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�http://www.usia.gov/vitalvoices/about.htm
VITAL VOICES: About Vital Voices
Regional
Initiatives
Vital
Resources
Global
Network
Getting
Involved
About Vital Voices
The Vital Voices Global Democracy Initiative
"We know that we cannot build the kind of future we want w
And we know that around the world, women will only be able
we have equal access, equal rights, equal protection and a fa
and political power. Advancing the status ofwomen is the righ
smart thing to do."
- Secretary of State Madeleine K. A
Message to the Vital Voices Vienna: Women in Democ
Vital Voices is an ongoing global initiative which implements U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright's commitment to promote the advancement of women as a U.S. foreign policy objective. This
initiative enjoys the active support of First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Vital Voices is creating unprecedented partnerships among governments, non-governmental
organizations, and the private sector to support the full participation of women in the economic, social,
and political progress of their countries.
Vital Voices is building a network of people throughout the world who support full participatory
democracies and economic prosperity.
Vital Voices conferences launch regional initiatives to give citizens in emerging democracies and
countries in transition the skills, tools, and resources they need to empower themselves, their
communities and their countries.
The Director of the Vital Voices Global Democracy Initiative is Theresa Loar, Director ofthe
President's Intera enc Council on Women. To contact the Vital Voices office at the U.S. Department
ofState please e-mml us at: vitalvmces hotmail.com.
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VitaiVoicesoftheAmericas:
Women in Democracy
October 1 - 3, 1998, Montevideo, Uruguay
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The United States Government and the Inter-American Development Bank
are proud co-sponsors of the
Voices of the Americas: Women
1version en aspanoll Democracy Conference to be Vital in Montevideo, Uruguay October 1 - in
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1998. The First Lady of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the
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scheduled to address the conference. The President of Uruguay, Dr. Julio
Maria Sanguinetti, has also agreed to deliver an address to the participants.
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Vital Voices will convene approximately four hundred women leaders from
the public and private sectors to build networks with other leaders from
throughout this hemisphere. All countries of the Summit of the Americas
process will participate. The principal themes of the conference are drawn
from the goals set out in the Santiago Summit Plan of Action.
Participants at the Vital Voices conference will come together to share their
knowledge and expertise. They will explore ways to strengthen the roles of
women in democracy through three tracks of workshops: Law and
Leadership; Politics and Public Life; and Economic Integration and Business
Growth.
Vital Voices demonstrates Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's
commitment to integrate issues affecting women into U.S. foreign policy.
Similarly, the conference advances the Inter-American Development Bank's
commitment to bring about the fuller integration of women into all stages of
the development process in Latin America and the Caribbean, and to
support the full participation of women in decision-making positions in the
political and economic life of their countries. This conference also furthers
the implementation of the Plan of Action agreed to· by 189 governments at
the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.
This conference has been modeled after the Vital Voices: Women in
Democracy Conference held in Vienna, Austria in July 1997. The Vienna
conference provided a forum for the development of networks of women
leaders supporting democracy-building efforts in Central and Eastern
Europe. Following that conference, United States Government and private
sector support for programs and policies supporting the advancement of
women and girls significantly increased. As with the Vienna Conference,
participants will continue to build on the linkages made in Montevideo long
after the conclusion of the event.
Developed with the technical
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�Untitled Document
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RegiOih:tl
Initiatives
Vital
Resource.s
Global
Network
Getting
Involved
Regional Initiatives: The Americas
Conference Overview: Monteviedo, Uruguay October 1998
"Today, more than at any other time in history, women have the opportunity and the
responsibility not only to raise our own voices but to empower others to raise theirs as well. The
women gathered here, we are among the blessed. Even though many have suffered, the spirit was
not broken. And you are here as testimony to resilience and determination."
- First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Keynote Address at Vital Voices of the Americas, Uruguay, October, 1998
The U.S. government and the Inter-American Development Bank co-sponsored a hemisphere-wide Vital
Voices Conference in Montevideo, Uruguay on October 1- 3, 1998. Over 400 women leaders from the
34 democracies of the Western Hemisphere gathered to discuss action plans for the full participation of
women in the political, social, and economic lives of their countries.
Extensive follow-up is already underway in the region. For example, U.S. Ambassadors are meeting
with their host country delegations to plan future activities. Partners from the private sector,
governments, and non-governmental communities have committed resources, training, and skills aimed
to implement the conference action plans. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton met with some of the Vital
Voices participants from Central America and the Caribbean during her visit back to the region.
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VITAL VOICES: The Americas: Hillary Rodham Clinton Keynote Speech
Regfonal
lnili<Jtives
Vital
Resources
Global ·
Network
Getting
Involved
Regional Initiatives: The Americas
Vital Voices Keynote Speech By Hillary Rodham Clinton
Montevideo, Uruguay
October 2, 1998
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. I
feel like I am sure many of you do, that we have had such a
rich morning already hearing from our conference
participants, and others who have inspired us, and
motivated us, and educated us.
It is a great honor and privilege for me to be here in
Uruguay, and to join all of you-- the vital voices of the
Americas. The voices of the four conference participants
that we have just heard represent the extraordinary intelligence, enthusiasm and diversity of the people
who have come together for this third historic Vital Voices Conference. I want to begin by thanking our
hostess, Mrs. Sanguinetti -- for your warm hospitality and for that fascinating archeological education.
That I will immediately go and read about.
This is my first visit to your beautiful country, and both you and the President have made me feel so
much at home even in these few short days that I cannot wait to return. And I look forward to a time
when I can do that in the very near future.
I also want to express my great appreciation to the Conference's co-sponsor, the Inter-American
Development Bank. Now we have heard from the President, who is our great friend. Who I believe said
again today how committed the bank is to all these projects. I have had the great honor of working with
the bank and I've seen how hard he has worked to promote micro-credit, working against domestic
violence, doing everything that the bank could do to make clear to everyone who would listen that it is
not just a bank, it is an instrument of social justice; social investment and transformation of the Americas
"and I thank you for that Emique.
I too want to thank Mayra for her work. She has been a powerful and effective advocate at the Bank for
women.
And I want to thank Theresa for your efforts leading our U.S. government team to make "Vital Voices"
an effective instrument of American foreign policy.
This is the third Vital Voices Conference. The purpose of these conferences is to give women from
various parts of the world the opportunity to come together as you all have to share experiences, to build
stronger networks and partnerships, to look for ways that we can introduce new and effective strategy in
our common search for ways that will enable women to take their rightful places in all of our societies.
At this particular conference we brought together women leaders from all the democracies of the
Western Hemisphere. Leaders in business, non-governmental organizations, trade unions, from small
villages and from very large cities, mayors and cabinet officials. We have also brought together and we
have heard eloquently expressed today from our panel many who suffered under brutal dictatorships,
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many who lost family members to terrorism, people who have been in the forefront of the struggles to
end repression, protect human rights, and restore democracy. This is a critical moment in history because
so many of you have struggled so long to bring us to it. I want to begin by thanking you. You have set an
example, you have served as a model, and you have given heart to literally millions of peoples
throughout the Americas because you have never given up on yourselves and your future. And yet I
know that with the coming of democracy, with the spread of the global economy, we face new
challenges. How do we ensure that democracy and free market economies produce better lives for all
people, especially the poor and the marginalized? How do we create conditions in which women are
equipped with the tools of opportunity to become full participants in their societies? How do we bolster
civil society and its institutions?
The countries represented here may be at different stages of political and economic development, but we
are all searching for answers to basic questions such as those. And we share a common belief: we
believe that a nation's progress depends on the progress of women; that the strength of democracy
depends on the inclusion of women; that the vibrancy of an economy depends on the hard work of
women; that the richness of civil society depends on the full participation of women; and that human
rights are women's rights; and women's rights are human rights from one end of this hemisphere to the
other.
I've heard reports how at this conference -- in workshops, over coffee, in hallways -- you've been
gathering and talking with one another about how to achieve progress. You've been learning from each
other. And you have been focussing on three broad areas: First how do we expand political participation
for women in public life? Second how do we strengthen the rule of law? And third, how do we promote
women's access to economic opportunities?
If this were only a conference where we came together and we met one another, and we heard speeches
and we shared ideas, that would be a good thing, but it would not be enough. It would disappoint all of
us who are here because it would not fulfill the promise that such an extraordinary gathering holds for
us. What we have to think through is how we will, from this point, create those strategies and support
one another within our nations and across our hemisphere to see that they are, fulfilled. How will we
answer the questions we have been asking ourselves? How will we reach progress in the three areas you
have been focussing on? Let me take them one by one.
We have seen the fruits of the efforts that have gone into creating political opportunities for women in
public life. Throughout the Americas, because we have obtained peace and stability that so many of you
have fought for so long, we now have democratic governments that are open to debate, and free speech
and association that were not there before. We hope we will never, ever see in our hemisphere again a
young women driven from her own country because she stood up for the human rights of her fellow
citizens. We hope that we will never hear the heart-wrenching emotion that we heard in the voice from
our mayor from Peru when she talked about terrorism. We must never, ever allow terrorism to have a
grip in this hemisphere again.
So this hard-fought-for peace and stability, these democracies, these free-market economies, they're an
enormous step forward. But they are also not enough if they do not give people the beliefthat they have
a stake in the future and do not provide opportunities for participation.
But think about some of the women who are here amongst us. Women who have pushed open the doors
of political leadership. Some of them are known, so many others are unknown, but they lifted their vital
voices when others were silent. They organized their work places, often at great risk to themselves, and
they have been willing to run for office and accept appointed office when still there are so many
attitudes that argue against a woman doing that in public life. Their voices should inspire us. Think of
just a few examples.
A senator from Brazil -- the granddaughter of a slave -- who worked within the Catholic church on
behalf of workers-- and who became her country's first black woman senator.
A mother from a small town in Peru who, when elected mayor, developed projects to protect women's
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rights and created training workshops for women so they could increase their family incomes without
leaving their homes.
A grandmother in Argentina who refused to bend under the brutality of the generals and who kept her
eyes on the plight of her nation's grandchildren.
There are thousands of examples like that. Each of us could stand and tell them. But they should serve
the purpose of reminding and inspiring us, of the price that has been paid to open those doors to
democracy, and how disappointed all those who sacrificed would be if now women did not assume their
rightful position and walk through those doors to make contributions to their families, to their
communities, and their nations.
Today, more than at any other time in history, women have the opportunity and the responsibility not
only to raise our own voices but to empower others to raise theirs as well. The women gathered here, we
are among the blessed. Even though many have suffered, the spirit was not broken. And you are here as
testimony to resilience and detennination.
But think of the thousands and thousands and thousands of women throughout the Americas for whom
no one speaks. Who believe they are not worth anything. Who have been denied education and even
sometimes fundamental health care. What will we do to raise our vital voices for them? And among the
many reasons why women must participate in the political process and must take the risks of putting
themselves forward on behalf of issues of concern to us all, is because all of those women and their
children need our voices.
There is a very important report that was completed recently by the Women's Leadership Conference of
the Americas which details all of the progress and the obstacles that still face women in the Americas.
This report confirms what we all know: that while many governments, organizations, and individual
citizens acknowledge the importance of women's participation in both formal and informal ways, women
are still blocked from realizing their own positions, from going as far as their tatents would take them.
Yesterday I was privileged to meet with the Women's Political Network here in Montevideo. I want to
thank all of the women who came together to educate me about what they are doing here. They were a
remarkable group of women leaders. A cabinet minister, a city council member, others who hold elective
office, others who were very prominent in their parties. One of them said: "We grew to realize that what
unites us is far more important than what differentiates us." For the women from different parties who
honestly hold different philosophical and ideological positions understand that they can cross party lines
to work on behalf of issues in common. And I have heard that Paraguay is doing the same. This is one
very important idea that can come out of this conference: that there must be ways for women in political
life to support each other across party and ideological lines when it comes to fundamental women's
rights and children's needs. And this political network can serve as an example for us all. And I would
include my own country in that example.
If one reviews the progress that has been made, you can see that the once closed doors have been pried
open. More and more countries require a minimum level of women's participation in local and national
elections. Others have created agencies to promote women and family policies. Some programs are now
seeking to increase the pool of qualified women to compete for leadership positions, and others help
women exercise effective leadership once they are elected or promoted.
These changes are having an impact. By 1996 -- all but two countries in Latin America had at least one
woman cabinet member. In Colombia, over a third of the cabinet positions are now held by women. And
while women are still vastly under-represented in legislative assemblies, there are signs of progress. In
the Bahamas, women fill as many as 33 percent of the senate seats. And in Argentina, as a result of their
new law, women's representation in the lower house of congress is 28 percent, the eighth highest in the
world.
If those nations can assure women that level of women's participation, then we all must do better to
make sure that parties are fair to women and include them in electoral lists, that governments seek out
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qualified women and give them opportunities to serve. Because we will all benefit if more women
assume positions of political responsibility. And I hope that one result of this conference will be very
specific ways we can all participate in bringing that about.
The second challenge you have been discussing is strengthening the rule oflaw. Now there is, of course,
general agreement in polite company that women deserve equal rights under the law. But there are still
laws in the Americas that do not give women equal rights. And our first order of business should be to
change those laws.
There are countries in the Americas that prohibit women from doing certain work: from working at
night; from lifting heavy objects. Now I have always believed that the job should be suited to the person.
And many women could not lift heavy objects, but some women could. And if they could qualify, they
should be permitted to compete for those jobs, and jobs like them so they can better support their
families, and we should change laws that stop them from doing so.
The larger problem though is that on paper we have equal rights under the law, but they are not enforced.
There is uneven or no enforcement. Or there is enforcement only for the rich and not for the poor. So we
have to do a better job of making all of our laws fairly enforced and making access to our justice system
one that is not in any way prohibited to people on the basis of their background or their income. We
have to do much more to absolutely institutionalize the rule of law in the Americas. With independent
judiciary, with due-process being respected so that impunity will no longer exist. That the rights of all
citizens will be strengthened. We know we will have achieved that goal when a poor, indigenous woman
somewhere in the Americas is able to walk into a court and demand that the police stop harassing her,
that people in the street stop treating her poorly, and that she be given the same rights as every other
person.
And I would hope that by opening up the legal system to more women judges and women prosecutors,
women will make sure that women's rights are respected and the rule of law is enshrined in all of our
countries.
That is beginning to happen. Again some examples from vital voices that inspire us.
The first woman to sit on Haiti's supreme court helped draft the decree abolishing gender inequality.
The female director of the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights launched a gender equity program
when she was a leading Costa Rican jurist.
There are many more examples we can point to. But we need more women lawyers, more women
judges, more women prosecutors. And as a lawyer, I hope that more women will go into the law in the
Americas and use the tools of the law to promote social justice throughout our hemisphere.
I also want to say a specific word about something we have seen terrific progress in but have a long way
to go and that is in domestic violence. Many of you have been leaders, both inside and outside of
governments to make it clear that violence between spouses, between parents and children, in families is
not a custom, it is a crime and must be treated as a crime.
More and more governments throughout the Americas are reforming their penal codes and passing
anti-discrimination legislation. And we see the results. Twelve Latin American countries have adopted
new laws classifying domestic violence finally as a crime, and enforcement has been stepped up, prison
sentences extended. There are now special police stations for women in many countries, shelters and
counseling centers and training courses for law enforcement officials and judges.
Yesterday I was privileged to meet with professionals here in Montevideo who are working both with
victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. And this particular crime is so important for us to focus
on because we know that if women have their spirits broken inside the family, by the violence that so
many face day in and day out, how can they ever have the confidence to be citizens of a democracy, to
participate fully in the life of their democracy?
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The Summit of the Americas which met first in Miami and then in Santiago set a goal of full equality
between men and women by the year 2002. Now I know that is an ambitious goal. But I like that goal.
And I like to remind people that that goal was agreed upon by all the leaders of our hemisphere. And I
believe we must accept nothing less than doing all that we can to try to reach that goal.
Our third priority, at this conference, is opening up economic opportunities for women. There are some
fundamental issues that we have to address before we can even get to economic opportunities. One is
education and one is health care.
Women cannot earn good income for themselves and their families, and advance to the fullest of their
god-given potential if they are not educated, or if they are held back by poor, or substandard, or
unavailable health care.
So we must continue to do everything we can to ensure access to education, for girls and women, and to
make available quality health care throughout the hemisphere. Because talking about economic
opportunities in the absence of emphasizing education and health care is an empty promise. Because we
certainly know that the economy of the 21st century will be unforgiving for those who are not educated
and not healthy and not able to make their own way.
Now we all know that women contribute enormously to the economic growth of their countries. Both
inside and outside the home. But that work, both in the home and in the informal economy is not
counted in a country's GDP. I believe it is time for economists and bankers to start figuring out ways to
count women's economic contributions in their nations' GDP and overall world economies.
I remember talking to an economist during one of my visits to Africa. He said "well women have no real
economic role to play in the African economies that are emerging". And I said, "well you know I have
only spent a few days in Africa but every where I looked I saw women working: I saw women in the
fields, I saw women carrying water; I saw women in the markets; I saw women building their own
houses. Now tell me what exactly is it that they are doing if not contributing to the economic well-being
of their country?"
We also have to face up to continuing wage discrimination against women. Women in Latin America
receive salaries well below those of men. And women who work in the informal sector, as many do,
have no benefits and no security. Working women have never held the rights and opportunities and
benefits that men have traditionally have held. So we have to attack those inequities as well.
We need to celebrate the contributions that women have made. And I especially appreciate the
comments about how women have been the ones who have managed poverty and have day in and day
out, and year after year kept families going with very little in the way of meager resources. So let us
celebrate what is really very good budgeting and extremely good economic planning if we stop to think
about it, and let's look for ways to bring more opportunities and greater income into the lives of these
women who have already proven that they know how to stretch a peso as far as possible.
We also need to look at ways of getting more capital and credit into women's hands. And I want to thank
everyone who has supported micro-credit because it is truly transforming lives and societies.
Micro-enterprise loans are expanding the support from international and bilateral donors and
non-governmental organizations. USAID and IDB programs are already reaching well over one million
women in this hemisphere.
I would once again issue a plea to commercial banks, and other potential funders, to look at the success
of micro-credit as a tool for creating market activity at the grassroots level, giving more people within a
society a stake in the free market. And I would ask, as I did in Belfast, that commercial banks look for
ways to partner with the IDB or non-governmental organizations to put some funds into micro-credit so
that we could expand their reach. I'm always amazed when I read in the newspaper about some very bad
loan that a commercial bank has made and they write it off when we know that loans to poor women are
repaid at a rate of between 95 and 99 percent throughout the world.
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I have talked with such women from one end of our hemisphere to another, including in my own country
where we are using micro-credit to try and help develop economic opportunity for women, particularly
women who were formerly on welfare.
Think of these vital voices:
A rural woman in El Salvador who overcame low expectations -- of herself and others -- to turn her
roadside tortilla stand into a profitable business with the help of a $46 loan. And who, because of that
increased economic activity that she was able to generate, all of a sudden had the respect of everyone in
her village. And she and her small village group of people who were borrowing and supporting each
other understood that they had a real stake in their future. She was selected president of her village bank
group. And she said something that all of us would agree with, and that is "courage is half oflife." Well
for her, having the courage to do what she did was half of life, but having the credit to put that courage
into action was the other half. And that is the kind of partnership we need more of.
A woman organizer at a banana plantation who has stood up to death threats to lead and inspire her
co-workers. They have been locked out of their jobs because their company won't recognize their union.
Workers' rights are an important part of the global economy. We have such great opportunities ahead of
us if we are able to take the extraordinary benefits of the global economy and ensure that they are spread
fairly to everyone. We cannot permit greater inequity in income to be part of the new global economy.
And workers' rights are part of that. Regular and equal pay, medical examinations, training programs,
benefits, all of that should be on the front burner for women and men who understand how important it
is that workers be given the opportunity to share in the fruits oftheir labor.
Now where does this leave us as we are looking at this conference and all that you have discussed and
heard? Well I hope that we are building on the progress so many of you have begun. And I hope we are
producing real partnerships that will strengthen democracies and improve lives of women throughout the
Americas.
Today I am pleased to make several announcements. First, the United States Government through
USAID will commit $50 million to support the common goals of this conference and the Summit ofthe
Americas, to strengthen human rights, justice, and democracy particularly on behalf of women.
USAID is also increasing its loans to micro-enterprises across the Americas to $120 million over the
next three years, over two-thirds of those loans committed'to going to women.
The United States Small Business Administration, whose Director, Aida Alvarez is with us today, and I
am very pleased that Ms. Alvarez could be here for this announcement. It has done a great deal in our
country to promote micro-enterprise and has created an "on-line women's business center" offering
training and support and research for women to start and expand their businesses. Today the Small
Business Administration is unveiling the Spanish version of this website so that millions ofwomen,
throughout the hemisphere and literally around the world, can also access this information.
After this meeting you can go into the conference room, right outside here and into one of the hallways,
and you can log right on to this new SBA service. And be sure and tell us how well it works, because it
is our very :first time to try it out.
Because of this conference the Discovery Channel, the Foreign Ministry of Argentina and the Global
Foundation in Buenos Aires have come together to make sure that these voices are heard well beyond
this conference. They will do this through a series of Vital Voices Public Service Announcements on
issues raised here at the conference. Tomorrow each of you will have the chance to help shape those
messages that will be broadcast throughout the hemisphere. So think please about the most effective way
to reach women and men with the messages ofthe Vital Voices Conference.
Another important partnership that is taking place is that IBM Uruguay will produce computer and
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Internet training sessions for women in media and a political training workshop experience sponsored by
USAID, the Partners of the Americas, the League of Women Voters, and USIA Women's Campaign
International. This is one way that you can really test and improve your own skills and learn from one
each other about how you can take messages from this conference back home.
The United States Government stands ready to continue to work with all of you. To make sure that this
critical effort started here at this conference, and building on so much work that has gone before, will
continue well into the future and will have the results that we all hope for.
As I travel around the world, I am very grateful for the opportunity that I have to meet with women and
to listen to them. Their dreams, their aspirations, their hopes, their concerns. And I am always amazed,
impressed and humbled by the extraordinary human spirit and hopefulness that I find whether I am in a
very poor village in Bangladesh or Uganda, or in a very small business in Nicaragua, or Santiago, I'm
always with women who inspire me. And these are the women from throughout this hemisphere who we
must do all that we can to ensure that their voices are heard, heard in city halls and board rooms, and
trade union offices, and political parties, in academia, in families.
If we carry forth from this conference the extraordinary example and words that we heard from our four
panelists, and we take our energy and work together to make sure that these voices are heard, I think we
have a great opportunity ahead of us.
I ran across a quote from an early Uruguayan woman leader, Dr. Paulina Luisi who said "We shall not
reach the radiant mount toward which our eyes are fixed today. But on the ground we are breaking, our
daughters will march to victory."
As the mother of a daughter, I hope with all my heart, that we will break that ground, and the youngest
among us will see results, that we will make it possible in the next century for women and men to feel as
they should. fully empowered, full of hope and confident, because there are no longer any of those
divisions that separate us from one another, but instead a commitment creating a future that brings out
the best in all of us.
Thank you very much.
About Vital Voices/ Regional Initiatives/ Vital Resources/ Global Network/ Getting Involved
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�VITAL VOICES: Madeleine Albright Statement
http://www. usia. gov/vitalvoices/ualb .htm
Regional
lnill,uives
Vital
Resources,
Global
Network
Getting
l rwolved
Regional Initiatives: The Americas
Message from U.S. Secretary of State
Statement by Madeleine K. Albright, U.S. Secretary of State
to the Vital Voices of the Americas: Women in Democracy Conference
Montevideo, Uruguay
October 1 - 3, 1998
Greetings to all of you who have gathered for the Vital Voices of the Americas
. Conference. I regret that I could not join you in person. But I am inspired, as I know
millions of women around the world are inspired, by what the women of this
hemisphere have done for the cause of peace, democracy, and our common future.
Women have made tremendous strides toward improving our health and safety, increasing our
knowledge and power to make our own choices, and expanding our opportunities to fulfill our potential
as human beings -- including attaining positions of leadership in virtually every profession.
I hope that your work at this conference extends and expands the success you have already had, deepens
your sense of solidarity and hope for the future, and shares your ideas ~nd strategies with your
counterparts from around the world.
When the United States or any nation takes women's interests into account, we are doing not just the
right thing but the smart thing. At the United States Department of State we are putting efforts to
advance the status of women right where they belong-- in the mainstream of American foreign policy.
For wherever and whenever we stand for the basic values of law and respect for the dignity of every
human being, we are serving our common hopes for the future hopes that can only be fulfilled with
women playing a full and equal part.
Already, you have done a great deal to advance the status of women. For that, I salute you. I congratulate
you for your work at this conference to protect women's rights, ensure women's dignity, and tap
women's creativity. And, I pledge the support of the United States as you work to meet these goals in our
hemisphere and explode outward the boundaries of what is achievable around the world.
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�Trafficking in Women--US Initiatives
http://www. usia.gov/vitalvoices/trafus .htm
About
VItal Voices
-.~lii-
men
emocracy
Regional
Initiatives
Vital
Resources
Global
Network
Getting
Involved
Vital Resources: Key Issues
Trafficking in Women and Girls I An InternationaiHuman Rights Violation
U.S. Initiatives
The Problem
Trafficking in women and girls has become one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world.
This increasingly serious problem is having an impact on all nations, including the United States. An
estimated one to two million women and girls are trafficked annually around the world, generally for the
purpose of forced labor, domestic servitude or sexual exploitation. Ten thousand to 100,000 women are
trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Traffickers in women, .much like narcotic traffickers, operate boldly across international borders, using
modem means of communication and trade. They lure victims with advertisements and false promises of
jobs as nannies, waitresses, sales clerks, and models. This modem form of slavery frequently involves
force, deception, and coercion.
Victims of trafficking often reach international borders with faulty documents. Sometimes they travel
with valid tourist visas; however, these visas are obtained by misrepresenting the purposes of their
travel.
Well-established criminal organizations traffic in women and girls, often capitalizing on rising
unemployment and disintegrating social networks in developing countries, Central Europe, and the
former Soviet Union. North America is a growing destination point for trafficking victims.
U.S. Government Response
The President's Interagency Council on Women established a senior governmental working group on
trafficking to address the areas of prevention, victim assistance and protection, and enforcement. The
working group consults closely with non- governmental organizations and members of Congress.
The Department of State is working jointly with the European Union, the Group ofEight, and the United
Nations, as well as the Governments oflsrael, Italy, and Ukraine, to combat trafficking.
The United States and the European Union formally launched an information campaign, kicked off in
November 1997 by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, to combat trafficking in women and girls and to
warn potential victims of methods used by traffickers. The United States supports a public awareness
campaign in Ukraine and the European Union supports a similar campaign in Poland.
The Department of State and the Department of Justice are training foreign immigration and law
enforcement personnel to enhance their ability to effectively implement border security and to identify
traffickers and victims of trafficking. They are also training foreign judges and prosecutors regarding
enhanced enforcement of laws against trafficking.
The Department of Justice is actively investigating and prosecuting cases involving trafficking in
women and girls into as well as within the United States.
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Trafficking in Women--US Initiatives
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The Department of State funded the development of a comprehensive database on U.S. and international
legislation protecting women and children from commercial sexual abuse. The project is analyzing laws,
penalties, sentencing patterns, reporting requirements, law enforcement capabilities, extradition practices
and victim assistance programs. An expected outcome of this project is prototype legislation and
guidelines on enforcement and victim protection.
New Initiatives
The President's Interagency Council on Women will convene a gathering of governmental and nongovernmental representatives from source, transit, and destination countries and representatives from
international organizations to call attention to the issue of trafficking in women and girls and to develop
strategies for combating this egregious human rights violation.
The Department of Justice is reviewing existing United States criminal laws and their current use to
determine if they are adequate to prevent and deter trafficking in women, to ensure safety and services
for victims, and to recommend any legal changes to combat trafficking.
The Department of State, in coordination with the Department of Justice, will work with other countries
to provide assistance to victims of trafficking, to develop legislation to combat trafficking, and to expand
efforts to train legal and law enforcement personnel worldwide.
The Department of State consular presence worldwide will work with source, transit, and destination
countries to develop strategies for protecting victims and expanding and enhancing anti-fraud training to
stop the international movement of trafficked women and girls.
The Department of State and United States Agency for International Development will work jointly with
the Government of Ukraine to develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated strategy to
combat trafficking of women and girls into and out ofUkraine. The United States-Ukraine cooperation
will serve as a model for a multi-disciplinary approach to combat trafficking that can be expanded to
other countries.
The Department of State and the United States Information Agency will expand public awareness
campaigns targeted to potential victims to warn them of the methods used by traffickers.
March 10, 1998
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�VITAL VOICES: Getting Involved
http://www. usia.gov /vitalvoices/contact.htm
Regional
lnitlatives
Vital
Resources
Global
Net\.,•ork
Getting
Involved
Getting Involved: Contacting Us
This is where you can contact Vital Voices coordinators:
If you wish to get more information email us at vitalvoices@hotmail.com
Write or call:
Theresa Loar, Director of the Vital Voices Initiative
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW Suite 6934 Washington, DC 20520-7512
Tel: (202) 647-5440 Fax: (202) 647-5337
.Home/ About Vital Voices/ Regional Initiatives/ Vital Resources/ Global Network/
Getting Involved
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�VITAL VOICES: Americas Follow-ups
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Reglon~~~
Initiatives
Vitlll
Resources
Global
Network
Getting
Involved
Regional Initiatives: The Americas
Follow-Up: Partnership Program
The following programs were created to support the full participation of women in the political and
economic development of the Western Hemisphere as part of the Vital Voices of the Americas Initiative
launched by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in Montevideo, Uruguay in October 1998. In addition to
the significant Vital Voices- of the Americas follow-up programs underway by the U.S. Dept. of State,
the U.S. Dept. of Labor, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Information Agency,
and the Small Business Administration there are a number of public-private partnerships that have been
generated through the office ofthe Vital Voices Director. As part ofthe U.S. government's commitment
to this important initiative we will continue to monitor these programs and facilitate the development of
new partnerships.
Vital Voices of the Americas Key Issue Areas:
!.Starting and Growing a Small Business
2.Helping Women Succeed in a Big Business Environment
3 .Implementing the Youth Agenda
4.Early Education and Leadership Training for Young Girls
5.Community-Based Enterprise & Development
6.Building Coalitions in Communities
7 .Media As a Vehicle for Social Change
8.Using the Law to Protect Women's Rights
9.Fundraising, Microenterprise and Grantmaking
1O.Information Technology Solutions
11. Trade Unions Working for Women: Global Integration
12.Leadership Training
1. Starting and Growing a Small Business
Facilitators: Mary Y errick, Primetime Solutions,Inc., and Monica Acuna de Olivera Picabea, UPS
Proposed Actions:
Information sharing
Training
Projects in Process:
The World Federation of Direct Selling Association is building a partnership to connect successful
business owners who are members of their organization in the Americas with women who are interested
in starting or growing businesses in the Americas. World Federation Members will be linked up with
women in their country to serve as consultants, offering advice and support. The World Federation of
Direct Selling Association is also exploring the possibility of offering regional training sessions for
women who are starting or growing a small business. These training sessions would bring together the
top business trainers, experts and entrepreneurs from their network of over 200 million people
world-wide. The World Federation ofDirected Selling is committed to the Vital Voices Democracy
Initiative and would like to build on these programs in the future to support women in business
throughout the Americas. The World Federation membership includes 1,000 companies in 150 countries
throughout the world and thirty-one million independent contractors, twenty-six million ofwhom are
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VITAL VOICES: Americas Follow-ups
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women.
Mary Kay has committed to financially supporting outcomes of the Vital Voices Latin America
Conference. The United Parcel Service in the Americas is looking to support outcomes of the conference
in the area of women in business.
The U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Spanish language version of their On-line
Women's Business Center at the Vital Voices Conference and is now looking for additional ways to
connect women in business through the internet to keep the networks created at the conference alive.
2. Helping Women Succeed in a Big Business Environment
Facilitator: Irene Natividad, Global Women's Trade Network
Proposed Actions:
Networking
Access to information
Access to Resources
Projects in Process:
The Global Women's Trade Network is working in Partnership with IBM and the InterAmerican
Commission on Women to develop the Latin American component of the Global Women's Trade
Network website. At the Vital Voices conference the Network meet with women leaders from Latin
America to effectively determine what would be useful on this website, including: partners, initiatives
and resources support women in business in Latin America .
3. Implementing the Youth Agenda
Facilitator: Eva Morales, YouthConnect International & Celina Green, Global Kids, Inc., and Jennifer
Kloes
Proposed Actions:
Networks to share resources and strategies
Civic education programs
Youth awareness of global issues
Projects in Process:
At the Vital Voices conference some fifty xoung people representing the entire hemisphere came
together to write a Youth Declaration for the Americas. The group would like to build on this document
and the networks they forged at the conference by developing a youth exchange for the hemisphere. This
would include bringing a group of young people from Latin America to the United States to visit various
youth organization and foundations to share concern, ideas, resources and successful youth models
throughout the Americas and gain support for ongoing projects. The following organizations have
offered their networks and resources in supporting this project ad building ongoing partnerships:
Global Kids, Inc. (GK) is an educational organization, dedicated to preparing urban youth to become
community leaders and global citizens. Global Kids programs and partnerships offer a number of
opportunities for visiting leaders from Latin America to learn about the challenges facing urban youth in
the United States. GK programs and youth-led initiatives reach over 4,000 young people each year. In
addition to our work with public schools, GK has a number of partnerships and support the work of
youth leaders in this hemisphere.
International Education and Resource Network (I*EARN): An organization that promotes international
awareness and cross-cultural communication through technology. Has established links between schools
in different countries and organizations around the world.
United Nations: Global Kids is the NGO of the United Nations and participates in many youth-centered
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efforts including the Rights of the Child, Commission on Sustainable Development, and UN anniversary
celebrations.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): A network of colleges and universities that
promote international exchange. GK participated in their international conference in Barcelona last year
and is collaborating its efforts to promote international education in the high school and university
levels.
Academy for Educational Development (AED): This organization is committed to addressing human
development needs in the US and throughout the world. AED's Public Policy and International Affairs
program provided talented minority undergraduates with opportunities to enhance their academic skills,
explore international careers and develop competency in a foreign language in preparation for graduate
study and career advancement.
YouthConnect is committed to educate and engage a large constituency ofyoung people to act on behalf
of human rights and social transformation; to support Youth-led initiatives which contribute to the
development of a culture of compassion, respect, creative co-existence and the protection of human
rights, both domestically and internationally; to support the emergence of young human rights leaders
informed by an interdisciplinary, critical, and whole understanding of problems, solutions, and
possibilities.
Street Law, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening democracy and justice around the
world through education about the law, human rights, democracy, human rights and conflict
management. Street Law, Inc. is looking to build partnerships with like-minded organizations,
institutions and individuals to develop new and strengthen existing civic education programs throughout
Latin America. These programs would be implemented in either a school environment or community
setting (such as prisons, women's or indigenous groups, and youth clubs). These civic education
programs would cover topics such as public legal education; conflict management training and
skill-building; human rights education; and education for democratic citizenship. Street Law, Inc., can
offer technical assistance and training in: program design, development, and implementation; interactive
and participatory teaching methodology; curriculum design and materials development.
The Inter-American Development Bank Youth Development Program is committed to promote youth as
active participants in development and to increase opportunities for the development of youth. The goals
are to share what the members are doing and what we have learned in youth development work; to foster
a learning environment where good youth work being performed by others can be brought into the group
· for discussion, review and consideration; and to actively pursue opportunities to work together as a
whole and to form collaborative combinations among any of its members.
4. Early Education and Leadership Training for Young Girls
Facilitator: Virgina Quiroga, Bolivia
5. Community-Based Enterprise & Development
Facilitators: Alice Cardona, HACER; Elizabeth Solomon, United Nations Centre for the Caribbean
Proposed Actions:
Building networks
Sharing information
Projects in Process:
At the Vital Voices Conference RACER built upon its network to connect women who work on issues
facing their community throughout the hemisphere. The Community-Based Enterprise & Development
Organization long range goal is the establishment ofHACER's International Hispanic Women's
Exchange Programs that focus on the common needs and issues confronted by the Hispanic women
(defined by common language) and Latin's (Caribbean, Central and South Americans) defined by origin,
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to prepare themselves to participate in the next United Nations Women's Forum planned for the year
2001.
Coming out of the Vital Voices conference the short term objectives are:
--To develop the program in two dimensions: locaJly and internationally. Locally they will facilitate five
roundtable exchanges among Hispanic/Latin-American women living in New York City, one in each
borough. These roundtables will be duplicated by regions in the United States where there are a majority
ofLatinos living.
--Following the Vital Voices Conference RACER will coordinate a series ofroundtables conducted in
Latin America which will: define the common challenges faced by Hispanic/Latin women at all
socio-economic levels and explore concrete policy initiatives to meet these challenges; increase public
understanding about the economic, political and social contributions women make to a more equal
society.
6. Building Coalitions in Communities
Facilitator: Valerie Gillen, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Proposed Actions:
Training and access to inforn1ation for grassroots leaders
Strategies for coexistence and conflict resolution in communities
Projects in Process:
The Women and Public Policy Program of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of
Government and The Hunt Alternatives Fund are working with women at the grassroots levels in
conflict areas as part of a growing global network. The program will examine women's roles in working
toward social cohesion in divided societies and bring women from Latin America and the Caribbean into
the early planning of the network.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund (L WVEF) will coordinate a month-long internship
program for four emerging NGO leaders and four government officials from four Latin American
countries. The program will explore techniques for ensuring good government through
citizen/governmental collaboration while simultaneously developing women's leadership skills. The
Grassroots Internship Program will include a training workshop in Washington, D.C., and travel to host
league communities to gain first-hand experience in good governance through grassroot citizen
participation. At the conclusion of the Program, there will be a five day dialogue for Latin American
participants to evaluate the training experience and to formulate strategies for adapting grassroots
techniques and NGO-government collaboration methods to their own countries.
7. Media As a Vehicle for Social Change
Facilitators: Donna McLarty, Board Member, Inter-American Dialogue U.S.A., and Teresa Sola,
Minister oflnternational Women's Issues, Argentina
Media attention to women's issues
Raise Awareness about important issues such as domestic violence, political participation, or economic
issues.
Discovery Communications will produce and air a series of public services announcement throughout
the Americas highlighting key issues identified at the conference and about the Vital Voices Initative
Globally. Discovery will also make these announcemet avaiable for use by local radio stations or
women's groups throughout the Americas.
8. Using the Law to Protect Women's Rights
Facilitators: Marge Shuler, Women, Law & Development International (WLDI) & Carmen Argibay,
International Association of Women Judges.
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Proposed Actions:
Human rights mechanism to protect women's rights
Institutional change
Strategies for human rights advocacy
Demystifying human rights
Projects in Process:
Women, Law & Development International (WLDI) and the Institute Inter-Americana de Derechos
Humanos in Costa Rica have developed a partnership to build the capacity of women's organizations to
effectively advocate human rights so that women will gain greater access to civil society and have a
stake in its development. The joint program "Women's Human Rights Step by Step" will enhance and
expand the corps of skilled human rights advocates throughout the Latin American and Caribbean
regions by providing intensive training in how to design and implement human rights advocacy
strategies. Participants will also receive follow-up technical assistance, advice, feedback, and provision
of information through site visits in order to better develop their strategies. As a result of training, the
organizations will develop a core group of activists in the region able to train others to manage. At least
one advocacy strategy at national or international level will have been undertaken by the participants in
each of the participating countries.
9. Fundraising, Microenterprise and Grantmaking
Facilitators: Cecilia Campero, Catholic Relief Services & Sarah Vaill, Global Fund for Women & Sonia
Goldenberg, MIBANCO
.
Proposed Actions:
Fundraising skills and resources
Microenterprise
Rural women
Projects in Process:
The Global Fund for Women will develop a half-day fundraising training session for women in Latin
America. The organizations will build on the links they forged at the Vital Voices conference to increase
their grantmaking to women's groups in the Americas. They will also feature a special focus on the work
of women's groups in Latin America in an upcoming edition of their newsletter.
There is still a strong need to support rural women in Microenterprise
10. Information Technology Solutions
Facilitator: Nelson Gonzales, IBM Uruguay.
Proposed Actions:
Access to information technology
Knowledge of the growing trend of technology
Internet and computer training
Projects in Process:
IBM Uruguay will provide computer and Internet training and educational sessions for women in
Uruguay. IBM will work with its counterparts in the Americas to expand the program in the hemisphere.
11. Trade Unions Working for Women: Global Integration
Facilitators: Barbara Shailor, AFL-CIO
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Proposed Action:
Consensus building among women labor leaders
Projects in Process:
At the Vital Voices conference it was confirmed that a political, business, and labor network of women
leaders from the NAFTA countries would be an enhancement ofNAFTA. But, as achieving a Free Trade
Area, FTA, of the Americas by the year 2005, which was adopted by all countries at the Summit of the
Americas in 1994, it is seen as the appropriate time to launch an effective network of women leaders in
North America. This multi sectoral network would facilitate a better understanding of the implications of
NAFTA and its relation to the establishment of aFT A with respect to its impact on women. Delegates
from NAFTA countries and the International Foundation for Election systems, IFES have discussed the
Trilateral Association established by IFES as a viable mechanism for studying the feasibility of
launching such a network. Upon IFES Executive approval, IFES will undertake the role as the principal
organization for the development of a NAFTA multi sectoral network. It is envisioned that this nytwork
will seek a consultative process with FORO DE MUJERES DE MERCOSUR as one step in the process
of forging strong links with women leaders of the regional economic blocs of the Western Hemisphere
(ANDEAN, CARICOM).
AFL-CIO will help to facilitate a network between women labor leaders in from MERCOSUR and
NAFTA countries. In mid-November 1998, women labor leaders from MERCOSUR countries will meet
to discuss the viability and benefits of developing such a network for consensus building on important
issues such as rights for migrant workers, education, health regulations, child labor, trafficking and pay
equity. It is envisioned that a meeting will be held between women from the MERCOSUR and NAFTA
countries in the near future.
12. Leadership Training
Facilitator: Ana Maria Brasilero, IDB-Prolid
Proposed Actions:
Political, media and business leadership skills training
Coalition building
Projects in Process:
The Program for the Support of Women's Leadership and Representation is an initiative of the
Inter-American Development Bank with the collaboration ofUNIFEM, UNICEF, UNDP, and
OAS/CIM. The purpose of the Program is to contribute to the increase of women's citizen participation
and their access to leadership positions in public and civic life in the countries of Latin America and the
Caribbean. The Program seeks to build on the networks created at the Vital Voices conference to expand
the reach of the program.
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VITAL VOICES: Americas Regional Inital Follow-ups
Initiatives
, Vital
Resources
Global
Network
Getting
Involved
Regional Initiatives: The Americas
Regional Follow-Ups
INITIAL POST-CONFERENCE REPORTS ON FOLLOW-UP
Argentina
Belize
BoiiVIa
Colombia
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Haiti
NICaragua
Paraguay
Peru
Triilidad and Tobago
Argentina
Charge d'Affaires met with conference delegates on October 21. Possible follow-up projects include
using Discovery Channel public service announcements to promote training and education for women; a
meeting with Mercosur women's forum and NAFTA women's group to discuss linkages to a potential
International Foundation for Elections Systems (IFES) project of a NAFTA network ofwomen leaders
in politics, business and labor; developing a hemispheric network of women in the context of the Free
Trade Area of the Ainericas (FTAA).
Belize
Embassy officers met with conference delegates on October 15. Delegates have received extensive press
coverage and are planning a television talk show for national broadcast. Possible follow-up projects
include a resource library at the women's department to share materials received at conference; and
discussion ofVital Voices objectives at Human Rights Commission 50th anniversary celebrations in
December. Embassy will host OAS Secretary for the Interamerican Commission on Women (CIM) in
December and will arrange joint Embassy-GAS meeting with conference delegates. Vital Voices
delegates will also speak at OAS-hosted roundtable during Secretary's visit.
Bolivia
Ambassador met with conference delegates on October 11, delegates held press conference October 22.
Embassy will coordinate with delegates in lead-up to March 1999 Bolivian National Women's
Encounter, which will bring representatives from over 300 municipalities to identify the most pressing
needs, develop a national action plan, and create a national women's council. Support has been identified
from the IDB.
Delegates noted that Bolivia is ahead of other countries (e.g. Chile, Argentina) in legislation such as
violence against women, but that the problem is enforcement, particularly as affects poor women.
Colombia
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Embassy officers met with conference delegates on October 8. Delegates have not yet formed proposals
for follow-up action, but embassy will support them in this process. USIS will work to include Vital
Voices initiatives in programming on civic journalism, rule oflaw, and trade and economic issues.
First Lady Nohra Pastrana expressed great enthusiasm and support for Vital Voices projects during her
October 27-30 state visit to Washington, both in her meeting with Mrs. Clinton and in an earlier meeting
with Theresa Loar.
Dominican Republic
Charge d'Affaires hosted roundtable October 28 for conference delegates and other women leaders; there
was press coverage of the event. Possible follow-up projects include efforts to ensure provision of
daycare, shelter for abused women. Embassy plans to meet again in December to help delegates develop
strategies along the three tracks and begin to identify resources to target.
El Salvador
Ambassador met with conference delegates October 26. Possible follow-up projects include a
nation-wide mentoring program under the auspices of the National Development Commission for
successful women in a variety of fields to counsel young, potential leaders; convoking a national
meeting of several hundred prominent women to encourage women to assume a greater role in
addressing the nation's problems; and efforts to ensure that anti-discrimination legislation (e. g. equal
pay for equal work) is enforced.
Haiti
Charge d'Affaires met with conference delegates upon their return. Several delegates found potential
funding at the conference for projects such as distance learning television programs on women's issues
and OB/GYN services for poor women. Possible follow-up projects include a forum for women activists
to support each others' activities.
Nicaragua
Ambassador met with conference delegates on October 21. Delegates propose to revive the Foro de
Mujeres Politicas in order to: promote legislative reform to address laws which are discriminatory to
women; provide leadership training and human rights education; promote participation of women in
political process; encourage expansion of micro-enterprise and micro-credit facilities; and increase
collaboration between NGOs and police on domestic violence issues.
Paraguay
Ambassador met with delegates, other women leaders and First Lady Mirta Gusinky de Cubas on
October 14. Possible follow-up projects include developing a directory ofleading women in politics and
business to further develop partnership opportunities.
Peru
Ambassador met with conference delegates October~ Possible follow-up projects include education for
young women on their legal rights; a study of deficiencies in judicial system as relates to violence
against women (esp. rape); development of a law school textbook to address equitable application of
laws; ensuring that the international rights ofwomen and children are enforced in the local judicial
system; establishment of conciliation centers to specialize in women's and children's issues;
development of a network of hemispheric women politicians to articulate women's needs; ensuring
expanded access for women to the ombudsman's office; and developing a forum for exchanges between
women and men on gender equality. USAID and USIA reps will look to support projects as finances
permit and assist delegates in soliciting support from women in private sector.
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Trinidad ai:J.d Tobago
Ambassador met with conference delegates October 22; USIS arranged a press conference to follow.
Delegates found potential partners at conference for follow-up projects on counseling first-time female
juvenile offenders, encouraging women to enter the diplomatic corps, and improving the status of
women in Hindu community. Delegates proposed a Caribbean "Vital Voices"- type conference for
March 1999, to focus on issues of concern to the smaller island economies.
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DRAFTER: VERONICA VALDIVIESO
Listed below are the major themes developed in the 13 workshops on La;.v and
Leadership. Also included is a summary of suggested projects and their corresponding goals, as
well as examples of recommended steps to follow:
(A) Education:
(1) Starting in school, educate men and women about the law and the legal resources
available to them.
Possible steps:
• Reform curricula to include gender issues.
(2) Educate women about the legal instruments (including international instruments)
available to them and the necessary steps for making use of those instruments.
Possible steps:
• Establish mass education programs, including newsletters, local workshops/seminars,. ,
and media campaigns.
(B) Training:
( l) Judges
- Educate them about women's issues; and
-·Familiarize them with international instruments.
- -Possible steps:
• Incorporate PROLEAD (the IDB's program for supporting women's leadership
opportunities) into new and existing programs.
(2) Attorneys
- Educate them about international instruments and how to make use of them.
Possible steps:
• Workshops and seminars (like those conduCted by the Inter-American Institute of
fiuman Rights and Women, Law, and Development International;
• Send intemational treaties on women's issues to Congress for ratification;
• .. Implement the United Nations protocols that allow individual cases to be brought to
international court; and
• Make efforts to codifY international laws in order to support education.
(3) Political leaders
. Keep them up to elate on all mat1ers affecting women; and
Teach them how to. introduce and pass legislation and budgets geared toward
women .
�Possible steQs:
•
Conduct training programs for female and male leaders in order to keep them informed
about relevant issues;
•
Conduct studies on the impact of budget provisions on women and other marginalized
groups.
(4) Police
Sensitize them to women's issues;
Possible Steps:
•
Organize a conference for women on police forces that includes women thro'ughout ·
the region. Use the conference to develop concrete plans for integrating women under
police regulations;
(C) P•·omote new legislation on women's issues and reform existing laws.
(l) Introduce and pass legislation on women's issues (including domestic violence and
equal opportunity).
Possible Steps:
•
Conduct a diagnostic analysis of existing laws in each country and compare them with.·
those of other nations in the region. Develop list of best practices; and
•
Develop an affirmative action plan in order to give women equal employment
opportunity.
a
(D) Increase "~omen's access to the legal system.
(1) Sensitize the system to women's issues·;
·Possible Steps:
•
Conduct interparty forums to deal with the issues, starting with those of an "everyday"
nature like domestic violence and equal employment opportunity.
(2) Increase participation in the political system in order to generate laws in support of
·women.
Possible Steps:
•
•
Conduct training on interparty campaigns and forums to attract women leaders; and
Build coalitions among existing leaders to promote women's issues.
(E) Domestic violence.
(1) Introduce and enforce appropriate legislation;
Possible Steps:
•
Increase £1miliarity with women'sissues in Congress.
(2)
Work with the police and women's organizations to improve the application
and enforcement ofthe laws.
Possible Steps:
•
Disseminate information on the Bele~1 do Pani Co;1vention.
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(F) Incr·eased participation of women in the legal system
(1) Increase the number of women attorneys and judges;
Possible Steps: ·
• Develop plans of action for recruitment and affirmative action throughout the
hemisphere to help these women enter and advance in the legal profession.
(G) Role of the Press
( 1) The public can be educated and informed about the need for a social change.
Possible Steps:
• Publicize projects such as PROLEAD.
(2) Violators ofwomen's rights can be sanctioned by means of negative publicity.
Possible Steps:
• · Use infonnants in the courts to observe how judges deal with issues relating to
violence against \vomen. If the judges do not meet standards, legal reporters can use
the media to let the public know.
�I
POLITICS & CIVIL SOCIETY
DRAFTER: AMY \VOODS
The overall themes of the workshops of the Politics and Civil Society track are:
•
To ensure that all women ofLatin America and the Ca1ibbean are active participants in
the democratic process; and
-
•
To develop women's leadership capacities in both formal political structures and
community structures.
-
.
!tis the general consensus of the participants in these workshops that in order to fulfill this
mission we all have to:
(1) · Utilize and create legal mechanisms and formal institutions to guarantee access
to positions of powe1· and decision-making positions.
•
To that end, it has been proposed that all countries incorporate a quota law into their
national legislation and increase the percentages of pariicipation awarded under quotas
where those percentages are not sufficient;
•
It is important that in the implementation of such laws, women candidates are
effectively integrated on the ballots and not just placed at the end; and
International agreements should be incorporated and observed and should be
translated into national, regional, and local goals so as to establish, and add a gender
perspective to, public policy in the Americas.
•
(2) Give female lcadc1·s suppo1·t and tJ·aining.
- -Some strategies:
•
Provide female candidates, female political leaders, and civil society organizations with
financial support; and
•
Implement training programs on how to prepare a message, participate in political
debates, and develop eftective leadership skills.
(3) Ensure that young women seck to be active citizens and are prepared to be not
only the leaders of tomorTow but also the leaders of today.
Some strategies:
•
Train young women to be spokespersons for other young people and to articulate and
assert their dreams, expectations, and needs;
•
Establish in the schools and communities youth leadership groups for the promotion of
self-confidence and confidence in institutions, the development of self-esteem, and the
maintenance of mental health;
•
Provide gids and young women with the basic skills for politics; and
�-•
Promote participation of young women in conferences, forums, organizations, and
movements in the Americas.
(4) Usc th c p rcss a 11 d o th cr m ca 11s of co 11mmniclltio n as an en cou raging and
positive voice fo1· women.
Some strategies:
•
Provide training on how the press can be used to promote women's political agendas.
This includes the need to know more about how to .prepare and disseminate a
message, organize a press conference, and use the Internet;
•
Educate the press on the importance of addressing women's issues and presenting the
information frequently and in accurate man11er; and
Establish a positive relationship with the press.
•
(5) Buifd.:lllianccs and create networks among women active in political life.
Some strategies:
•
Hold (politically non-partisan) forums and conferences where women can meet to
discuss vital issues and formulate plans of action;
•
Wage an international campaign, with the support of national trade unions, in order to
push for the right of all women to organize, and in support ofthe rights ofworking
women;
•
Create coniiections and partnerships among female·workers and female political
leaders and NGOs. with the involvement, however, of the men in labor unions and
Ministries of Labor;
•
•
Establish new, autonomous non-governmental organizations for connecting women;
Hold seminars for
the region to share their experiences and to discuss their
ideas, proposals, and different ways ofworking.
wonH~nin
(6) Involve women in conflict resolution.
Some strategies:
•
Involve women__ in peace negotiations and analysis of the impact and implementation of
peace agreements;
•
Bring women together in times of crisis and invite them to participate in conflictresolution workshops;
•
Educate women, in par1icular young women, 011 how conflicts can be resolved in their
daily lives, especially in domestic violence situations;
Assess the economic impact of violence on society; and
•
•
Establish a Red de A1ujeres Latinoamericanaspara Ia Paz [Latin American \Vomen's
Network for Peace]
�ECONOMICS & BUSINESS
DRAFTER: JENNIFER KLOES
t
First Lady summed up the economic track very well in her speech on Friday (site if you
wis~). She hit upon many ofthe themes which emerged from Vital Voices participants.
):
l.Train and Educate
Training is essential if women are to break free from poverty. Women can benefit from
training in many ways, including
• programs such as Junior Achievement in schools
• consider training programs as a donation -- many organizations have strong training
. programs and are willing to provide mentor opportunities and training strategies
• create business organizations for women which will teach skills such as negotiating
and conflict resolution
• develop distance learning opportunities for women interested in micro-credit and
m iera-enterprise.
2. Create Legal Frameworks andlnstitutional Change Based on Gender Equity
Lending institutions as well as employers need to reconsider the role that women can play
in relation to their institutional success
• Sticks -- using the media to uncover unfair practices and frameworks within
i.nstitutions who do not promote equity in the workplace,
• Carrots -- advocate tax incentives for the private sector in order to promote more
integration into the community and women's issues
• Begin a dialogue with mmajor financial ii1stitutions about the benefits of small
enterprise and women's leadership. Provide incentives for growth from microcredit
to the next level of economic oportunity.
• Advocate for models such as a "women's budget" in order to insure that the natioanl
budget reflects the needs and contributions of women
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3. Increase Creativity and Colaboration
Searching for access to credit and funds is challenging and increasingly, it takes more
creative energy and colaboraticm among partners
o
Creativity and investment are critical in order to bring electronic communication
capabilities to women throughout the hemesphere -- especially those which are in
romote locations so as to hear the "missing vital voices".
• From VV, a contact list should be created and a listserv or chat forum should be set
up in order to build upon each others creativity and promote further partnerships
• It is important to look beyond the traditional funding agents -- government,
foundations, etc. -- and research ciivic organizations, churches, weaalthy individuals
who can benefit from their contribbution. Consider gifts in kind, time, mentoring,
service, etc. as valuable as money.
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Combine efforts and work creatively to provide better access to markets. Create a
network to "take the crops from the field to the marketplace" and make marketing
more efficient and economically effective.
4. Provide Better Access to Information
In order to take the mystery out of starting a small business, obtaining a loan, etc., it is
important to share the information that is available with women by creating databases and
other resources which shouid then be placed in easily accessed areas.
• Credit institutions should be encouraged to release information about projects they are
·
funding and steps that others can take to receive funding
• A Global Womens Trade Network component for Central and South America which
can serve as a world-wide source of economic opportunities available for women.
• Use media to create "Networks of Solidarity" for the promotion of actions under way
-- including the funding agent
�Law & Leadership
•
STRATEGIES FOR LEGISLATING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (Patricia Olamendi,Ruth
Bowe:-Darville)
•
CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSE TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (Bonnie Campbell)
•
WOMEN'S ISSUES IN LEGAL EDUCATION (Beatriz Merino)
•
PROMOTING WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP IN LATIN AMERICA AND 11-IE CARIBBEAN (AnaMarie Brasileiro, Cotilde Charlot)
·•
•
COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN WOMEN (Yvette LaGonterie)
USING EXISTING INTERNATIONAL HU1'vfAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS (Juan Mendez, Hilda
Pacheco> Maria Elena Martinez, Margaret Schuler}
•
RESPONSIVE POLICING (Eva Carasa, Deborah Menezes)
•
PROMOTING WOMEN LEADERS NETWORKS (Christina Zucardi)
•
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AS A FORCE OF CHANGE (Magaly Castillo)
•
How TO MAKE TI-IE JUDICIAL SYSTEM WORK FOR WOMEN (Carmen
o
BUILDING A STRATEGY FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION fOR WOMEN (Dulce Maria Pereira)
•
PREPARATION OF A STRATEGY FOR WOMEN'S LEGISLATION (Dulce Maria Pereira)
Afgibay)
.o
DEVELOPING YOUNG WOMEN's LEADERSHIP SKILLS (Angelic de Castillo, Eva Morales)
•
MAKING LEGAL REFORM WORK FOR WOMEN (Elizabeth Iniguez)
�Lit
Track: Law and Leadership
Workshop: Strategies for legislating violence against women
Leader: Patricia Olamcndi and Huth llowc-Darville
Notetaker: Thomas Olson
Action Pl:lll: General legislation throughout Latin America and Caribbean area against violence, develop
mechanisms for the implementation of laws, access to justice by women.
Goals of plan: To focus on public education, develop self esteem, and to identify legislation against
violence in the several cotmtries in the Americas. Well devised and multifaceted education program for
women. To put in necessai)' support structures
Steps to achieving the goals: Identify resources. Circulate provisions of Convention of Be! em Do Para.
Informal education, support women minimally and improve personal skills. Education is basic step ito
improVe the women's status in general
.What kind of partnerships needed:· Partnership with UN agencies [Unifem] [IDBJ Funding agencies,
Create an international network against violence.
What kinds of concrete projects would you lil'e to see developed as a result of this: Develop
swnmaries of legislation studies and national 111echanisms for the application of the legislation
Who do you believe would benefit from these follow up projects and activities: Women in cow1tries
where violence in the home is considered a private matter.
What kinds of organizations, individtials would be involved: UNIFEM, all the NGO that participate
within the theme. Develop a network of existing domestic violence shelters, both within cotmtries, as well
as on the regional and international level.
}{ow can media help you to achieve the goals: Mounting positive campaigns, por1ray positive images
of women, endorse non-gender biased programs, involve governments and political parties to promote
nonviolence. Publish ri1atcriafs, public service campaigns, television accessibility.
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Track: Law And Leadership
Workshop: Criminal Justice Response to Violence Against \Vomen
.
Leader: Bormie Campbell
Notctakcr: David Lawrence
Overall themes: Improvement of Criminal Justice in Response to Violence.
Action Plan: Culturally appropriate public awareness campaign. Advocate for each to recognize
domestic violence as a Human Rights issue and a cri_minal offense. Reform justice systems to ensure
level the plathe legal protection of women.
GoaUgoals of the action plan: Seek sponsorship by an international agency to address the issue.
Develop posters in multi-languages, usc the Internet to compare laws in different countries to create a
judicial system for the Americas.
Steps to achieving goals: Devt.:!op info campaign to inform public about eXisting laws and what women .
can do in their situations. Encourage women to seck careers as police officials, judges, prosecutors.
\Vhat kinds of partnerships need to be developed to achieve the goals of the action plan created in
your worl{shop? Partnerships need to be developed among NGOs, police, judges, etc.
Who do you believe would benefit from these follow-up projects and. activities? All women at risk
and their l~tmilies.
What kinds of organizations/ individuals would be involved? Possibly develop· an international
organization that deals specifically with violence against women with women playing a significant role in
the organization.
How can the media help you to achieve the goals? As in the US, use cotu1 infom1crs that observe how
judges treZ~t violence against won1en. If the judge docs a bad job, the cotu1 reporter can usc the media to
inform the public.
Additional comments: Legislation is if no usc with out the following tools-affordable legal
representation, housing, education, sensitization of law enforcement, speedy divorce procedures,
FUNDING
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Track: ·Law and Leadership
Workshop: \Vomcn's Issues in Legal Education
Leader: Bcatriz Merino
Notctakcr: Veronica Valdivicso
Overall Themes: I) legal education and training: improvements in both formal and-informal settings 2)
access to and application of justice
Action plan: Change legal education to promote de facto equal legal rights for women
Goals of the action plan: I) reform educational policies, 2) train journalists to serve as sow·ce of! ega!
infom1ation, .3) equal rights education programs at all levels
Steps to achieving the goals:
I) seek funding to facilitate a diagnostic analysis of existing legal
education and justice systems in each cotmtry, 2) benchmark other countries to dtermine best practices in
both the field oflegal education and increasing access to the judicial system, 3) create an agenda to
implement change in systems to achieve or surpass best practices
Partnerships needed: need financial backing and technical suppot1 to do evaluation and develop a plan
for refom1 and to implement chai1ge
Concrete projects:
I) popular education program iticluding pamphlets, local workshops/seminars,
and mass media outreach , 2) implementation of training programs for police, judges, n-iembers of the ·
judicial system, 3) education refom1: equal opportunity in education, cover gender issues in coeducation,
4) implement curriculum refonn to deal with legal issues throughout primary and secondary school
13cncficiaries: women and society at large
People involved: society at large," media, teachers and professors, lawyers, judges, police
Role of the media:
I) disseminate accurate infonnation about legal issues affectirig women, their
legal rights, and where to turn for help, 2) educate public/serve as a multiplying factor to spread the word
about wmi1en 's rights
Additional comments: use of the media as an infom1ation source is key, but special training is necessary
in order to do tlus effectively and use the media to the advantage of women.
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Track: Law and Leadership
\Vorkshop: Promoting Women's Leadership in Latin America and the Caribbean
Leaders: Ana-Marie Brasileiro and Collide Charlot
Notetaker: Katharine French- Fuller
Themes: This workslwp discussed the PROLEAD plan ofthe Inter-American Bank,.its goals, its
methods, its requirements, how it is funded, its objectives in the coming years, and answering the
questions of the participants of the conference.
This past year in April \Vas the first time that PROLEAD accepted applications for grants. They have
received $3, 250,000 from the Inter-American Development Bank, $350,000 from the Norwegian
govemment, and $120,000 fi·om the Swedish government, but with all of the interest shown in the first
period of applications the organization is looking for more funding. (The workshop itself had to move
rooms because there were too many people interested to tit into the first room.) In order to get fw1ding,
the proposal must follow a list of criteria including, for example, clarity in the explanation of the problem, ·
feasibility, quality of the project staff, etc. Proposals including dealing with small business, debt
cancellation, academic scholarship, and others would not be considered.·
Goals: The goals of the program arc to develop programs that support and develop women's ability to
lead. They want to increase the civic participation of women and strengthen women's access to
leadership positions in public life. Such prot,JTams would consist of leadership training, encouraging
young women leaders, consensus forming, lobbying, legislative reforms, etc. The entire list of
requirements can be found in the PROLEAD pamphlet.
Action Plan: In order to achieve these goals PRO LEAD is looking for grant proposals and more sources
of fimding .. This is the first year in which PRO LEAD has accepted proposals. In order to get approval
there is an initial screening process, first level review; second level review, Execution Unit's Assessment
of technical Review and the final Council Review. Grants will be made of up to $100,00. Proposals
submit1cd are all related to increasing the role of women leaders in public and private life, imd the
business world. During the first period for applications, PROLEAD received 3 I I applications from
specific countries and for regional plans.
Steps: Increase networking, various outreach programs, fundraising, grant making, institutional
strengthening. Through PRO LEAD, enrich mentoring programs in the area and sponsor the exchange of
ideas and lessons from projects already underway. They want to work with NGO's especially but are also
willing to work with Government ministries. The program has been approved for three year's.
Who benefits: The idea is to target underprivileged women, especially minorities from the poorest
countries of the Americas in all aspects of life. At least fifty percent of ftmding must reach the poorest
residents of the poorest countries.
\Vho is involved: NGOS, community organizations, government organizations and .ministries, women's
community involved.
all could be groups, wom~n 's regional organizations, academic and research centers, public agencies, etc.
Media: PROLEAD is always looking for ways of raising more z1wncy to reach more women in different
parts of the Americas. The media could play a key role in publicizing the work ofPROLEAD and
helping to advance the role of women in the Americas.
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Track: Law and Leadership
Workshop: Combatting trafficking in women
Leader: Yvette LaGonterie
Notetal,er: Della Henry
Overall themes of your workshop: How to combat the trafficking of women and girls by protecting
current and potential victims.
Action Plan:.· Using three specific points of target areas I) prevention 2) protection 3) prosecution, we
propose to raise awareness of potential danger, available assistance, and encourage punishment of those
responsible.
Goals. of the action plan: begin with awareness. Although it is a known practice, those most likely to
fall vi"ctim are not properly infonncd of the dangers. And once they find themselves victimized by their
exploiters, there arc few options for escaping and, it is often too difficult to rcinstcgate into their societies.
Also, we find that it is vital to devise an international legal definition of this crime and subsequently,
model legislation pw1ishing perpetrators.
Steps to achieving the goals would usc education as a foundation. Because of the subversive nature of
this crime, hard data arc difficult to compile. It is estimated that between one and two million women and
are trafficked every year, but tllis is only a rough estimate. The governments of many cow1tries refuse to
even acknowledge the problem, thwarting efforts to gather inforn1ation. And most of the victims arc
unable or afraid to speak for themselves. Plus, characteristics vary greatly. Because the problem is not
well defined, we seek to gather hard statistics and anecdotal information from each country about the
phenomena. An infoimation campaign using a variety of media with the support of protection and
assistance to women wlions and other grass root organizations would be immensely helpful to spread the
word. It is also important to identify a network of providers. This would also involve building links with
law enforcement and sensitizing police to the position these women arc in.
What kinds ofp;u·tnerships need to be developed to aciJieve the goals of the a·ction plan created in
your wo,·kshop? CommWJication between governments would be especially beneficial in tracking
infonnation and people involved. Also, the assistance ofNGOs would be essential. Links between NGO
resources to women and police authorities is encouraged:
\Vhat kinds of concrete projects/activities/training/assistance etc., would you like to sec developed
as a 1·esult of this conference to address the needs discussed in this workshop? I) Public information
campaigns include placing pamphlets in embassies informing those seeking visas of potential dangers. 2)
Create a "model law" to define prosecution. 3) Create a pilot program. Using one country to implement
laws, report violations, assist in the reintegration of victims, to guide the rest of the world .
\Vho do you believe would benefit from these follow-up projects and activities?
All current and would-be victims, and their families.
What kinds of organizations/individiwls would be involved? Governments,
NGOs, embassies, churches and w1ions.
How can the media help you to achieve the goals? The 111edia would be very important. Anecdotal
information and what to do if one finds oneself in such a
sit11ation could be spread much more effectively.
Additional commcn ts
migr~mt
The extent of the exploitation of
women is not well-known, therefore, we seek commitment to
gathering information to hejp dissuade potential victims from being coerced into
a life of total denial of hwnan rights.
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Tracie Law and Leadership
\Vorkshop: Using Existing International Human Rights Instruments
Leaders: .Juan Mendez, Hilda Pacheco, Maria Elena Martinez, and 1Hargaret Schuler
Notctaker: Veronica Valdivicso
Themes: In discussing existing international legal documents available for the protection of women's
human rights, our workshop felt that training of judges and lawyers as well as the public at large was
needed.
Action Plan: The fnler-Americanlnslilule of Human Rights and Women, Lmv, and Development
international have been working together to develop the trai11ing programs needed to transform lives in
the region .. In addition to continuation of the training programs, the group felt that it was important to
show h·ow globalization is 3 positive thing-how intemational treaties and agreements have had a positive
impact in national legislation.
Goals of Action Plan:
I)
We felt that the Jack of information about international law and available instruments is
pervasive throughout the region. In particular, many pm1icipants felt that judges and
lawyers were unaware of available instrumc11ts.
2)
Scver<Jlpa.t1icipants noted the amount of time and money needed to litigate in international
coW1s was onerous.
Education at a public level is also important.
3)
Steps to achieving goals:
I)
2)
4)
In an cffo11 to overcome the lack of information, the two organizations have published
several books and have designed a training program for advocates of women's human rights
and workshops which will be given to women in 20 countries in an effort to educate them
about intemational law and enforcement mechanisms.
In order to help alleviate the time and expense situation, the education programs seek to
instruct panicipants about the intcmationaJ COUI1's procedtu·es SO that they can bring Cases in
an eff1cient, effective, and organized maiuJcr.
In order to educate the public at large, the organizations arc using books, conununiry
workers (promo1ora.1), and media outreach.
·Partnerships:
The two organizations a.t·e partnering with each other in tlus education eff011, but they would like
additional partners for funding and follow-up. In order to do proper follow-up, it is necessary to evaluate
the effectiveness of the training programs and to quantify the effect of international legislation Oil a
national level. Tllis involves evaluation of the number of local laws that are derived from the
international treaties.
Concrete projects:
I)
2)
3)
·
Continuation of trairung programs and expa.tlsion to all countries in the region.
Lobbying for the ratification of international treaties addressing women's issues.
Implementation of UN protocols that allow individual cases to be brought to international
cow·t.
. ·
4)
Push for the codification of international law to aid in education.
Beneficiaries: Women, judicial system, society at large.
01·gauizations to be involved:
Inter-American 1nstitute of Human Rights
Women, Law, and Development Intemational
Other partners (fundcrs, local orgmlizations, etc.)
Local judicial systems ·
Role of the Media:
The media can play an importa.tJt role in educating the public at large of international treaties and
women's human rights issues.
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Track: Law'-"- Leadership
Workshop: Responsive policing
Leader: Eva Carcasa, Deborah Menezes
Notetaker: Gretchen Sclcke
Over·all themes of the workshop: How arc they taking on this issue institutionally? Disadvantages of
women politicians within the police, laws arc not enforced. How can one denounce aggressors if they are
family members? Consequences of carrying out a good job within the police, rejection on the part of other
officers. ·
Action plan: Develop places where women can go, refuges, foresee situations of violence. Help unskilled
women to find jobs. Train women ..
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Goals of tbe Action Plan: How can it be incorporated in the whole of public service. Press- incorporate
it as ·a resource, help to develop women's self esteem. The importance of community integration. Police
law cannot discriminate against women. The need to take the aggressor out of the home, not the woman ..
Steps to be taken to achieve these goals: Strengthen the number of women in the police, overall gender
attention, treat women and men with the same respect, principles in police doctrine. Work to educate
children. Implement laws, a guide for women to get to know their rights. Make the police aware that
women have rights. Place an observer outside the police as a listener, as a way of recording the situation.
What type of partnerships need to be established?: Integrate the police with social services. Promote
experience betwt:en policewomen from all over Latin America. National Institution for Womt:n. Police
Institution. Brigade Commissions ..
Type of projects: Bring the subject to the attention of the police commissioner for the Americas (through
a delegation of policewomen)
I
Beneficiaries: To protect women who are IHut.
Participating organizations: Neighbors and teachers as witnesses of violence. Police as responsible for
their change. Form solidarity \vith the community, a sort of guard.
What can the press do? Money: print pamphlets. The press as a supporter, publish domestic violence as
a serious crime. Raise public awareness.
Comments: Ho1i1es have to be reached fast, before blood flows. In Brazil, 70% of violence takes place in
the home. Police: aggressors cannot be helped. Eliminate the difference between what is said and what is
done. Do something so that women rely on the police.
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Law & Leadership
\Vorkshop: Promoting Women Leaders Networks
Leader: Cristina Zucardi
Notetaker: Eddy Ortego
Overall themes of the workshop: Introduction of the participants shows that they arc people with great
experience. We must feel that we have surpassed a stage. Legitimacy has been constructed.
Regarding women's expectations vis-a-vis society as a whole. Govenm1cnts have already created
something .
.An impact has been made on legislation. Discrimination is not so evident. However some w1cqual
attitudes persist..
Action plan: Construction of an electronic network, impact of the computer area ..
Make usc of the electronic network for virtual conferences.
Construction of a network of free women (example: Pmtners of America). Experience of Costa Rica
exchanging experience with a group in Oregon.
Construction of a network for young women. Construction of a network of women in politics.
Construction of a network of women in democracy. Make usc of the First Network, the Family Network.
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Goals of the Action Plan: Greater efficiency in relationsi1ips. Coordination for action to be more
effective. Coordination in the field of politics and in the field of non-governmental organizations. Search
for more equal living conditions. Show what society is loosing by not making use of women's talents.
Show the value of women's role in the reconstruction of the social fiber. Aspire to have 50% of power.
Find objectives common to all women and disregard party lines that separate them. Seck solidarity of
women who arc already in political or economic power. Benefit from negative experience so that it is not
repeated and so that it is wmecessary to stan again from the same starting point.
Steps to be taken to achieve these goals: Unite. Form a hw11an group. Develop persuasion strategies.
Build up networks, not in the sense of making the111 stronger but as a way of constructing, and being able
to multiply strategies, with a style that docs not imitate the power of men, rather showing an individual
style of feminine thought. Develop confidence among women. Forge exchanges of experience.
What type of partnerships need to be established to achieve the goals of the Action plan created in
your\vorkshop'?
Political, economic, family, of women in power, in the Govenunent, and non-governmental.
\
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\Vhat type of projects would you like to see implemented as a result of this conference in order to
cover the needs identified in this Workshop'?
Training of young people. Pay attention to women who do not have access to education. Submit more
anti-discrimination laws. Organize a Virtual Re~lity Conference. Training programs for women using CD
·
Rom.
Who would be the beneficiaries of these projects and activities?
Women from all economic levels, and of all ages, placing emph:.1sis on young women and girls. Indirectly
the whole of society would benefit..
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What organizations and individuals will participate?
Family, women in power positions, Government, NGOs.
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Track: Law and Leadership
'Vod<Shop: Non governmental organizations as a force of change
Leader: Magaly Castillo
Notctakcr: Thomas Olson
Overall themes of your wori<Shops: How NGO's actions need to be maintained and continued with
stronger influence; NGOs as a force of change, education, and publication in the defense of women· s
rights.
.
Action plan: NGO's have to have a positive impact; define lines of action, Consolidate NGOs
Goals of Action Plan: more effective communication on the national and.intemationallevel, increase
influence ofNGOs. I) Pem1it that NGOs particpatc in the definitiorrof national and intemational politics
in favour of women. 2) Have international support organizations develop evaluation processes .. These
evaluations should be done by women. 3) Strengthen the institution of the NGO's with more economic
and technical support.
Steps to achieving the goals: Look for unification and consolidation among women and women's
groups, cooperatoin among groups, maii1tain the belief that working together is most effective way to
achieve goals; education; not to work alone; maintain communication. Create opportunities for
permanent exchanges between NGO's and government branches.
What type of partnerships need to be developed to achieve the goals of action plan ... ? Consolidate
the existing networks, greater globalization of this cause, maintain existing support
What kinds of concrete projects/activities/ training .... .'? Reinforce created networks, unification of
networks, groups, within the continent
What kinds of organizations/individuals would be involved? United nations, UNICEF.,
How can' the media help you to achieve the goals? Must be utilized more since communication is
power, especially for the next century. Greater media access
.
.
.
Other Comments: speaker began with women's achievements in Panama; guests spoke about their
situations in their respective countries; one guest commented that he believes that African American
women counter greater difficulties with tlus problem, a great portion of the time was .devoted the sharing
of situations regardi.ng this matter, also discussed was the limited amount of economic resources that·
exist for NGOs
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T•·ack: Law and Leadership
Wo•·lo;hop: How to Make the Judicial System Work fo•· Women
Leader: Carmen Argihay
Notet:ll{er: Doris S:inchez
Overall Themes of the Wod.:shops:.
Women in the Judicial Branch:· and
Training of leglll professionals.
Action Plan:
Training.
Go:ils of the Action Plan:
Sensitize everyone who may be involved in applying the law to women's issues (judges, prosecutors,
Jltorneys, court employees, etc.) by conducting seminars and training courses geared to them.
Steps to Achieving Goals:
These seminars. should stress the international conventions that have been ratified by the various
countries, since most of the time they .are not applied simply because they arc not known.
What l.:inds of part unships need to be developed to achieve the goals of the Action Plan c·reatcd in
your wod.:shop?
I.
2.
One example already given is the Intern:1tional Women's Association which currently has 64
member countries and more than 4,000 members. This association was founded on the notion that
despite the cultural and language differences [in the community of women], all women had been
. discriminated against ami all were aware of gender issues.
The Jurado de mngistrados [panel of judges], a constrnct that is.not yet very well-known in all
countries, would be a body responsible for identifying judges who apply the laws in accordance with
their own opinions and IlOIIhrougli observance of the spirit of the law.
What kinds of projects/activities/training/assistance would you lil{e to see developed as a result of
this conference to address the needs identified in this workshop?
I.
Conduct workshops that have specific bearing on huinan rights. To mark tl1e presence of a Plaza de
Mayo grandmother and a mother victimized by abduction, they want a declaration to be drafted requesting
that the United Nations pressure those countries that have ~atified ill!ernational conventions to honor their
commitments; and
2.
Both financial :llld technical assistance will be needed to conduct the courses.
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T•·acJc Law and Leadership
\Vork.~hoiJ: Building a Strategy for Legislative Action for Women
Leader: Dulce Maria l'crcira
Notctal{er: Veronica Valdivieso
Overall themes of your workshops: how to achieve equality for women through legislation and the
existing political and legal systems
Action plan: increase education efforts and public awareness of women's issues so that change can be
implemented; .increase women's participation in the political and legal systems so that women's issues arc
addressed
GoaUgoals
·
I)
2)
3)
4)
of the action plan: we identified the following areas where improvement is IH.:eded:
information and education
equal employment opportunity
fair election practices
application oflegislation
Steps to achieving the goaUgoals:
I) for getting new laws:
introduce legislation
get public supp011
have allies and women representatives in government
lobby for enough votes in legislative assembly to pass bills
get bw applied
2)
3)
4)
5)
for information: web page, newsletter \Vith best practices and specific cases; conduct
traiuing for women so that they can participate in the design, implementation, and
evaluation of projects; so that they arc better prepared for political Iifc (i.e. campaign skills)
dcvclo1j affirmative action policy throughout region (include young people in the
development of this); have a multinational orgaz~ization conduct a study of the glass ceiling
and how to break it
·
develop an ethical code based on Vienna, Beijing, and the Summit of the Americas; have
OEA ot1icials adopt and apply when they oversee elections
sensitize police to women's issues; increase female participation in judicial system
\Vhat types of parlne•·ships need to he developed to :1chicve the goals of the action plan?
With fui1ders (mtiltinationals such as the IDB or World Bank), between women's forums, amongst police
forces of Latin American countries.
What types of concrete pl·ojects/activitics/training'!
In addition to those outlined above, the following were recommended:
I)
electoral education: develop a training program focused on women's issues, increase
authority of women
2)
gender budgets: introduce budgets that arc. sensitive to women's issues and include specific
points that address urgent everyday problt.:ms (such as domestic violence, equal employment
programs); detail how budgets impact women
3) · ·conduct studies of current projects and incorporate a leadership training component
4) institute advising and support system for women in politics so that they can. remain abreast
and informed of current issues
5)
plan a summit for women in high positions within police so tf1at they can develop aml
implement gender-sensitive policies (model on the Central American meeting held in
Nicaragua but include women froin the whole hemisphere)
·
·
\Vho do you believe would benefit from these follow-up pn>jects and activities?
Women, marginalized groups, society at large
·
. .
\Vhat kinds of organizations/individuals would be involved'!
Multinationals (IDB, World Bank), Police chiefs from the region, Legislative assemblies, Executive
power
�Tr·aclc Law and Leadership
Worl,shop: !'reparation of a Strategy for Women's Legislation
Leader: Dulce Maria Pereira
Notetaker·: Veronica Valdivieso
Overall Therl1es of Workshop: How to achieve equality for women through legislation and through the
current political and legal systems.
/
Action .Plan: Increase educational efforts and increase public awareness regarding issues relating to
women, in such a way as to get changes under way; and increase women's participation in the political and legal
systc;ns so that these systems address issues relating to women.
·
GoaiJGoals of the Plan of Action: We identified the following areas in which improvements need to be
made:
(1) Information and education;
(2) Equal employment opportunity:
(3) Fair electoral practices; and
(4) Application of legislation.
Steps to achieve the goals:
(1) Fornewlaws:
Introduce legislation:
Obtain support from the population in general;
Have women allies and representatives in the government;
Lobby for sufficient votes in the legislature to pass laws; and
Ensure that the laws are enforced.
(2) To obtain information: web page, newsletter with best practices. and specific cases; organize training
for women so that they can participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of projects and so
that they are better prepared for political life (i.e., campaign skills);
(3) ·Develop affirmative :1ction policies throughout the region (include young women and young men in
preparing them); arrange for a multinational organization to conduct a study of the glass ceiling and how
to break through it;
(4) Develop a code of ethics based on Vienna, Beijing, ami the ·Summit of the Americas; arrange for
OAS officials to adopt and apply it when they serve as election monitors; and
(5) Sensitize the police to women's issues; increase the involvement of women in the judicial system.
What kinds of par·tncrships need to he developed to achieve the goals of the Action Plan created in
your workshop?
With donors (multinatic)nal organizations like the IDB or World Bank), among women's fonuns, and
among the police forces of the countries of Latin America.
What kinds of concrete Jl rojects/activities/tr·aining/assistance?
·.(1) Electoral. education: develop a training program on issues relating to women, increase women's
authority;
(2) Gender-related budgets: introduce budgets th:Jt arc sensitive to issues relating to women and include
specific items that address the serious everyday issues (like domestic violence and equal employment
opportunity): point out how budgets have impact on women;
(3) Follow through on studies .of current projects and incorporate leadership training components in
them;
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(4) Institute an advisory service and support system for women .in politics so that they may be informed
and updated on current issues; and
(5) Plan a summit for women holding senior positions in police forces, so that they can design and
imp!Cmeut policies sensitive to womeu'.s issues (the model will be taken from the Central America
meeting held in Nicaragua, but women throughout the Hemisphere will be included.)
Who do you believe would benefit from these follow-up projects and activities?
Women, marginalized groups. society in geueral. .
What kinds of organizations/individuals would be involved?
Multinational organizations (the IDB, the World Bank), police chiefs of the region, legislative assemblies,
and theExecutive Branch).
How can the media help to achieve these goals?
.
Dissemination of positive messages about women, and negative publicity on violation ofwomen;s rights
(electoral fraud, for example).
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Othe1· comments: Narcotics trafficking is another important issue that need to be addressed with a
gender-sensitive focus, because some women are financially dependent on the production of clmgs (for example,
poor women whose only source of income is the sale of coca leaves).
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Tracie Law and Leadership
Wod<shop: Developing Young \Vomen's Leader·ship Sltills
Leader: Angelic de Castillo :uid Eva Morales
Over·aiJ
skills. · themes of your
work.~ hops- Creating
a conference in order to develop young women leadership
Action plan- It is the responsibility of the pocoplc present in the meeting to
ii10fi·m and educate young women and men in their region and country about a Vital Voices Conference for
youth in the Westcm Hemisphere. If the youth arc nola ware of such a conference exists for them they will not
realize that they can play a key role in the leadership in their own countzy.
Goal/Goals of the action plan- Draft a working proposal which will outline the steps to be taken to create
such aconfcrence: The proposal will also be a dcclarati"on of the fundamental goals of the conference.
Steps to acheiving the goal/goals- FollO\Ving the proposal, the participants from the conference will work
both in their own region/coum1y to educate the youth and at the same time coordinate this with the other
participants of the conference. They wll work on finding sponsors in order to fund the conference, decide
upon a city where the conference will take place and find strong leaders who will promote dynamic
participation both during and after the conference.
What kinds of partnerships nec<(to be developed to achieve the goals of the action plan created in your
workshop'! Networking among differeitt industries and countries must take place in an ongoing basis.
p<~z1icularly under the age ofJO within the Western
Who do you believe would benefit? Women
Hemisphere would likely benefit fi·om the conference. ·
What kinds of organizations? Funding is clearly a crucial aspect. Funding from both private and public
organizations are viable sources for potential funding.
How can the media? All forms ofmedia must be utilized as a source of outreach and promotion ofthe active
role by various womcns' organizations.
Additional comments: The key factor within the conJerence is that the Vital Voices are heard through
multiple forms of media.
Eva Morales INL
1830 Connecticut Ave. N. W>
Washington D.C. 20009
U.S.A.
202 783 1123
MYTEDDY@Worldnet.alt.net
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�Tn1clc Law and Leade•·ship
\Vo•·kshnp: Mal•ing Legal Refonn \Vorl• for \Vomen
Leader: Elizabeth Iiiiguez
Notetaker: Ma. Natalia Pum:u·
Themes:
(I)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Drafting of women's legislation;
Legislation of benefit to women;
Legal reforms instituted in favor of women; and
Legislation on domestic violence.
Action l 1 lan:
Increase involvement aud assistance, at the municipal and [national?] government levels, of all persons
dealing with women who arc victims of violence.
Goals:
Achieve greater support from national legislatures for the passage of laws relating to domestic violence;
A greater commitment is needed on the part of associations of women legislators, civil society, etc., to
sensitivity and gender, for the achievement of greater results.
The principal beneficiaries or legislative reform in the :1rca of domestic violence will be women, children,
and persons with disabilities.
Also important are.plans to prevent violence, with the participation ofcivil society, the government,
NGOs, and all women-related organizations.
Achieve a situation where women feel safe and supported when they bring a complaint before the
appropriate body to address an incident of family violence.
An important point stressed was that there must be intermediary bodies to receive complaints made by
victims. and that staff persons dealing with victim complaints must be properly qualified and trainccl"to
help women feel supported and go forward with their corl1plaints. (Many complaints do n~t go forward to
the courts because the victims feel threatened and decide not to proceed).
It is important that all persons dealing with women who arc victims arc domestic violence-- that is, the
police officers who receive the complaints, the physicians who treat the victims, and the employees at
shelters--be properly trained.
It is considered important that when preparing national budgets, the costs of shelters for women who are
victims of domestic violence and their children be taken into account, since one cannot su!vivc on
donations, and frequently these women do not .have the means to go on with their activities because they
lack the financial resources.
of
It is importimt that all forms
mass media be involved, in particular, radio, since that is a medium that
reaches every corner of a country and all soci:1l strata.
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Politics & Public Life
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INCORPORATION OF TI-lE QUOTA LAW IN NATIONAL LEGISLATION (Marcela Durrieu, Adriana
Delgado Ruiz)
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GETTING YOUR MESSAGE OUT: MEDIA AND DIRECT OUTREACH (Danielle Parris)
•
"MOCK" CANDIDATE DEBATE (Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins)
o
OPPORTUNITIES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS (Luisa Cuculiza)
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GETTING OUT THE VOTE (Eva Blay) .
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WORKING WOMEN AS A FORCE fOR DEMOCRACY (Karen Nussbaum)
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MANAGING YOU!~: MESSAGE (Lisa Caputo)
0
WOMEN'S ROLE IN CIVIL SOCIETY (Lidia Catari de Cardenas)
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THE WOMAN'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Of THE AMERICAS- WHAT'S NEXT? (Joan
Caivano, Dulce Maria Pereira, Beatriz Merino, Cecilia Loria, Amalia Garcia)
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WOMEN AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGREEMENTS (Violeta Menjivar, Maria
Eugenia Morales Acena)
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WOMEN'S ROLE IN CONFLICT RESOLUTIO!:J (Valerie Gillen)
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MOBILIZATION OF THE SUPPORT OF GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS (Dolores Dalderramos
Garcia)
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Tracie Politics & l'uhlic Life
Leader: Marcela Durricu - Adriana Delgado Ruiz
Notctakcr: Doris Sanchez
Session: Quota Law
General subject of the workshop: Incorporation of the Quota Law in National Legislation. Increase of
the percentage of p;rticipation in quotas..
.
Action J>lan:
Incorporate the Quota Law into the national legislation of all countries.
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Steps to be taken to achieve the goals:.
Presently, most of the countries adopt quotas as a recommendation and in some countries they arc part of
the regulations of national parties. Very few countries include this law in their national legislation,
therefore the first point is to incorporate the Quota Law as part of the national legislation.
Promote the participation of women in politics.
Identify women leaders with apolitical vocation and ensure that they have working tools, especially
economic support to enable them to compete on equal terms with men.
Awareness must be created on gender support. Specifically, women must support women, because very
often women voters do not consider the capacity of women and give their vote to a man, partly due to the
.
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major socio-cultural influence of the environment in which they live.
\Vhat type of partnerships need to be established in onlcr· to achieve the goals of the Plan of Action
prepared in your· \Vori{Shop?
Partnerships were not discussed, but rather the improvement of political party conditions and benefits
fi·om their structure, emphasizing that women should not play the same role as the men who have been
representing the party, eradicating the idea that politics arc a dirty game. Defend the good ideals of
politics ~nd struggle for them.
.
What type of projccts/activitics/training/suitport would you like to sec implemented as a result of
this conference to cover the needs identified at the wori{Shop? ·
rem<~
tr<~nsi<Jtcd
The conclusions reached at the conference should not
in on paper, but be
into action. In a
similar way to the America Summit, this
should become a reference point. Another project is
th<Jt lists should effectively be dr<JWil up in such a way so as to alternate the name of a woman with that of
a man and not one outofthree or placed at the end of the list. This wouiLI avoid giving the impression that
it is merely an obligation and also that women's participation in the process is being avoided ..
conferenc~
Women must have an agenda, so that once they arc in power, it is not the enLI but the beginning of
implementing a plan of action. Tllis agencb must encompass all the patiies and include among other
items, defense of women. ·
\Vho will be· the beneficiaries of these projects and activities?
We hold that without women's patiicipation in political processes there cannot be full democracy,
therefore the primary beneficiaries of the Quota Law will be women and, upon reaching conditions of
equality, society will reap the benefits of a really democratic government, with the j)articipation of all
sectors.
What organizations and per·sons will participate?
Political parties have always been taken as a framework of reference. Women, just like men, must cover
the country, get to know and identify social needs, and speak to people without using demagogy.
Citizen participation was discussed, with oppotiunities for women at all social levels.
Thereis evidence that in some countries the number of women councilors has risen since talks were
organized for them.
Wltat can the press do to help ltchicve {IJC goals?
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In the llrst place, educate on the basis of equal opportunities for both sexes, and secondly, give rrce space
in an equal way to all the political parties, so that they can all present their political agenda. So far the
absence of women has been noted due to the lack of oppo11unitics in the media.
•
Other comments:
All agreed that the Quota Law is not the end in itself, but an instrument to ensure women's participation
in political processes, ensuring equal representation, as in many countries it has'been seen that without
this law, women's participation would have been nil. The quota must become a reality in all countries and
women must be convinced that they arc in fact equal.
Most are not happy with the 30% participation awarded in some countries( which in l3razil is limited to
25%); Another setback is that in many countries the Quota Law is no more than a simple recommendation
and is not incoqJorated us un obligatory law.
.
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Furthennore, the quota should not only be effective in politics, but also in other areas involving an
election to a post.
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Although women do not manage to win most political elections, their participation is very important, as it
is the only way of becoming political actors. In some countries where the Quota Law has come into force,
a negative experience has occtUTed in the sense that many women have refused in the process and in
others, the names of women pat1icipants have been chosen randomly, in order to comply with the legal
quotu. In other countries, women on the lists arc friends, relatives, etc., without any true political
vocation. In fact, even when capuble women ure on the lists, they dq not usually reach positions of power.
We discussed the importance of a qualitative pm1icipation rather than a quantitative purticipation;
We found thut women still do not tak<~ up leadership, and thut unfortunately there is no school where this
is leamcd, except within the experiences of our daily lives. Considering that there are so many mediocre
men in public positions and men who make mistakes every day, women should not be afraid of their
errors, but learn from them and ascend in their careers to power.
Demands made on women politically arc much greater than those made on men and ulso represent
exposure of their private life in public. Even when it is said that a woman is as capable as a man in
fulflllii1g a position of public life, it so happens that when a woman reaches power, she is assigned tasks
of a social nature, and she is left out of important subjects, including economic issues. Women who
occupy importmit positions are called upon to involve themselves in· more important subjects, without
neglecting the struggle for women's rights.
It was concluded that, although a good education makes it easier to fulfill the tasks of a person in power,
it is not essential. There have been cases of important women leaders, who have come out of their homes,
decided to take on a political responsibility and surprised everyone by the brilliunt role they have played.
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Track; Politics and Public Life
Workshop: Gelling Your Message Out; Media an1l Direct Outr·each
Leader: Dauicllc I'arris
Notelal<er; Stephanie Z:1valcta
Overall Themes of your workshop;
Tho """lill>om" of tho wochhop wocoo How 10 doedy ""d oflioioo>lly pmmo<o moo·, ocg,n»•tion,
How lo ""<h 'ociti'"J "'"" ofpooplo, at>d "'"' '' IOd'y·, "'ocabnbry" when 'J"uki"g ofmodia lonn,.
Action plan:
We nood to bo dooc about what ouc n"""ge i' and wh"t one objwi,o, ""· We abo ncod to be deoc
about what we seck to accomplish, and to accurately understand our agenda.
Goals of the action plan:
To be nblo lo help 'II kind, Of ocg<miwtim.,, fi·om ll>o well-known at>d wdl-fimded down 10 tho
'""11"1
to .the media.
gm,mot' ocgunb>iio'" that"" in""" ncod of fund,, to oocucutoly "nd <fficionlly gcii!>Oic "'""gc out
Steps to achieving the goals:
Scimoof the "''" ncoded to "chim one goo!, "" I. To identify nuc "ndiouoo
2: .To decide who "'"
the information. Who aco the dcoi,iou make., with ,..,PCOI lo ow·'""" 4. How will one""'"'""""'"
"""'"" i, 3.
your Iwori<Shop'!
Wh,. lilud' of Pac!noc,hip' U<C<I lo he d cvolo ped Io achieve Ihe goal' of Ihe aotioo pian nco led in
educa~o
We need to """"" wi lh gcoup, oc indi 'idoal' that can poch"P'
pooplo on tho "'" of tho intomct
Going boynud tho medi,, '"ch " p•·iut, I.'·· "nd mdio; we ncod 10 be "ble lo neg""'" ,.,..,, confc.·oo>oo, '"
"nothoc nooau, foe gCI.Iing mn me,age O>>l. It i' importam In koep ouc "''-''Oge 'imple, m>d lo •·epC<>I the
message often throughout whichever medium. we choose.
wor·k~hop?
What kinds of concretO projcc", <>elivilie,, tcaiuiug, '"''·"""e etc. Would you like lo .sec de'Cinpe<l
as a result of this conference to address ·teh needs disctisscd in this
Some of the tmiuiug ceq niced '' th" in ,.,, ""h " tho lnlomet. We fo,,d th:ot bek in lntemet
knowledge is a barTier to promoting the messages of certain organizations.
e~ll
Who do you believe would benefit fr·om these follow-up projects and activities?
Tho" who will benefit
deady be onnndience, octhopcople we at·otcyi ng to ""'h. "'' C.,mplc
o ITcced i, """' of women in the 'outh of Oco,il, joble" and homole,. l'hey now li" in a co·op that "''''
gacbagc. This eo'op has gi'"n them the oppe>rtunity to m"ke monoy, !cam abonkncial cO<spon,ibility, m>d
hdp dean the euviconmeut. Anothoc mmple ""'"' in J ""' ( mhpelled?), Senegal. """"" of the
monopOlizing ofintemationul fis!Ung cnmpani", won>en who wocked in fisheci., '"'e lu,ing thoic jobs
· Theso women took th"e i"u" Jo a local fonnn m•d pcoto,tod agai>>St lhoso """'""''"· They wecc
back. ahlo to take the '""'In the UN and wocked to chango policies ""' all'""" thom get theic job,
finally
\Vhat kinds of organizations, individuals, would he involved?
Thoso in'OI'Od wonld indndo the m·g,nizuti<n>S lhomsol'"'' p•·inl, 1.,., codio, mul the inlemet
Ho\v can the media help you to achieve the goals?
We have already adressccl that.
Additional comments:
s~th
In lnday·, vooabnl"ry of eonuuunioating, we want 1o "'""ge ""dieneos, wo "'"'' on•· audience to bceon"
volidatocs nf one """"ge. Wo ncod to pocsouali<e the "'"'"go, and <onnoet
people on'" emotional
bel. This way, '" ha, a bet1ec chance ofbcingh>g them in and under,J,ndiug ooc point of view.
How eau we heuec ceaeh young people with" "'""•ge? Tho host way to ccaeh young peoplo is with
othec young people "' spokosp"'""'- The" people "'"'t go ont """ deli vee tho "'"'"g' to o<hoc fonum
· other than the mainstream
medi:~, such as parties, concerts, parks, and even j:~ils.
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Tracie Politics and Public Life
\Vorkshop: "Mock" Candidate Debate
Leader: Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins
Notetal<er: Alison Dilworth
Overall Themes of the \Vo1·kshop:
I) The importance of the participation of women in political debates
2) How to organize an effective debate.
3) How to work towards an effective audience participation
4) How to participate as a candidate in a debate
Action Pl:!n:
The."mock" debate's action plan is as follows:- The League of Women Voters (who ran the debate) came
to Montevideo in ordc1: to share 78 years of experience of women in politics and tO' promote the League as
a valuable resource for the development of women in democratic systems world-wide.
Goals of the Action Plan:
I) Infonn participants about the League of Women Voters
2) Share ideas on how to construct an effective debate
3) How to publicize and stick to the themes of a debate
4) How to choose and train a moderator for the debate
5) How to fonn good questions for your debate
Steps to Achieving Goals:
I) Lots of audience participation
2) Selection of a good location·
3) Selection of a good moderator
4) Choose a finn fonnat for the debate
5) Confinn a balanced and informed audience
6) Form questions for the debate that fit the format and audience
7) Find ways to broadcast the interview fairly and openly
Partner-ships:
The League ofWomen Voters and lcical government organizations
Concrete Proj ccts/Activities:
Mock debates in home county
Who would benefit?
Women voters
Voting Systems in generai
Organizations involved:
League of Women Voters
Candidates
The press
Women's Organizations
. ·.:::
How can the media help'?
We need an impartial press to give fair results and coverage-of the debate.·
repre~entatives
Additonal Comments: The League of Women Voters
discussed the ingredients for a
good debate, then requested volllllteers fi·om the audience for a mock debate in the session. Volunteers
took the roles of candidates. in a lnayoral ekction, along w.ith a.moderator and a time-keeper. Additional
volunteers were recruited silently to be hecklers. The debate lasted about ten minutes, and was very
realistic. The audience was ve1y involved, and alierwards the discussion was extremely lively about what
was good and what could have been done better.
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Tracie Politics and Civil Society
Workshop: "Mocl{" Candidate Debate
Lea dec. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins
Notctaker: Silvana Geurrini.
What do we have to t:1ke into account for the organization of a debate?
Decide whom to invite;
Place in which it will be held;
Choose moderator;
Persons who will ask questions;
Decide the time each candidate will have for her presentation;
What format will be used for presentations; and
Topics to be discussed.
Importance of the nuHiuatm·:
To be a moderator, it is nccessal)' to have training; this is very important. It takes expertise to be prepared
to act, respond. be fair at all times, etc.
•
Her role: To lead, guide the debate; not always ask the same debater to answer first so that the other has
an advantage; she must be f:iir; it is also important that the timekeepers arc fair; she must not be partisan,
she must know when to use her authority. If things get out of control, she can end the debate.
Qualities: Someone VCI)' well-informed, with credibility, able and willing to take control, courteous, with
leadership qualities, neutral, and poised in expressing her own opinions. This is the kind of person who
will present the debate.
Why is it impruiant to h:we mot·e than one pCt"son contt·olling the time each presenter has for her
remarl{s'!
To prevent clock mallilllction, there also has to be an extra person covering us to prevent emergencies; if
one clock malfunctions. we have the other.
Uole of the audience ar!tl various ways of urganizing a debate with regard to IJnestions:
It is good to have them [questions! written down to avoid wasting time and prevent audience members
from making extended remarks. It is neccssa1y to guide the audience. The questions have to be stmcturcd
so that the candidates can respond to them.
What is the audience in a dehate seeking'!
To compare, hear the various viewpoints of the candidates so that they can later sec if they do what they
said they would.
Why do candidates not want to pat·ticipate in a debate'!
· Fear of displaying their ignorance about something they do not understand well; sometimes the media
work against the candidates and give them a bad image.
•
From a debate that was held:
What will the candidate do ... to avoid existing cormption in the mayor's office?
1. Establish a legal framework, [the current one] contains many conflicts and gaps, and thus gives rise to
impunity, the objectives of the mayor's office must be reviewed, sec that the budget and staff arc managed
with flexibility.
2: The problem is safeguarding the public coffers.
Dmg addiction: measures and policies for its prevention:
The city should keep more children and youth busy, create green spaces, athletic fields, and institutions to
promote sports. Teachers should inculcate them with good habits. preventive measures. Another woman
said that the city did not have the necessary funds for prevention, she would request a new budget for
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�improvements. The point of connection between urban women and dntg addiction is involvement in
consultative fonuns.
Audience members: receive cards to write down their questions, submit them to be reviewed by experts,
and these then go to the Illoderator who docs not indicate who asked the question in the interest of
avoiding unfairness. Problems that can arise: people standing up, making unwanted noises, yelling,
clapping (time will be taken from the candidates), making insulting remarks. If things get out of control,
the candidates themselves can ask the audience to calm down so that they may continue.
The moderator must be able to move the debate along, so as to avoid tension and references to outside
matters. As I said before, she should not express an opinion, because her opinion would weigh too
heavily.
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Tracie Politics and Public Life
Workshop: Opportunities in Local Governments
Leader: Luisa Cuculiza
Notetaker: Donna 1-Ir-hialc
Oven11l themes of your workshop: how the municipal governments can address womcn's/familics
concerns, especially domestic violence, vocational training for women and girls' development
Action plan: establish girls' leadership groups in schools to promote self-esteem, and basic political
skills arid education relevant to needs.
Goal/goals of the actio1i plan: girls who arc prepared to avoid situations of domestic violence because
they have economic options and a political voice.
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· Steps to achieving the. goaUgoals:
Conduct pilot project
I. Design program, 2 Train teachers and outside facilitators 3
What kinds of partnerships need to he developed to achieve the goals of the action plan created in
your worl•shop'! Funding to design project and train initial leaders
Who do you belie\•e would benefit from these follow-up projects and activities'! Men and women of
thc.ncxt generation.
What kinds of organizatious/iiHiividuals would be involved'! teachers, neighborhood groups,
municipal leadership
How can the media help· you achieve the goals'! Raising consciousness about problems but especially
positive coverage of activities of the student groups
Additional comments: Although discussion centered on the needs of girls, we also touched. on how to
involve young men in the groups, especially when interests- sue!) as votech training- coincide. One
pal1icipant suggested training should include self-defense.
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Tracie Politics and Public Life
·wod,shop: Gettilig out the Vote
Leader: Eva Blay
Notctal{cr: John Mariz
Over·all Themes of Your Workshop: It is difficult, if not impossible, to base a political movement
solely on women· s issues: women arc divided across the political spectrum 'on many issues.
Nevertheless, women need to think and act for. themselves politically. Women must not fall into the trap
of reinforcing sexist political and social habbits. Women should reorient men in their political thinking.
Action Plan: Politicize women, beginning with their earliest education at home as girls through their
formal education.
Goals of the Action Plan: Get more womeri into politics and support them.
Steps to Achieving the goals: Consider the specific historical moment in which you arc in. Political
circumstances (dictatorship, democracy) affect the political climate in which women act. lnespective of
party orientation, events, fora should be organized to bring women together to identify issues of specific
concern to them (womncn's rallies). In order to overcome traditional notions that women arc not fit for
high office, women should seck high appointed-positions of responsibility in government.
What kinds of partnerships ... Existing well-defined political parties are important. Grass roots c!Torts
need to be apprached with care. In poor soCieties, they arc susceptible to the most basic, elemental, and
often counterproductive material blandishments.
Additional Comments: Women in politics should lead with their intellectual capacity. It is a trap to rely
on attractiveness as a political tactic.
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Tr·aclc Politics and I'ublic Life
\Vori{Sirop: \Vorking Women as a Force for Democracy
Leader: Karen Nussbaum
Notetaker: Alison Dilworth
Overall Theme:
Unions as a "working woman's" organization
Unions as a representative force for all women, not just unionized women
The importance of unions as an ally in achieving changes for all working women on issues such as child care.
and equal pay.
Action Jllan:
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As more women work, "worker's rights" become "women'srights". Working women need to make alliances
between w1ions, women's organizations and human rights orgariizations to elevate the concerns of working
women ir1 the political process and the international labor movement.
Goals:
I) To make changes for women politically by strengthening tirtions
2) To better represent women within unions
3) To address the employment trends that hurt women, such as the growth of contingent, flexible, part time
and temporary work
4)To make working women's concems viable political issues
Steps:
I) Build stronger tics between unions, women, human rights groups and conununity organizations
2) Have unions more effectively repn:sent the coricerns of unorganized working women by building stronger
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tics to the loc;tl community
3) Open up all unions to the participation and leadership of women
Kinds of Partnerships
Women's organizations and grass-root organizations with unions
Working women with human rights organizations
Concrete projects/activities
Increased lobbying on a national level for working women's rights
An international campaign with the support of national unions to promote .the right of all women to organize
Who would benefit?
Working women and their families
Unions
Women \VI10 wani more responsibility
<IS
leaders within unions
Types of organizations involved
Unions
Women's organizations
Female politicians
Local organizations and governments
How can the media help'!
The media C<ln highlight the real and <~clive role of women in union struggles <lnd show that women's rights
and workers' rights ~lre fundamen.tally intertwined.
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Track Politics & Public Life
Workshop: Managing your Message.
Leader: Lisa Caputo
Notetal{er: Doris Sanchez
General Subject: Relationship with the press
Action l 1 lan:
I.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Establish a positive relationship with the press
Choose a representative person
Define the goal
Define the problem
Ensure a good product
Goals of the Action I' !an:
In addition to having a good relationship with the press, the choice of a good speaker is important,·
identifying people who attract the attention of the public and who can have a positive influence on
transmitting the messagG that has been chosen.
Steps to be tai{CIJ to achieve the goal:
In 1/.e fie;t pbco, pccpocc the m""gc. The "'"'"ge is whot we ''"nlto tmnsmit ond should be •·ebled to
the interest of the audience. It should be simple; a phrase may be enough. The message should be tested
on groups through surveys, in order to observe popular reaction before it is launched publicly.
In order to develop a positive message the following questions must he asked
l. What do we want to achieve? .
2. Arc we asking people to do somcthii1g?
3.
4.
How can we communicate the message so that people understand it?
What do I gain as a citizen?
In order to sumnwrize the explanatioi1, the example used was that of President Clinton in 1992 when he
was competing against Mr. Bush. In the first place a study of public reaction was made regarding Mr.
Bush's message, and on this basis, the sentence: "we put the people first" was prepared. It was very
popular and good because it answered the four questions:
I. We want to nwke the American people the first.
2. We put the people first
3.
We offer
work, etc. them the best education, environment, take them off the Jist of unemployed, giving them
4.
I am going to be put first, rny interests.
Here, the people.
rest ofthedouble meaning of the word people in English is ·very irnpo11ant, as it covers individuals and the
Then comes repetition of the message, seeking the way to strengthen it, so that people feel comfortable.
An example of this is the senteneoused by CBS: Welcome Home, eonstontly •·epeated, even by the pecso"
answering the telephone, by television stars who participate in commercials announcing films, and is used
in·promotional. For this reason it is very important to develop special events and representatives who will
communicate the message.
The audience is our goal, and to reach it different mechanisms for repetition can be used, such as the usc
of pamphlets,
photos, etc. stickers, press bulletins, Internet pages, written press, television, radio, posters, books,
A schedule of activities. A detailed schedule of activities that arc goiug to be developed, week by week,
and month by month should be established. The existence of a network of delegates should be ensured
who will sustain the idea that needs to be transmitted to the various media and who will collaborate with
the retransmission of the original messages.
What workshop?
in this type of partnerships needs to be established to achieve the. goals of the Action Plan developed
A good communication channel with the media
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Other comments
Regarding the recommended duration of the message, it depends on the objective that is to be achieved.
Let us suppose that it is essential. year, it is important to review it. after six months, and for this reason a
schedule of activities will last one
mess<~ge
In the event that the
were to be attacked, irnmedi 3 te.response should be made and strengthened,
and a survey should be made to find out Whether the message has been damaged by the opposition. There
should be no delay, at least no more than a press cycle; in attempting to revert the damage. We must
defend our message and ourselves and not allow the opposition to define it.·
In relation to the way of attracting the press' attention to the subject of women, the subject should be
focused on a theme that the audience wants. One of the participants, a joumalist, stated that it is very
difficult to change the mentality of the press as we are dealing with a business and not with public goods,
to which all have a right. It is well known that what attracts the audience -political gossip- is not what one
really wants to make known to the audience, but the problem is that these subjects are those that make
newspapers sell and TV ranking rise. The solution is to seek out a subject that will attract the audience.
The press is interested in stories, while for the TV, the major effect is based on the speaker. The solution
is to combine an appropriate speaker and a subject that the aDclience will want to listen to.
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Track; Politics and Public Life
Workshop: Women's Role in Civil Society
Leader: Lidia Catari. de Cardenas, Bolivia
Notetaker; Stephanie Zavaleta
The themes related to the roles of women in countries such as: Chile, Brazil,_ Paraguay, Mexico,
Argentina, the U.S.A., and Bolivia.
Action plan:
Exact plans were not addressed, but we were ab.le to come to a consensus of what is needed to improve
women's roles in civil society. We need to better educate women; the problem of illiteracy is a huge
banier to advancement in all of these countries. We also need to equip our daughters, at a very early age,
with age.
. early a good self-esteem and a positive role model. We mustachicve change by beginning to teach at an
Goals of the action plan:
To get women into more active political roles:
Who do you beleive would. benefit from these follow-up projects and activities?
If women arc better educated, all women will benefit
What kinds of o1·ganizations would be involved.?
Grassroots organizations, women in political roles, mothers, corporations, and academics must all be
involved to successfully advance women's roles in civil societies.
Additional comments;
Chile: In Chile, women arc just starting to enter the workplace. They are having more kids, bad
husbands, and thus having to work more. There arc very few leaders-How do we obtain more leaders?
Wehave to show positive examples, talk aboui success stories, and create positive images.
Brazil: Black women worked in feminist white womeq ·s homes. The black women's story is much
different htan the white woman's sto1y. Since times of slavery, the minds and bodies of black women
were abused. Brazil is the last country to have freed its slaves. Illiteracy in Brazil is very high, public
school lasts for four hours.
Paraguay: Women's roles in society are very weak, there is still fear of a military coup. More education
is needed, we need to help our ruraf as well as urban areas, too much concetration is being gi veri to urban
areas. We need to eliminate stereotypes, we need to make changes within families, starting with liunilies.
Mexico: Women do not know their rights bccasue of lack of education. Women often meet to develop
"great" programs, but there is very little follow-through. The lack of follow-through is a big banier to
advancement.
�Pi i 5
Tracie Politics &Public Life
\Vorkshop: The women's Leadership Conference of the Americas- \Vhat's next'?
Equal opportunities, poverty, social injustice, imbalance between the sectors of society having the
possibility to access all areas without discrimination and bringing to an end the large commw1itics left out
of opportunities, makes it essential to incorporate women into educational possibilities.
Problem: Very often, when possibilities arc limited, it is the man who contintH~S with his studies.
In Mexico already in 1917, a congress was held calling for the participation of women in education.
Other subjects: Importance of women's impact on political reforms, above all in those ·of the State. The
struggle against conservatism. The stmggle against extreme poverty. Wornen's participation in decisionmaking is sought. Throughout Latin America, except for Paraguay, laws have already been passed against
domestic violence. The problem of violence against women is a problem of Hw11;111 Rights, it is an
important violation of the right to live a life without violence. Tllis implies a series of changes in the
govcmmcnt and in people in general. Economic impact of violence: an evaluation has to be made of its
impact on society. The response of justice is very important'as to whether the laws we propose arc good or
bad, whether work is done to put them into practice. Traditional responses arc given to what we hoped
would receive a favorable response, applicable to the new era.
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Lack of oppor1tmities (strategies have to be prepared towards occupying posts in public activity).
Concrete, measurable,. attainable objectives arc proposed, and for this each country must establish its own
agenda.
A major step forward has been the establishment of Central Bankers in Latin America. This has made it
possible to open up the spectrum on the issue of women, it enables proposals to be exchanged.
It is necessary to stmgglc for the projects one has in mind. We have to be part of the implementation.
It is important to give a place to women, right from school: teachers, books, etc.
Women of different origins should be represented, ethics play a major role too.
It is important to assess the impact of women on investment, what programs should be developed to
finance them.
How can the consolidation of a group of heterogeneous \Vomcn be achieved, in o;·der to carry out a
common agenda. The objectives have been very clear, facilitating mechanisms, there is interest on the part
of women to strengthen the network, this nourishes them, a spirit of generosity, collaboration exists ..
The women of Latin America arc caught in the lower sector of the social pyramid. For this reason, jointly
we must change the situation.
Another problem is loneliness, shared in different ways.
Promotion of leadership, what arc some of the results? Steps will be taken as a result of this work
(education, violence, leadership, social responsibility with cntervrises).
Proposa): promote the participation of young women in these movements, the Americas fonn a young
continent with much youth. Young women can take concrete action, putting into practice what has been
plarmcd for a long time back. It is important to connect with .young women so that they can help ac.hieve
this. They can give a great, dynamic impulse to the proposals.
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Tracie Politics and Public Life
\Vorkshop: \Vomen and the lmplementation of l'eace A~reemcnts
Leadu: Violeta Menjivar and Maria Eugenia Morales Acena
Notctakcr: Gregory n. Sprow
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Ovuall Themes: Factors causing war/conflict. l_.egal/Judicial/lnstitutional reforms. Formulation of a
different model of development. Reconciliation. Military .. Violence. Education Employment. Sharing
experiences in negotiating peace and assuring role of women in peace n<:gotiations. Impact on rural and
·
indigenous women.
Action Plan: (I) Assure active participation of wom<:n in both negotiation of and implementation of
p<:ace accords. (2) Analyze impact of peace agreements in countries and provide information on "lessons
· learned.'' (3) Strengthen women's groups and the ability of these groups to participate effectively.
Goals of the Action Plan: (I) Assure minimum quota of pat1icipation of women in peace negotiations.
(2) Establish "Latin American Women's Network for Peace. (3) Incorporate women~s issues into the
negotiated peace accords.
Steps to achievc·the goal/goals: (I) Make known the effects of the war/conflict. (2) Provide training in
negotiati~1g skills. (3) Create mechanisms to "export" experiences (lessons learned). (4) Secure support
by the international community in appropriate fora.
\Vhat kinds of partnerships need to be developed to achieve the goals of the action plan created in
your workshop? Strengthen existing women's networks (nationally and regionally) and create a new
"Latin American Women's Network for Peace." Participation in such associations should be bro;id,
reprcsent~ttive, and pluralistic.
What kinds of concrete projects/activities/training/assistance/etc. would you like to sec developed as
a r·esult of this conference to address the needs discussed in this workshop'! Activities which permit
post-conf1ictivc societies to share their experiences regarding the negotiation and implementation of
peace accords.
Who do you believe would benefit from these follow-up projects and activities? Women in general,
but particularly women in rural areas and indigmous communities who hear the weight of the conflict.
Also, vulnerable sub-groups such-as widows and orphans.
\\'hat kinds of or·ganizations/individuals would be involved'! Particitiation by groitps other than just
the govcmment and the opposition. To include: political parties, NGOs, indigenous groups, civil society
· ·
in general. ·
How can the media help you to achieve these goals? The media needs ample room to inform
objectively about the negotiation/implementation of peace accords.
Additional comments
While sharing experiences is essential, one must also analyze the differences between countries/societies
in constructing successful peace strategies. Workshop discussed the importance of focusing on women's
groups which most suffer the consequences o( conf1ict: especially rural and indigenous women.
�Piii3
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·Tracie l'olitics and Public Life
\Vorkshop Tille: \Vomen's Hole in Conflicl ltesolution
Workshop Leader: Valerie Gillen
Notetaker: Alison Dilworth
Action Plan: Women in areas of conflict need to have the tools in order to surpass conflict and
concentrate on the common humanitarian needs of all women.
Goals ofthe Action Plan: Find ways to organize women for conflict resolution at both the grass roots
level and the global level in order to bring together women in crisis. Develop projects that emphasize the
human side of conflict in order to bring women together on common ground.
Steps to Achieving the Goals: Women must develop a strategy for bringing women together in times of
crisis. Women must be invited from conflict-stricken areas to participate in conflict-resolution
workshops. Start the discussions between the women to get the ball rolling, and introduce key concepts
on conflict resolution. Finally, distill the "best practices" and action plans from each discussion and work
with ·the women to implement the plans afterwards.
\Vbat kind of partnerships: Women's groups and grass-roots organizations would be key partners in
conflict resolution. Conflict-resolution groups must find women in areas of conflict to fonn partnerships.
What kinds of concrete projects, etc., would you like to sec developed:
Women's initiatives that stress conflict resolution. Women-exchange weekends that bring women
together from areas of conflict and encourage them to work together in workshops mid on projects.
What kinds of organizations/individuals would be involved: Grass-roots organizations and women's
groups alotig with human rights groups and political and educational systems arc key to making conflict
resolution work.
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How can the media help you to achieve the goals: We didn't talk about the media.
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Tracl<: Politics and Civil Society
\Vorkshop: Mobilization of the Suppor·t of Grassroots Or·ganizations
Leader: Dolores Ualderramos Garcia
Notctal,cr: Silvana GucrTini
Themes:
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2.
3.
4.
5.
Concept of the support of grassroots organizatiolts;
Alleviating racial problems;
How young people can be rccmited;
Promoting sports among youth;
Contacting the community with a view to meeting its needs: and.
G. How to get the community t'o feel like a participant.
Action Plan:
To provide young people with information to get started in leadership roles and to encourage them to
participate in sports, with the aim of ending delinquency and street vagrancy;
To promote the establishment, where lacking, or green spaces for young people;
To encourage children to complete their schooling; and
To hold regular meetings with the community in order to identify their concerns.
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Goals:
Complete tasks that contribute to the welfare of the commnnities we serve;
Bring together vaz~ious leaders for the purpose of garnering greater power;
Get young people to make SJ)orts a part of their lives; and
Promote women's mental health.
Don't discriminate between social classes or ethnic groups.
A good way to mobilize the community is to get closer to it by visiting people in their homes and speaking
with them.
Keep people updated regarding the plan to be carried out so that they will be aware of changes and new
proposals.
It is important to have the support of the various community leaders; it is important to be regarded as
active.
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A leader nuist package and summ:trize the ideas contributed by the conununity.
How do we recruit young people? Young people like to participate, and advertising camp;ligns are not
enough. They must learn about politics, because once they become informed, they can easily achieve their
goals. It is necessary to engender self-confidence rather than to create expectations that cannot be
fizlfilled ..
It is important for the members of the commHnity to feel that the ideas come from them-the idea of
participative community.
Ways of getting yoHng people together: mHsic, folklore events, and sports.
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Economics & Business
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Sf'0ALL BUSINESS AND ACCESS TO CREDIT (lvette Arancibia de Antezana)
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BREAKING THROUGH TI-lE GLASS CEILING (Diane Francis)
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EQUITY IN LENDING AND DEVELOPMENT (Sandra Cesilini)
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THE ROLE Of CULTURE IN NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (Maria Elena
Schacknies)
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NGOS AND PHILANTHROPY (Joan Winship)
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GROWING A SMALL BUSINESS (Richard Bartlett)
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HOW CORPORATIONS CAN BE INVOLVED IN PUBLIC CHANGE (Ruth Harkin).
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ACCESSING THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE (Irene Natividad)
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SOCIAL SECURITY EQUALITY (Judith Rubio)
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R.EGIONAL INTEGRATION AND ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN (Laura Velasquez, Kathy.
· Hendrix) .
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WOMEN IN PHILANri-m.OPY (Graciela Ad<m)
• . WOMEN'S BUSINESS NETWORKS (Julita Maristany, Susana Cassino)
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USING CREDIT TO ENHANCE WOMEN'S ECONOMIC POWER (Mercedes Ortiz de Gasser)
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WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY (Graciela Adan)
o · WOMEN'S BUSINESS NETWORKS (Julita Maristany, Susana Cassino)
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USING CREDIT TO ENHANCE WOMEN'S ECONOMIC POWER (Mercedes Ortiz de Gasser)
�Tracie Economics & Business Development
Workshop: Smallllusiness and Access to Credit
Leader: Ivette ArancilJia de Antezana
Notet:1ker: Gabriela Heanlen de llarrclla
Ovcr·all Themes:
- Situation of Micro and Small Enterprises in the different countries and their realities
- Problems solved and to be solved
- Scope of problems in: a) training and technical assistance, b) access to credit in the urban and
rural areas, c) access to information about services, and to riskinfom1ation systems.
Action Plan:
I. Strengthening programs and organizations providing comprehensive services to micro and small
enterprises (financial and non-financial services).
2. Promoting the establishmeilt of networks and alliances between organizations, in order to provide
comprehensive services to micro and small enterprises.
'3. Promoting programs to motivate and instmct on the entrepreneurial spirit, among ethnic minorities and
indigenous groups.
4. Democratizing credit and broadening the geographical scope and segments in need of it, such as ethnic
minorities and indigenous groups.
5. Revising and /or modifYing the different countries' regulatory framework in the linancial sphere, as
well as in the ownership of goods, in order to bolstenlemocratization of credit.
6. Promoting horizontal learning in cmmtries and at the regional level.
f
Goals of the Action Piau
I. Providing micro and small enterprises with all the necessary instmments to achieve a sustainable
development of companies.
2. Democratizing credit for small enterprises, in such conditions as to allow them to invest in productive
services.
Steps to achieve the goal/goals
!. Establishment of country-wide and regional networks.
2. Dissemination of successli.ilmodels.
What kinds of partnerships need to be developed to achieve the goals of the Action Plan created in
your workshop'!
l.
2.
Partnership networks should be created intended to leaming and horizontal exchange. Moreover,
these networks will bolster complementary services among institutions.
Experiences should be promoted and disseminated, about successful models in the area of mral
credit. Initiatives and undertakings already in place in 13olivia, Uruguay and Panama should be
reviewed.
\Vhat kinds of concrete projects/activities/training/assistance/etc. would you like to see developed as
a •·esult of this conference to address the needs discussed in this work~hop'!
I.
Distance education and training projects for micro and small entrepreneurs.
2.
Creation ofinfonnation centers, both physical and electronic, (web sites) in order to disseminate
eti!Tent services for micro and small entervrises.
.
3.
Programs intended to raise awareness among media about the importance of disseminating success
stories about micro and small enterprises.
4.
Programs intended to provide technical assistance to governments, in order to modify their regulatory
fl"amework, thus achieving democratization of credit. .
Instituting the organization of periodic regional conferences and/or congresses.
5.
\Vho do you believe would bcn.efit from these follow-up projects and activities'!
I.
2.
3.
Population deprived of access to conventional education and training, as a consequence of distance
and language constraints.
Micro and small enterprises.
Not for profit, non governmental organizations that address women's promotion as the basis for
sustainable economic development.
�I
......... _, _____ ,__.,., ______
._
____ ~-~---·-- -···'-
......
----~
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, \Vhat kinds of organizations/individuals would be involved'!
Civil society organizations and public entities.
How can the media help you to achieve these goals?
The press should be sought in order to disseminate the achievements of organizations, and particularly to
dissemitiatc success stories about small female entrepreneurs' undertakings
•
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Ei2
Tracie Economics and Business
Workshop Title: llrealdng through the Glass Ceiling
Worll.shop Leader: Diane Francis
Notetaker·: John Mariz
Action l'lan: Bring women into positions of authority in important economic entities, particularly public
coqJorations ..
Goals of the Action Plan: Better educate women to give thein a clear understanding of what challenges
they face in a male-orientated business culture enabling them to be more competitive within that culture
and, equally important, create alternatives to work around thut culture. The long-term goal is to bring
women into enough positions of power in order to change the·bias against women in business culture.
Steps to Achieving the goals: Improving education is the most important step. At an elernentar}' level
par1icularly in Latin America, girls must have better access to education in basic skills to participate in the
business world. At the advanced level, business education should reinforce the value of the distinct
qualities women bring to management, particularly in non/hierarchical business stmctures. Emphasis
should also be given to negotiation and conflict resolution skills. The importance of networking should be
stressed. Business organizations directed at women should be created.
· \\'hat kind of p:u·tner·ships: As mentioned above, women should create organizations that are directed
to promoting their interests, such as a Women's Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, rnentoring
relationships should be encouraged.
\Vhat !duds ofconcr·ete J>r·ojects, etc., would you. like to sec developed:
Progams such as Junior Achievement should be made more accessible to school-age girls. It would be
beneficial that a directory of all participants of the Vital Voices confei·ence be compiled with er~1ail, fax,
·
phone numbers., etc in order to establish a network of participants
\Vhat ldnds of organizations/individuals would he involved: Existing women's business groups and
coorvorations and businesses that successftdly employ and promote women should be brought into the
process.
How can the media help )'Oii to achieve the goals: The media can be used to highlight businesses,
especially those whose customers are primarily women, who do not live up to their commitments to fairly
.promote women within their organizations.
�EiJ
Tr·ack: Eco·nomics and Uusiness
Workshop: Equity in Lending and Development
Leader: Sandra Cesilini, \Vorld Bank .
I
General themes ofwori<Shops:
Improving information about projects funded by credit institutions.
Increasing chances ofNGO's and communities to operate loans.
NGO's as social auditors.
Tr;~ining and technical assistance for sustainability. Make credit accessible to women
Resolution of cronyism through participation.
Devising special projects by groups of women younger than 20 and older than 40.
Development of monitoring indicators about beneficiaries' access to infonnation
Analyzing compliance conditions (e.g., violence, teachers' training, sex education) of projects,
including the integration of men to play a role.
Including businesses, corvorations, the civil society in the design.
·Including civil society organizations in the whole project cycle.
Seminars where loans fi·om agencies arc analyzed both under country and under region.
Civil society organizations,' businesses, and the government, on a joint basis.
Entities that are representative of each level.
Disseminating specific characteristics of projects, ami their level of compliance.
Putting gender conditions very clearly, so that follow-up actions may be established by community
organizations, and those assisting beneficiaries; assuring that funds reach women, including training
and the required technical assistance to achieve the goals.
�Ei<l
Tr·aclc Economics and llusiness
Workshop: The Hole of Culture in National Economic Development
Leader: Maria Eleua Sehaclmies
Notctaker: Eric Roland
Overall Themes: I) opp011unities for cultural development through cultural tourism, 2) culture is the
catalyst for development, providing freedom to pursue goals people have reason to value, 3) the growing
complexity of.the global marketplace, 4) the need for grassroots initiatives, 5) potential negative effects
of not promoting cultural institutions and of losing the cultural patrimony for lack .of resources.
Action Plan: Encourage participation of "vital voices". Increased par1icipation oflocal, national and
regional levels of governments to develop a legeslative effort to offer tax incentives to the private sector
to support cultural institutions and NGOs.
Goals:
encourage overall participation to develop the cultural sector
protect the value of culture while managing to promote in an appropriate manner
making culttire "accessible" to the general population
Steps to achieving goals:
promote "missing vital voices"
provide tax incentives to private sector to support the cultural sectoor ,;nd its institutions
erase the "elitism" associated with museums and other cultural organizations
create cultural programs that are accessible to the entire population
extend the sense of culture beyond the walls of a museum
encourage communication at local, nillional, and regioriallevels
Partnerships needed: need to develope reso·urees for cultural promotion through public ami private
. partnerships.
Concrete projects for the future:
knowledge sharing amor1g participants for future interaction regarding successful cultural projects.
Use models of cultural development from the United StateS and other countries
Who will it benefit? Ideally, the general population must benefit from cohesive action
Who will he involved? Org<mizations and individuals at all levels must be involved- governments,
NGOs, private organizations
Additional Comments:
Needs to make the development of the cultural sector a priority for the State and the private sector
Need· to define parameters within the economic realm (i.e. defining culture)
The potentially negative "conunodification" of culture
Expanding the notion of culture
Cultural Development Agenda:
I
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I
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. Hemispheric Clearinghouse for Cultural Development of the Americas
In association with other global and regional organizations,
To prepare "Annual Status Reports on Critical Cultural Issues"
To hold periodic conferences to report on progress achieved,
To promote institutional and financial reforms in member countries
White House Millenium Council for the Americas
To highlight and preserve cultural diversity in the region
To. support the development of a new expanded Museum of the Americas in
Washington, DC,
To offer political support for other hemisheric cultural initiatives,
To coordinate US Hispanic iritercst groups ·stipJ)6rt for.culttlral developments and
exchanges within the US and throughout Latin America
�liS
Track- Economics & Busincs~
Workshop- NGOs and Philanthropy
Leader- .Joan Winship
Notetaker- Amy Woods
Over;dl themes:
Looking at Philanthropy as more than monetary, also service, in kind, tin.1c, etc. Sustainabilty of
Philanthropy. Thinking creatively to create philanthropy oppot1unitics.
Action Plan:
Dctcnninc what needs arc and think of creative ways to present them. Work as a team with NGOs who·
have similar int-erests, avoiding overlapping interests. Look beyond traditional philanthropy sources.
Goal/goals of action plan:
To give NGOs access to rcsouiccs.
To tap into increasing feelings of corporate desire to contribute to the
community. To learn how to think creatively about philanthropy and how to sustain the effort.
Steps to Achieving the goal/goals:
Pat1nership is key. Look for other organizations who arc trying to address the same issue and talk to them
about consolidating your efforts and presenting it to a donor. Think of creative ways to sell your idea ... not
just ask for money. Research the possibilities of COilJOrations, foundations, churches, civic orgs, wealthy
individuals, etc. who could benefit fi·om their contribution.
I
\Vhat kinds of partnerships need to he developed to achieve the goals of the action plan created in
yom· workshop?
NGO parti1erships with other NGOs who have the same interest. NGO partnerships with corporations.
NGO partnerships with service organi7A1tions, governments, fOlmdations, or any creative combi11ation.
\Vhat kinds of concrete projects/activities/training/assistance etc. would you like to sec developed as
a result of this conference to address the needs discussed in this workshop'!.
Find a partner who would be willing to establish a listscrv or chat forum that would allow VV pat1icipants
to stay in contact with each other and establish contact with donors:
\Vho do you believe would benefit f1·om these follow-up projects ·and activities'!_
Short term -~ NGOs and their project recipients. Long term-~ Corporations [good PR).
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What kinds of organizations/individuals would bc'involved?
NGO staff and management, PR sections of corporations, notable commw1ity figures who have access to
fo.1u1clations and corpor<ltions as well as an ilitercst· in the topic of conccm, upper class citizens who have
moved from their village of origin who arc not willing to go home, but will send funds for assistance- or
creative combinations of the three.
How can the media help you to achieve the goals?
Provide coverage of partnerships in order to strengthen the NGOs programs, but also to provide social
·_ marketing for the donor.
Additional comments
Philanthropy demands creativity, much time, effort and patience.
�Liil
Tracl{: Economics ~\l Business
Workshop: Growing a Small Business
Leader: RichanJ Bar·llett
Notetakcr: Amy \Voods
Overall themes: Benefits of micro-entrepreneurship. Sci [-reliance and self-sufficiency.
Action Plan: Promote women who currently live in poverty to star1 their own businesses through direct
selling.
Goals of the action plan: To avoid give-away programs and allow unemployed/underemployed women
·
to enter safely into employment.
Steps to achieve the goal/goals: One woman at a time, teach the skills involved in direct selling. Leave
thein with ·a training as well as nn income, but continue to provide .additional training as they move ahead.
What kinds of partnerships need to be developed to achieve the goals of the action plan created in
your workshop? Women of Latin America should meet with successful direct sellers in other cotmtries
to discuss, particulnrly questions of socinl status and class implications.
What kinds of concrete projeets/activities/training/assistance/etc. would you like to sec developed :is
a result of this conference to :11ldrcss the needs discussed in this workshop? Usc resources such as the
Direct Selling Educntion fund nnd Small Business Administration in future conferences ns well as for
follow-up to this conference. Include more discussion ofindividual employment opportunities in Latin.
America, not just large group projects which arc typicnlly alrcndy well funded and well publicized.
Pnr1ncr with parties who support individunl entrepreneurship. Ask international banks if they would be
interested in funding projects such as this.
\Vho do you believe would benefit fr-om these follow-up projects and activities'! Women who .arc
living inpoverty, but not extreme poverty because they must have the initial funds to invest. Women 'who
h;ive successfully participntcd in micro-enterprise projects ..
What kinds of organizations/individuals would be involved'? Direct selling corporations bnsed
throughout the world. Smnll business associations worldwide .. Women who are tr·ying to improve their
lives and escape poverty.
How can the media help you to achieve ·thc'sc goals? Develop n creative piece nbout the self-starting
women who arc using these means to escape the current economic down-turn in their countries.
Additional comments
It is importnnt to remember that this is not n solution for the poorest women ofthe.world. A mnjor
challenge in Latin America is the stigmn that is placed on salesmen in many communities.
0
�EiiJ
Tracie Economic and Business
Workshop: How Corporations can he involved in Public Change
Leader: Ruth Harkin
Notctakcr:
Eva \Veigold
OVERALL THEMES OF THE WORKSHOP Education and mentoring are ci"iticalto women's
Women need to demand opportunities and information, mentors, cannot wait for these to
come forward on their own.
· ·
ad~ancement.
ACTION PLAN Increased mentoring, formal and informal, using male mentors when there arc not
enough women in positions of power in the corporation. More aggressive efforts to seek out and demand
educational and training opportunities and benefits in the workplace.
GOALS OF THE ACTION PLAN Mcntoring to show women areas for improvement, show them the
opportunities that exist, help them envision all the possibilities open to them and to set their sights on
specific goals. Increased educational and training opportunities to give women rhe skills they need to
enter higher positions of power.
STEPS TO ACHIEVING THE GOALS Ask for form:1l mentoring system to be implemented in your
corvoration. Ask for better dissemination of information withint the corporation ori educational and other
benefits available io women. If working :Jt an overseas branch of a US corporation, ask for US managers
to travel regularly to meet with employees to ensure that all the opportunities provided in that corporation
in the US are also provided overseas.· Ensure that corporations provide necessary support, for example
day care and transportation, to enable women to usc these benefits.
WHAT KINDS OF I'AHTNERSHll'S NEED TO BE DEVELOPED TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS
OF THE ACITON PLAN CREATED IN TliE WORKSHOP
Partnerships bctwcer.1 COilJOrations and foundations or NGOs to provide supp.or1, such as daycare and
transportation, to enable women to take advantage of training programs in the workplace.
Pannerships among women and men who are in mentoring positions .
. WHAT KINDS OF CONCRETE PROJECTS, ACTIVITIES, TRAINING, ASSISTANCE, ETC.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE DEVELOPED AS A RESULT OF THIS CONFERENCE TO
ADDRESS THE NEEDS DISCUSSED IN THIS WORKSHOP
Programs on how to be a successful merit or, how to make mcntoring work.
WHO DO YOU BELIEVE WOULD BENEFIT FROM THESE FOLLOW Ul' PIWJECTS ANI)
ACTIVITIES
All women in the workplace.
WHAT KINDS OF ORGANIZATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS WOULD BE INVOLVED
Successful women, in any field, who can share mcntoring skills.
HOW CAN THE MEDIA HELP YOU TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS
General promotion of women in strong roles.
�I
TRACK: Economic Integration and Business Development
WORKSHOP: Accessing the Global Marl\etplace
LEADEn: Irene Natividad
NOTETAKER: Eric Roland
OVERALL THEMES: The two main themes discussed during the workshop were: globalization,
women and the marketplace, and the· importance of creating linkages to promote \yo men's access to global
trade.
ACTION PLAN: The development of the central and south american network of business and
professional women, as well as their organizations, to pro1i10tc their participation in regional and global
trade with each other.
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GOALS OF THE ACTION PLAN: The fundamental goals oftheaction plan are:
--overcoming the barriers that have prevented women from being players in the global market
--increasing women's access to training and information that cases their ability to conduct business across
·
borders
--establishing long-term network that will form the data base for the Global Womens Trade Network
component for Central and South America.
STEPS TO ACHIEVING GOALS: One of the most fundamental methods for completing the action
plan is establishing necessary vital, long-tenn global contacts among like-minded women in other
cotmtries. Among the various other steps to realizing goals:
--performing research on potential commercial markets and comprehending the culture of the coun!iy
--understanding the importance of the time factor--must be patient
--must be prepared to endure a financial risk
~-usc technology in order to access information & find a reliable lawyer and accountant
--create a cohesive business plan & identify a business partner
TYPES OF l'ARTNEHSHlPS: The Global Women's Trade Network in conjunction with the
lnteramerican Conunission on the Status of Women with the sponsorship of IBM Corporation in the US.
TYPES OF CONCRETE l'H.OJECTS: Essentially, the creation of the Central and South American·
component of the Global Women's Trade Network website, followed by regional workshops on how to .
usc the network on how to use and access this component.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT: Any business and professional woman, microentcrprise cooperative
managers interested in exploring or expanding their capacity to market services or products across the
globe.
I
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED: Women's organizations, Chambers ofConunerce, regional
entrepreneurial networks, international agencies Central and South American offices, national
commissions on women.
MEDIA: Clearly, the Internet is the most viable tool for accessing infonnation, as well as for creating
links with other potential entrepreneurs
fl.
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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Various thoughts by the p;uiicipants arc as listed.
--intemational businesses grow live times faster than those that focus on domestic/local mJrkets
--Accessing information is vital in participating in the global market
·
--Many women market services rather than goods
--Those women involved in business should also have a hand in political life, either directly or indirectly
--A discussion of an initiative to create a women's budget within the national budget was also discussed
The following list represents information which should be included on a Global Women's Network:
I. A listing of women's organizations
. .
· . .
.
2. Chambers of Commerce in each major city
3. Small business associations
4. Government agencies which work with women
�5. Product identification by sector
6. Statistics about women in the region
7. Listing of consumer organi'zations regionally and locally
8. Goverrunent agencies responsible for trade iniatives
9. A suggestion box
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Track: Economic Integration & Business Development
Workshop: Social Security ElJuality
Leader: Judith Rubio
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Notctal<cr: Fabiana Rissotto
Themes:
(l) Effect of the nc\\' Social Security:
(2) . Women as contributors, the~r e.\pectations for retirement: and
(3) Matters relating to f)ension fund administrator~ .
Action Plan:
Achieve global benefits coverage by means of information, data, statistics, and projections at the national
and regional level within Latin America ..
Determine the significance and implications of the cost of the system for the workers.
Goals:
Ensme workers' participation in the systcm·as well as in the investments that pension fund administrators
make with their money.
Ensure observance of every worker's right to decent retirement benefits.
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It is considered important that the social security system include homemakers and that every housewife be
. allowed to make her contributions .and receive retirement benefits.
Need for the government to be involved in some way in the private petlsion system.
It is very important for the workers themselves to design the proposal to be set fot1h as a solution to their
problems.
But one of the most important goals to be achieved would be to usc some kind of public infonnation
cnmpaign as a means for keeping informed on the subject of this workshop, on how the system works, and
its advantages and clisadvanta~es for the people of the world. In this way we can begin to identify
solutions together.
�Tracli: Economic Integration & Business I>cvclopmcnt
Worlishop: Hegional Integration and its Impact on Women
Leader: Laura Vclasqucz,Kathy Hendrix
Notctakcr: Thomas Olson
Adiou Pbu: Pmmolo <he org,.ui'""lio<> of linked uerworks amo<>g the cco<>omic a<>d social scclors (labor,
polilical, cducoliouo I, cu
iu 1he CO<>ul
Ihot have joiucd logellocr as <egioual blocs (NAFrA,
CARl COM, A mbu P:>cl). Ass is> iu I he devdopmen 1of linked networks throughout the Hemisphere.
Promote research into the economic-labor impact of women in the regional blo.c processes.
II""'')
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Goals of the Action Plan:
Prom01c mecliugs :miong wom'>r of lloe Hemisphere',s regional blocs. fdeulify rew<>roes lo assisr
development of r·egio<>al no<worb. ldcmify reoourccs lo eood<>cl •·csearch inlo the economic-labor impacr
and its repercussions.
Steps to achieve the goals:
.
.
The MERCOSUR won>w's foonu will make conracr wilh women in !he economic, polilical, labor,
cducalioo SCCiors 1o advise 1hem O<> I he CSiablish """' of nor works iu 1he NAFrA, CAR! COM, and
Foundation. blocs. Applicorio" for ""•diog will be made lo lhe IDB, lhe Ford Fo>mdalion,and the Tinker
Audeon Procr
r
Whal kinds of pMinc.·shiros need In he dmJnped In ochicvc Ihe gooh of lhc Aclion Plan uealed in
your wot·i<shop?
"'"'""Y
I
II will be for Str(!tegic and International Studies. for CX<uuplc Ihe Ulcma<ional rUSiilulc of Economics and
I0 invoh•e rcs.,u·ch i"sl ilutes,
the Center
Who would benefit ft·om these projects and activities?
The business, labor, poliric;ll, education, and culture sectors.
What kinds of oJ·ganizations/indi''iduals would IJe involved?
MERCOSUR "'"""" '' fon• m, Nali '""' Wnmeu 's Poli lical Caucus, Inlematimml Fomrdalion for Electoral
Syslems Businesswomen j.
american(IFES), AFL-CJO, Fcdcmch!n de M>ifcn:s lberoamcr;cana,, de Empresas [Federation of !bern·
�Eiii3
Track: Economic Integration and IJusiness Development
Workshop Title: Woman in Philanthropy
Workshop Leader: Gracicla Adan
Notetal<er: Eric Roland
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Ovcr·aJJ themes of the workshops: The major, ovcrarching theme of the workshop was how the woman
is involved as an emancipated bridge between the State, civil society, and the market.
Action plan: The action plan consists of debating the following questions:
I. What is philanthropy?
2.
3.
4.
r
Why do businesses and organizations become involved in philanthropy?
Why arc women the principal actors in this process?
What would be the potential action to adopt?
Goal of the action pl:lll: The ultimate goal of the action plan is to promote the leadership of the woman
as the bridge between society, the market and the Stale.
Steps to achieving the goal: The following represent steps to achieving the goal arc as follows:
I. Creating incentives for the development of fundraising campaigns for the strengthening of
the leadership of the woman in all fields.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Strengthen education and capacitation programs to generate the leadership of the woman
and the development and strengthening of institutions.
Strengthen laws to create philanthropy-promoting incentives.
Strengthen businesses and corporations in their actions with the community.
Create programs for multinational businesses with the ultimate 6bjective of outsourcing or
support of entrepreneurs or institutions of civil society.
\Vhat types of partnerships? The following actors represent the players in necessary partnerships:
NGOs or foundations, civil society in general, the State and the market.
·
\Vhat kinds of concrete projects'! The ideal concrete projects are as follows: strengthened prograins of
Education and Capacitation, projects to strengthen relations among women, the State and civil society,
anclro create incentives for the development offunclraising.
Who would benefit'! Ultimately, all of society would benefit fi·om stronger philanthropic activity.
What l<inds of organizations'? The following organizations would likely be involved: NGOs or
foundations, civil society in general, the State and the market.
How can !he media help? All fonns of media may be utilized to create "Networks of Solidarity" for the
promotion ofNGOs and other organizations.
Additional comments: Various other themes were also discussed:
I.
2.
3.
4.
The need to ci"catc incentives, especially if fiscal ones don't exist (i.e. adhering to "social
marketing", or promoting the image of a company).
The need to "professionalize" many of the current organizations
Many organizations need to be prepared for outsourcing
fraudulency is a prevalent problem.
�If
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Tracie Economics and Business
Wol"I<Shop: \Vomen's Ihisiness Networks
Le:ide1·s: Julila Maristany, Susana Cassino
Notctal,crs: Maria Antonia Mcza de Mendez, Bob Hagen
Ovcr:lll Themes: Building personal and electronic networks among women in micro, small, and medium
businesses, at both the national and regional level.
Plan of Action: Compile and disseminate a survey of women in micro, small, and medium businesses
within each country and within the region, and keep it up to date.
Goals of the Action Plan: To share knowledge and experience, avoid duplication of effort, ouild
complementary partnerships, promote an entrepreneurial culture, take the mystery out of starting and
rw1ning a business, and facilitate access to export markets.
Slep.; in Achieving"" Goal" l'<epoce and di;tcibute a ;imple fonn which b•.,ines;wnmen ean enmplete
in order to be included in the survey. Seck information and support from all levels of government,
universities, and existing business networks. Usc radio and television to disseminate information to
businesswomen who do not have access to computers.
�I
Track: Economics and Business
Workshop: Women's Business Networks
Leaders: Julita Maristany, Susana Cassino
Notctakers: Maria Antonia Meza de Mendez, Bob Hagen
Tl""""
cle<~mOc
Oman
businesses, at both Building pcr.<unal and
the national and regional level. nctwoch mnong women in mkm, ·'n"ll, and n"dium
Plan of Action' Compile and di,eminatc a sncvcy of women in mho, 'mall, and medium bu,inc,,e,
within each country and within the region, and keep it up to date.
Goa~
en~epceneurial
ofthe Action Plan, To 'h"<e knowledge '<>d cxpedencc, avoid dnpHca!ion of effort, build
complementary partnccship,, pmmotc an
cnltuce, take the my,tccy out of 'tarting and
nmning a business, and £1cilitate access to expoit markets.
Steps in Achieving the Goal" l'cepru-c and di,tribute a 'imple fonu Which busine,womcn '"n cOmplete
in o>dc. to be included in the '>>my. Seck infonnation and 'up port fmm all levels of govemmcnt,
univecsities, and exhting bu,ine" nctwocks. u,. mdio and tclevi,ioo to dbcmhta!e infonnation to
businesswomen who do not have access to computers.
�Track: Economic Integration and Business Development
Workshop Title: Woman in Philant11ropy
Workshop Leader: Graciela Adan
· Notctakcr: Eric Roland
I
Overall them" of tloo wo,lc<hopso The majo,, ovomcohing theme of the wo,hhop w"' how the wonum
is involved as an emancipated bridge between the State, civil society, and the market.
Action plan: The action plan consists of debating the following questions:
1. What is philanthropy?
2.
3.
4.
Why do businesses and organizations become involved in philanthropy?
Why arc women t11e principal actors in this process?
What would be the potential action to adopt?
Goal of tloe action plan' TI>e niH mate goal of tl>e .olion pbu ;, to pwmote the le.dcnhip of tl>e woman
as the bridge between society, t11e market and the State.
·
Step' to achieving the goal' The follomng "P"""t "'I" to "<hleviug tile goal aco" follow"
L Cn,ating incentives fo' lite development of fundcai,ing
foe the ""ngtltcnlng of
the leadership of the woman in all fields.
e.mpaigt~
2.
StrengtJ1en education and capacitation programs to generate tJ1e leadership of tJ1e woman
and the development and strengthening of institutions.
3. Strengthen laws to create philanthropy-promoting incentives.
4. Strengthen businesses and corporations in their actions wit11 the community.
5. Create programs for multinational businesses with the ultimate objective of outsourcing or
support of entrepreneurs or institutions of civil society.
What ly;>o, of pa,tnenhip'? The following aoton; 'epccscnt tl>e pbyen; in nece,ary pactnen;ltip,
NGOs or foundations, civil society in general, the State and the market.
What kind, of eonnete P'ojeefs? The ideal mnocete pmjoct, ace"' follow, ""ngthened pwgmm, of
Edueotion and Capacitation, pwjoct, to "«ngtl>en <olatio"' ""ong women, the State and civil society,
and to create incentives for the development of fundraising.
Wlw would loePefit? Ultimately, all of weiety would benefit from "mngec phibntlrropie oetivhy.
What ltinds of organizations?· The following organizations would likely be involved: NGOs or
foundatiol1s, civil society in general, the State and the market.
How can ofNGOs and ot11er organizations.
promotionthe medialoolp? All fonns of media may be utilized to oceate "Netwocb ofSolidarity" fm· tlw
Additional conuncnts: Various otJJCr themes were also discussed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The need to create incentives, especially if fiscal ones don't exist (i.e. adhering to "social
marketing", or promoting the image of a company).
The need to "professionalize" many of the current organizations
Many organizations need to be prepared for outsourcing
Fraudulency is a prevalent problem.
�I
Eiii5
Track: Economics & Business
Taller: Using credit to Enhance Women's Economic Power.
Leader: Mercedes Ortiz de Gasser
Notetaker: Cecilia Campero
I
General Themes:.
• Access to credit
• Training
• Access to markets and marketing
• Increased businesswomen's participation
I
I
Action Plan:
· • Timely and accessible credit (bringing the funding institution close to micro businesses), tailored to
clients' income and needs, fast disbursement, , with personal and group guarantees which replace
mortgage as security.
• Tcclmical training in.business management, marketing, access to markets, about issues needed by
and in the interest of women (gender, new laws on women, etc.)
• Access to markets through fairs, support from commercial entities, training, etc.
• Active participation of micro businesswomen in guideline-setting by micro-funding and business
development institutions.
Steps to achieve the goals
Goals of the Action Plan
1.
Provide long-term and sustainable
financial and non-financial services to
women at micro and small businesses, .
reaching a larger number of users.
I.
Institutional consolidation and setting up of
new service premises (branches or municipal
banks) in order to reach a larger universe of
micro businesswomen.
2.
Encourage a more formal organization of
micro-funding entities in order to provide
new services to micro businesswomen
(savings, housing credit, sale of shares,
etc.)
Reach the rural areas with financial and
non-financial services.
2.
Working to obtain a more fonnal organization
of micro-funding institutions in the face of
regulatory and supervising agencies.
3.
Incentives from cooperation agencies in order
to establish agencies, which may provide
financial arid training services in mral areas.
Management of economies of scale, in order to
cover operation costs and access to new
sources of external funding.
Promote successful work by micro-funding
institutions, and show the current large demand
·
for micro-credit
3.
4.
Achieve financial sustainability of
institutions providing credit and training
to the micro-business sector.
..
5. Obtain stronger support from national and
.·international cooperation agencies (both
bilateral and multilateral) to fund
. expansion of the credit portfolio intended
for micro businesswomen.
6. Motivate micro-funding and business
development institutions, so that they
include women in their guideline and
decision-making processes.
7. Access to information about potential
micro-credit clients.
4.
5.
6. ·Train micro businesswomen and raise
awareness among them, in connection with
participation processes.
7.
Obtain access to risk centers and other
infom~ation tools about credit users.
�I
Riu++9
Eiii5
Tracie Economics & Business
Taller: Using credit to Enhance Women's Economic Power.
Leader: Mercedes Ortiz de Gasser
Notetal,er: Cecilia Campero
General Themes:
•
Access to credit
•
Training
•
Access to markets and marketing
•
Increased businesswomen's participation
I
I
I
.Action Plan:
•
Timely and accessible credit (bringing the funding institution close to micro businesses), tailored to
·clients' income and needs, fast disbursement,, with personal and group guarantees which replace
mortgage as security.
•
Technical training in business manageme1it, marketing, access to markets, about issues needed by
and in the interest of women (gender, new laws on women, etc.)
•
Access to markets through fairs, supp011 from commercial entities, training, etc.
•
Active participation of micro businesswomen in guioeline-setting by micro-funding and business
development institutions.
Goals of the Action Plan
Steps to achieve lhc goals
1.
Provide long-term and sustainable
financial and non-financial services to
\VOmen at micro and small businesses,
reaching a larger number of users.
I.
Institutional consolidation and setting up of
new service premises (branches or municipal
.banks) in order to reach a larger universe of
micro businesswomen.
2.
Encourage a more fom1al organization of
micro-funding entities in order to provide
new services to micro businesswomen
(savings, housing credit, sale of shares,
etc.)
Reach the mral· areas with financial and
non-financial services.
2.
Working to obtain a more fonnal organization
of micro-funding institutions in the face of
regulatory and supervising agencies.
3.
Jncenti vcs from cooperation agencies in order
to establish agencies, which may provide
financial and training services in mral areas.
Management of economies ofscalc, in order to
cover operation costs and access to new
sources of extemal funding.
Promote successful work by micro-funding
institutions, and show the current large demand
for micro-credit
3.
4;
Acllieve financial sustainability of
institutions providing credit and training
to the micro-business sector.
5. Obtain stronger support from national and 5.
. international cooperation agencies (both
bilateral ahd multilateral) to fund
expansion of the credit portfolio intended
for micro businesswomen.
6. Motivate micro-funding and business
6.
development institutions, so that they
include women in their guideline and
decision-making processes.
7. Access to information about potential
7.
micro-credit Clients.
4.
Train micro businesswomen and raise
awareness among them, in connection with
participation processes.
Obtain access to risk centers and other
information tools about credit users.
·-
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
First Lady's Work on Children’s Issues and Women’s Rights
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
White House Office of Records Management (WHORM)
Caligraphy Office
Chief of Staff
Domestic Policy Council
First Lady’s Office
Management & Administration
Millennium Council
Public Liaison
Special Envoy for the Americas
Women’s Initiative and Outreach
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1995-2000
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36054" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0198-F Segment 4
Description
An account of the resource
<p>This collection contains records regarding conferences and events attended and hosted by the First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton. The key events in this collection consist of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, Vital Voices, Beijing +5, and the Early Childhood Development Conference. The records include background materials in preparation for each of these conferences.</p>
<p>This collection contains records from the following offices: White House Office of Records Management, Calligraphy Office, Chief of Staff, Domestic Policy Council, First Lady's Office, Speechwriting, Management & Administration, Millennium Council, Public Liason, Special Envoy for the Americas, and Women’s Initiative and Outreach. The collection includes records created by: Ann Lewis, Harold Ickes, Cheryl Mills, Linda Cooper, Ann Bartley, Lisa Caputo, Lissa Muscatine, Marsha Berry, Eric Massey, Nicole Rabner, Shirley Sagawa, Christine Macy, June Shih, Laura Schiller, Melanne Verveer, Alexis Herman, Ruby Moy, and Doris Matsui.</p>
<p>This collection was was made available through a <a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/freedom-of-information-act-requests">Freedom of Information Act</a> request.</p>
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Office of Records Managment
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Adobe Acrobat Document
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
11/14/2014
Extent
The size or duration of the resource.
301 folders in 30 boxes
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
Paper
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Vital Voices
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Box 28
<a href="http://clintonlibrary.gov/assets/Documents/Finding-Aids/2006/2006-0198-F-4.pdf">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="http://catalog.archives.gov/id/2534569">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0198-F Segment 4
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Adobe Acrobat Document
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Medium
The material or physical carrier of the resource.
Reproduction-Reference
Date Created
Date of creation of the resource.
11/14/2014
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
42-t-20060198f4-028-010
2534569