FOKUS Strategy

Transcription

1 FOKUS Strategy Adopted by the General Assembly on November 24, 2011

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3 Contents 1. Introduction Vision Overall Goal FOKUS purpose Internationallegislation, conventions and standards Clarification of terminology... 6 Women s rights... 6 Rights-based approach... 6 Women s organizing... 7 Gender FOKUS target group Main pillars of FOKUS work Advocacy and communications Program cooperation FOKUS as a resource center Priority thematic areas Women and climate change Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) Violence against women Women, peace and security Women s economic participation and rights Women s political participation and rights Geographic priorities Roles, strategic priorities and evaluation

4 1. Introduction FOKUS consists of 77 organizations (as of 1/01/12). These include women s organizations, diaspora organizations and women s committees in political parties, trade unions, and solidarity and development aid organizations. At any time, between 20 and 30 of these organizations operate projects. FOKUS was formally established in 1995 by 41 women s organizations in Norway, but its origins date back to 1989, when the women s organizations began their collaboration on the Telethon titled Women in the 3rd world. With funding from the Telethon, a secretariat was established to manage the support for women s organizations in Norway which ran project activities in collaboration with sister organizations in the South. In 2005, FOKUS was again chosen as the recipient of the Telethon ( The Dream Catcher ), this time with the theme of violence against women. FOKUS has framework agreements with Norad (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation) for assistance and informational support, as well as an agreement with Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion on the preparation and monitoring of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. FOKUS work is based on the knowledge, work methods and goals of women s organizations in Norway. This is used to build partnerships with sister organizations internationally and in the (global) South to realize women s rights and improve their living conditions. This is our contribution to development. In this strategy, the main points from the previous strategy period remain unchanged. There is a continued emphasis on thematic and geographical concentration of activities and a focus on results and their documentation. The cornerstones of our work and priorities continue, but in a more concrete form. The strategy is global and therefore includes all parts of FOKUS operations, aiming to develop them further. FOKUS aims to be an even clearer advocate and supporter of improving women s economic, social and political situation in the South. To achieve this, FOKUS has prioritized six issues: women and climate change; women s sexual and reproductive health and rights; violence against women; women, peace and security; women s political rights; and women s economic rights. To ensure that our work is of high quality, programs and projects will be further concentrated geographically. We will also place special emphasis on capacity building in order to improve the various efforts. The strategy is based on FOKUS bylaws and on the activities of its member organizations. It aims to develop the various aspects of FOKUS operations. The strategy also aims to ensure that FOKUS becomes a better resource and a more active advocate for women and development issues. FOKUS Strategy - 4 -

5 2. Vision Women united change the world Our vision is a just world where women s organizations form the basis of equal societies free from oppression. 3. Overall goal FOKUS bylaws state: FOKUS overall goal is to work towards the improvement of women s social, economic and political situation internationally, with an emphasis on countries in the South. 4. FOKUS purpose FOKUS shall be the women s organizations knowledge and resource center on international women s issues. Through development cooperation and advocacy, FOKUS shall work to improve women s social, economic and political situation internationally with an emphasis on countries in the South. Through information activities, FOKUS shall work to increase the Norwegian society s knowledge and understanding of the situation of women and their role in development. FOKUS shall aim to strengthen contact and cooperation between women s organizations in Norway in their international commitments. 5. International legislation, conventionsand standards FOKUS bases its work first and foremost on: The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979): Optional Protocol to CEDAW (1981): The BeijingDeclaration and Platform for Action 1995 : Regional conventions on the elimination of discrimination against women. FOKUS thematic policy documents are essential management tools that address the most important human rights documents within each theme. 1 The 12 strategic objectives from the Beijing Platform of Action are: women and poverty; education and training of women; women and health; violence against women; women and armed conflict; women and the economy; women in power and decision-making; institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women; human rights of women; women and the media; women and the environment; the girl-child

6 6. Clarification of terminology Women s rights Universal laws and human rights apply to everyone regardless of context, but in reality, cultural and socio-economic power differences in the population result in discrimination against women, their unequal protection and fewer opportunities. A focus on women s rights is a clarification of existing human rights through the lens of power relations. Women s rights are typically associated with, but not limited to, the right to education, the right to organize, to participate in decision making, the right to bodily integrity, sexual and reproductive rights, voting rights, the right to work and equal pay for work of equal value, property rights, the right to enter into contracts and rights related to marriage, parental rights and religious rights 2. The most important legal tool for women s human rights is the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979), which guarantees every woman s right to health, education, employment, political participation, access to credit, land and water, and marriage and divorce on an equal footing with men. The action plan from the UN women s conference in Beijing in 1995 focuses on 12 critical areas which are to be given special priority in order to achieve equality between women and men. The action plan contains binding targets and specific suggestions for methods and measures that will strengthen women s social, political and economic situation. Despite the fact that 185 countries have signed and ratified CEDAW, much work still remains before national legislation is completely in line with the standards of the Convention. To ensure implementation of women s fundamental rights, national and local authorities, including the justice sector, must be held responsible by the civil society. Women s knowledge about their rights, organization, participation and mobilization are therefore essential in the fight for the complete fulfillment of women s rights. Rights-based approach Working rights-based means identifying the rights to be improved, who the rights holders are (those who have rights and therefore can claim them) and who the duty bearers are (those responsible for fulfilling the rights). Given that women are not a homogeneous group, the focus needs to be specifically on marginalized women. By facilitating women s participation, the individual woman s own efforts will be strengthened. To best realize women s rights, both international and national laws must be implemented. A rights-based approach to development is often viewed as synonymous with moving away from service delivery to focusing on advocacy and campaigns to claim rights. A rights-based approach does not only imply advocacy, it also aims to realize the rights in practice. So-called service delivery may be part of a rights-based approach, as long as the activities are placed within a broader framework in which rights and duties are clearly defined, and where proactive efforts to ensure that women s rights are met are part of the activities. 2 Hosken, Fran. Towards a Definition of Women s Rights in Human Rights Quarterly, Vol. 3, No. 2. (May, 1981) FOKUS Strategy - 6 -

7 Women s organizing Around the world, women actively work through various organizations for a better life. In many communities, this work is impeded by rigid gender roles and power structures. In order to be active participants in civil society, women s organizations must be efficient, have a sound structure and the necessary knowledge. On this basis, the mobilization and organization of women is central in FOKUS visions and goals, as a value, but also as a means to achieve the realization of civil, cultural and social rights, the right to a life without violence, and rights related to economic and political participation. Sex/Gender Sex refersto biological differences between men and women, while gender refers to the socially constructed differences and relations between men and women. The latter is learned, can change over time and varies considerably both within and between societies and cultures. These socially constructed differences determine what is considered appropriate for women and men. Socially constructed gender differences (gender) are closely linked to ethnicity, class, caste, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression 3. This understanding of the terms sex and gender is fundamental to FOKUS work. 7. FOKUS target group FOKUS target group is discriminated women of all ages, who don t get their rights fulfilled. Young women, as well as the elderly, are particularly vulnerable groups which deserve special attention. When FOKUS works for women, this also includes girls, where appropriate. Women are a diverse group, and FOKUS shall specifically prioritize women from vulnerable groups, such as: the poor, widows, indigenous women, internally displaced persons, lesbians/bisexual/ transgender people, victims of violence and women with disabilities. Secondary target groups are other stakeholders and duty bearers, such as public authorities, leaders and decision makers at all levels, and personnel in educational institutions, political parties, employers, etc. Men and boys are to be included as a target group if their inclusion will contribute to a positive change in women s situation. 3 Gender identity is understood to refer to each person s deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth. Gender expression is understood to refer to ones personal expression of gender, and involves dress, hairstyle, make up, speech, body language and mannerisms

8 8. The main pillars of FOKUS work FOKUS activities consist of three main pillars: advocacy and communication; program/project cooperation; and knowledge and resource center. All work is to reflect the reality in the South and be based on the situation of women there. Advocacy shall be based on information and input from partners, and FOKUS shall promote the spokesperson role of women s organizations in the South. Similarly, the knowledge and capacities of the member organizations shall guide our work, including through the strategic use of FOKUS thematic working groups. During the strategy period, a special emphasis shall be given to the involvement of diaspora organizations in all aspects of our work. 8.1 Advocacy and communication Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall have become the main agenda setter on women s and development issues for the media, civil society organizations and authorities in Norway. FOKUS shall have become a significant player in international fora, which bases its work on the situation of women and women s organizations in the South. FOKUS advocacy efforts shall be rooted in experience and knowledge of women and partner organizations in the South. Advocacy includes all types of work FOKUS does to promote women s rights in program countries, in various international fora, before the Norwegian authorities, interest groups and the media. This requires that FOKUS have extensive knowledge of women s rights. FOKUS shall raise debate and concentrate on neglected issues important to women. Additionally, FOKUS shall contribute to a dynamic debate that includes a diversity of viewpoints on women and development issues. Advocacy takes place on several levels: Targeting the United Nations system. Core activities include: actively participating in the Commission on the Status of Women; cooperating with and lobbying UN Women; and participating in issue-specific UN forums. This requires input from and cooperation with international networks and women s organizations in the South. FOKUS role as a national committee for UN Women provides a unique opportunity to exert influence and channel the knowledge and views from the South into central debates. A separate strategy on FOKUS role as a national committee for UN Women and its work with CEDAW Committee shall be developed. Targeting Norwegian politicians and authorities: FOKUS shall prioritize working through its parliamentary network. FOKUS shall intensify its efforts directed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad in relation to the issues of women in development and women s rights. Advocating before national governments in program countries to promote women s rights and their implementation. First and foremost, FOKUS shall work to support our South partners advocacy initiatives/campaigns which: Promote the ratification and implementation of international human rights documents Contribute to changing laws in order to recognize women s rights and improve the situation of women Contribute to converting laws into concrete policies and allocating resources to implement needed measures Raise awareness among women regarding their rights and understanding of what it means to their lives Strengthen women s capacity to claim their rights and to demand that the rights are continuously adapted to the needs of women FOKUS Strategy - 8 -

9 Communications: Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall be perceived as a significant actor and advocate on international women s issues. FOKUS work shall be visible and noticeable at as many national and international arenas as possible. FOKUS shall be regarded as a knowledge and resource center specializing on the situation of women in the South. FOKUS shall conduct communications initiatives to create commitment to and understanding of women s position and role in the South. Communication activities shall be multi-faceted, and directed at our member organizations and partners in the South, other solidarity and development aid organizations, researchers and researchcenters, and the Norwegian authorities. FOKUS also has a social responsibility to educate the general public. Through the active use of media, knowledge about the situation of women will reach the public. FOKUS shall facilitate participatory processes through: Initiating debate by presenting information and issues, and influencing the authorities and public opinion Continuing to network, including organizing networking conferences, where organizations from Norway and the South come together to learn, express opinions, and present their demands Organizing and supporting seminars, conferences and campaigns as fora for debate and launching clear message Actively networking with international organizations specializing in communication and advocacy to highlight and improve women s situation FOKUS shall: Make active use of various communication channels for different audiences. This includes printed publications, the website and social media, based on FOKUS communication strategy. 8.2 Program cooperation Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall have completed the process of moving from a project approach to one of having comprehensive programs consisting of several projects. The core of FOKUS program cooperation shall continue to be a comprehensive program approach where individual projects, and in some cases entire programs, are run by its member organizations in cooperation with partners in the South. Working from a program approach, individual projects are linked together in a holistic program that is either thematically or geographically based or has a common target group. The different projects contribute to a shared program goal, which is greater than the sum of its parts. Working jointly in one program increases the sharing of experiences and thus the learning that can occur across projects. Programs must be rooted and owned locally. The member organizations are responsible for the development of cooperation with partners in the South, while partner organizations are responsible for the implementation. In addition, an institutional collaboration can be established between the FOKUS Secretariat and corresponding networks or secretariats in the South. In certain cases, the FOKUS Secretariat can develop programs in direct collaboration with partners in the South. These programs shall not compete with the core activity of FOKUS, which is programs run by member organizations. The focus on results and their improved documentation shall continue. This will be achieved through the development of systems to document the results and the strategic use of overarching thematic evaluations

10 In order to work systematically with capacity building and the sharing of experiences aimed at elevating the quality of its work, FOKUS shall concentrate its program activities geographically and thematically. This means that new projects will only be started in areas where FOKUS already has an established program, unless special circumstances dictate otherwise. Efforts to establish long-term programs shall continue, and will be based on the working methods already developed. FOKUS shall mainly prioritize geographic areas where: Women need support to strengthen their rights and organizational efforts to fight against discrimination There already exist well-established women s organizations, or there is a potential for women s organizing FOKUS member organizations have expertise and experience and the ability to get results from their efforts There are networking opportunities nationally, regionally and internationally. FOKUS priority issues are prominent There are opportunities to collaborate with like-minded Norwegian organizations and to promote women s rights in Norwegian development policy The principles of program cooperation shall be elaborated in FOKUS program/ project strategy. 8.3 FOKUS as a knowledge and resource center Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall have become a national and international knowledge and resource center and a meeting place for collaboration on and information about women and development issues. There shall be an emphasis on strengthening documentation and analysis activities in order to become an even stronger player in this area. To achieve this, systematic collection, documentation and analysis of knowledge and experience of FOKUS and the partners work shall be strengthened. Knowledge and experiences shall be disseminated through publications, courses, lectures and seminars. New routines shall be put in place to ensure that partners in the South, as well as FOKUS own programs, set the agenda. There will be a continued focus on capacity building at all levels in the FOKUS network, both in Norway and in the South. Member organizations, the board, the Secretariat and partner organizations shall receive training on improving technical and professional qualifications relevant to their work. Participation in work groups, advocacy and communication efforts, and development cooperation are important aspect of capacity building. 9. Priority thematic areas FOKUS shall continue the thematic priorities of the previous strategy period, but with some adjustments and clarifications, and with the addition of a new theme, women and climate change. Women and climate change Sexual and reproductive health and rights Violence against women Women, peace and security Women s economic participation and rights Women s political participation and rights For each theme, the policy documents that specify FOKUS role shall be revised/ developed. FOKUS Strategy

11 9.1 Women and climate change Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall promote women s participation in decision making processes related to climate change, promote a gender perspective in the international climate debate and climate change agreements, and help to ensure women s access to new technology. Climate conditions affect women and men in different ways, and the skewed distribution of power means that men have greater access to technology and credit and are more present in the forums where important decisions are taken. Women are, therefore, relegated to the sidelines when preparedness measures directed at climate disasters or post-disaster reconstruction efforts are planned or implemented. Food production is often affected severely by climate change, and since women are the main producers of food, it is especially important that they be included in climate change adaptation measures. Women s use of natural resources, however, remains invisible, their knowledge is not included in the planning, and their needs in relation to technological solutions are not heard. FOKUS shall, through program and advocacy work, support partner organizations in their efforts to: Ensure women s right to political participation and control over resources so that they can contribute to measures against climate change adapted to women s needs and choices Ensure the training of women in technology and their access to technology, and ensure that women s traditional knowledge is maintained and used in climate change adaptation measures Ensure that women s knowledge and experiences are included in the work of emergency preparedness and rehabilitation after climate disasters 9.2 Sexual and reproductive healthand rights (SRHR) Objectives for strategy period: FOKUS shall work for increased knowledge about and the realization of women s sexual and reproductive rights. Sexual and reproductive rights are meant to ensure that everyone has access to adapted information about and the right to achieve good sexual and reproductive health and control over their own body. Customized information for young women and girls is important in the development of confidence and a sense of security regarding their body and sexuality. This includes the right to decide over one s own sexuality, to freely decide whether, when and how many children they should bear, and to safely undergo pregnancy and childbirth without unnecessary risk. The current situation is, however, that approximately 358,000 women die each year from pregnancy-related complications; 99% of these are in developing countries. An important milestone in the effort to enhance women s sexual and reproductive rights was the Cairo Conference in 1994, which stated that population and development must be viewed in context, and that women s rights must be central. The realization of these rights is also essential to the fulfillment of other human rights. Equality objectives such as education, equity in pay, and political participation are not achievable without considering women s sexual and reproductive health. FOKUS shall, through program and advocacy work, support partner organizations in their efforts to: Promote the development of legislation that ensures women s SRHR and see this in relation to the right to participation and economic independence Increase women s and girls knowledge about SRHR and involve men and boys in instances where it can strengthen the achievement of these rights

12 Increase access for young women, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons to personalized health care Ensure access to safe maternal health, contraception, and legal and safe abortions HIV/AIDS will be a recurrent theme in SRHR work. 9.3 Violence against women Objective for the strategy period: FOKUS shall actively contribute to a world without violence against women. Violence against women constitutes a serious obstacle to development and gender equality. It is a clear violation of human rights that ultimately hinders women s full and equal participation in society, thus contributing to a democratic deficit. Violence is not just perpetrated by individuals. It can also be committed by the State itself or representatives of the State in order to suppress women s political demands for rights pertaining to them. Identifying the responsible authorities and appropriate legal framework that ensures the right of women to a life without violence is among the most important activities of the women s movement, both in the North and the South. Within the theme of violence against women, FOKUS shall prioritize: Gender-based violence and violence in close relationships Violence in close relationships refers to violence against a woman by a family member, intimate partner (including spouse) or former partner. Violence can be physical, psychological, economic and sexual in nature. Perpetrators use it to exercise or maintain power and control by forcing the victim to submit to their will. This type of violence is characterized by repetition over time, and the victim experiences the violence as continuous and persistent. Female genital mutilation Female genital mutilation includes partial or total removal of the external portions of the female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs, whether for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reasons. This practice has no health benefits; moreover, it represents a serious violation of women s and girls human rights and can leave lasting pain, suffering and even result in death. Trafficking in women Trafficking in women is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of women for the purpose of exploiting them in prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, by using violence, threats or abuse of a vulnerable situation. FOKUS shall, through program and advocacy work, support partner organizations in their efforts to: Improve the legislation and policies in relation to violence against women, including sexual assault and hate-related violence 4 against women and girls Assertively promote measures to protect women s rights and protect them from abuse by strengthening the role of women as agents of change in their communities and in contact with the authorities Eradicate violence in close relationships Eradicate female genital mutilation Eradicate trafficking in women, including prostitution, with the assumption that these phenomena are interrelated and represent violence against women Provide women with a place to seek support and refuge in emergency situations 4 In the context of this strategy, hate-related violence refers to the violence exercised against lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons. FOKUS Strategy

13 Offer women and girls access to mental, physical and economic assistance and possible compensation Change men s behavior through measures which advance gender equality 9.4 Women, peace and security Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall work towards the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security 5, which aim to ensure protection and respect for women s and girls rights during and after war and conflict, and their participation in peacebuilding. Women and men are affected differently by armed conflict, and it is therefore important to have a gender perspective on measures to protect civilians during conflict as well as on judicial procedures, peace negotiations and reconstruction. While systematic sexual violence against women is often used as a war strategy in many conflicts, fewer than eight percent of participants in peace negotiations are women. In 2000, the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security was approved with the goal of increasing women s participation in efforts related to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, as well as the strengthening of their protection and rights in conflict and post-conflict situations. Resolution 1325 requires the full inclusion of women in peace processes and is binding for UN member countries. FOKUS shall, through program and advocacy work, support partner organizations in their efforts to: Strengthen knowledge about and organizing around the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 for women affected by conflict Promote women s right to participate in peace and reconstruction processes End impunity for sexual abuse as a part of warfare, including through legal assistance to women Ensure measures to provide women who have been abused a safe shelter and appropriate medical attention Ensure that women and young girls are safe from abuse by those who should protect them in refugee camps and in flight situations Document and provide legal support to women who are deprived of estate in war and conflict 9.5 Women s economic participation and rights Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall promote women s economic rights and independence. These rights must be formally secured, made known to women and realized. Women constitute the majority of the over one billion people living in poverty. Economic policies and institutions lack a gender perspective and women s lack of access to forums where financial decisions are made makes the gap between women and men even greater. Women s living conditions must be improved through their own income, good working conditions and control over economic resources. To strengthen women s economic participation, the right to education and vocational training is significant. FOKUS shall, through program and advocacy work, support partner organizations in their efforts to: Ensure that women have a formal right to inherit and own property and to have greater control over economic resources Ensure that women have their own income and the ability to provide for themselves and their families Ensure that women s rights as workers are fulfilled, including equal pay for work of equal value Promote women s right to an education Promote women s economic, social and cultural rights 5 FNs Sikkerhetsrådsresolusjoner 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010)

14 9.6 Women s political participation and rights Objectives for the strategy period: FOKUS shall contribute to realizing women s political rights, making them known and promoting women s participation in political decision-making processes at all levels. Women have formal political rights equal to men in most countries; however, they are significantly underrepresented in major governing bodies and, as a result, remain outside the power structures that make the decisions which affect their lives. In order to change this, women must increase their participation in decisionmaking in political bodies at local, regional and national levels and gain access to the media. Only then can women s voices be heard and their needs taken into account. Through programs and advocacy work, FOKUS shall support partner organizations in their efforts to: Strengthen women s participation in democratic process by making sure they use their suffrage. Support initiatives which advance women s political participation and decision making on all levels, including through increasing their knowledgesuch that they can do targeted lobbying Increase women s visibility in the media Ensure that women are heard in decisions which affect them and their rights 10. Geographicpriorities As Norway s only knowledge and resource center on women and development issues, FOKUS must have a global perspective with regard to its activities, and must base its work on a comprehensive understanding of women s situation and how it changes over time. Because of this, it has become necessary for FOKUS to reduce the number of program countries in order to facilitate improved country expertise and systematic monitoring of the activities. In the coming strategy period, the following regions will be part of FOKUS geographic priority areas: East, West and Southern Africa, South Asia, Central America, the Andean region of South America, and the MENA region (the Middle East and North Africa). See more about this in section 8.2. and in the program/project strategy where principles for program/project cooperation are elaborated upon. 11. Roles, strategic priorities and evaluation This strategy is broad both geographically and thematically, and provides the overarching framework for what FOKUS will prioritize in this period. Political developments at international and national level and the financial situation will dictate priorities at any given time. The General Assembly and the Board play a central role in ensuring that the strategic direction is maintained; they are the ones to make decisions on thematic and geographic priorities. FOKUS Secretariat shall contribute to the implementation of the strategy, perform its regular tasks and provide advice to the FOKUS network. Project strategy and policy documents are to be revised as a result of the overall revision of the strategy. The Board and the Secretariat are responsible for including the member organizations properly in that process. FOKUS shall conduct annual internal reviews of the implementation of this strategy. Two years prior to the expiry of the strategy, an evaluation of the strategy shall be carried out by the Board and the results will be presented to the General Assembly. FOKUS Strategy

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16 FOKUS Strategy FOKUS Storgt.11 - N-0155 OSLO Tel: Fax: fokus@fokuskvinner.no Internet: