International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics

International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics
www.iKNOWpolitics.org

E-NEWSLETTER

April 2008
Français / Español

Welcome to the iKNOW Politics e-Newsletter!

Welcome to the second issue of the iKNOW Politics bimonthly e-Newsletter, an exciting tool that provides iKNOW Politics members with instant access to the latest discussions, news, events and resources posted on our network.

As a global online network, iKNOW Politics connects parliamentarians, representatives, candidates, political party leaders and members, researchers, academics and practitioners across borders, generations and other divides, equipping them with the materials, expertise and best practices necessary to make their political mark.

Learn more about iKNOW Politics >>


Our Knowledge

iKNOW Politics creates and shares knowledge worldwide through its online resource library, discussion forums, and the Ask the Experts feature.

Ask the Experts

iKNOW Politics offers a unique tool that allows its members to ask questions of over 100 internationally recognized experts on issues of women in politics. The experts readily provide their expertise and share their experiences in response to queries from members.

We are pleased to highlight the second iKNOW Politics consolidated response on the Rise of Women in Parliaments in Sub-Saharan Africa, prepared to reply to a query from an iKNOW Politics member. This consolidated response highlights a number of factors stimulating the advancement of women in politics in Africa, including gender quotas in politics, national women’s movements, and the spillover effect of democratic values throughout the continent. This consolidated response was compiled in consultations with leading international and regional experts and through in-depth research conducted by the iKNOW Politics staff. Click here to read the full consolidated response

To view the current list of queries and consolidated responses, or to ask iKNOW Politics experts your own question, visit the “Ask the Experts” section of the iKNOW Politics website.

Resources

iKNOW Politics maintains an online library including hundreds of reports, handbooks and training materials from international agencies, research institutions, academia and civil society groups. We recommend the following recently added resources:

Gender Responsive Budgeting In Practice: A Training Manual

This manual outlines how to use gender responsive budgeting as a tool for promoting gender equity, accountability to women’s rights, and efficiency and transparency in budget policies and processes.

Equality in Politics: A Survey of Women and Men in Parliaments

This survey collates insights from both men and women parliamentarians into the factors that shape decision making.

30 Years of Democracy: Riding the Wave? Women’s Political Participation in Latin America

This report analyzes the development of women’s political participation in 18 countries in Latin America since the beginning of the third wave of democratization in the region.

Click here to search our resource library!


Our Voices

iKNOW Politics provides a global forum for women leaders and their supporters to exchange their views and discuss issues essential to women’s political empowerment.

Here is an excerpt from the Strategies and Public Policies Employed to Increase Women's Political Participation circle, written by an iKNOW Politics member in Bolivia:

“We would like to know if you have ever implemented a public policy that helps women enter politics or positively impacts an issue important to women's empowerment. It would be great to hear your thoughts and opinions on this matter to help us promote women in politics and in public offices in our country.” Click here to read more and contribute your thoughts…

E-Discussion Forum

iKNOW Politics’ second e-discussion forum, focusing on Increasing Women’s Political Participation Through Gender Quotas, will take place in May. This global e-discussion will allow iKNOW Politics members, practitioners, activists, women leaders and their male counterparts to exchange views on the topic and develop strategic recommendations on how to effectively promote and implement quotas in various electoral systems. This free and user-friendly discussion forum will create a wealth of knowledge on the focus theme and connect women and their supporters from around the world. Visit the iKNOW Politics website in the coming weeks for information and instructions on how to register for the e-discussion.

Click here to see the existing discussion circles and share your thoughts and experiences with our members worldwide.


Our Stories

Interview of the Month

iKNOW Politics conducts interviews with prominent political leaders to highlight their impacts and achievements and to further inspire women to participate in political life.

Mary Robinson Interview with H.E. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

“It intrigues me that women who have achieved high office are much more likely than their male counterparts to admit mistakes they have made or talk about problems they are encountering.” Read more…

iKNOW News

iKNOW Politics gathers and disseminates news about women’s political participation around the world.

iKNOW Politics Celebrated International Women’s Day with Launches in Brussels and Mexico City

On March 3, iKNOW Politics partners and supporters gathered in Mexico City and Brussels to celebrate women’s achievements in politics and to introduce iKNOW Politics to over 500 women leaders, government representatives, activists, and practitioners. On the day of these launches, more than 4,700 people visited the iKNOW Politics website and about 90 users have become iKNOW Politics members. Read more…

Women Shaping Politics: Gender, Parliamentary Representation and Legislative Agenda

This Regional seminar for Latin American Parliaments was organized by International IDEA, IPU, the Parliament of Uruguay, Parlamenta, and the University of the Republic on March 10-11, 2008, in Montevideo, Uruguay. The seminar provided an opportunity for women parliamentarians and academics to share their views and make recommendations on key issues facing women in the region as well as to discuss some ways for promoting these concerns onto the political agenda. Read more…

Click here to read more news!


Contact us at connect@iknowpolitics.org or visit www.iknowpolitics.org to become an iKNOW Politics Member today!

Click here for French and Spanish versions of the e-Newsletter.

To unsubscribe from this list, please e-mail to: connect@iknowpolitics.org

In This Issue

Our Knowledge
Our Voices
Our Stories
Upcoming Events
iKNOW News


Upcoming Events

25 May-31 May
Training of Trainers on Promoting Equality & Rights for Women for the Asia Pacific

27 May-29 May
Women's Leadership Conference 2008

June 1
Call for Papers: First European Conference on Politics and Gender

Click here for more events on our Calendar!


iKNOW Politics Experts

From our expert network, in this issue we are pleased to profile Nkoyo Toyo, Lawyer, Governance Specialist and a Feminist from Nigeria. Read more …


iKNOW Politics is One and Going Strong!

We are proud to announce that iKNOW Politics celebrated its first anniversary with the following achievements over the past 12 months:

  • Over 2,200 members from more than 150 countries
  • More than 11,000,000 hits
  • Almost 1,000,000 visitors
  • More than 1,000 resources in the iKNOW Politics library

Click here to read more about our achievements and to leave your best wishes for iKNOW Politics on its One-Year Anniversary

UNDP

UNIFEM

NDI

IDEA

IPU