World YWCA ITI participants build advocacy and networking skills
As participants of the current World YWCA International Training Institute (ITI) shared some of the challenges they face in their newly affiliated YWCA member associations, clear similarities began to emerge.
Lacks of funds, infrastructure challenges and the feelings of isolation are issues that many member associations can struggle with but participants attending the ITI are determined to find creative ways to grow their YWCAs and motivate members to become involved.
As part of the weeklong training, Jane Connors of the Office of the High Commission of Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland presented an advocacy session on the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination of Women (CEDAW) and the Committee of the Status of Women. The session was an opportunity for participants to learn more about some of the international conventions and committees available for those working in women’s rights.
For a number of participants, the session was very inspiring." We have to be aware of what is happening in our country. We can join our hands as women to try and make a difference,“ said Jacqueline Muhorakeye, General Secretary YWCA of Burundi.
" It is good to know about things like CEDAW but at times it seems that the international policy level is far away from the reality that we work in, " said Fransisca Aldo Maharani from the YWCA of Indonesia.
World YWCA General Secretary Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda encouraged the participating YWCAs to become familiar with CEDAW. " The 2007 World YWCA Council adopted a resolution requesting the YWCA movement to place emphasis on CEDAW implementation as an affirmation of the organisations commitment to global action for women,“ said Gumbonzvanda.
The YWCAs of Honduras, Indonesia, Burundi, Sudan, Mozambique and Congo Brazzaville will continue the capacity building and leadership development training until November 28, 2008.
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