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632. Women's Rights, Indigenous Rights, and Social Cohesion in Latin America
- Author:
- Jane S. Jaquette
- Publication Date:
- 10-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University
- Abstract:
- The exclusion of indigenous peoples is a critical issue in several countries of Latin America and has become more salient as the indigenous themselves have mobilized. Pressures from below are changing the contours of politics, most notably in Bolivia and Ecuador, but also in Guatemala, Peru, and even in Mexico, which has the largest indigenous population of any country in the Western hemisphere.
- Topic:
- Democratization, Demographics, Ethnic Conflict, Gender Issues, and Political Economy
- Political Geography:
- Latin America, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Bolivia
633. The Other Side of Gender: Men as Critical Agents of Change
- Author:
- Joseph Vess, Gary Barker, Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini, and Alexa Hassink
- Publication Date:
- 12-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- United States Institute of Peace
- Abstract:
- Understanding how the ascribed roles of men and women and masculine and feminine identities contribute to and can help mitigate violence in conflict and postconflict settings is an emerging field of enquiry in conflict management and gender and peacebuilding studies. This enquiry builds upon, complements, and significantly contributes to the work of the women, peace, and security agenda, especially as seen through UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Men are usually perceived to be the primary perpetrators of violence in times of war. Research indicates, however, that men are not inherently violent. This shift in understanding is contributing to a recognition that men are also victims and witnesses of many forms of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence. In expanding our perceptions about men's experiences, further studies indicate that this may help stop the cycle of violence. In this way, men can become critical agents of change to end these multiple forms of violence. Expanding knowledge of men's diverse experiences during war and the underlying causes and mechanisms that lead to violent behavior has important policy implications. Understanding the various paths to violence is particularly important when dealing with postconflict situations. Postconflict policies need to take account of these varied paths to violence and the notions of hyper-masculinity created by violent conflict. Policies also need to recognize that during conflict the roles of men and women often undergo radical change. Restoration to preconflict role models is often impossible. For example, in preconflict situations men derive much of their sense of identity from the fact that they are economic providers. In many postconflict situations, the economy is in shambles and most men will not be able to get jobs. As a result, in many postconflict settings, men and boys often experience a loss of identity leading to extreme emotional stress, substance abuse, and a continuous cycle of violent behavior, including sexual and gender-based violence.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Conflict Prevention, Political Violence, Gender Issues, Peace Studies, and War
- Political Geography:
- United Nations
634. The Balancing Act: Women, Work and Family in the United States and France
- Author:
- Anne-Marie Slaughter and Najat Vallaud-Belkacem
- Publication Date:
- 10-2013
- Content Type:
- Video
- Institution:
- Columbia University World Leaders Forum
- Abstract:
- This World Leaders Forum program titled, The Balancing Act: Women, Work and Family in the United States and France, will feature a conversation between Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Minister for Women's Rights and Government Spokesperson of France, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, President of the New America Foundation. The discussion will be moderated by Alondra Nelson, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, and will be followed by a question and answer session with the audience. In her essay "Why Women Still Can't Have It All," published in The Atlantic in 2012, Anne-Marie Slaughter fueled a national debate on how the difficulties of finding a work-family balance have limited women in the top echelons of business and government. The French Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem defends the belief that national policies can and should be used to support women's personal and professional goals and to implement a "real equality between women and men." These two public figures and high-profile career women will discuss gender equality in the U.S. and in France. They will also discuss strategies to ensure that the next generation of women and men can have enough for all.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues and Labor Issues
- Political Geography:
- United States, Europe, and France
635. Pakistan's 2013 elections: what implications for exclusion and fragility?
- Author:
- Clare Castillejo
- Publication Date:
- 06-2013
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution
- Abstract:
- Pakistan's election result was a vote for the status quo and has clearly maintained power in the hands of the country's political elite. However, analysis of the election process and outcome does indicate some shifts in the deeply entrenched patterns of political, social and economic exclusion that fuel Pakistan's fragility. On the negative side these include increased splits among the provinces and a more dominant Punjab, as well as greater threats to minorities and secular voices. However, some positive trends also emerge. These include a possible increase in political appetite for economic reform and development investment; growing political confidence among Pakistan's women; and the political engagement of the urban youth and middle-class populations with an interest in changing Pakistan's corrupt political system. As the international community begins to engage with Nawaz Sharif's new government it must recognise the importance of addressing exclusion as a major cause of Pakistan's instability. In particular, it must seek new entry points in the post-election environment to support the emergence of a more inclusive political settlement in Pakistan.
- Topic:
- Corruption, Democratization, Economics, Ethnic Conflict, Gender Issues, and Islam
- Political Geography:
- Pakistan and South Asia
636. Fostering of Civil Society by Muslim Women’s NGO-s in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Author:
- Muhidin Mulalic
- Publication Date:
- 12-2013
- Content Type:
- Journal Article
- Journal:
- Bilgi
- Institution:
- Sakarya University (SAU)
- Abstract:
- The fostering of civil society is vital in multiethnic, multicultural, multi-religious and post-conflict societies such as that of BosniaHerzegovina. Therefore, this paper examines the role of Muslim women’s Non Government Organisations (NGOs) in fostering civil society in BosniaHerzegovina. In this regard, this paper puts in perspective the present role of Muslim women’s NGOs by providing the theoretical background and a survey of NGOs in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In order to determine the role and function of Muslim women’s NGOs, the author examines the main criteria of civil society functions such as control of political power, monitoring of political participation and elections, promoting anti-corruption awareness, advocating values of human rights, tolerance and understanding, offering civic training, promoting civic education and public issues through media, and promoting conflict resolution and inter-faith dialogue. By analyzing civil society functions this paper answers the question of Muslim women’s NGOs involvement in socio-political aspects of a democratic state and fostering of civil society in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The author uses an ethnographic methodology, written sources and interviews in analyzing two leading Muslim Women’s NGOs such as Nahla Education Center for Women and Kewser-Zehra Association of Muslim Women. The results of this paper indicate that although Muslim women’s NGOs in theory do not meet some of the criteria to be considered a civil society actor, especially those of a political and legal nature, they are, nonetheless, significantly involved through their various activities in sociopolitical aspects of the democratic state and, as such, they have contributed significantly towards fostering of civil society in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- Topic:
- Civil Society, Gender Issues, Religion, NGOs, and State Building
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Bosnia and Herzegovina
637. Women’s Economic Empowerment in Afghanistan, 2002-2012: Information Mapping and Situational Analysis
- Author:
- Rahim Azami, Massouda Kohistani, and Lena Ganesh
- Publication Date:
- 11-2013
- Content Type:
- Research Paper
- Institution:
- Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit (AREU)
- Abstract:
- In the recent socio-economic culture of Afghanistan, as in most countries since the industrial revolution’s introduction of the artificial division between production and reproduction, women’s participation in the labour economy, whether productive or reproductive, has been invisible and unaccounted for in much policy-making, planning and budgeting. In parallel, socio-cultural practices specific to Afghanistan—often an uncertain mix between the Shari’āh and the customary laws followed by different ethnicities and tribes—have adversely affected the living conditions of women and girls. As a consequence, women’s practical and strategic needs have not been addressed by consecutive regimes. In parallel, the discourse of women’s human rights has not permeated much of the more recent rhetoric around “gender empowerment” to materially and politically improve the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Women, Economic Policy, and Economic Development
- Political Geography:
- Afghanistan and South Asia
638. Transforming Health: International Rights-Based Advocacy for Trans Health
- Publication Date:
- 02-2013
- Content Type:
- Special Report
- Institution:
- Open Society Foundations
- Abstract:
- Trans people across the world face substantial barriers to adequate health and health care. They are targets of discrimination and violence, are at greater risk of contracting HIV, and experience a higher incidence of mental health problems like depression. They face discrimination from health care providers, a lack of doctors trained to address their needs, and the refusal of many national health systems and insurance providers to cover their care. Yet trans communities are building alliances to promote trans health and to fight for policies that respect gender diversity and human rights. This report profiles projects from 16 organizations in twelve countries that address these barriers. These projects offered general health services as well as those related to gender transition, trained health care providers to respond to the needs and concerns of trans patients, conducted public education campaigns about discrimination against trans people, advocated for legal and medical policy changes, and organized trans communities to empower themselves. Collecting insights from these projects, Transforming Health makes recommendations to governments, rights advocates, health professionals and public health organizations, and health and rights donors.
- Topic:
- HIV/AIDS, Gender Issues, Health, Discrimination, LGBT+, Public Health, Sexual Health, and Transgender
- Political Geography:
- Global Focus
639. Maternal Health in Nigeria: With Leadership, Progress is Possible
- Author:
- Jennifer G. Cooke and Farha Tahir
- Publication Date:
- 01-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
- Abstract:
- As the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target date of 2015 approaches, there is a growing sense of urgency among international agencies to intensify efforts on the global challenge of maternal health, where, according to the 2012 MDG progress report, levels of maternal mortality remain “far from the 2015 target”. In 2012, both the G - 8 and the African Union made maternal and child health a keystone of their respective annual summits , and the United Nations launched the Global Strategy for Women ' s and Children ' s Health at a special General Assembly event. A 2 012 global summit in London, co - led by the Gates Foundation, the UK government, and the UN Population Fund, generated $2.6 billion in donor pledges for family planning, a critical element of maternal health. The United States has made maternal health an increasingly important element in U.S. global health efforts, manifested most recently with the launch in June 2012 of the Saving Mothers, Giving Life initiative. The initiative, an ambitious public - private partnership intended “ to drive efficiencies, spur innovation, and ensure impact ” in maternal health , has the strong backing of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, for whom maternal and child health, and women's empowerment more generally, have been consistent priorities.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Health, Humanitarian Aid, and Health Care Policy
- Political Geography:
- Africa
640. Strengthening U.S. Investments in Women's Global Health
- Author:
- Janet Fleischman and Alisha Kramer
- Publication Date:
- 05-2013
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
- Abstract:
- U.S. policymakers and private-sector partners increasingly appreciate the importance of targeted U.S. investments in women's health to achieve global health outcomes, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.With budgetary constraints worsening, progress in women's health will require maximizing investments by engaging new partners, identifying program synergies, and aligning with countries' national priorities to meet women's needs. Such strategic coordination—involving maternal newborn and child health, voluntary family planning, and HIV and AIDS services—presents new opportunities to expand the impact of U.S. investments.
- Topic:
- Gender Issues, Health, Humanitarian Aid, Foreign Aid, and Health Care Policy
- Political Geography:
- Africa and United States