|
|
|
The Optional Protocol to the Convention
on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination (CEDAW)
entered into force
on 22 December 2000. The Protocol provides an additional
mechanism for ensuring that state parties comply with
their CEDAW undertakings. However, to date, of all CARICOM
member states, only Belize has signed and ratified the
Optional Protocol. Recognising that the Optional Protocol
is an important accountability mechanism, UNIFEM will
be collaborating with women’s organisations and
national machineries for women/gender in organising a
regional advocacy and information on the Optional Protocol.
The first component of this campaign is an Advocacy Tour
of at least three countries by two well-renown experts,
Chancellor Desiree Bernard of Guyana and Professor Joycelin
Massiah, former regional programme director, UNIFEM Caribbean
Office. Chancellor Bernard and Professor Massiah are
well recognised in the areas of human rights and Caribbean
social development.
Countries which are to be visited
include Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and Barbados.
During the Tour, the Experts
will participate in public discussions, in media events
and will hold meetings with women’s organisations
and with representatives of governmental departments.
The main objective of the Tour is to bring greater visibility
to and understanding of the Optional Protocol, in particular,
of the importance of this international mechanism for state
accountability around gender equality and non-discrimination.
|
Catalysts for Change is a web-based
resource portal created to serve as a focal point for discussion
and dissemination
of information on strengthening the political participation
of women in the Caribbean region. A product of the joint UNDP
and UNIFEM project “Gender Mainstreaming: Strengthening
the Participation of Women in Politics in Caribbean Political
and Parliamentary Processes”, the portal provides an
excellent opportunity to strengthen the network of women in
politics, governance and decision-making.
Catalysts for Change
provides access to: a database of information and networks
that support
women political participation in
the Caribbean region; news articles and current events
and activities related to women’s political participation
in the Caribbean; an annotated bibliography of books, papers
and documents on women and political participation in the
Caribbean; a Discussion Forum facility that allows for
an exchange of ideas and information among website visitors
on topics related to women’s political participation;
and, links to other selected resources on female participation
in the parliamentary and political process. The portal
can be accessed by going to http://www.cfcportal.net.
|
 |
UNIFEM and UNDP Barbados/OECS in collaboration with the National
Organisation of Women (NOW) in Barbados convened a Governance
Dialogue at UN House in Barbados on 7 March 2005. The Dialogue,
which is part of the aforementioned UNIFEM/UNDP Project,
focused broadly on how community participation in the governance
processes can be strengthened. It was interactive and participatory,
with active involvement from parliamentarians, civil society,
political party representatives and academia.
|
|
|
UNIFEM worked with Nicholas Brancker,
oneof Barbados' best producers, to produce the CD YAA Vibes,
a compilation of 10 songs (7 original and 3 re-mixes) by
local artistes TC, Adrian Clarke, Rameses, Tribal Roots,
Instruments ofPrayze, Toni Norville, John King, Alison
Hinds, Edwin Yearwood and Grammy-award winner Anselm Douglas
from Trinidad & Tobago. The songs promote positive
lifestyles and in most cases, speak directly to the dangers
of HIV/AIDS. |
|
|
|
|
UN House
Marine Gardens
Hastings
Christ Church
Barbados
Tel: (246) 467-6000
Fax: (246) 437-6596
Email: registry.unifemcar@undp.org
|
| |
|
|
YAA Vibes CD
|
|
|
