FDFA Strategy On Gender Equality And Women’s Rights
FDFA Strategy onGender equality andWomen’s rights
Foreword‘More equality: moreopportunities’Gender equality, respect for women’s and girls’rights, and the elimination of all forms of gender-based discrimination: these are fundamentalvalues of Swiss society, firmly enshrined in ourlegal and constitutional framework. In fact, Switzerland considers gender equality essential to oursocial cohesion, economic strength and competitiveness, as well as to our political functioning.This conviction is one that we as a country striveto promote internationally. We believe that gender equality and the promotion and protection ofwomen’s and girls’ rights should play a role in allaspects of foreign policy as defined by constitutional mandate, notably economic developmentThe first FDFA Strategy on Gender equality andWomen’s rights sets the course for a visible, substantial and decisive commitment to contribute toa society that is more equal, inclusive and prosperous, for the good of all. Switzerland firmly believesthat such a society can offer better opportunities for everyone – men as well as women, girlsas well as boys. The FDFA has therefore chosen‘more equality: more opportunities’ as its leitmotivin its endeavour. Switzerland pursues this agendaby, for example, supporting projects that ensurewomen’s participation in all political processes. Italso has a steadfast commitment to protect women’s rights in conflict situations and other fragilecontexts.and the advancement of human rights, democracy and peace. Having already strengthened itsengagement over the years, Switzerland now intends to reaffirm its commitment, drawing on itsextensive experience and on the priorities set outin its Foreign Policy Strategy 2016–2019. Many opportunities and challenges still remain today.Evidently, this FDFA Strategy is guided by the2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development andits new set of sustainable development goals(SDGs), which serve as a blueprint for Switzerlandand the rest of the international community overthe next 15 years. Achieving gender equality andempowering all women and girls is a stand-alonegoal (SDG 5) as well as a cross-cutting principleand a precondition for implementing the 2030Agenda. Switzerland has advocated on these keyissues from the outset and fully incorporated theminto the Dispatch on Switzerland’s InternationalCooperation 2017–2020. It is the first time that ourdispatch includes a strategic objective on genderequality and women’s and girls’ rights (Objective7). In doing do, it also underscores the need tomainstream gender equality and women’s rightsas transversal elements across all instruments ofour international cooperation. Only then can wehope to realise its overall vision: a world withoutpoverty and in peace, towards sustainable devel-lenges of a steadily polarising world and the needsfacing half of the world’s population, this Strategyoutlines the principles aiming to guide Switzerland’s engagement and defines six strategic objectives to steer our work. My wish is that this newtool will inspire our combined efforts to realise ourvision and to embody our country’s commitmentto gender equality and women’s rights.Didier BurkhalterFederal Councilloropment.For Switzerland, this is a prerequisite for givingeveryone equal opportunities to reach their fullpotential and to contribute to societal transformation, respect for human rights, peacebuilding andeconomic development. In response to the chal-3
Table of contentsList of OOECDOIFSDCSDGsUNUN WomenUNAIDSUNFPAUPRWEPsWHOWILDAFConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminationagainst WomenDevelopment Assistance CommitteeFederal Department of Foreign AffairsFederal Personnel ActGross domestic productHuman immunodeficiency virusInternational Conference on Population and DevelopmentInternational Planned Parenthood FederationLord‘s Resistance ArmyNational Action PlanNon-governmental organisationOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and DevelopmentInternational Organisation of La FrancophonieSwiss Agency for Development and CooperationSustainable Development GoalsUnited NationsUnited Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowermentof WomenUnited Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDSUnited Nations Population FundUniversal Periodic ReviewWomen’s Empowerment PrinciplesWorld Health OrganisationWomen in Law and Development in AfricaForeword2I. Background6International normative and political frameworkGlobal issues and challengesII. Guiding principles and strategic objectives8Guiding principles8An economic necessity8An asset for peace and security8Effective engagement of men and boys8A credible and coherent engagement9Strategic objectives10Objective 1: Strengthening women’s economic empowerment10Objective 2: Strengthening women’s effective participation13Objective 3: Combating all forms of gender-based violence16Objective 4: Promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights19Objective 5: Incorporating gender equality and women’s rights atthe heart of bilateral and multilateral work22Objective 6: Ensuring equal opportunities for women and menwithin the FDFA25III. ImplementationPartnerships with key stakeholdersCoordination and resourcesMonitoring and evaluationAppendix: Diagram46627272828305
I. BackgroundInternational normativeand political frameworkThis Strategy is based primarily on the Conventionon the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminationagainst Women (CEDAW), ratified by Switzerlandin 1997, and the other international and regionalconventions on human rights such as those of theCouncil of Europe,1 as well as on international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The commitments of theBeijing Platform for Action adopted at the FourthWorld Conference on Women in 1995 also serveas a basis, along with all relevant resolutions in thisarea, such as those of the UN Security Council onwomen, peace and security2 and resolutions of theUN General Assembly, the Economic and SocialCouncil and the Human Rights Council.Switzerland’s action falls under its existing international obligations and political commitmentson gender equality and women’s rights. Indeed,Switzerland favours a rights-based approach to itsentire foreign policy. It is committed to ensuringan appropriate and consistent international normative framework and to building strong institutions for gender equality and women’s rights.It works to uphold the universality of women’srights – frequently undermined – and to defendthe international achievements and strengthen thevisibility, implementation and impact of norms andregulations governing women’s rights at all levels,be they international, regional, national or local.Global issues andchallengesWomen and girls make up more than half of theworld’s population but are disproportionatelysuffering from the consequences of humanitarian crises, violent extremism, food insecurity andinadequate health services. Discrimination againstwomen and girls and their all too frequently unequal access to resources mean that they are moreaffected by poverty and more vulnerable to gender-based violence. These inequalities are exacerbated in situations of conflict and fragility. As aresult, the main areas of concern of Swiss foreignpolicy – peace, security, respect for human rights,sustainable development and prosperity – are nowmore relevant than ever to women as stakeholdersand agents of change. Switzerland is eager to promote their role in a rapidly changing world.While progress has been made in recent yearsregarding de jure equality, much remains to bedone to achieve de facto equality. Switzerland isdetermined to act against not only the symptomsbut also the causes of inequality and discrimination. Despite the progress made, inequalitiesbetween men and women still persist in manysectors, restricting women’s ability to assert1 Switzerland signed the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) in September 2013. The Swiss Parliament approved its ratification on 31 May 2017. After expiry of thethree-month referendum period, Switzerland will ratify the Istanbul Convention, which will most likely enter into effect at the start of2018.2 Resolution 1325 and the consecutive resolutions (1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106, 2122 and 2242).6their fundamental rights and to use their agency to make decisions and act upon them. Manychallenges have yet to be overcome: reformingdiscriminatory laws; fighting against all forms ofgender-based violence; women’s effective participation in social, political and economic life, including at decision-making level; increasing women’sempowerment and their economic status; accessto education and healthcare and women’s rightsregarding sexual and reproductive health; protection of women and girls in conflict situations andtheir participation in conflict resolution. Efforts arealso needed to transform social norms that perpetuate gender stereotypes and to better distributeresponsibilities between women and men.and increase its impact, Switzerland draws on itsprofile and its extensive experience as a committed political actor both at multilateral level and inits development cooperation. Moreover, with itsposition firmly rooted in legal standards, its solidoperational experience, its transparent and inclusive approach, its openness to dialogue and culture of compromise, as well as its know-how inbridge-building, Switzerland has a wealth of assetsto bring to the table. These are readily appreciatedand at times sought-after by others. Switzerlandintends to build upon these in steering its activitiesregarding women’s rights and gender equality.In a climate of growing conservatism and cultural relativism, which undermine the realisation ofgender equality and women’s rights worldwide, ithas become even more pressing for Switzerlandand the international community to demonstratecommitment. Discrimination and violations continue to be frequently justified by using identityvalues based on political, social, ideological or cultural arguments.3Owing to its reputation, Switzerland is well placedto help achieve concrete results in overcomingthe challenges to women’s rights and in reconciling the normative standards, political constraintsand operational realities, including in polarised orfragile contexts. To strengthen its engagement3 This occurs, for example, in the recognition of sexual and reproductive health and rights, including access to family planning services,comprehensive sexuality education, women’s rights to control their own bodies, in the protection against discrimination on the basisof sexual orientation and gender identity, in ensuring equal rights to inheritance and land ownership, and in the elimination of harmful practices and certain forms of violence against women and girls.7
II. Guiding principles andstrategic objectivesSwitzerland’s commitment to gender equality andwomen’s rights is governed by the following keyprinciples:Guiding principlesAn economic necessityFor Switzerland, investing in gender equality is crucial for achieving poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and sustainable development forthe benefit of all. Gender equality is a major driverto accelerate development, as firmly enshrined inthe 2030 Agenda. Numerous studies have shownthat promoting gender equality is smart economicsand the right thing to do for long-term prosperity:both society and the economy benefit from women having equal opportunities as men to participate actively in social, economic and political life.In its foreign policy, Switzerland promotes genderequality, women’s rights and women’s empowerment as essential elements of economic policy.An asset for peace and securitySwitzerland was among the first countries to implement UN Resolution 1325 on women, peaceand security. In 2007, it adopted its first National Action Plan to implement UN Security CouncilResolution 1325 (NAP 1325) which included therelated commitments. This interdepartmental National Action Plan establishes the framework forSwitzerland to integrate a gender perspective inits peacebuilding work. The objectives defined in8this Strategy are underpinned by the principlesand cross-cutting priorities of Resolution 1325and the new National Action Plan for 2017–2020.Switzerland believes in the multiplier effect ofgender-sensitive approaches to peace and securityand works to highlight the direct relationship between a peaceful, just and inclusive state, genderequality, women’s empowerment and the protection of their rights in conflict and fragile contexts.Switzerland sees these aspects as key componentsof conflict prevention, mediation, managementand resolution, as well as in measures to preventviolent extremism and in security sector governance. The evidence shows that the more equalitya society has, the more likely it is to enjoy peaceand stability.ports projects and initiatives that promote workstrategies involving men and boys in gender andequality issues. It devotes considerable attentionto including men in its efforts to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence.Sustainable Development Strategy 2016–2019. Indoing so, Switzerland takes into account the progress made to date and the challenges that remainat national level.A credible and coherent engagementSwitzerland strives to ensure policy coherenceacross all sectors of its foreign policy that relate togender equality and women’s rights. An alignedand uniform approach lends greater credibilityto its commitment. Switzerland works to embedgender mainstreaming in all of its foreign policies,areas of action and activities.Effective engagement of men and boysIt uses its profile and its strong multilateral engagement to create opportunities to include agender dimension in its bilateral exchanges withSwitzerland focuses particularly on the role of menand boys in promoting gender equality and women’s rights. Gender norms are constructed and reinforced by both men and women. It is thereforeessential that men and boys, as partners and allies,play an integral role in the activities and solutionsfor achieving gender equality, which will benefitboth men and women in the long term. As stakeholders, men and boys should be mobilised to participate in shifting social norms and transformingroles. Women and men need to work together totackle the underlying root causes of gender inequalities, such as the unequal power relations between women and men and gender stereotypesthat perpetuate discrimination against womenand girls. From this perspective, Switzerland sup-other countries, whether political, institutional orprogramme-related dialogue. Switzerland’s engagement also takes the form of a coherent operational approach in all projects conducted under itsdevelopment cooperation, humanitarian aid andmeasures promoting peace and human security,specifically within the framework of the Dispatchon Switzerland’s International Cooperation. For itsaction to be credible, the FDFA must also pursuegender equality as an employer, i.e. hire, retainand motivate female employees and ensure thatthey enjoy equal opportunities for advancement.Switzerland strives to maintain coherence of itsdomestic and foreign policies, given that genderequality and women’s rights are integral components of the domestic political agenda, particularlythe Legislative Programme for 2015–2019 and the9
Strategic objectivesSwitzerland has the necessary resources and instruments to face the current challenges and hasestablished a set of strategic objectives to addressthem. This strategy has identified priority actionson the basis of the areas in which Switzerland canmake a substantial and credible contribution. Witha view to ensuring complementarity between political commitment and operational activities, allof the priority actions contribute to Switzerland’sengagement for peace and security, sustainabledevelopment and prosperity.OBJECTIVE 1:STRENGTHENING WOMEN’S ECONOMICEMPOWERMENTStrengthening women’s economic status and empowerment and their financialindependence is crucial for achieving all the sustainable development goals. Switzerland promotes women’s equal access to vocational education and training, thelabour market and economic resources. It also works towards a macroeconomicenvironment that is conducive to realising women’s social and economic rights.118years10According to the World Economic Forum, at thecurrent rate it will take another 118 years to closethe gender pay gap. A McKinsey study has foundthat global annual GDP for 2025 could be increasedby as much as USD 28 trillion or 26% if womenattained full economic parity. It is estimated thatwomen worldwide spend 200 million hours everyday just going to fetch water for themselves andtheir families – time that could otherwise be spenton education, paid work, family or community life.Areas of intervention and priority actions up to 20201.1 Facilitating women’s integration into the labour market, includingat a senior level, taking unpaid care work into account As part of its development cooperation, Switzerland supports projects that promote equal opportunities to access the labour market and decent work; it doesso by pursuing gender-sensitive macroeconomic, budgetary and social policies aswell as by enabling access to basic education, vocational training and entrepreneurship, with increased support for the transition from education and trainingto employment. In policy dialogues in multilateral and normative processes, Switzerland advocates for women’s and men’s fundamental rights at work and international labour standards, occupational health and safety standards and the right to equalpay for work of equal value. Switzerland supports initiatives to reduce the burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women, a major source of inequality in the economy, and toencourage the sharing of household and family responsibilities.1.2 Enhancing women’s economic agency and opportunities Switzerland continues to provide financial support for multilateral institutionssuch as the World Bank. It exerts its influence within these bodies to ensurethe integration of gender mainstreaming in their work, specifically to increasedevelopment impacts on women’s economic empowerment and on their accessto economic resources. On the normative level, Switzerland stands for equal rights to access and controlof inheritance and property, credit and financial services, and for equal access toinformation and communication technologies. In its development programmes, Switzerland supports projects and measurestargeting equitable governance of land and water, better access to financial services and an enabling environment for self-employment, entrepreneurship andinclusive market systems, including in the informal sector.11
1.3 Engaging the private sector to contribute towomen’s economic empowerment Switzerland supports the work of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panelon Women’s Economic Empowerment and encourages all stakeholders, particularly in the private sector, to take actions that promote women’s economic empowerment.In the context of its engagement on business and human rights, Switzerlandseeks to raise awareness within the private sector of the need to promote women’s economic empowerment and to implement international standards on socialresponsibility and respect for human rights, which encompass gender equalityand women’s rights. To this end it encourages the implementation of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a joint initiative of the UN Global Compactand the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment ofWomen (UN Women), developed as a voluntary commitment framework.Switzerland has supported projects dedicated to women’s economic empowerment in order to strengthen women’s economic agency in ruralareas and the key role they play in agr
on gender equality and women’s rights. Indeed, Switzerland favours a rights-based approach to its entire foreign policy. It is committed to ensuring an appropriate and consistent international nor-mative framework and to building strong insti-tutions for gender equality and women’s rights. It works to uphold the universality of women’s
public sector equality duty came into force on 5 April 2011. There are five England/GB guides giving advice on the duty: 1. The essential guide to the public sector equality duty 2. Equality objectives and the equality duty 3. Equality information and the equality duty 4. Meeting the equality duty in policy and decision-making 5.
accessible and diverse gender information. It is one of a family of knowledge services based at IDS . Other recent publications in the Cutting Edge Pack series: Gender and Care, 2009 Gender and Indicators, 2007 Gender and Sexuality, 2007 Gender and Trade, 2006 Gender and Migration, 2005 Gender and ICTs, 2004 . 6.3.1 Gender mainstreaming .
to the development of an institutional gender equality plan. The template guides partners through the main stages of a gender equality plan and provides a template for the creation of an action plan based on the SAGE wheel model. The gender equality plan template
social justice movement to achieve gender equality. Religion and Gender Equality— The State of Play The relationship between religion and gender equality is a complex one. Religion plays a vital role in shaping cultural, social, economic, and political norms in many parts of the world. Similarly, gender roles and the status of women
8 2018 : Gender Equality and Womens Voice Guidance Note Our theory of change is based on CARE’s experience that achieving gender equality and women’s voice requires transformative change. CARE’s theory of change for gender equality and women’s voice work is outlined in the Gender Equality Framework (GEF) above and the graphic below. 7
GENDER EQUALITY GLOBAL REPORT & RANKING - 2022 EDITION 5 INTRODUCTION I am proud to publish our 2022 Gender Equality Global Report and Ranking. As the first organisation anywhere to formally measure gender equality in the global workplace, our fifth year is a good moment to reflect on progress but also to call out how much further there is to go.
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Description Logic Knowledge Base Exchange Elena Botoeva supervisor: Diego Calvanese PhD Final Examination April 10, 2014 Bolzano Elena Botoeva(FUB)Description Logic Knowledge Base Exchange1/33. Outline 1 Introduction 2 Summary of Work 3 Results 4 Technical Development Universal Solutions Universal UCQ-solutions UCQ-representations Elena Botoeva(FUB)Description Logic Knowledge Base Exchange2/33 .
