URU, Alm.del - 2011-12 - Bilag 151: Invitation til Danida´s og Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke/Action Aid´s seminar om Kvinders rettigheder d. 21/3-12 kl. 13-17

Seminar: Rights-based approach to development through a gender lensWednesday, March 21, 2012 at 13.00-17.00Eigtveds Pakhus, Sal II, Asiatisk Plads 2G, 1448 Copenhagen KMeet Dan Seymour, Strategic Planning Advisor and Deputy Chief of Staff, UN Women anda panel of powerful women from several countries around the world who will discussgender equality and women’s empowerment from a rights-based perspective.The last century has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of women’s rights in what is probablythe most profound social revolution the world has ever seen. One hundred years ago, only twocountries allowed women to vote. Today that right is virtually universal. And there are many ofthese good examples, but still gender inequality and the discrimination of women exists all over theworld. Unleashing women’s potential is a prerequisite for full and sustainable economic and socialdevelopment of societies. Progress must be made at a faster pace, but how fast is it possible to go?And how best do we support local change agents?The World Economic Forum’s gender gap report found that in 134 countries with available data,greater gender equality correlates with a higher gross national product. In the World Bank’s 2012World Development Report the benefits of fully involving women is highlighted. Equally involvementof women is “smart economics”. Just as development means less income poverty and better accessto justice, it also often means fewer gaps in the equality between males and females. How do welink these findings to a rights based approach to development?Partnership for change is key. Interventions need to be made in cooperation with partners -bilaterally and multilaterally, state and non-state. Agents of change and institutions must besupported in countries of cooperation. UN Women is a key partner in these endeavours. UN Womenhas a strong normative role to play as well as the role of motivating other UN bodies and otherinternational organisations to work harder to pursue a gender equality agenda. How do we ensurethat this happens?For Denmark gender equality and women’s rights is a central issue with regards to development:The fight for women’s right to sexual and reproductive health; Women’s political participation; Theimplementation of Security Council resolution 1325 about women, peace and security; Violenceagainst women; Women’s equal access to land rights, education, inheritance, modern energyservices etc.; How do we meet these and the many other challenges that exist?Questions will include:What should Denmark and the EU do differently in order to further support the advancementof women’s rights?How should gender equality and women’s rights be taken forward in Denmark’s newdevelopment strategy in relation to themes like human rights, democracy and goodgovernance, stability and protection, social development and green growth?How could Denmark best promote an agenda for women’s political participation – especiallyin relation to the Arab spring?How do Denmark best strengthen women’s economic empowerment?What new challenges are seen with regard to gender equality and women’s rights?Registrationis required through thislink.Deadline for registration is March 16.Final programme and other information will be sent out Monday, March 19.The seminar will be held in English.The seminar forms part of the process of preparing Denmark’s new development strategy and is hosted byDanida and MS Action Aid Denmark