Forthcoming visit of Ms. Yakin Erturk, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, to Tajikistan, February 2008
International campaign 16 days of activism to stop VAW - plan for actions
Briefing on development of a joint programme
Follow-up to previous discussions
News from members
Summary discussion and proposed follow-up:
1. Forthcoming visit of Ms. Yakin Erturk, United Nations Special Rapporteur (SR) on Violence against Women, to Tajikistan, February 2008
The Tajik Government has confirmed arrival of Ms. Yakin Erturk to the country. The GTG has to prepare background documents for the mission, including recommendations for the programme of visit and informational materials on the VAW issues in Tajikistan. Supposedly, during the visit, there would be planned 2 days, devoted to the conferences, 2 days- to the field visits and 1 day- to the meeting with donors. Using this opportunity, the Gender Theme Group could lobby the passing by the Parliament of the Domestic Violence Law.
Conclusions and Follow-up:
Tasks, identified for the Gender Thematic Group, have been shown as follows:
to summarise the information package, regarding the situation on VAW and Trafficking in Human Beings (TiHB) in the country, including its vision of the State obligations on the issue
to recommend a meeting between the UN Country Team and SR during her visit
to recommend a meeting with the Principals? Group (DFIF, OSCE, EU, ADB, WB, AKDN, ILO, IOM, etc) for making the presentation on Resource Mobilization Exercise into the visit?s programme
Visit of a shelter created in Khujand with OSCE?s support will be recommended.
since the presentations of the Special Rapporteur are usually being accompanied by the case studies, the meetings with representatives of the Association of NGOs, Association of Crises Centres, and Reproduction Health Centres are to be organized. The Gender Thematic Group members are welcome to think of proposals on the regions to be visited. It is desirable to give an opportunity to the Rapporteur to compare the state supported Crisis Centres and those supported by the donors.
To recommend to include into the visit?s programme the meeting with the Republican Council of Oulems (religion structure)
A short-term task for the Gender Thematic Group is to split oneself, according to the mandate of the organizations, for preparation of the information package for the UN Special Rapporteur (girls and education, TiHB, VAW, etc.). The results are welcome by 30 November.
International campaign 16 days of activism to stop VAW ? plan for actions
It is planned to have 1-day meeting with the Coordination Council, Mass Media, NGOs and representatives of the Parliament.
The NGOs "Traditions and Modernity" and "Panorama" plan to make a presentation and the training on Unified registration system in the crisis centres of the country. The NGOs, Ministry of Interior, State Statistic Agency are to be present.
For securing the participation of the NGOs from remote regions the appropriate funds are needed. The OSCE and MSDSP expressed their interests.
It is planned to have organized the actions- "mobile visits" into the regions for rendering vivid consultations on the topic in place.
Conclusions and Follow-up:
The Gender Theme Group needs to have lists of local pools of trainers - Lawyers and Psychologists (Kulyab has already submitted its working schedule, Garm, Soughd, RRSs, etc). There are no fees envisaged, unless the Donors express their willingness to make a financial support to work of their experts. Availability of such experts during the ?days? is highly appreciated.
The mentioned information (schedule of work, places of possible visits, and lists of experts) is required the soonest. The Group also extremely needs local partners to have the events organized.
Briefing on development of a joint programme
The Matrix on events is to be filled by the Agencies, since there are many gaps. As practice shows, there is a great interest to the Service Delivery issues. After the presentation, the Heads of Agencies expressed their wish to see the recommendations on Gender Based Violence. To do that, the following is needed to be finalised:
Needs assessment
Expected services delivery in place
Mapping
Policy level recommendations
The hired Gender Expert Ms. Farzana Bari, upon finishing her work, has recommended:
To have elaborated the common strategy of the Government on the issue, including its Action Plan, National Strategic Framework
Have identified the types of shelters, needed for the regions, how many of them, geographical mapping, level of services delivery, target groups. For the purposes of calculating the costs, the economist, skilled in gender sensitive budgeting is highly needed.
To have known the commitments of partners involved.
Conclusions and Follow-up:
To ask for putting the presentation by the Gender Theme Group representative into agenda of one of UNCT's meetings to be chaired by a new UN Resident Coordinator upon his arrival (after 18 November).
In this regard, the Group must outline major items on the issue for the joint programming and for stimulating the UN Agencies. The contribution is expected from the UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, other agencies. The follow-up presentation for the Donors is to be made early next year.
Follow-up to previous discussions
It was reminded to the members that the "Gender Mainstreaming" 2-days training would be organized by an international expert Ms. Shahrbanou Tajbakhsh. It will take place on 4-5 December 2007 at UN premises.
Due to the limited number of trainees, the Group's members are kindly requested to (re-) confirm their participation.
5. Information from members
OSCE:
is organizing today the pilot training on gender issues for the directors of 25 capital schools at the Civil Servants' Training Institute.
Will conduct gender mainstreaming training for its staff. The training is facilitated by 2 gender experts from OSCE Vienna.
Other issue discussed:
- The members agreed on need to educate the journalists on gender issues, since the social problems' solving could be easily perverted if the journalists are not properly trained. Due to their insufficient knowledge and unprofessional approach to their job, firstly suffers the civil society.
- Gender FPs are expected to provide info for calendar of gender-related events to ensure adequate coordination and information sharing.
Minutes are prepared by Diana Ismailova, UNDP CP Gender Specialist
Members of the Gender TG
UNDP MDG and Anticorruption Projects
Representatives of local NGOs
Agenda:
? Presentation ?Gender equality in PRSP ? priorities, advantages and gaps? by Elena Mezentseva, UNIFEM Consultant (presentation)
? Overall Discussions
? Third Women?s NGOs Forum, October 2006 ? information from Gender and Development NGO
Decisions:
1. Gender Theme Group will consider possibilities to provide its expertise for other interagency sectoral groups (on health, education, etc.) to reflect gender-specific issues within their recommendations/suggestions on draft PRSP
2. A working group will be established by local NGOs to review, discuss and provide their recommendation and comments to reflect gender specific needs and priorities in PRSP. The working group?s representatives will conduct consultations with PRSP editorial team to come to a common consensus/decision concerning gender-related needs and perspectives.
3. UNIFEM will assist the NGOs? working group in facilitation of a participatory consultative process.
4. UNIFEM will share findings of gender analysis of key sectoral policies within PRSP (analysis is being currently undertaken with a support of the international consultant) with the NGOs? Working Group and relevant interagency sectoral working groups.
5. Third Women?s NGOs Forum planned for the beginning of October will provide a further ground for wide consultations on perspectives of promotion of gender equality in Tajikistan, including national commitments made with PRSP/NDS. Selection of participants of the Forum is being undertaken on a basis of criteria identified (profile of NGO, experience in local poverty alleviation actions, geographic focus, etc.). Gender and Development NGO will consider a suggestion to lead the NGOs? working group on PRSP.
New members of the Gender Theme Group ? a short self-presentation (Laura, AKDN and Takhmina, ACT Central Asia)
Findings of the assessment of the law on equal rights and opportunities ? Christine, ABA/CEELI
National Development Strategy ? where we are ? UNDP/UNIFEM
International Day on Violence Against Women (28 November) ? what do we plan
News for members
Conclusions:
I. Findings of the assessment of the law on equal rights and opportunities ? Christine, ABA/CEELI
ABA/CEELI completed assessment of Tajik law on equal rights and opportunities in comparison with international standards and practice
Assessment where CEDAW?s principles are not reelected in national legislative framework will be done by LegalSupportCenter (local NGO)
Both assessments represent a whole evaluation exercise
Key areas where is a room for advocacy have been identified
Needs for amendments, provisions with weak language (in regard of CEDAW), missed specifics and provisions for implementation are identified.
No systematic approach in implementation and monitoring. Should Committee on Women and Family Affairs monitor the implementation of the law or do we need a specific body/machinery?
What is missed in Tajik law:
-violence against women;
-sexual harassment and other types of harassment;
-obligations to pay on an equal basis for the same work.
What could be stronger:
-temporary special measures to achieve quality. No reference to de-facto equality;
-equal access to education (quality of education) ? no obligation of the Government to prevent discrimination in education sector;
-participation in political and public life ?no real obligation; it should not be just suggestion;
-equal access to job seems to be limited. No reference to promotion, compensation and other aspects of work;
-realities to provide equal opportunities in regard of access to property and assets have to be addressed .
Implementation and monitoring:
-in accordance with international practice there is a number of possible ways for implementation & monitoring. No reference in Tajik law;
-no high level national machinery to monitor implementation and monitor complaints;
-in reference to Liability ? not clear at all;
- what results (support) can expect victims of discrimination.
Statistics - no general obligation of the Gov. to collect gender disaggregated statistics
More provision on resolution mechanisms is needed - complaint mechanism? Ombudsman? Procedures are not clear.
Discussions:
Shanti Dairiam?s report on draft lawdefined weaknesses and unclear definitions. Unfortunately, concerns were not taken into account for the final version of the law by its developers.
It is more efficient of the law includes all aspects, and not jut reference to other laws or normative acts where discrimination is addressed (key argument of the Parliament and Government was that discrimination is addressed in a number of laws and legislative acts)
Decision:
National round table will be organized with a possible facilitation by local NGOs with participation of the Parliament, Government, mass media. Gender experts from some ministries could be co-facilitators.
Possible date - 10 December (Human Rights Day)
Christine, ABA/CEELI, will prepare a concept note for a round table. Members of the Gender TG will see opportunity for co-financing.
II. National Development Strategy ? where we are
-3 National Working Groups (on infrastructure, environment and gender) out of12 have not provided any input to develop the NDS
-Gender expert is being hired to support Gender WG. Position is advertised and will be funded by UNDP.
-Training is needed for all WGs how to mainstream gender into national policy
-UNIFEM is organizing a workshop (23-25 October) in Bishkek on promoting gender equality in MDG-based PRSP. 2 members of the WGs (1 ? from WG on entrepreneurship and 1 ? from Gender WG) will participate.
Decision:
To request UN RC to contact the Government to raise issues of gender mainstreaming into NDS ? in all sectoral policies (a letter could be sent). A reference to weak capacity of existing national machinery has to be made.
III. Committee on Women and Family Affairs as a key partner ? how to improve capacity and promote its leadership on gender mainstreaming
Discussions:
-OSCE ? project of capacity building for the Government of gender: participants of Moscow?s training will develop 5-day training modules for gov. servants (level of deputies ministers, mixed groups of local khukumat?s staff). A specialgroup ? Committee on WFA.A possible module ? gender budgeting
-Possible solutions:
Informal trainings for the Committee on WFA ? each month by a small group of Gender FPs for a specific topic (CEDAW, etc.). No need for external facilitator or findings
Possible volunteers: a) interns of the LegalSupportCenter to volunteer at the Committee on WFA; b) students of Universities where gender training is a part of curriculum.
Decision:
Discuss with Ms. Sherova, head of the Committee. Approx. date of the meeting withMs. Sherova ? Friday, 21 October
IV. International Day on Violence Against Women (28 November)
-Round table (SDC/ABA/CEELI) in July ? discussions on Bulgaria?s experience on legislation on domestic violence
-Visit to Shelter in Khujand (established by GulrukhsorCenter with a support of OSCE) ? 10 clients since August
-The Government was reluctant in regard of creation of working group to revise draft law on domestic violence (as it was suggested by SDC)
-SDC Gender FP will be contacted to clarify what is planned
V. News from members of the Gender TG
UNICEF:Survey/study/MICS ? field work finalized; CAP study on HIV/AIDS;Monitoring & Learning Achievement ? gender disaggregated date for schools
ABA/CEELI: Legal Support Centers - operational fully and networked with other partners (BovariCenter, etc.). Open for partners
OSCE ? a) survey on social attitude of civil servants on gender issues. Draft questionnaire will be shared with GTG; b) together with UNIFEM ? project on women?s property rights. Will be followed with trainings for young lawyers. National conference is planned after 2 November ? Mavlonova will be invited; Recommendations will be sent for review of the GTG
Shahidi?s Foundation: mobile exhibition on gender and culture is under consideration . Funded by EU.
1. Introduction 2. Implementation of the Resolution of the UN Security Council 1325 by concerned institutions (Government, UN Agencies, NGOs) Ms. Liliya Zaharieva, UNTOP Ms. Dilafruz Nazarova, UNTOP 3. Presentation of Quantitative Gender Gap Analysis done by CARE Tajikistan in the frame of gender mainstreaming Ms. Lyuba Djalladyan - CARE Tajikistan
Main Outcomes of the Meeting:
1. UNTOP presented action plan to implement Resolution of UN Security Council 1325 for consideration by members of gender thematic group (both action plan and UN Security Council Resolution attached to the present minutes). Other organizations dealing with gender issues are invited to participate in the activities set up by action plan. As per action plan UNTOP is planning to conduct round table on implementation of Resolution of UN Security Council 1325 at the end of January 2005. Those interested in these activities can address Ms. Lilia Zaharieva and Ms. Dilafruz Nazarova from UNTOP. 2. CARE Tajikistan presented main findings of both quantitative and qualitative gender gap analysis in the frame of CARE Gender Equity and Diversity (GED) policy. Study had been of internal character and provided a lot of useful information about internal organizational atmosphere and policy. Short information about outline of the study and findings is attached. CARE Tajikistan had been requested to share with interested organization its methodology. For further issues please address Ms. Lyuba Djalladyan. 3. OSCE informed about its activities in the frame of coming elections campaigns aimed at advancement of role of women in elections process. OSCE is going to produce short documentary film on women's participation in elections and awareness about elections process. OSCE suggested that members of gender thematic group can be involved in discussing/commenting scenario of the film. Those interested can contact Ms. Gunta Robezniece, OSCE 4. OSCE is planning to work with newly elected Parliament as well as public service school on gender sensitization. 5. OSCE invited Ms. Dono Abdurazakova, Gender Advisor from UNDP RBEC to provide gender sensitization and mainstreaming training for high level officials from Government of Tajikistan. Training is taking place on 1-2 of December 2004. Members of Gender thematic group are invited to attend the training. Those interested can contact Ms. Gunta Robezniece, OSCE 6. OXFAM is going to conduct pilot research "Cotton and Gender". Research will start in December and will last for three months. It will focus primarily in Khatlon province, but OXFAM is planning to cover all the country. Study will be lead by international consultant in cooperation with local experts. 7. In the end of January 2005 OXFAM is holding a conference on "Good Practices in Rural Water Management" which will focus on drinking water. Gender will be addressed as a cross-cutting issue. Those interested can contact Ms. Nargis Nurollokhoja from OXFAM. 8. During the meeting Ms. Nargis Nurullokhoja shared with participants a book of Ms. Collete Harris "Control and Subversion" which analyses gender issues in Tajikistan. It is a first serious scientific publication about gender in Tajikistan; therefore it is suggested to translate it into Tajik and Russian. E-version of this book can be obtained from Ms. Nargis Nurullokhoja.
At the end of the meeting it had been suggested that members of the gender thematic group can be more active and can directly address each other for exchange.
Date: October 14, 2003 Venue: Meeting Hall of the Government of RT
Chaired by The chairperson of the Coordination Council - Koimdodov K.K., Deputy
prime-minister of RT on the issues of the argoindustrial complex
Attendants Members of the Coordination Council
Hamidov H.H. - Minister of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan
Rahmatov T.R. - Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan
Gulmahmadov D.H. - Chairperson of the State Committee on Land Use of RT
Djabborov O.A. - Chairperson of the State Committee on Statistics of the Republic
of Tajikistan
Tagoev S. - Head of the Department of Agriculture and Land Use of the Executive
Machinery of
the President of RT
Nasredinova L.Sh. - Chairperson of the Committee on women's and family issues
under the Government of RT
Kurbanova Z. - UNIFEM Project Manager
Rahimova B. - UNIFEM Project Consultant
Absentees were out of Dushanbe
Kurbanova R.A. - Director of the Department of Health on the Issues of Women
and Family of the Executive Machinery of the President of RT
Mirzoeva V.M. - Director of the Public Organization "Gender and Development"
Sharipova S.Sh. - Director of the National Association of Business Women of
Tajikistan
Also those mentioned below invitees participated in the meeting:
Sotirov V. - Representative of the UN Secretary General in RT, Head of UNTOP
Munzim D. - Administrative-finance Assistant of the UNIFEM Project
Bobobekova M. - Journalist
Erlih K. - Representative of HOVAR agency
The meeting was opened by the Chairperson of the Coordination Council, Koimdodov
K.K.
The agenda of the meeting is approved.
On approval of the Provisions on the Coordination Council. On the work plan.
Distribution of responsibilities.
On organization of the process of monitoring of the realization of land
reforms and observation of the right of women for access to land.
On establishment of the working group for development of the draft of the
amendments to the State Program "Main directions of the State Policy
for provision of equal rights and opportunities for men and women in RT for
2000-2010" as a section "Protection of economical rights of women".
1. Kurbanova Z., UNIFEM Project Manager, presented short information about
UNIFEM Project (the information is attached).
The opinions about the name of the project, its goals and objectives were exchanged.
As a result of the discussion the Coordination Council decided:
- support UNIFEM Project, its goals and objective;
- charge Hamidov H.H., Minister of Justice, with editing of the name of the
Coordination Council focusing on the realization of women's rights for economical
resources, including land, till October 21, 2003.
2. On the first question of the agenda the Coordination Council made a decision:
- approve, in general, provisions on Coordination Council, work plan and distribution
of the responsibilities of the members of the Coordination Council (see attached).
3. On the second question of the agenda the Coordination Council decided:
- charge the organization of the monitoring of the implementation of the land
reform from the gender point of view to the State Committee on Land Use of the
Republic of Tajikistan (Gulmamadov D.K.) together with the UNIFEM Project, representatives
of the District Working Groups and Oblast representatives of the UNIFEM Project.
- agree with the suggestions on collecting the data on monitoring (monitoring
report form is attached).
- conduct round tables in December 2003 on the results of the monitoring of
the implementation of land reforms in reorganized farms in the regions of project
implementation together with oblasts and districts' hukumats. The topic of the
round tables: Land reform. Experience. Problems and ways to solve them.
- inform the Coordination council about the work fulfilled in January 2004.
4. On the third question of the agenda the Coordination Council decided:
- organize a working group on the development of the draft of the amendments
to the State Program "Main directions of the State Policy on ensuring of
equal rights and opportunities for men and women in RT in 2001-2010" as
a section "Protection of economical rights of women".
Responsible:
Department of Health on the women's and family issues of the Executive Machinery
of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Committee on the issues of women
and family under the Government of RT, UNIFEM Project.
- discuss the ready draft of the set of amendments to the State Program among
active members of women's committees of oblasts, towns and district of Tajikistan;
- submit the final version of the draft of the amendments to the State Program
for the approval of the Coordination Council in the first quarter of 2004.
Send the minutes #1/5-13 of the meeting of the Coordination Council to the
members of the Coordination Council for examination and execution.
Chairperson of the Coordination Council
Koimdodov K.K.
Secretary of the Coordination Council
Kurbanova R.A.
Forthcoming visit of Ms. Yakin Erturk, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, to Tajikistan, February 2008
International campaign 16 days of activism to stop VAW - plan for actions
Briefing on development of a joint programme
Follow-up to previous discussions
News from members
Summary discussion and proposed follow-up:
1. Forthcoming visit of Ms. Yakin Erturk, United Nations Special Rapporteur (SR) on Violence against Women, to Tajikistan, February 2008
The Tajik Government has confirmed arrival of Ms. Yakin Erturk to the country. The GTG has to prepare background documents for the mission, including recommendations for the programme of visit and informational materials on the VAW issues in Tajikistan. Supposedly, during the visit, there would be planned 2 days, devoted to the conferences, 2 days- to the field visits and 1 day- to the meeting with donors. Using this opportunity, the Gender Theme Group could lobby the passing by the Parliament of the Domestic Violence Law.
Conclusions and Follow-up:
Tasks, identified for the Gender Thematic Group, have been shown as follows:
to summarise the information package, regarding the situation on VAW and Trafficking in Human Beings (TiHB) in the country, including its vision of the State obligations on the issue
to recommend a meeting between the UN Country Team and SR during her visit
to recommend a meeting with the Principals? Group (DFIF, OSCE, EU, ADB, WB, AKDN, ILO, IOM, etc) for making the presentation on Resource Mobilization Exercise into the visit?s programme
Visit of a shelter created in Khujand with OSCE?s support will be recommended.
since the presentations of the Special Rapporteur are usually being accompanied by the case studies, the meetings with representatives of the Association of NGOs, Association of Crises Centres, and Reproduction Health Centres are to be organized. The Gender Thematic Group members are welcome to think of proposals on the regions to be visited. It is desirable to give an opportunity to the Rapporteur to compare the state supported Crisis Centres and those supported by the donors.
To recommend to include into the visit?s programme the meeting with the Republican Council of Oulems (religion structure)
A short-term task for the Gender Thematic Group is to split oneself, according to the mandate of the organizations, for preparation of the information package for the UN Special Rapporteur (girls and education, TiHB, VAW, etc.). The results are welcome by 30 November.
International campaign 16 days of activism to stop VAW ? plan for actions
It is planned to have 1-day meeting with the Coordination Council, Mass Media, NGOs and representatives of the Parliament.
The NGOs "Traditions and Modernity" and "Panorama" plan to make a presentation and the training on Unified registration system in the crisis centres of the country. The NGOs, Ministry of Interior, State Statistic Agency are to be present.
For securing the participation of the NGOs from remote regions the appropriate funds are needed. The OSCE and MSDSP expressed their interests.
It is planned to have organized the actions- "mobile visits" into the regions for rendering vivid consultations on the topic in place.
Conclusions and Follow-up:
The Gender Theme Group needs to have lists of local pools of trainers - Lawyers and Psychologists (Kulyab has already submitted its working schedule, Garm, Soughd, RRSs, etc). There are no fees envisaged, unless the Donors express their willingness to make a financial support to work of their experts. Availability of such experts during the ?days? is highly appreciated.
The mentioned information (schedule of work, places of possible visits, and lists of experts) is required the soonest. The Group also extremely needs local partners to have the events organized.
Briefing on development of a joint programme
The Matrix on events is to be filled by the Agencies, since there are many gaps. As practice shows, there is a great interest to the Service Delivery issues. After the presentation, the Heads of Agencies expressed their wish to see the recommendations on Gender Based Violence. To do that, the following is needed to be finalised:
Needs assessment
Expected services delivery in place
Mapping
Policy level recommendations
The hired Gender Expert Ms. Farzana Bari, upon finishing her work, has recommended:
To have elaborated the common strategy of the Government on the issue, including its Action Plan, National Strategic Framework
Have identified the types of shelters, needed for the regions, how many of them, geographical mapping, level of services delivery, target groups. For the purposes of calculating the costs, the economist, skilled in gender sensitive budgeting is highly needed.
To have known the commitments of partners involved.
Conclusions and Follow-up:
To ask for putting the presentation by the Gender Theme Group representative into agenda of one of UNCT's meetings to be chaired by a new UN Resident Coordinator upon his arrival (after 18 November).
In this regard, the Group must outline major items on the issue for the joint programming and for stimulating the UN Agencies. The contribution is expected from the UNFPA, UNDP, UNICEF, other agencies. The follow-up presentation for the Donors is to be made early next year.
Follow-up to previous discussions
It was reminded to the members that the "Gender Mainstreaming" 2-days training would be organized by an international expert Ms. Shahrbanou Tajbakhsh. It will take place on 4-5 December 2007 at UN premises.
Due to the limited number of trainees, the Group's members are kindly requested to (re-) confirm their participation.
5. Information from members
OSCE:
is organizing today the pilot training on gender issues for the directors of 25 capital schools at the Civil Servants' Training Institute.
Will conduct gender mainstreaming training for its staff. The training is facilitated by 2 gender experts from OSCE Vienna.
Other issue discussed:
- The members agreed on need to educate the journalists on gender issues, since the social problems' solving could be easily perverted if the journalists are not properly trained. Due to their insufficient knowledge and unprofessional approach to their job, firstly suffers the civil society.
- Gender FPs are expected to provide info for calendar of gender-related events to ensure adequate coordination and information sharing.
Minutes are prepared by Diana Ismailova, UNDP CP Gender Specialist
Members of the Gender TG
UNDP MDG and Anticorruption Projects
Representatives of local NGOs
Agenda:
? Presentation ?Gender equality in PRSP ? priorities, advantages and gaps? by Elena Mezentseva, UNIFEM Consultant (presentation)
? Overall Discussions
? Third Women?s NGOs Forum, October 2006 ? information from Gender and Development NGO
Decisions:
1. Gender Theme Group will consider possibilities to provide its expertise for other interagency sectoral groups (on health, education, etc.) to reflect gender-specific issues within their recommendations/suggestions on draft PRSP
2. A working group will be established by local NGOs to review, discuss and provide their recommendation and comments to reflect gender specific needs and priorities in PRSP. The working group?s representatives will conduct consultations with PRSP editorial team to come to a common consensus/decision concerning gender-related needs and perspectives.
3. UNIFEM will assist the NGOs? working group in facilitation of a participatory consultative process.
4. UNIFEM will share findings of gender analysis of key sectoral policies within PRSP (analysis is being currently undertaken with a support of the international consultant) with the NGOs? Working Group and relevant interagency sectoral working groups.
5. Third Women?s NGOs Forum planned for the beginning of October will provide a further ground for wide consultations on perspectives of promotion of gender equality in Tajikistan, including national commitments made with PRSP/NDS. Selection of participants of the Forum is being undertaken on a basis of criteria identified (profile of NGO, experience in local poverty alleviation actions, geographic focus, etc.). Gender and Development NGO will consider a suggestion to lead the NGOs? working group on PRSP.
New members of the Gender Theme Group ? a short self-presentation (Laura, AKDN and Takhmina, ACT Central Asia)
Findings of the assessment of the law on equal rights and opportunities ? Christine, ABA/CEELI
National Development Strategy ? where we are ? UNDP/UNIFEM
International Day on Violence Against Women (28 November) ? what do we plan
News for members
Conclusions:
I. Findings of the assessment of the law on equal rights and opportunities ? Christine, ABA/CEELI
ABA/CEELI completed assessment of Tajik law on equal rights and opportunities in comparison with international standards and practice
Assessment where CEDAW?s principles are not reelected in national legislative framework will be done by LegalSupportCenter (local NGO)
Both assessments represent a whole evaluation exercise
Key areas where is a room for advocacy have been identified
Needs for amendments, provisions with weak language (in regard of CEDAW), missed specifics and provisions for implementation are identified.
No systematic approach in implementation and monitoring. Should Committee on Women and Family Affairs monitor the implementation of the law or do we need a specific body/machinery?
What is missed in Tajik law:
-violence against women;
-sexual harassment and other types of harassment;
-obligations to pay on an equal basis for the same work.
What could be stronger:
-temporary special measures to achieve quality. No reference to de-facto equality;
-equal access to education (quality of education) ? no obligation of the Government to prevent discrimination in education sector;
-participation in political and public life ?no real obligation; it should not be just suggestion;
-equal access to job seems to be limited. No reference to promotion, compensation and other aspects of work;
-realities to provide equal opportunities in regard of access to property and assets have to be addressed .
Implementation and monitoring:
-in accordance with international practice there is a number of possible ways for implementation & monitoring. No reference in Tajik law;
-no high level national machinery to monitor implementation and monitor complaints;
-in reference to Liability ? not clear at all;
- what results (support) can expect victims of discrimination.
Statistics - no general obligation of the Gov. to collect gender disaggregated statistics
More provision on resolution mechanisms is needed - complaint mechanism? Ombudsman? Procedures are not clear.
Discussions:
Shanti Dairiam?s report on draft lawdefined weaknesses and unclear definitions. Unfortunately, concerns were not taken into account for the final version of the law by its developers.
It is more efficient of the law includes all aspects, and not jut reference to other laws or normative acts where discrimination is addressed (key argument of the Parliament and Government was that discrimination is addressed in a number of laws and legislative acts)
Decision:
National round table will be organized with a possible facilitation by local NGOs with participation of the Parliament, Government, mass media. Gender experts from some ministries could be co-facilitators.
Possible date - 10 December (Human Rights Day)
Christine, ABA/CEELI, will prepare a concept note for a round table. Members of the Gender TG will see opportunity for co-financing.
II. National Development Strategy ? where we are
-3 National Working Groups (on infrastructure, environment and gender) out of12 have not provided any input to develop the NDS
-Gender expert is being hired to support Gender WG. Position is advertised and will be funded by UNDP.
-Training is needed for all WGs how to mainstream gender into national policy
-UNIFEM is organizing a workshop (23-25 October) in Bishkek on promoting gender equality in MDG-based PRSP. 2 members of the WGs (1 ? from WG on entrepreneurship and 1 ? from Gender WG) will participate.
Decision:
To request UN RC to contact the Government to raise issues of gender mainstreaming into NDS ? in all sectoral policies (a letter could be sent). A reference to weak capacity of existing national machinery has to be made.
III. Committee on Women and Family Affairs as a key partner ? how to improve capacity and promote its leadership on gender mainstreaming
Discussions:
-OSCE ? project of capacity building for the Government of gender: participants of Moscow?s training will develop 5-day training modules for gov. servants (level of deputies ministers, mixed groups of local khukumat?s staff). A specialgroup ? Committee on WFA.A possible module ? gender budgeting
-Possible solutions:
Informal trainings for the Committee on WFA ? each month by a small group of Gender FPs for a specific topic (CEDAW, etc.). No need for external facilitator or findings
Possible volunteers: a) interns of the LegalSupportCenter to volunteer at the Committee on WFA; b) students of Universities where gender training is a part of curriculum.
Decision:
Discuss with Ms. Sherova, head of the Committee. Approx. date of the meeting withMs. Sherova ? Friday, 21 October
IV. International Day on Violence Against Women (28 November)
-Round table (SDC/ABA/CEELI) in July ? discussions on Bulgaria?s experience on legislation on domestic violence
-Visit to Shelter in Khujand (established by GulrukhsorCenter with a support of OSCE) ? 10 clients since August
-The Government was reluctant in regard of creation of working group to revise draft law on domestic violence (as it was suggested by SDC)
-SDC Gender FP will be contacted to clarify what is planned
V. News from members of the Gender TG
UNICEF:Survey/study/MICS ? field work finalized; CAP study on HIV/AIDS;Monitoring & Learning Achievement ? gender disaggregated date for schools
ABA/CEELI: Legal Support Centers - operational fully and networked with other partners (BovariCenter, etc.). Open for partners
OSCE ? a) survey on social attitude of civil servants on gender issues. Draft questionnaire will be shared with GTG; b) together with UNIFEM ? project on women?s property rights. Will be followed with trainings for young lawyers. National conference is planned after 2 November ? Mavlonova will be invited; Recommendations will be sent for review of the GTG
Shahidi?s Foundation: mobile exhibition on gender and culture is under consideration . Funded by EU.
1. Introduction 2. Implementation of the Resolution of the UN Security Council 1325 by concerned institutions (Government, UN Agencies, NGOs) Ms. Liliya Zaharieva, UNTOP Ms. Dilafruz Nazarova, UNTOP 3. Presentation of Quantitative Gender Gap Analysis done by CARE Tajikistan in the frame of gender mainstreaming Ms. Lyuba Djalladyan - CARE Tajikistan
Main Outcomes of the Meeting:
1. UNTOP presented action plan to implement Resolution of UN Security Council 1325 for consideration by members of gender thematic group (both action plan and UN Security Council Resolution attached to the present minutes). Other organizations dealing with gender issues are invited to participate in the activities set up by action plan. As per action plan UNTOP is planning to conduct round table on implementation of Resolution of UN Security Council 1325 at the end of January 2005. Those interested in these activities can address Ms. Lilia Zaharieva and Ms. Dilafruz Nazarova from UNTOP. 2. CARE Tajikistan presented main findings of both quantitative and qualitative gender gap analysis in the frame of CARE Gender Equity and Diversity (GED) policy. Study had been of internal character and provided a lot of useful information about internal organizational atmosphere and policy. Short information about outline of the study and findings is attached. CARE Tajikistan had been requested to share with interested organization its methodology. For further issues please address Ms. Lyuba Djalladyan. 3. OSCE informed about its activities in the frame of coming elections campaigns aimed at advancement of role of women in elections process. OSCE is going to produce short documentary film on women's participation in elections and awareness about elections process. OSCE suggested that members of gender thematic group can be involved in discussing/commenting scenario of the film. Those interested can contact Ms. Gunta Robezniece, OSCE 4. OSCE is planning to work with newly elected Parliament as well as public service school on gender sensitization. 5. OSCE invited Ms. Dono Abdurazakova, Gender Advisor from UNDP RBEC to provide gender sensitization and mainstreaming training for high level officials from Government of Tajikistan. Training is taking place on 1-2 of December 2004. Members of Gender thematic group are invited to attend the training. Those interested can contact Ms. Gunta Robezniece, OSCE 6. OXFAM is going to conduct pilot research "Cotton and Gender". Research will start in December and will last for three months. It will focus primarily in Khatlon province, but OXFAM is planning to cover all the country. Study will be lead by international consultant in cooperation with local experts. 7. In the end of January 2005 OXFAM is holding a conference on "Good Practices in Rural Water Management" which will focus on drinking water. Gender will be addressed as a cross-cutting issue. Those interested can contact Ms. Nargis Nurollokhoja from OXFAM. 8. During the meeting Ms. Nargis Nurullokhoja shared with participants a book of Ms. Collete Harris "Control and Subversion" which analyses gender issues in Tajikistan. It is a first serious scientific publication about gender in Tajikistan; therefore it is suggested to translate it into Tajik and Russian. E-version of this book can be obtained from Ms. Nargis Nurullokhoja.
At the end of the meeting it had been suggested that members of the gender thematic group can be more active and can directly address each other for exchange.
Date: October 14, 2003 Venue: Meeting Hall of the Government of RT
Chaired by The chairperson of the Coordination Council - Koimdodov K.K., Deputy
prime-minister of RT on the issues of the argoindustrial complex
Attendants Members of the Coordination Council
Hamidov H.H. - Minister of Justice of the Republic of Tajikistan
Rahmatov T.R. - Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan
Gulmahmadov D.H. - Chairperson of the State Committee on Land Use of RT
Djabborov O.A. - Chairperson of the State Committee on Statistics of the Republic
of Tajikistan
Tagoev S. - Head of the Department of Agriculture and Land Use of the Executive
Machinery of
the President of RT
Nasredinova L.Sh. - Chairperson of the Committee on women's and family issues
under the Government of RT
Kurbanova Z. - UNIFEM Project Manager
Rahimova B. - UNIFEM Project Consultant
Absentees were out of Dushanbe
Kurbanova R.A. - Director of the Department of Health on the Issues of Women
and Family of the Executive Machinery of the President of RT
Mirzoeva V.M. - Director of the Public Organization "Gender and Development"
Sharipova S.Sh. - Director of the National Association of Business Women of
Tajikistan
Also those mentioned below invitees participated in the meeting:
Sotirov V. - Representative of the UN Secretary General in RT, Head of UNTOP
Munzim D. - Administrative-finance Assistant of the UNIFEM Project
Bobobekova M. - Journalist
Erlih K. - Representative of HOVAR agency
The meeting was opened by the Chairperson of the Coordination Council, Koimdodov
K.K.
The agenda of the meeting is approved.
On approval of the Provisions on the Coordination Council. On the work plan.
Distribution of responsibilities.
On organization of the process of monitoring of the realization of land
reforms and observation of the right of women for access to land.
On establishment of the working group for development of the draft of the
amendments to the State Program "Main directions of the State Policy
for provision of equal rights and opportunities for men and women in RT for
2000-2010" as a section "Protection of economical rights of women".
1. Kurbanova Z., UNIFEM Project Manager, presented short information about
UNIFEM Project (the information is attached).
The opinions about the name of the project, its goals and objectives were exchanged.
As a result of the discussion the Coordination Council decided:
- support UNIFEM Project, its goals and objective;
- charge Hamidov H.H., Minister of Justice, with editing of the name of the
Coordination Council focusing on the realization of women's rights for economical
resources, including land, till October 21, 2003.
2. On the first question of the agenda the Coordination Council made a decision:
- approve, in general, provisions on Coordination Council, work plan and distribution
of the responsibilities of the members of the Coordination Council (see attached).
3. On the second question of the agenda the Coordination Council decided:
- charge the organization of the monitoring of the implementation of the land
reform from the gender point of view to the State Committee on Land Use of the
Republic of Tajikistan (Gulmamadov D.K.) together with the UNIFEM Project, representatives
of the District Working Groups and Oblast representatives of the UNIFEM Project.
- agree with the suggestions on collecting the data on monitoring (monitoring
report form is attached).
- conduct round tables in December 2003 on the results of the monitoring of
the implementation of land reforms in reorganized farms in the regions of project
implementation together with oblasts and districts' hukumats. The topic of the
round tables: Land reform. Experience. Problems and ways to solve them.
- inform the Coordination council about the work fulfilled in January 2004.
4. On the third question of the agenda the Coordination Council decided:
- organize a working group on the development of the draft of the amendments
to the State Program "Main directions of the State Policy on ensuring of
equal rights and opportunities for men and women in RT in 2001-2010" as
a section "Protection of economical rights of women".
Responsible:
Department of Health on the women's and family issues of the Executive Machinery
of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Committee on the issues of women
and family under the Government of RT, UNIFEM Project.
- discuss the ready draft of the set of amendments to the State Program among
active members of women's committees of oblasts, towns and district of Tajikistan;
- submit the final version of the draft of the amendments to the State Program
for the approval of the Coordination Council in the first quarter of 2004.
Send the minutes #1/5-13 of the meeting of the Coordination Council to the
members of the Coordination Council for examination and execution.
Chairperson of the Coordination Council
Koimdodov K.K.
Secretary of the Coordination Council
Kurbanova R.A.
