify, in their action plans, how they are reducing excessive military expenditures, and any plans to convert military resources to development, including social development for women, in accordance with paragraph 143 (a) and (b), and paragraph 349. A national action plan may also specify a time-bound target for the realization of Strategic Objective E2, establish a benchmark against which performance and outcomes will be measured, and identify how the military resources may be reallocated. F. Women and the economy F1. Promote women's economic rights and independence, including access to employment, appropriate working conditions and control over economic resources. F2. Facilitate women's equal access to resources, employment, markets and trade. F3. Provide business services, training and access to markets, information and technology, particularly to low-income women. F4. Strengthen women's economic capacity and commercial networks. F5. Eliminate occupational segregation and all forms of employment discrimination. F6. Promote harmonization of work and family responsibilities for women and men. 19. A brief description of women's labour-market position, using information from the national report and any other sources, may precede and put into perspective the time-bound targets and resources to be allocated. 20. Many countries have come to recognize women's contributions to economic development, as reflected in the objectives and actions pertaining to women and the economy in the Platform for Action. In Beijing, commitments were agreed upon to further women's economic rights and enhance their capacity to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from economic growth. For example, Australia made a commitment to develop a three-year initiative to increase the number of women in the private sector and establish a body of women in business. The Government of Latvia intends to amend its labour code to facilitate child-care leave, supplement social welfare benefits for mothers, develop pre-school institutions, and develop gender-sensitive social statistics. The Russian Federation seeks to ratify ILO Convention 156 (Workers with Family Responsibilities, 1981), among other objectives. The United Kingdom made a commitment to increase child-care by 20 per cent (50,000) by March 1996. In the United States, the Treasury Department will take new steps to promote access to financial credit for women, with Presidential Awards to outstanding United States micro-enterprise lending organizations. 36 21. In its follow-up report, Denmark describes a number of initiatives to implement the above strategic objectives. These include re-orienting vocational training programmes towards young women, whose unemployment rates are higher than those of men, and offering prizes twice a year "to a private-sector enterprise which has deliberately pursued an equality-promoting manpower policy". 22. In its national action plan, a Government may wish to specify the legislative initiatives being pursued in such areas as defining and prohibiting sexual harassment at the workplace, banning discrimination in recruitment on the basis of gender, eliminating gender bias in social security programmes, promoting the ability of women workers to balance employment and family responsibilities, extending protection to home-based workers, and protecting the rights of documented migrant workers. Governments may also wish to specify which of the ILO conventions they have already ratified, and when others will be ratified. If the labour code is being revised to include a chapter on women, as, for example, Viet Nam did in 1994, this may be indicated. 23. Partnership among government agencies, private sector businesses, banks, educational institutions, and women's organizations may be specified in describing time-bound initiatives to promote the expansion of women-owned businesses, to narrow the income gap between men and women, to increase the number of child-care facilities, and to integrate a gender perspective in development plans and in project and programme formulations. Benchmarks may also be defined -- for example, establishing a child-care facility at each government agency and public enterprise by the year 2000; increasing the proportion of women's cooperatives; reducing women's unemployment rates to a more reasonable level by the year 2000, and so on. G. Women in power and decision-making G1. Take measures to ensure women's equal access to and full participation in power structures and decision-making. G2. Increase women's capacity to participate in decision-making and leadership. 24. There is consensus that a critical mass of at least 30 per cent female is an appropriate benchmark, and that women's participation in political bodies is an appropriate area for monitoring. This will include monitoring women's presence in political parties, electoral lists, parliaments, cabinets, courts and police force, and influential government positions. Here partnership among governments, political parties, trade unions, women's organizations, human rights organizations, the legal profession, any regional organizations, and international organizations is crucial to the achievement of this strategic objective. The action plan should specify any new legislative measures to implement this objective, the resources allocated and the new institutions established to promote women's leadership and train them for decision-making positions. An example of a legislative measure to enhance women's decision-making is Viet Nam's Decree No. 163, stipulating the responsibility of ministers to consult with the Viet Nam Women's Union on all bills or matters affecting the welfare of women and children. 37 H. Institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women H1. Create or strengthen national machineries and other governmental bodies. H2. Integrate gender perspectives in legislation, public policies, programmes and projects. H3. Generate and disseminate sex-disaggregated data and information for planning and evaluation. 25. Some governments have established a State Ministry for Women's Affairs as a way of strengthening the national machinery charged with achieving the integration of a gender perspective across agencies (gender mainstreaming). Others have set up equality ombudsman-type offices. The Central African Republic made a commitment to create a network of women ministers and parliamentarians to follow up on Platform recommendations, while Kyrygyzstan and the Congo, among other countries, will establish national machinery for the implementation of the Platform, and Malaysia will enhance its existing national machinery. The action plans should include details, including time-frames and budgets. Many countries have committed themselves to developing gender-sensitive social statistics. Several western countries are committed to incorporating a gender perspective in all development cooperation. For example, Germany made a commitment to spend $10 million per year over the next four years for legal and socio-political counselling in developing countries with special emphasis on the interests and needs of women. Ireland and Norway committed themselves to adopting a gender-aware 20/20 contract in accordance with the recommendations of the World Summit for Social Development held in Copenhagen in 1995. The plan should also include a section on the consultation process bringing as wide a cross section of relevant ministries, NGOs and other actors in civil society as is necessary for comprehensive elaboration and effective implementation. 26. In the Action Plan, it may be useful to specify the ministries involved in the gender mainstreaming process (whether for national planning or overseas development assistance), the resources allocated to the national machinery for women, and any collaboration with NGOs and donor agencies. I. Human rights of women I1. Promote and protect the human rights of women, through the full implementation of all human rights instruments, especially the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women I2.Ensure equality and non-discrimination under the law and in practice. I3.Achieve legal literacy. 38 27. In Beijing, several countries made commitments in this area. For example, Pakistan made a commitment to create a separate and independent Human Rights Ministry, while Austria made a commitment to grant asylum to women who have been victims of sexual violence. Several countries committed themselves to implementing fully the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). For the purposes of the action plan, it would be useful to specify a time-frame and a national monitoring mechanism. China and Ethiopia, among others, committed themselves to improving laws and regulations for the protection of the rights and interests of women. Gambia's commitments at Beijing included one to address violence against women in compliance with CEDAW. The United Kingdom made a commitment to withdraw its reservations to CEDAW. For the purposes of the action plan, it would be useful to describe the existing laws or any new legislative initiatives, along with details of the consultative process, especially that involving national human rights organizations and women's organizations, as well as monitoring bodies. If plans are underway to disseminate the human rights of women and promote legal literacy through various forms of media, the action plan may describe the initiatives. J. Women and the media J1. Increase the participation and access of women to expression and decision-making in and through the media and new technologies of communication. J2. Promote a balanced and non-stereotyped portrayal of women in the media. 28. In Beijing, Australia made a commitment to ensure that women's contribution and participation are maximized through a Task Force on Women and Communication Technologies. Estonia made a commitment to stimulate a different perspective on the role of women in the media, emphasizing the role of women in public and professional life. The Maldives and the Netherlands made commitments to promote a change in attitudes towards women in part through more positive and balanced images of women by the media. In the action plans, Governments may specify the agencies and institutions involved (both governmental and non-governmental), the timetables, and the resources to be allocated towards the implementation of these objectives. K. Women and the environment K1. Involve women actively in environmental decision-making at all levels. K2. Integrate gender concerns and perspectives in policies and programmes for sustainable development. K3. Strengthen or establish mechanisms at the national, regional and international levels to assess the impact of development and environmental policies on women. 29. Cambodia's commitment spans the objectives on decision-making and on women's role in environmental issues. It intends to increase the proportion of women in programmes for sustainable development that involve decision-making, planning and technical management, and control of environmental degradation. Similarly, Lesotho made a commitment to establish an institutional framework, including research, to coordinate environmental issues among government, NGOs and women's groups; and to educate rural women about alternative sources of energy. In the action plans, Governments may describe how implementation of these objectives is consonant with the objectives of Agenda 21, including chapter 24. In describing any new institutions, policies, or legislative measures, Governments may specify the actors involved, timetables to achieve the targets, resources allocated, monitoring mechanisms, and accountability procedures. 39 L. The girl-child L1. Eliminate all forms of discrimination against the girl-child in education, skills development, and training and in health and nutrition. L2. Eliminate negative cultural attitudes and practices against girls. L3. Promote and protect the rights of the girl-child and increase awareness of her needs and potential. L4. Eliminate discrimination against girls in education, skills development and training. L5. Eliminate discrimination against girls in health and nutrition. L6. Eliminate the exploitation of child labour and protect young girls at work. L7. Eradicate violence against the girl-child. L8. Promote the girl-child's awareness of and participation in social, economic and political life. L9. Strengthen the role of the family in improving the status of the girl-child. 30. Examples of relevant commitments made in Beijing are the commitment of the Government of India to increase investment in education to 6 per cent of GDP with a major focus on women and girls, Cote d'Ivoire's commitment to reduce fees and distribute free schoolbooks so that 100 percent of girls will be enrolled by the year 2000, and Zambia's commitment to achieve gender parity in school enrolments by the year 2005 . Through a consultative process with non-governmental organizations, Governments will decide upon the relevant objectives, targets, time frames, and resources to be expended. In describing the implementation of relevant objectives, the action plans should specify the agencies and organizations involved (governmental, non-governmental, bilateral, and multilateral), timetables for achievement of targets, the monitoring mechanism, and accountability. Conclusion 31. Here the action plan may conclude by reiterating the main priorities and targets, listing the governmental and non-governmental bodies involved, and presenting a matrix presenting current social indicators pertaining to women, time-bound targets, and funds to be allocated. 40 II. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS UNITED NATIONS CO-SPONSORS United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women/DPCSD Ms. Angela King Director Two UN Plaza - Room DC2-1220 New York, NY 10017, USA Telephone: (212) 963-5086 Telefax: (212) 963-5138 e-mail: king@un.org Ms. Dorota Gierycz Social Affairs Officer Two UN Plaza - Room DC2-1230 New York, NY 10017, USA Telephone: (212) 963-5913 Telefax: (212) 963-3463 Ms. Valentine Moghadam Consultant 4061 Connecticut Ave., NW #409 Washington D.C. 20008, USA Telefax: (202) 244-5797 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms. Leueen Miller Resident Representative, Romania 16 Aurel Vlaicu Str. P.O. Box 1-701 79362 Bucharest, Romania Telephone: (401) 210 0280 Telefax: (401) 211 3494 Telefax: (41-22) 917-0036 Ms. Rosina Wiltshire Manager, Gender in Development Programme One UN Plaza - Room DC1-2036 New York, NY 10017 USA Telephone: (212) 906-5082 Telefax: (212) 906-5365/5857 e-mail: rosina.wiltshire@undp.org Ms. Soknan Han Jung Deputy Chief Division 1 Regional Bureau for Europe And the CIS (RBEC) 304 East 45 Street New York, NY 10017 Telephone: (212) 906-5151 Telefax: (212) 906-6595 Ms. Shahkbanou Tadjbakhsh Consultant 7500 Glennon Daine Bethesda Md. 20817 Telefax: (301) 469 8776 Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Ms. Dunja Pastizzi Ferencic Deputy Executive Secretary Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland Telephone: (41-22) 917-2694 Mr. Francis P. Robineau Office of the Executive Secretary Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland Telephone: (41-22) 917-1234 Telefax: (41-22) 917-012 41 GOVERNMENT EXPERTS Albania Ms. Vilma Kolpeja Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Rr. "Kavajes" Tirana Telephone: (355) 42 280 40 Telefax: (355) 42 280 01 Azerbaijan Ms. Rena Ibragimbekova Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Culture and Education Cabinet Minister of Azerbaijan Republic Lermontov Street 68, Baku Telefax: 92 77 71 Ms. Ofelia Kourbanova Ministry of Youth and Sports Baku Telefax: 92 74 58 Bulgaria Ms. Ludmila Boshkova Deputy Head of the Department of Human Rights Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sofia 1113 Bulgaria Ms. Violeta Angelova Head Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare 1000 Sofia 2, Triaditsa st. Telefax: 88 45 16 Croatia Ms. Vesna Kos Second Secretary, Human Rights Department Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zrinsevac 7-8, Zagreb Telephone: (3851) 45 69 953 Telefax: (3851) 4569 936 Estonia Ms. Gita Kalmet Desk Officer for the United Nations Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ravala, 9 Tallinn Telexfax: (372 6) 317100 Hungary Dr. Levai Katalin Ministry of Labour Roosevelt Squ. 5-7, Budapest 1054 Telefax: 33 11 49 Kazakhstan Ms. Mina Kajupova Chairperson Council on Women and Family Problems under the President of the Republic Almaty, Dostik St. 125 Telefax: 64 46 34 Kyrgyzstan Ms. Abdyldabek-kyzy Janyl Chairperson State Commission for Matters of Family and Women Government of Kyrgyz Republic Telephone: (3312) 22 23 80 Telefax: (3312) 22 75 51 42 Latvia Ms. Mara Taurina Senior Desk Officer Department of Analysis Latvian Human Rights Office Elizabetes Street 65-12 LV, 1011 Riga Telephone: (371) 728 52 23 Telefax: (371) 724 40 74 Ms. Solveiga Silkalna Senior Desk Officer (UN) Division of Humanitarian Issues Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bri^vi^bas Bulv. 36, Riga LV - 1395 Telephone: (371) 721 11 25 Telefax: (371) 783 00 75 Lithuania Ms. Giedre Purvaneckiene Adviser on Women and Family Issues Government of Lithuania Gedinino 11, 2039 Vilnius Telephone: (3702) 62 20 53 Telefax: (3702) 22 10 88 The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Ms. Liljana Ivanovska Deputy Director, Health Insurance Fund Government of Macedonia Bul Koco Racin 10/20, Skopje Telephone: 38991 230 857 Telefax: 38991 230 834 Republic of Moldova Mr. Tudor Varatic Principal Consultant of the Sector for Social Protection of the Family, Women and Children Government of the Republic of Moldova, State Chancellery Piata Marii Adunari Nationale, 2033 Chisinau Telephone: (3732) 23 36 47 Telefax: (3732) 24 26 960 Ms. Maria Savin Deputy Director, Main Department for Social Security, Pensions and Family Protection Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family Chisinau, Bul. Traian 1891 ap.9 Telefax: 76 51 11 Poland Ms. Anna Wiecek Chief Expert Chief of the Government Plenipotentiary for Family and Women's Affairs Official of the Council of Ministers Warsaw, ul. Litewska 2/4 Telephone: (22) 694-75 97 Telefax: (22) 628- 23 15 Romania Ms. Rodica M. Stanoiu Secretary of State Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Str. Dem. 1, Dobrescu 2B, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 615 86 09 Telefax: (401) 312 52 68 Ms. Hildgard Puvak Secretary of State Council for Strategy and Reform. Romania Government Piata Victoriei 1, Bucharest Telephone (401) 614 34 00 Ms. Maria Muga Director General Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Str. Dem. 1, Dobrescu 2B, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 615 86 09 Telefax: (401) 312 52 68 Ms. Adina Dragotoiu Director General Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Str. Dem. 1, Dobrescu 2B, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 615 86 09 Telefax: (401) 312 52 68 Ms. Anca Constantin Counsellor to the Minister Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Str. Dem. 1, Dobrescu 2B, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 615 86 09 Telefax: (401) 312 52 68 43 Mr. Ile Tascau Counsellor to the Minister Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Str. Dem. 1, Dobrescu 2B, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 615 86 09 Telefax: (401) 312 52 68 Ms. Victoria Sandru First Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aleea Modrogan 14, Bucharest Telephone: (401) 212 20 60 Ms. Florica Dumitru Director Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Str. Dem. 1, Dobrescu 2B, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 615 86 09 Telefax: (401) 312 52 68 Ms. Silivia Sopon Director Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Str. Dem. 1, Dobrescu 2B, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 615 86 09 Telefax: (401) 312 52 68 Ms. Doina Banciu Director Council for Strategy and Reform Romanian Government Piata Victoriei 1, Bucharest Telephone: (401) 614 34 00 Russian Federation Ms. Marina Korounova First Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs Moscow, Bozdvizbeuka 9 Telephone: 290 09 45 Telefax: 290 08 65 Telefax: 290 06 52 Ms. Elena Feoktistova Head, Department for Problems of Women, Family and Children Ministry of Labour and Social Development Moscow Telephone: 220 92 55 Telefax: 923 24 07 Slovakia Ms Zuzana Vranova Director International Centre for Family Bratislava, Drotarska 46 Telephone: (427) 5802 592 Telefax: (427) 5802 692 Ms. Eva Havelkova Secretary The Coordination Committee on Women 81643 Bratislava, Snitalska 4, SR Telephone: (427) 338 21 13 Telefax: (427) 362 544 Slovenia Consultant Office for Women's Politics Tomsiczva 4, Ljublijana Telephone: (386 61) 125 11 12 Telefax: (386 61) 125 60 57 Tajikistan Ms. Dodchudoeva Bozgul Deputy Prime Minister Head of the Republican Union of Women Government of Tajikistan Dushanbe 12 Somoni Str., Ap.15 Telephone/telefax: 213 774 Turkmenistan Ms. Meredova Kurbangul Deputy Mayor Municipality of Tashkovuz Ukraine Mr. Victor Schevchuk Ministry of Labour 44 Uzbekistan Ms. Oynisa Musurmonova Head of the Department of Women's Affairs Cabinet of Ministers Tashkent, Mustakilik Maidoni 5 Telephone: (3712) 39 81 41 Telefax: (3712) 39 84 64 GOVERNMENT OBSERVERS France Mr. Philippe Caminate Embassy of France, Cultural Service Bucharest, Romania Germany Ms. Bettina Gellbach Counsellor, Human Rights Commission Foreign Office Adenaueralle 99, 53113 Bonn Telefax: 49 228 17 4128 Ms. Friederike Kirner Administrative Employee Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth Rodunstr. 8-10 Bonn Telefax: 0228 930 2767 Italy Ms. Maria Chiara Venier Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate for Development and Cooperation Netherlands Ms. Dorien Brunt Senior Program Officer, Special Program on Women and Development Ministry of Foreign Affairs P.O. Box 20061, The Hague Telephone: 31 70 34 84 374 Telefax: 31 70 34 84 883 Ms. Jorun Hjerto Adviser, Gender Equality Section Department of Family Affairs and Child Care Ministry of Children and Family Affairs P.b 8036 dep, 0030 Oslo Telephone: 22 24 25 44 Telefax: 22 24 25 55 Sweden Ms. Marie Planhem Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malmtorgsgatan 3, 10323 Stockholm, Sweden Telefax: (4131) 324 16 96 Turkey Ms. Nevin Senol Director General Directorate on the Status and Problems of Women Yuhariayara, Ankara Telefax: (312) 426 20 46 United States of America Ms. Linda Tarr-Whelan Department of State, Bureau of International Organizations Washington D.C. Telephone: (202) 647 1155 Telefax: (202) 647 4628 45 Holy See Ms. Maria Isabet Telleria tapia Apostolic Nuntiature Bucharest, Str. Pictor C. Stahi 5-7 Telephone: 312 38 83 Telefax: 613 94 90 Switzerland Ms. Barbara Boni Swiss Organization for Development and Cooperation Ministry of Foreign Affairs Effingerstrasse 77, 3003 Berne Telephone: (4131) 322 44 09 Telefax: (4131) 324 16 96 UNITED NATIONS DEPARTMENTS AND BODIES Department of Development Support and Management Services (DDSMS) Ms. Juanita Bobbitt Senior Officer Social Development Management Branch One UN Plaza - Room DC1-0988 New York, NY 10017 USA Telephone: (212) 963-8379 Telefax: (212) 963-1265 Ms. Tsu-Wei Zoe Chang Social Development Management Branch One UN Plaza - Room DC1-1392 New York, NY 10017 USA Telephone: (212) 963-8370 Telefax: (212) 963-1265 Ms. Marcela Ballara Social Development Management Branch P.O. Box 407, 06043 ULUS Ankara Telephone: (903 12) 427-4806 Telefax: (903 12) 426 1372 Centre for Human Rights Ms. Rukia Hussen-Aden Focal Point for Human Rights of Women Centre for Human Rights 8-14 Avenue de la Paix, Room D.406 Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Telephone: (41-22) 917-3401 Telefax: (41-22) 917-0118 rhussen-aden.hchr.@unog.ch United Nations Childrenþs Fund (UNICEF) Ms. Maie Ayoub von Kholl UNICEF Special Representative in Romania Str. Olari 23, Bucharest, Sector 1 Bucharest Telephone: (401) 250 77 34 Telefax: (401) 312 77 50 46 Women in Development Bureau (UNDP/WID) Ms. Mirzoeva Vilojat Dushanbe, 2 Sulajmani Str., Apt. 20, Tajikistan Telephone: 31 08 33 Telefax: 21 06 45 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Einar Samved UNFPA Representative United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Ms. Nara Luvsen Senior Regional Adviser for UNHCR Refugee Women for the CIS BO Ankara Telephone: 90 312 439 6615 International Labour Office (ILO) Ms. Jan Youyun Zhang Special Adviser on Women Workers' Questions 9 Avenue Krieg, Geneva Switzerland Telefax: (41-22) 799 6930 Ms. Hildgard Ripper International Labour Office VI Mozsar Utca 14, H-1066, Budapest, Hungary Telefax: 36 1 153 3457 Telefax: 36 1 153 3683 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Ms. Stamenka Uvalic-Trumbik UNESCO Programme Specialist World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Gajane Dolian Acting Regional Adviser for Sexuality and Family Planning World Health Organization Copenhagen, Denmark World Bank Ms. Anna Maria Sandi World Bank Bucharest, Romania United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) Ms. Ayumi Fujino Industrial Development Officer P.O. Box 300, A 1400 Wien, Vienna International Centre Telefax: 431 21131 4627 47 INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION Council of Europe Ms. Olof Olafsdottir Head of Section, Equality between Women and Men Council of Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex, France Telephone: 33 88 41 23 39 Telefax: 33 88 41 27 93 INTERNATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS Baha'i International Community Ms. Hanna Sodeyfi Baha'i International Community 050 Wien,Laurenzg 11/31, Austria Telefax: 545 90 49 Ms. Neda Forghani Vienna NGO Committee on the status of Women Riegerstr. A 2340 Moedling Austria Telephone: 43 2236 23077 Telefax: 43 2236 23055 Change Ms. Georgina Ashworth Director Change 5, Central Bldgs, Rye Lane, London SE 15 5 DW, United Kingdom Telephone: (44-171) 227 61 87 Counterpart Deutschland, Bonn- Centre H 1503 for Counterpart Foundation Inc., Washington, USA Ms. Wu"nsche-Pietzka Heidemarie 2-10 Bundeskanzlerplatz, D-53113 Bonn, Germany Telephone: (49) 228 22 43 71 Telefax: (49) 228 22 43 76 Economic Commission for Europe/(NGOGroup) Ms. Danielle Bridel Palais des Nations Room E2, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland Telepohone: (41-22) 917 4735 Telefax: (41-22) 917 0181 International Council of Jewish Women Ms. Lya Benjamin 24-32 Stephenson Way, London NW 12/W England Telephone: 44-171 388 8311 Telefax: 44-171 387 2110 International Federation of Settlements in Neighbourhood Centres Ms. Jeta Beluli Rr. Bajram Curri. P.438/3, Sb.1, Apt.9 Tirana, Albania Telefax: 355 42 279 08 Ms. Miorita Sateanu Rr. Bajram Curri. P.438/3, Sb.1, Apt.9 Tirana, Albania Telefax: 355 42 279 08 Ms. Elena Steer Rr. Bajram Curri. P.438/3, Sb.1, Apt.9 Tirana, Albania Telefax: 355 42 279 08 48 Quaker United Nations Office Friends World Committee for Consultation Ms. Berit Collet 777 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017 USA Telephone: (212) 682 2745 Telefax: (212) 983 0034 NATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS Albania Women's League Ms. Hurem Gura Rr. 163 no. 24, Tetovo 91220 Alga, Forum of Women NGOs Ms. Olga Janaeva President Alga" Forum of Women NGOs 247-37 Kalinin st. Bishkek Telephone: 22 87 05 ANA Society & CEPES UNESCO Ms. Laura Grunberg President ANA Society & CEPES UNESCO 24, Ferdinand Blvd. 70313 Bucharest Telephone: (40) 642 41 95 Armenia Center for Alternative Education Ms. Marineh Fstkchian Khachadour Director 23 Bagranian St. # 23 Telephone: (3742) 273 724, 270721 Telefax: (3742) 151 048 Association for Women of University Ms. Gouljahon Bobosadikova 734025 Duchanbe, Sviridenko 10/1, Room 17 Telefax: (3772) 211 750 Business Womenþs Association Ms. Tadjikhon Saydinramova Director Tashkent, 700015 - 41, pz. Afrosiao Telephone: (3712) 56 81 58 Telefax: (3712) 56 81 58 Centre for the Advancement of Women Ms. Maria Anna Knothe Director 17 m3 Lwowska ul., 00660 Warszawa Telephone: (4822) 629 9257 Telefax: (4822) 622 4621 Democratic Union of Women Ms. Sevcikova Viera Deputy of the Chairperson Stefanikova 4 81760 Bratislava Telefax: 07 398 353 Estonia Association of Business and Professional Women Ms. Riina Kutt 21 Sutiste Tee, EE 0034 Telephone: (372-2) 521 616 Telefax: (372-2) 521 625 48 International Women's Organization Zinotcha Hromada Ms. Larysa Kobelianska 3, Panasa Myrnogo street, apt. 21, Kiev, Code 252011 Telephone: 044 290 37 43 Telefax: 044 227 24 01 KUT Foundation Dr. Miklos Fischer Director 41 Holla`n 1136 Budapest Telefax: 06920 414 360 Latvian Women's Studies & Information Centre Ms. Inna Bronislava Zarina 1 Akademijas laukums, Room 805 LV-1003 Riga Telephone: 371-7224040 Telefax: 371-7821289 Romanian Association for Women's Rights Ms. Rodica Serbanescu President Str. Radu Boiangiu 8, Bucharest, Romania Telefax: (401) 312 56 25 Romanian Girl Guide Association Ms. Ioana Cretoiu P-ta Alexandru Lahovari 3, sector 1, Bucharest Telefax: (401) 211 47 99 Ms. Adriana Amelia Antoniu "Romanian Girl Guide Association" P-ta Alexandru Lahovari 3, sector1, Bucharest Telefax: (401) 211 47 99 Romanian Institute for Human Rights Ms. Irina Moroianu Zlatescu Director Piata Aviatorilor 3, Bucharest Romania Telefax: (401) 222 42 87 Russian-American Institute of International Business Ms. Natalia Galaenko President 350 080 Krasnodar Sormovskaya, Str.7 Telephone: (0117) 88 612 363 427 Telefax: (0117) 88 612 311 930 Sevil Azerbaijan Womenþs Society Ms. Seidzade Diliaza 7 acad. Saftar Guliev str., Baku, 37004 Telephone: (8892) 92 55 72 Telefax: (8892) 92 53 02 Society of Romanian Abolitionists Ms. Elena Cervinschi Str. Masina de Paine 1, B1.B1,sc.4.ap.104, Sector 2, Bucharest Telephone: (401) 642 5709 Telefax: (401) 312 1002 SOS Hotline for the Abused Women and Children Ms. Katja Zabukovec p.p. 2726, 1001 Ljublijana, Slovenia Telephone: (386) 61 441 993 Union Dem. Of Women of Slovakia Ms. Moravcova Jana Judr Bratislava 81760, Stefanikova 4 Telefax: 07 39 83 53 Useful to Albania Women Ms. Sevin Arbana President of Albanian NGO Forum 70 Qemal Stafa, Tirana Telefax: (355) 42 230 01 50 Women's Committee for Defence and Protection Ms. Maria Esan Fagaras, Str. D-na Stanca 10 Cod 2300, judetul Brasov Telephone: (4068) 215 789 Telefax: (4068) 212 117 Womenþs Council Ms. Tamara Loussoupova Chairperson Gardjew Womenþs Union of Russia Ms. Tamara Loussoupova Chairperson Gardjew Women's Union of the Kazakh State National University Ms. Gulsum Suleimenova 77, Timiryazeva Street, Almaty Telephone: 47 17 87 Young Ladies Club Ms. Florentina Bodnari Chisinau, Str. Pandurilor 70/1, ap 51 Telefax: 521 409 51 III. LIST OF DOCUMENTS Papers from the United Nations bodies SRC/CEE/BP.1 Overview of advancement of women in Central and Eastern Europe Background paper prepared by the Division for the Advancement of Women/Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development SRC/CEE/BP.2 Model action plan for the implementation of the Platform for Action Adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing, September 1995: Working Paper prepared by Ms. Valentine Moghadam, Consultant To the Division for the Advancement of Women SCR/CEE/BP/3 National mechanisms for the advancement of women Summary prepared by the ECE as a basis for discussion and recommendations SRC/CEE/BP.4 Capacity building in national machineries Background paper prepared by the United Nations Department for Development Support and Management Services (UN/DDSMS) in Cooperation with Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Papers from Governmental Experts SRC/CEE/BP.5 Measures taken by the Government of the Russian Federation to implement the Beijing Platform for Action SRC/CEE/BP.6 Information on the Implementation in Poland of the Directives Included in the Final Documents of the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women: The Beijing Declaration - Platform for Action 2000 SRC/CEE/BP.7 National report of the representative of the Kyrgyz Republic SRC/CEE/BP.8 Romania: National action plan for the Implementation of the main objectives provided for by the final documents of the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women SRC/CEE/BP.9 Armenia: National action plan 52 SRC/CEE/BP.10 Substantive and sectoral areas of concern and fundamental actions necessary for the implementation of the Platform for Action in Belarus SRC/CEE/BP.11 Bulgaria: Background paper SRC/CEE/BP.12 Croatia: Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action- Strategic goals and national action plan, national machinery, cooperation with NGOs SRC/CEE/BP.13 Implementing the Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) in Latvia SRC/CEE/BP.14 The Role of Women in Uzbekistan SRC/CEE/BP.15 Report about the implementation of the Platform for Action In the Slovak Republic - Governmental part SRC/CEE/BP.16 Lithuania: Background paper on the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted by the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing SRC/CEE/BP.17 Estonia: Background paper SRC/CEE/BP.18 Azerbaijan Republic: Statement on Women's situation after the Beijing Conference SRC/CEE/BP.19 Kazakhstan: Background paper SRC/CEE/BP.20 Hungary: Background paper SRC/CEE/BP.21 Report of the Representative of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Albania Papers from non-governmental organizations SRC/CEE/NGO/1 Romanian Women's NGOs - a potential to be explored SRC/CEE/NGO/2 Report of non-governmental organization: Democratic of Union of Women in Slovakia 53 SRC/CEE/NGO/3 Statement by Natalia Golaenko, President of the North Caucasus Business Women's Association, Principal of the Russian- American Institute of International Business, President of the Russian-American Business Centre - Russia SRC/CEE/NGO/4 Speech to be delivered by A. Fedulova, Chairperson of the Women's Union of Russia Reference Papers SRC/CEE/INF/1 Guide to the United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women Internet Information Resources Women Watch SRC/CEE/INF/2 Questionnaire on national machinery for the advancement of women