Objectives:

1. to draw attention to the widespread use of gender-based violence as a political weapon in violation of International Human Rights Conventions.
2. to discuss what Governments/NGO’s could and should do to combat and prevent this through the implementation and monitoring of UN SC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and its subsequent resolutions.
3. to formulate a recommendation on the outcome of the discussion. 

NB. We also want to emphasise how empowerment, participation and leadership of women can protect against and prevent violence. 

Speakers

1. Hibaaq Osman, Director KARAMA :  on the situation in the MENA Region and its solution.
2. Speaker on the situation in the Congo and other countries South of the Sahara and its solution.
3. Mr Jan Reynders, MenEngage or another member of MenEngage on the situation and role of men.
4. Government speaker on the importance of NAP 1325 (National Action Plans).
5. Ms Horeya Megahed, IAW Representative at the Arab League on the role of the Arab League.
6. Speaker on the role of the Council of Europe 

Chairs

1. Director of KARAMA Ms Hibaaq Osman 

2. President of International Alliance of Women Ms Joanna Manganara.

Speakers will include representatives from South Africa, Cameroon and India

The International Alliance of Women (IAW) is hosting a side event on the financial crisis, recession and women, which will take place in New York City during the 58th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 10–21 March 2014.

Read more here

*What’s the Problem?*
_Catcalls, sexist comments, public masturbation, groping, stalking, and
assault. Gender-based street harassment
<http://www.stopstreetharassment.org/about/what-is-street-harassment/>
makes public places uncomfortable and frightening for many girls, women,
and LGBQT people. It limits their access to public spaces.

*_What is It?
_*Meet Us On the Street: International Anti-Street Harassment Week is an
opportunity to collectively raise awareness that street harassment
happens and that it is unacceptable. Hundreds of groups and thousands of
people in multiple countries participate every year.

The campaign is sponsored by IAW

Hosting society: adf/svf
Draft schedule:
Oct 2: Arrivals and  registration
Oct 3 – 5: Meetings
Oct 6 – 7: Visit to the UN in Geneva and other places of interest
Oct 8: Departures

The NGO Committee on the Status of Women, Geneva, and its partner organizations, will host an NGO Forum as part of the UNECE ( United Nations Economic Commission for Europe)  Regional Review of Beijing+20 (Geneva, 6-7 Nov.  2014).This NGO Forum will examine the 12 critical areas of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, to review progress made, remaining gaps and existing challenges. The Forum will also identify emerging women’s issues brought on by a changing world and seek government accountability for their commitments made to women’s rights, equality and empowerment initiatives. The outcome of the NGO Forum will feed into the ECE Regional Review Process and contribute to the Global Beijing+20 Report, as well as, the post-MDG agenda. 

See flyer:
Beijing+20 NGO Forum savethedate 2014-01-20

2014 Theme:

From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World:
Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Gender-Based  Violence

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Hosted by UN Women as part of The Secretary General’s UNiTE campaign, in commemoration of the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women (25 November). 

This year’s activities are focused on generating action and awareness at a general level.

The schedule of commemorative day events is as follows: 

24 November: Both the Empire State Building and the UN building will be lit up in orange to draw attention to the issue.
25 November: A commemorative event will be hosted from 10am – 12pm in the ECOSOC chamber. The event will feature live performances that highlight the importance of taking the “UN to the streets,” as well as a celebration of the work that has already been accomplished. 

25 November: Panel Discussion, “Violence against Women: Best Laws and Policies – Learning from the winners of the 2014 Future Policy Award” from  3:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium.