🗓️ When: Monday, 14 July, 8:00 AM New York | 2:00 PM Geneva | 3:00 PM Aden (check your time zone)

📞Where: on Zoom! Register now to receive the link!

💬 What: Join the conversation to learn about the issues of landmines in Yemen and exchange strategies for the elimination of landmines.

The exchange is open to WILPF members, partners or other allies so feel free to invite friends or colleagues interested in the subject matter. With the current threats to the Mine Ban Treaty, this webinar can be an opportunity to discuss our disarmament actions for the elimination of landmines.   See the invitation in the email below for more details!

Dear WILPFers,

Since Yemen’s civil war began in 2014, the parties in conflict have planted thousands of landmines in roads and farms. These mines have caused numerous casualties, as well as significant economic and environmental damage. In response, initiatives like project Masam and other local and international organisations are working to remove landmines and protect civilians while facing numerous challenges including funding cuts, the absence of landmine maps, and the lack of societal awareness about how to deal with landmines.

Join us for a learning exchange hosted by Young WILPF & WILPF Yemen to learn about the issues of landmines in Yemen and how civil society is responding through mine clearance and education projects.

This exchange will be an opportunity for us to hear from experts in Yemen about their context, but also to share strategies within our global movement. The Trump administration’s massive cuts to foreign aid (previously the world’s largest donor for mine action activities) and the recent withdrawal of several European countries from the landmark Mine Ban Treaty are major setbacks. Let’s come together as a global movement to exchange learnings and build strategies to counter this backsliding trend.
Join the Conversation!

🗓️ When: Monday, 14 July, 8:00 AM New York | 2:00 PM Geneva | 3:00 PM Aden (check your time zone)

📞Where: on Zoom! Register now to receive the link!

💬 What: Join the conversation to learn about the issues of landmines in Yemen and exchange strategies for the elimination of landmines.
Register to attend
📌Agenda

• Introduction
  The human toll of landmines
  The economic effects
  The environmental effects
  Experiences and challenges from civil society in Yemen
  Q & A
  Open discussion: Exchanging strategies
• 📚Preparation

Background documents to read: Mine Action Update on Yemen (UNMHA, 2024), Yemen Country Report (Human Rights Watch, 2025), Project Masam, Support for Mine Action – Yemen (Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor, 2023).
💡Good to know

This call will be held in Arabic with live interpretation in English.
The call is open to WILPF members, partners, and interested organisations.
For any questions, contact Rania Mohammed, Young WILPF Yemen member (raniamohammed2017@gmail.com) or membership@wilpf.org.

We look forward to seeing you online!
In solidarity,
Rania Mohammed
Young WILPF Regional Liaison for MENA

Please remember that this newsletter is for ALL members of WILPF. Share this subscription link with other WILPF members.
You can contribute to the Membership Newsletter too!
Share your Section/Group’s good news and updates, as well as events and resources.
You can send us a short article by the 10th of next month.

Make sure to check out the Membership Newsletter Guidelines (also available in French and Spanish).

Der Beitrag WILPF – Webinar on the issue of landmines in Yemen erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

These discussions will address critical issues related to tax justice, international tax reforms, and the human right to care in the context of global commitments.

Date: March 12
Time: 11:30 AM EST (New York)
Interpretation: Available in English & Portuguese
Registration: Register here

Contact:

Carolina Rodrigues Finette (she/her)

Researcher and Advocate (Human Rights and Education)

Tax Justice Network

+34 667417085

carolina@taxjustice.net

www.taxjustice.net

Der Beitrag Webinar: Tax Justice & International Tax Reforms – An Urgent Agenda for Financing Public Policies for Women  erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

Time: 8:30 – 10:30 AM EST (New York)

12.März 2025 13:30 in Wien
Interpretation: Available in English & Spanish

Registration: Register here

The UNCSW69/Beijing+30 (2025) main focus will be on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPA) and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly.

The review will include an assessment of current challenges that affect the implementation of the Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realisation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  In 2021 a group of feminist, human rights, and trade union organisations released the Rebuilding the Social Organisation of Care Manifesto and called to join a global movement to confront the care crises. The Beijing +30 momentum enables strengthening advocacy efforts on the 5Rs of the Care Manifesto, particularly in encouraging the recognition of care as a human right. This groundbreaking political milestone could transform women’s lives and reinforce the BDPA’s renewed commitments. The RSOC core group is inviting feminists and social movements worldwide to participate in this online UNCSW69 parallel event which will take stock of the progress made since the Beijing Declaration 30 years ago. The event will chart a way forward on how to accelerate progress in the space of rebuilding the social organisation of care.

Carolina Rodrigues Finette (she/her), Researcher and Advocate (Human Rights and Education), Tax Justice Network: We would love for you to join us and contribute to these important discussions. Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Contact:

+34 667417085

carolina@taxjustice.net

www.taxjustice.net

Der Beitrag Webinar: The Human Right to Care in Beijing +30 Global Commitments erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

The landscape of EU external action is undergoing significant transformations, with shifting political priorities and a growing emphasis on security, economic growth and geopolitical positioning. This shift has profound implications for gender equality and the EU’s role in advancing human rights globally. As the EU faces mounting challenges, including the rise of far-right populism and shrinking civil society space both in and outside Europe, it’s crucial to maintain and strengthen the integration of human rights and gender equality into the EU’s international engagement strategies – principles that have long been central to the EU’s external policies. These principles are key to fostering sustainable development, promoting democratic values, and addressing global inequalities.

Global Setbacks and shifting EU Priorities

Under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU’s external action priorities have shifted, largely due to pressure from right-wing governments within Member States and the changing geopolitical landscape. To strengthen the EU’s role as a ‘geopolitical player,’ von der Leyen has, for her second term, focused EU foreign policy even more on economic and security issues, while human rights and gender equality have taken a backseat.

As the EU shifts its priorities, the Global Gateway initiative has become a central tool for advancing economic and security objectives, framed as international cooperation. The initiative is branded around infrastructure development, diversifying supply chains, and opening new markets to boost the EU’s economic growth, but it largely operates in regions with stable conditions for economic investment, ignoring the specific needs of conflict and fragile states. However, this emphasis on economic aspects has overshadowed critical issues like gender equality and human rights. According to a recent report about who profits from the Global Gateway by Oxfam, Eurodad and Counterbalance, it is highly unclear whether the Global Gateway implements a progressive gender equality approach at all. If the EU fails to champion fundamental rights on the global stage, it risks enabling a global power dynamic where authoritarian and anti-rights agendas gain traction, further marginalising discriminated people and communities and eroding international standards on human rights and gender equality.

Meanwhile, the global situation for gender equality is worsening. Anti-gender and anti-rights movements, which are increasingly well-funded and well-organised, are undermining progress on women’s rights. A report written by the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights showed that between 2009 and 2018, USD 707.2 million in funding for anti-gender initiatives originated from the United States, the Russian Federation, and Europe. At the same time, according to the OECD’s 2024 report on development finance for gender equality, the share of official development assistance (ODA) allocated to gender equality has declined. While DAC members allocated USD 60.4 billion towards gender equality objectives in 2021-22, this represents a drop from 45% in 2019-20 to 42%. More concerning, 20 out of 32 DAC members reduced their focus on gender equality during this period. This decline in support for gender equality comes at a time when the world is facing rising poverty, inequality, conflict, and the worsening effects of climate change – all of which disproportionately affect women and girls in all their diversity. Furthermore, the shrinking of civil society space, with many women’s rights organisations facing increasing barriers to their work, makes it all the more urgent for the EU to step up its commitment to gender equality. At the same time, the EU has cut 2 bn euro from its development budget and several European Member States are making significant cuts to their development aid budgets. Countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium are reducing their official development assistance (ODA), which could harm the EU’s ability to meet its international commitments, including those related to gender equality. These budget cuts, paired with the growing influence of anti-rights movements, further threaten progress on women’s rights and gender equality.

What to Expect from the New Set of Commissioners on Gender Equality

The European Parliament’s approval process for the new College of Commissioners included rigorous hearings where MEPs questioned candidates on their priorities. For Commissioner Jozef Sikela, responsible for international partnerships, gender equality came up as a secondary issue behind protecting the EU’s economic and security interests in his mission letter from Ursula von der Leyen. During his hearing, Sikela committed to continuing the EU Gender Action Plan III (GAPIII). However, his broader focus on economic development and security raised concerns about whether gender equality would remain central to the EU’s development policy.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also faced scrutiny on gender equality during her nomination process. While she acknowledged its importance, civil soceity remained concerned about how much emphasis will be placed on it within the European External Action Service (EEAS), and whether it will not lose the competition with rising geopolitical priorities, such as the war in Ukraine. Kallas did commit to advocating for funding for women’s rights organisations (WROs) in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), offering a welcome lifeline for gender equality initiatives in the coming years. On a more positive note, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, in charge of Preparedness, Crisis management and Equality, made strong commitments to continue promoting gender equality and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights within the EU, without linking them to EU external action. However, with a very broad portfolio, it remains to be seen how successful she will be in making these issues a central part of EU policy. Overall, compared to the previous Commission, which was presented under the banner of “A Union of Equality,” the current College of Commissioners shows a marked shift. Gender equality is now seen as less of a priority, overshadowed by a focus on hard power concerns like security, the economy, and geopolitics.

What’s at Stake: Key Moments Ahead

The stakes for gender equality in the EU’s external action are higher than ever, with several critical moments on the horizon. The process begins on 8 March 2025, when Commissioner Lahbib will present a roadmap for women’s rights. This will set the tone for the EU’s next internal Gender Equality Strategy, replacing the current one. Crucially, this internal strategy should include a clear reference to the EU’s external work on gender equality, underscoring the need for an ambitious successor to GAP III: a Gender Action Plan IV (GAP IV). Following this, the negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), set to be adopted in 2026, will be a pivotal moment. It is essential to secure strong gender equality targets within the external funding pillar of the MFF. This includes dedicated funding for local women’s rights organisations, ensuring they remain integral actors in advancing gender equality globally.

In parallel, GAP IV will, hopefully, be under negotiation. While closely tied to funding, GAP IV must go far beyond it, maintaining a transformative, intersectional, and human rights-based approach. It needs to address structural inequalities and push for comprehensive action to uphold gender equality across all of the EU’s external action. These processes will lay the groundwork for a broader vision of an Intersectional Feminist Foreign Policy (IFFP)—one that tackles the interlinked nature of gender inequality with other forms of discrimination, including for example based on ethnicity, class, age, religious beliefs and sexual orientation. The alignment of these strategies will ensure the EU retains its leadership role in promoting a just, equitable, and inclusive global order. While challenges persist, the EU has a clear opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality as a cornerstone of its external action. By leveraging these key moments, the EU can create a coherent and ambitious framework to address the increasing challenges faced by women and marginalised groups worldwide.

Der Beitrag What about Gender Equality in the EU’s External Action? By Alexandra Rosén erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

The Berlin Process plays a key role in supporting the region’s path to EU accession, but it does not take all citizens of the Western Balkans into account. This report, the first to assess the Berlin Process through a gender lens, highlights that while there are some positive examples, the initiative often neglects the role of women and gender equality in driving inclusive regional development. This gap affects the content and output of the process, as well as representation and participation.

Access the report here

Der Beitrag Kvinna till Kvinna: Missing Gender Perspectives in the Berlin Process  erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

As part of this, KtK  examine power, diversity, long-term support, partnership approaches, intersectionality, and opportunities for peace, security and decolonalisation as part of conflict sensitivity.

Access the method brief here.

Der Beitrag Kvinna Till Kvinna – New Resource: A Feminist Approach to Conflict Sensitivity   erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

We have seen ultra right-wing forces come in to power in several countries, with the help of an anti-women, anti-rights agenda. Women’s rights and bodies, as well as LGBTQ people, are being used as political game. This includes Georgia, where the election results from last Sunday’s election are being rejected by the president and the opposition, and the ruling government party being accused of election fraud. If confirmed, the consequences of the election for an independent civil society as well as women’s and queer rights could be detrimental.

We know that one election result in America could lead to the ripping of women’s rights to their own bodies, not only in the US but across the world, as the Project 2025 lays out a plan that would have enormously negative global consequences for gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Kvinna till Kvinna’s long-term work on how the anti-gender movements affect the work and lives of women human rights defenders, and the rights of women, girls and LGBTQ people everywhere, is unfortunately increasingly relevant. We will continue to fight for women’s rights, everywhere, everyday.

Petra Tötterman Andorff
Secretary-General, The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation

Der Beitrag Kvinna Till Kvinna – Women’s rights under pressure erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

On October 29, 2024, Equimundo’s CEO, Gary Barker, will join other distinguished experts in a conversation about how global childcare systems are evolving to create positive outcomes for families, workers, and society as a whole. This event, hosted in recognition of the second annual International Day of Care and Support, is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of the issues that shape our “Vote Like a Dad” campaign.

WEBINAR: Systems Change for Childcare: A Triple Win For Families, Children, and Economies

Date: October 29, 2024

Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST

Zoom link

Speakers:

Gary Barker, CEO of Equimundo
Bama Athreya, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Hub, USAID
Reshma Saujani, CEO of Moms First
Moderator: Susannah Hurd, Chief Strategy Officer at GHV
Issue framing from: Anna Abelson, Care Expert and GHV Engagement Manager

Why It Matters

This event directly aligns with our Vote Like a Dad campaign by highlighting how care policies—such as accessible, affordable childcare—benefit families and communities. As we continue our work to make these issues central to this election season, we need the dads in your life to be informed, engaged, and ready to advocate for the changes we want to see.

Can’t attend the Zoom call? You can still be part of the conversation! Share your thoughts on social media using #VoteLikeADad, and let others know why voting for family-friendly policies is so important.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to contact@equimundo.org

Der Beitrag Equimundo: Join Gary Barker and Experts for an Essential Discussion on Childcare and Care Policy erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

📅 Date: Tuesday, 29 October 2024
🕒 Time: 10:00-12:00 EST

🔗 Live Streaming: The event will also be broadcast live via UN Web TV| English with translation to Spanish and French available
🔗 Registration: To confirm your in-person attendance, please register here by 24 October 2024

📍 Location: ECOSOC Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters

What to Expect:

In July 2023  the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Resolution (A/RES/77/317), designated the 29th of October as the International Day of Care and Support, a date to raise awareness of the importance of care and support and its key contribution to gender equality and sustainable development, as well as of the need to  invest in the care economy and to create robust, resilient and gender-responsive, disability-inclusive and age-sensitive care and support systems.

With the theme “Transforming care systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of Beijing+30”, this year’s celebration will build on the recently launched UN system-wide policy guidance on Transforming Care Systems as a critical lever for gender equality. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, this occasion is a timely opportunity to commit to action to transform care systems, to end the undervalued and gendered division of care work and build thriving, equitable and sustainable economies and societies for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.

For questions or additional information, please contact: brunella.canu@unwomen.org  and  vanessa.sampaio@unwomen.org

UN Women will also be celebrating this day worldwide through activities at country and regional level, and counts on your participation to make this a real worldwide UN Women celebration of the International Day of Care and Support!

Der Beitrag Second United Nations Observance of the International Day of Care and Support!  erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.

Dear WPS-HA Compact Signatories and Community,

The Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact is pleased to release the 2024 WPS-HA Compact Accountability Report, which reveals alarming global trends in peace and security and the significant progress made by Compact signatories in advancing gender equality in conflict and crisis-affected regions.

We invite you to read the report here.

The 2024 Accountability report compiles data from over 44% of Compact signatories – valuable data that helps shed light on the rising violence against women and girls while also celebrating the collective efforts that reached nearly 25 million in 2023. Against a backdrop tinted by increased conflict and pushback against women’s rights in countries ranging from Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of Congo and from Haiti to Sudan, the collective achievements of Compact signatories shine a light of hope and show a clear way forward.

Read the press release.

We hope that this accountability report will help inspire even bolder and more ambitious action for sustainable peace.

Sincerely,
The WPS-HA Compact Secretariat

Der Beitrag WPS-HA Compact Accountability Report 2024 – Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action erschien zuerst auf Dr.in Barbara Kühhas.