Extr. from the 52nd Executive Committee Minutes - Hong Kong - 2004

The World Alliance held an inter-regional workshop on "Violence Against Women" in July 2002, at the 15th World Council in Mexico. Statements and recommendations from the workshop were adopted as a resolution. The workshop developed a perspective, framework and policy base on Violence Against Women and published them as a report. Together with recommendations from the Gender Justice Tent of the 15th World Council and from the Network of Men in Partnership with Women, the World Alliance will implement these recommendations as follows.

World Alliance Objectives

1. Continue to further develop and strengthen the YMCA perspective, policy and approach to the question of Violence Against Women at the global level whilst encouraging national movements and area organisations to develop their policies through dialogue with the World Alliance.

2. Support national movements in the three areas of work on Violence Against Women: advocacy, education, and direct intervention.

3. Work towards a new consciousness for men of women's realities and gender justice.

4. Ensure there is fair and equitable participation of women in YMCA leadership at all levels.

5. Challenge unjust structures and systems that maintain gender imbalances and inequity.

World Alliance Action Plans

1. The Committee on Gender Justice and Women's Leadership will design a process for the effective use of / further development of the Global Gender Strategy, in collaboration with area alliances.

2. The Committee on Gender Justice and Women's Leadership will develop monitoring / evaluating instruments, especially with regard to women's leadership in the YMCA.

3. Recommend constitutional changes to encourage fair and equitable representation of women in YMCA leadership.

4. The Committee on Gender Justice and Women's Leadership will monitor the Global Operating Plan (GOP) implementation process and provide recommendations to ensure gender justice is an integral part of movement strengthening.

5. Develop staff and volunteer training guidelines in collaboration with area alliances.

6. Develop a policy framework and support programmes to address the issues of feminisation of poverty.

7. Start a Knowledge Base Working Group and build on the work of the Inter-Regional Consultative Task Group to map out existing programmes and experiences on Violence Against Women.

8. Formalise the Network of Men in Partnership with Women.

9. Identify key international / inter-organisational initiatives and events, and develop partnerships and networks with other organisations working on gender issues.

To top