Hivos supports women’s organisations that champion the rights of women and strive to increase the degree of participation by women in decision-making processes. This means helping women to become less vulnerable, more independent and more empowered, including with regard to their own bodies and sexuality. Improving the position of women and their participation in decision-making processes are a recurring theme in all organisations and programmes supported by Hivos.
Special attention for women is much needed
The frequent inequalities in the relative roles of men and women in developing countries obstruct the progress of the structural and sustainable fight against poverty. Women who forcefully stand up for their rights, needs and desires are invaluable to a fairer and better society. Hivos works toward improving the position of women in political, social and economic terms.
Emancipation. Women’s organisations as catalysts for change
In 1995, during the International Women’s Conference of the United Nations in Beijing, concrete targets were agreed with respect to the position of women: reduce the vulnerability and increase the independence and empowerment of women. Since then, however, the process of emancipation has come to a standstill in many countries. If the tide is to be turned, support for women’s organisations in developing countries is urgently needed.
Legislation. Fighting for the right for self determination
Unwritten religious rules, inflexible traditions and obsolete social roles that undermine the position of women are common in many developing countries. Everywhere around the globe women are campaigning for national and international laws in this sphere to be observed and amended. Hivos helps them in that struggle.
Facts, figures and results
In 2010, 13 percent of Hivos' total budget was allocated to 132 partner organisations in the field of gender, women and development. In reality, the budget for these matters is higher, since the other Hivos partners also explicitly focus their attention on gender and women.
Policy document Gender, women and development
Women Unlimited is Hivos third Gender, Women and Development (GW&D) policy document. It responds to the current challenges and new momentum in a changed and changing world, and notably, in the context of international co-operation. It reflects new priorities, strategies and focus. It is based on lessons learned in the course of implementing the previous GW&D policies.
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