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Civic Education

Because democracy requires informed participation, citizens must understand ideas about citizenship, politics and government. They need knowledge to make decisions about policy choices and the proper use of authority, along with the skills to voice their concerns, act collectively and hold public officials accountable. Civic education is the process by which the public is made aware of social and political rights and responsibilities, as well as the principles and practices of action. Civic education can also build heightened awareness of the gaps between law and practice, the conditions of marginalized groups and other issues requiring collective action. Civic education can provide a link between education and action, empowering actors with the tools, skills and attitudes necessary to influence change. Women’s groups may conduct civic education specifically tailored to women, informing them of their rights and ultimately strengthening their movement and influence.

From the Library

Report on Constituency Dialogues in Cambodia 2010

NDI‟s January to September 2010 constituency dialogues revealed significant consistencies in the concerns facing Cambodians across the program‟s 12 provinces: land conflicts; agricultural challenges, particularly irrigation needs and access to markets; pervasive corruption, especially among local authorities; unequal application of the law and lack of justice for the poor; and infrastructure and development needs, such as roads, health centers, schools, and electricity. There were remarkably few differences in the main issues from those in NDI‟s CD program the previous year. In 2010, NDI found that Cambodians had a pervasive sense that although their country‟s economy was growing, this development was benefiting the rich and connected, and not the average Cambodian. Feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction underscored people‟s remarks, and participants were outspoken and critical at the events.

Consolidated Response on the Impact of Illiteracy on Young Women's Political Participation

In electoral and decision-making processes, women - and especially young women - often find themselves spectators rather than active participants. While there are many factors at play, non-education stands out as one of the key reasons for the lack of young women’s political participation. Women remain disproportionally affected by illiteracy in all parts of the world, but in Africa and Asia in particular girls face considerable difficulties acquiring basic reading and writing skills.

This consolidated response will first discuss how illiteracy and non-education affect political participation for young women. It will then examine how these issues can best be tackled by reviewing a number of strategies, policies and special programmes that have been used around the world to tackle illiteracy and help girls and young women engage in politics.

Combating Trafficking in Persons: A Handbook for Parliamentarians

Jointly produced by the IPU and UNODC, the Handbook on Combating Trafficking in Persons is intended to encourage parliamentarians to take an active part in stopping human trafficking. It contains a compilation of international laws and good practices developed to combat human trafficking. It offers guidance on how national legislation can be brought in line with international standards. It outlines measures to prevent commission of the crime of trafficking in persons, to prosecute offenders and to protect victims. It also contains advice on how to report on this crime and how to enlist civil society in the cause.

Empowering Parliaments through the Use of ICTs

The study, published by the United Nations Development Programme, has developed an analytical framework that focuses on the three core functions of Parliaments - legislation, representation and oversight - and establishes links between them. It provides concrete examples of the importance of ICTs for the empowerment and increased credibility of parliamentary institutions.

The new wave of sexism against today's women leaders

maawuli's picture

There are still men, in this day and age, who believe that women are less competent than men and that men are superior to women. This new wave of refined sexism especially in today’s politics does not typically take the form of a 1960 blatant sexism that is deliberate, direct and visible, but comes in more subtle and covert ways. This shows that it is not only critical to enhance women’s access to opportunities and positions, but it is extremely important that solidarity mechanisms are put in place to support women in leaderships when they come under unjust attacks.

Arab Human Development Report 2009

Arab Human Development Reports (AHDRs) engage institutions and citizens in the Arab countries in global concerns so as to build understanding and consensus around regional and national development priorities. They also identify disadvantaged groups of population and regions and suggest policies, strategies and opportunities for investment to benefit them. They target Arab decision-makers and opinion leaders in governments and civil societies. As instruments for measuring human progress and triggering action for change, the AHDRs feed into and draw upon the data and analysis of the global Human Development Reports. Taking the human development approach to the regional level, the AHDRs promote regional partnerships for influencing change and region-specific approaches to human rights, poverty, education, economic reform, HIV/AIDS, and globalization. Prepared and owned by Arabs as an advocacy tool designed to appeal to a wide audience, they spur public debates and mobilize support for action and change through processes of consultation, research and report writing. They have helped to articulate perceptions and priorities in the region, and have served as a source of alternate policy opinion for development planning across varied themes.

Urban Women's Listserve

Urban Women's Listserve The urban women's listserve is an international forum with the objective of facilitating an exchange of information and sharing of experiences, resources, and strategies to advance women's rights and gender equality in local governance and local governments. The listserve is open to all womens's groups, activists, institutions, equality-seeking organizations, women in local government - elected officials, administrators, staff, partners, women urban professionals, etc. Men are also welcome. We encourage you to post listings pertinent to this subject and to engage with participating members. Please be respectful of the diversity of opinions and experiences of all participants. A short description of your interests and focus of work will help us to keep the list clean of SPAM. The listserve is moderated by Toronto Women's City Alliance (TWCA). www.twca.ca To subscribe write to: urban_women-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Consolidated Response on the Prevention of Family Voting

This consolidated response includes descriptions of family and proxy voting and provides recommendations on how to eliminate family voting through holding trainings and public awareness campaigns, strengthening legislative frameworks, and sensitizing election commissioners and observers on issues faced by women.

Ina Puken Tula Tuen Lewotana - The Woman Who Changed the World

This video introduces Petronela Peni, the first woman village head in Flores. Gender inequality in her customs made the struggles of Peni and her women colleagues difficult, but gradually she won the trust and support of her people. As a village leader Peni is trying to make breakthroughs in simplifying funeral and wedding rituals which have been financially burdening poor villagers. Click below to watch the video:

Gender and Society: Georgia

This report attempts to draw a general picture of the situation in Georgia, from a gender perspective. It discusses gender issues in public and private lives separately, and addresses gender differences in human and social capital as well.