Thematic Area: Poverty Reduction & Achievements of the MDGs

Project Document

Progress Report Quarter 2 2009

Progress Report Quarter 1 2009

Annual Report 2008 and Annex 1
Gender Mainstreaming Progress Report Quarter 1 2008
ICB-GE Progress Report Quarter 1 2008
ICB-GE Progress Report Quarter 2 2008
ICB-GE Progress Report Quarter 2 2008 Annex 1 AWP
ICB-GE Progress Report Quarter 3 2008
ICB-GE Progress Report Quarter 3 2008 Annex 1 AWP
ICB-GE Progress Report Quarter 2 2007
ICB-GE Progress Report Quarter 3 2007
ICB-MoWA Annual Report 2006

[Last Updated August 2009]

Project Start Date: March 2007
Project End Date: February 2010
Project Location: Kabul
Status of the project: Ongoing
Partners: Ministry of Womens’ Affairs (MoWA), Ministry of Economy

Background

The Institutional Capacity Building for Gender Equality project (Gender Equality) is a collaboration between the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the ministries of Women’s Affairs and Economy being the main counterparts. The overall goal of the project is to promote gender equity and women’s rights in Afghanistan. The project aims to develop effective gender mainstreaming models and strengthen the capacity of government ministries and institutions. The Project is in line with the goals set out in the ANDS for gender equity and consistent with the Millennium Development Goals of gender equality and empowerment of women. The Project has three components:

1) Modelling gender mainstreaming through selected ministries;

2) Sustainable knowledge building and management on gender; and

3) Towards women’s empowerment: conflict resolution, justice, security and peace at the sub-national level.

Gender Equality is a multi-stakeholder project with the Ministries of Finance, Hajj and Religious Affairs, Justice and Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), Central Statistics Office (CSO), Kabul University (KU) and the ANDS are being the key implementing partners. The project is being implemented in close collaboration with UNAMA, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNIFEM, and UNESCO. The new Institutional Capacity Building for Gender Equality Project (GEP) was signed in the 1st quarter of 2007.

Following are the Project’s achievements as of June September 2009:

Component 1: Modelling gender mainstreaming through selected ministries

1.1. Capacity of MoWA and other ministries enhanced

1.1.a. Provided financial support to the production of of Mirman and Ershad-ul-Niswan, the two monthly publications advocating for gender equality and promoting women’s empowerment and rights

1.1.b. Provided technical and financial support to the two-day National Conference on Early & Forced Marriages in Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh Province. Over 700 participants attended the conference

1.1.c. Provided financial and technical support to the development and maintenance of MoWA website

1.1.d. Provided financial support to the Regional Conference on Women from the Quran’s Perspective. Eight (8) scholars and opinion formers from four (4) neighboring countries ( Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan and India) were invited to present their researches to around 300 women intellectuals and mullahs

1.2. Gender-responsive planning and practice in place and in use

1.2.a. Assessed the planning practices and MoEc’s capacity building Ø needs. Based on the assessment Reporting and planning tools and template were engendered.

1.2.b. Organized for MoEc a seminar in Pakistan on the planning practices and gender mainstreaming to compare planning practices and gender mainstreaming efforts with the existing planning setup in Afghanistan. 44 senior level staff including deputy minister attended.

1.2.c. Conducted for MoEc and line ministries’ senior officials a one-day training workshop on the gender-responsive planning and reporting templates. A total of 72 planning, reporting and budgeting department officials from 44 ministries and government organization participated in the training.

1.2.d. Conducted for senior officials of the MoEc a two-day training on gender analysis and how to link ANDS gender equity cross-cutting strategy with the work of the MoEc.

1.2.e. Assisted in developing gender-sensitive indicators and checklists for MoEc’s field monitoring and evaluation. In addition, ToRs on project cycle management and gender sensitive indicators have already been developed and they are under consultation for the finalization.

1.2.f. Provided technical and financial support for the development of MoEc official website.

1.3. Gender-responsive budgeting framework and methodology established and accepted

1.3.a. Co-sponsored the Gender Budgeting Panel Discussion among civil society members, government ministers and parliamentarians to initiate engagement between civil society and government in governance, particularly budget decision making. The activity resulted in the creation of a civil-society-led GRB monitoring mechanism and in the allocation of US$5m for gender commitments in ANDS-NAPWA in FY1388

1.3.b. Conducted a series of orientation sessions with ministries and parliamentarians on Investing in Gender Equality

1.3.c. Assisted MoF in the initial analysis of government’s FY1388 budget proposal

1.3.d. Prepared English and Dari ministry-specific GRB tools

1.3.e. Conducted GRB orientations for staff of MoWA’s Economic Empowerment Department and MoEc’s heads of offices

Component 2: Sustainable knowledge-building and management on gender

2.1. A Gender Studies Institute (GSI) is operational

• The GSI completed a Kabul University survey on Gender Knowledge and Opinions.
• Organized and accomplished workshops in Nangarhar on Gender and Economy. The GSI also held four workshops each on Gender Awareness and Gender Research with Professors and the Research Centre at Kabul University. It also participated in the Human Development courses run by the Centre for Policy and Human Development.
• A feasibility study was completed and documented for the GSI. This study outlines the vision, goals and objectives of the GSI. It also outlines the structure that should be followed by the GSI as well as framework of academic courses.
• The GSI conducted a preliminary mission to visit women’s studies centers in India: the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Mumbai), the Research Centre on Women’s Studies (SNDT University, Mumbai), and the Centre for Women’s Development Studies (New Delhi) to gain information on curriculums and access resources beneficial to the setting up of the academic courses.
• The GSI conducted an assessment with local civil society organisations, international organisations and Kabul University. The findings of the assessment have been used to develop an understanding of critical areas of study that should be included in the curriculum of the programme and the framework of academic programmes.
• In December 2008, a GSI Advisory Committee was established which consists of by Kabul University (KU), UNESCO, MoWA, AWN, MoHE and UNDP GEP.
• In 2007, UNDP ‐ GEP and KU initiated preparations for the construction of GSI’s new physical facilities. The design phase of the building has been completed and the GSI is currently trying to raise funds for completion of the project.
• UNDP ‐ GEP/GSI, in partnership with UNESCO, have begun the process of conducting a research study on Gender Based Violence (GBV) in educational institutions. Research will be conducted at Kabul, Heart and Balkh Universities, following training in research and analysis skills for the research teams.
• In 2009 (March 30 th – April 22 nd, 2009) the GSI offered a certification course on Gender, Development and Conflict tailored for faculty members from Kabul University, members of a civil society organisation and various other UNDP projects working in Afghanistan.
• UNDP ‐ GEP/GSI is conducting an inventory of gender training materials available in Afghanistan and online. In addition, UNDP GEP/ GSI continue to acquire resources for the Institute, e.g., relevant books, reports and research. Oxfam has already donated 42 books, reports and research studies.
• Currently the GSI is in the process of consolidating the curriculum from the first pilot certification course on Gender, Development and Conflict. The curriculum for graduate academic programmes, specifically a Masters programme is being consolidated.
• UNDP ‐ GEP/GSI has initiated discussions on collaborative partnerships with a variety of international gender/women’s institutes (e.g., the Institute of Social Sciences, Hague; Dhaka University; Tata Institute of Social Sciences).
• In January 2009, GEP through component 2 on the GSI, took over the management of the local Cisco academy that is being run at MoWA. The GEP is currently working on transferring the academy to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

Component 3: Towards Women’s empowerment: conflict resolution, justice, security and peace at the sub-national level enhanced

• Communities sensitized/ capacitated for the promotion of women’s rights

3.1. a: Balk Province

• Provincial Advisory Committee: Establishment of the Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC) in Balkh has been one of the very significant achievements of this component during the 2 nd quarter of 2008. PAC in Balkh province has been established with the aim to provide oversight for effective implementation and quality delivery of the project.
• Selection of Districts: Together with PAC members, five districts e.g. Balkh, Shulgarah, Khulm, Charkent, and Shurtippa have been selected in Balkh Province for GEP activity implementation.
• Selection of Mullahs: UNDP Gender Equality team in Mazar-i-sharif together with Balkh DoWA and Balkh Provincial Directorate of Haj and Religious Affairs (DoHRA) selected 250 Mullas from five districts of Balkh province e.g. Shulgarah, Charkent, Shur Tippa, Khulm and Balkh. The selected Mullahs will later join Gender Equality and Women’s Right trainings and will then pass the message to others within their communities. Mullahs have been selected based on a set of criteria which is endorsed by the members of Provincial Advisory Committee of the project in Mazar. The first phase of the trainings with 250 Mullahs has been commenced in Balkh during early June 2009.
• Developing of training curriculum: Discussion has been made with Training and Advocacy Department (TAD) of MoWA in Kabul and DoWA in Balkh province to organize gender and human rights related trainings. During 16 th to 21 st August 2008, Gender Equality Project supported Training and Advocacy Department (TAD) of MoWA in Kabul and DoWA in Balkh province to organize and conduct a six-day training on Gender and Management in Mazar-i-sharif with the purpose to build the capacity of female staff who are working with the local government at sub-national level.
• Establishment of Gender Working Group: UNDP Gender Equality Project in Balkh province supported provincial Directorate of Balkh Women’s Affairs (DoWA) to establish a group called Gender Working Group (GWG) with the aim to establish a clear coordination mechanism among NGOs and CBOs that deals with Gender issues at sub-national level in Balkh province. In creating the conditions for an effective integration of gender issues, the GWG will initiate different gender-specific activities in the province/districts. Over 30 organizations have so far expressed their deep interest in being part of GWG in Mazar-i-sharif. First and second GWG meetings have been already conducted.
• Film Show on Sexual Exploitation and Harassment: During the month of August 2008, Gender Equality Project team in Mazar-i-sharif screened a film for all active UN agencies in Balkh province including all UNDP projects subjected “To Serve with pride: Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse”. This film was made to raise awareness among UN and related personnel how acts of sexual exploitation and abuse impact individuals and whole communities. It provides clear information of the obligations all people serving for the UN have to comply with.
• National Conference on Early and Forced Marriage: Gender Equality project supported Ministry of Women’s Affairs technically and Financially to conduct a two-day National Conference on Early and Forced Marriages in Mazar-i-Sharif, Balkh Province, Afghanistan on 15 th and 16 th July 2008. Relevant heads of governmental directorates from seven provinces of northern region e.g. Fayzabad, Takhar, Samangan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Saripul and Faryab provinces , representatives of targeted UN agencies and NGOs , senior government officials from Kabul including H.E. Minister of Women’s Affair Husn Banu Ghazanfar, H.E. Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs Palwasha Kakar , Mr. Atta Mohammad Noor Balkh Governor, members of parliament and provincial councils from named provinces attended this national c conference.
• Inventory of local media institutions and their production focused on gender equality promotion: UNDP Gender Equality team in Mazar-i-sharif conducted a comprehensive inventory of the local Media in Balkh province with the aim to pursue an inventory of possible implementing media partner(s). The overall objective of this process was to compile information about a) The local media organizations and their activities e.g. type, year of establishment, objectives, key areas of work, major achievements, outreach and views on women’s development and violence against women, b) the local Medias’ coordination with governmental directorates, UN agencies, CSOs, CBO, and other national & international organizations and c) the programs and broadcasting focus of the local media organizations to check if issues on Gender Equality and Human Rights are being broadcasted.
• EVAW campaign: During the last two weeks of November 2008, Gender Equality Project team in Mazar-i-sharif joined the Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW) Campaign. Several governmental directorates leading by DoWA together with relevant UN agencies e.g. UNHCR, UNAMA, UNDP and civil society organizations as well as international/national NGOs jointly took part in the accomplishment of EVAW campaign. The mentioned campaign covered all 14 districts of Balkh province.
• Gender Sensitization Training: During December 2009, head of Balkh DoEC attended a three-day training on Gender Sensitization in Kabul. The Deputy Minister for MoEC officially concluded the workshop and tanked UNDP/GEP for the financial and technical support.
• Gender Based Violence Training: During the month of May 2009; a three-day training on Gender Based Violence was conducted by UNDP GEP in Mazar with the participation of representatives from relevant governmental departments, active health organizations, psycho-social organizations, security (police/shelter) and legal organizations and agencies (justice, human rights commission) sector. Out of 105 participants 16 of them (all females) were from Balkh DoWA staff. The major objectives of this program was to a) understand the differences between sex and gender, b) understand the impact of gender roles on gender equality issues, c) understand what GBV means and its key terminology, d)  identify the relevant bodies of law relating to gender and GBV, e) understand the guiding principles in prevention of and response to GBV, f) know about the prevention and response mechanisms for GBV and be able to set up or participate in referral systems.
• Technical, coordination and resource mobilization support were provided to DOWAs in Mazar for celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD, 8 March). Activities included: celebration in Mazar with over 650 women, including government officials, MPs, CSOs, district councils, UN, etc.; IWD message from GEP Balkh to GWG members, active women, and other partners.
• During March 2009, UNDP GEP in Mazar supported 10-day women's craft show for Nawruz.
• UNDP GEP in Mazar is technically and financially supporting the quarterly publications of Balkh DoWA. They normally broadcast/publish DoWA related work, women related developments and supports provided to Balkh DoWA by different organizations.

3.1. b: Herat Province:

• Conducted a Gender based violence training programme for 75 stakeholders including media, relevant government agencies, and members of Gender working group.
• Development of a concept note for extension of GSI mandate at provincial level. As an initial course of action a research study is going to be conducted on Sexual harassment at the universities in Herat and Mazar.
• Joint Gender Working Group and UNDP/Gender Equality Advocacy meeting with the Herat MPs and Head of the Parliament Women's rights civil society and Human rights commission concerning awareness raising on prevention of violence against women and girls.

• Initiated cooperation with Herat University (HU) concerning the conduction of SGBV research study at educational institutions. The research has been agreed by the Chancellor and a team of 3 students will be introduced to undertake the research after the methodology training is being given to them. DOWA and UNDP/GEP jointly agreed with HU to conduct a lecture (Gender Concepts and importance of investment in Gender for Afghan growth and Development) in 11 HU faculties. Agreement has been reached and we have conducted the lecture in two faculties (Fine arts, And Literature Human sciences). The lecture has been delivered to 5 classes and 250 Students have participated in the lecture. The lecture is ongoing and will be conducted in all faculties and 2000 Participants are to be targeted

• We have built relationship with HU and are negotiating to ensure their participation in GWG. We have also negotiated with UNAMA Provincial Justice Coordination Mechanism and resolved the GWG duplication issue. GWG established by UNDP/GEP is mainly dealing the over all gender related issues while the PJCM will have two working groups related to law and justice issues and UNDP/GEP will be invited to attend the Working groups

Partnerships and Resources

Target Budget: USD 10,628,500
Funded Budget: USD 6,755,493.22
Donor: UNDP, CIDA, Italian, DFID

Contacts:

Razia Fazl , OiC /Programme Officer (razia.fazl@undp.org)

Gender Awareness and Development Manual
Gender Mainstreaming Manual