What is UNIFEM?

UNIFEM is the women’s fund at the United Nations. It provides financial and technical assistance to innovative programmes and strategies that promote women’s human rights, political participation and economic security.

Within the UN system, UNIFEM promotes gender equality and links women’s issues and concerns to national, regional and global agendas by fostering collaboration and providing technical expertise on gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment strategies.

UNIFEM is dedicated to building stronger women’s organizations and networks so that women themselves have the power to negotiate new and better policies with their governments and international agencies.

When was UNIFEM created?

UNIFEM was created by a UN General Assembly resolution in 1976, following a call from women’s organizations attending the 1975 UN First World Conference on Women in Mexico City. The year 2001 marks the organization’s 25th anniversary.

Where does UNIFEM work?

UNIFEM has projects in over 100 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS). UNIFEM started implementing programmes in the CEE/CIS countries in 1998. The organization currently has 13 field offices in the above mentioned regions.

Who is UNIFEM’s Executive Director?

Born in Singapore, Noeleen Heyzer took up her post as Executive Director of UNIFEM in 1994. Bringing 25 years of experience in development work, social justice, women’s empowerment and human rights, she has led an organizational transformation process at UNIFEM that has expanded the Fund’s resource base, strategic partnerships, visibility and impact. Before joining UNIFEM, Ms. Heyzer held many important and influential positions, including Director of the Gender and Development Programme of the Asian Pacific Development Centre for 10 years. She was also a founder of Development Alternative with Women for a New Era (DAWN) and the Asia Pacific Women in Law and Development (APWLD). She is the author and editor of numerous catalytic books and articles that promote women’s rights in development. Her PhD, in Social Sciences, is from the University of Cambridge.

What international agreements guide UNIFEM’s work?

Four documents, agreed to by UN member states, are central guides for UNIFEM efforts:
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the women’s bill of rights, is a cornerstone of all UNIFEM programmes. One hundred seventy three countries are parties to the Convention.
The Beijing Platform for Action  (PFA), adopted by governments at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, was reaffirmed and strengthened in 2000 during the global five-year review of progress organized by the UN.
UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security recognized that war impacts women differently, and reaffirmed the need to increase their role in decision making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution.
Millennium Declaration and Millennium Development Goal(MDGs) outline a set of time-bound and measurable goals and targets to promote gender equality and to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and environmental degradation by 2015.

What are UNIFEM’s priorities?

UNIFEM has just come to the end of a 4 year Multi Funding Framework (MYFF) and is currently in transition towards a Strategic Plan which focusses on the following three areas :

1. Enhancing women’s economic security and rights

2. Reducing the prevalence of violence against women and HIV/AIDS

3. Increase gender justice in democratic governance in stable and fragile states.

In addition, the MDGs, CEDAW, PPA, BPfA and the UNDAF play an important role in shaping the framework for the Pacific.

Background to UNIFEM in the Pacific

Key Documents

Staff

Internship

UNIFEM Australia National Committee

UNIFEM National Committee NZ

In 1997, UNIFEM’s Pacific Office became a regional office after 6 years of operating as a project under the Regional office for Asia, Pacific based in Bangkok, Thailand.
Initially UNIFEM worked with four Pacific Island countries, the Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu. The Pacific Mainstreaming Project initiated a gender-sensitive approach in national policies, programmes and projects in these countries.

In 1995 other countries were given similar technical assistance, including Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tonga. UNIFEM’s achievements in this project included:

- the development of the national women’s policy, of which gender mainstreaming is an integral part, which received government approval, in Cook Islands, Marshall Islands and Tonga;
- the establishment of a gender and development unit within the Finance and Planning Office in Papua New Guinea;
- the inclusion of gender mainstreaming in Tuvalu’s development plan;
- the establishment of appraisal mechanisms to screen for gender bias in every phase of the project cycle in Papua New Guinea,
- working with Pacific women leaders and advocating the establishment of the Women in Politics Pacific Centre, and
- working with governments and NGOs in the Pacific on the preparation for the Beijing Conference.

UNIFEM has since expanded in terms of programmes and staff.

UNIFEM AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED is the official National Committee for Australia and is one of 19 National Committees formed throughout the world.

www.unifem.org.au

National Committees for UNIFEM are also in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and
United States of America.
Their contact details are at:

http://www.unifem.undp.org/national.htm.

UNIFEM AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED reaches into Federal, Government and the local community to lobby for funding and to exchange information. UNIFEM AUSTRALIA selects its own projects which are funded from the International Women’s Day Breakfasts, and more recently the Spring Walks and Canberra Seminar series.

The primary objectives of the Committee are:

UNIFEM aims to leverage for political and Corporate financial support.

UNIFEM continues to build links within the NGO movement.

UNIFEM supports all women’s issues relating to economic, political and gender equality.

UNIFEM AUSTRALIA has a duly elected National Structure and holds its Annual General Meeting in September each year. The AGM is held in the City where the President resides.

UNIFEM AUSTRALIA INC (ABN 26 641 371 064)
Postal Address: PO Box 249 Mawson ACT 2607
Web page - www.unifem.org.au

NATIONAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS - 2004-2005

PRESIDENT
Libby Lloyd AM (ACT) Ph: 02 6295 7672 Mobile: 0416 244 501
email: president@unifem.org.au

VICE PRESIDENT
Rosalind Strong (NSW) Ph: (02) 9181 2796 (H)
Fax: (02) 97191518 Mobile: 0412 262 909
email: randtstrong@ozemail.com.au

SECRETARY
Heather Wain (ACT) Ph: (02) 6286 2028
Fax: (02) 62862028 Mobile: 0418 679 098
email: heawai@austarmetro.com.au

Project summary can be downloaded here (word document [38KB])

UNIFEM’s regional office for the Pacific, based in Suva, Fiji has 10 staff members and 1 National Programme Officer for Papua New Guinea.

UNIFEM Pacific Regional Office located at Level 5, Vanua House, Victoria Parade, Suva, FIJI. Ph: (679) 3301 178/3301 118. Fax: (679) 3301 654

UNIFEM Papua New Guinea Office located at UN House, Level 14, Deloitte Tower, Douglas Street,Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea. Ph: (675) 321 2877 Fax: (675) 321 1224

Staff:

Elizabeth Cox
Regional Programme Director
elizabeth.cox@unifem.org

Julie Bukikun
National Programme Officer
UNIFEM Papua New Guinea
julie.bukikun@unifem.org
julie.bukikun@undp.org

Praneel Sinha
Finance Officer
praneel.sinha@unifem.org
praneel.sinha@undp.org

Sofia Vuibureta Rayasi
Programme/Administrative Assistant
sofia.rayasi@unifem.org
registry.unifem-fj@undp.org

Salote Katherine Chan
Registry/Admin Assistant
salote.chan@unifem.org

Joy Tonawai
Coordinator
Ending Violence Against Women & Gender & HIV/AIDs Program (AYAD)
joy.tonawai@unifem.org

Sally Cobb Assistant Coordinator
Ending Violence Against Women & Gender & HIV/AIDs Program (AYAD)
sally.cobb@unifem.org

Prasheela Karan
Research & Programming Assistant
Governance, Peace & Security
prashella.karan@unifem.org

Vaseva Samugh
Librarian/ Knowledge Management
vaseva.samugh@unifem.org

Ana Laqeretabua
NPO
ana.laqreretabua@unifem.org

UNIFEM works for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality

PURPOSE
To support women in developing countries, particular the Pacific, through the work of the United Nation’s Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)

OBJECTIVES of UNIFEM
- To raise the profile of UNIFEM throughout New Zealand and promote its work.
- To lobby the New Zealand Government for increased funding for UNIFEM and its projects.
- To encourage non-governmental organisations to promote and support UNIFEM on behalf of women worldwide.
- To raise funds for expenditure on UNIFEM projects.

GOALS 2005-2008
- Increase membership
- Enhance UNIFEM’s profile through effective communication, awareness raising and public relations
- Increase income and diversify funding sources
- Develop, implement and manage effective projects
- Develop capacity and capability within UNIFEM NZ National Committee and membership

Membership
‘Individual members from high school students to octogenarians plus a wide range of ‘corporate members’ from non-governmental organisations / civil society.
Special membership rates apply for students and unwaged adults.

Communication:
UNIFEM NZ Newsletters are published quarterly, delivered by post or e-mail.
Global Updates come as UNIFEM Currents, e-mailed on request

Key dates in UNIFEM New Zealand’s Calendar for 2005

March 8: International Women’s Day – Celebratory Breakfasts and other functions with stimulating speakers and great networking opportunities are attracting increasing numbers and venues from Kerikeri to Invercargill. UNIFEM NZ’s theme is “Facing Challenges, Celebrating Achievements” with linkages to UNIFEM’s global theme: “Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a more secure future", which focuses on: security, development, disasters and human rights. Info: email: beverleyturner@nznet.gen.nz

March 12–17 UNIFEM NZ’s Pacific Project “Gender Equality in Decision-making and Leadership - Marshall Islands” commences with a week’s ‘Train the trainers’ workshop for one woman and one man from each of 24 inhabited atolls and islands, facilitated by UNIFEM Pacific and CAPWIP (Centre for Asia-Pacific Women in Politics).

March 31: Point Seven petition “Honour the Promise – Invest in a Better World” The Council for International Development petition calls on the Government to commit to a timetable to increase its spending on overseas aid to 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) by 2015 in line with its earlier promises to help reduce global poverty. Signed petition forms are due back to CID by 31 March.
See: www.cid.org.nz for Point Seven Factsheet and Petition Form. Also look at the CID website for Forums and Training Workshops. UNIFEM NZ is a member of CID’s Point Seven Committee.

April 18, 20, 22: NGO / NZAID meetings in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

May – August: NZ’s CEDAW NGO/ Alternate Report for 2006 - Group consultations will be facilitated by NCWNZ around N.Z. See: www.ncwnz.co.nz

June 3-6 Women’s Convention “Looking Back – Moving Forward” to review and evaluate progress made for and by women over the last 30 years in regard to demographics, work and home life, and the growth in understanding of the imperatives of environmental sustainability and peace - 30 years after the convention held in Wellington 1975, International Women’s Year.
See: www.womensconvention.telecom.co.nz

September 10 Annual General Meeting, Wellington, with a ‘Spring Walk’, lunch and an eminent speaker.

October 6-8 NGO/NZAID AGM and CID AGM in Wellington

October 24 United Nations Day: Again, UNIFEM NZ collaborates with UNANZ and Human Rights Network(Inc) to mark this special day. 2005 is 60 years since the establishment of the United Nations and UNANZ has a number of events scheduled to mark this special 60th birthday.

November 25 “White Ribbon Day” - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: In 2004, 15,000 white ribbons were distributed and worn by men and women, girls and boys. “Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to always speak out against violence towards women and children.
UNIFEM NZ’s EVAW Campaign will be expanded significantly in 2005.
Contact: IDEVAW Project Officer, e-mail jandawall@clear.net.nz

December 10 Human Rights Day
And again, UNIFEM NZ collaborates with UNANZ and Human Rights Network(Inc) to mark this special day.

Ongoing:
Spring Walks/outdoor activities ideal for socialising etc.
Self-organised walks, runs, bikerides supported by NGOs, community groups, friends and family with donation to UNIFEM NZ’s Spring Walks Project for Reconstruction programmes for women - Upgrading maternity facilities and services in Solomon Islands and Timor Leste

NATIONAL COMMITTEE 2004-2005
President: Beverley Turner, North Shore City
Vice President: Jean Corbin Thomas, Palmerston North
Secretary (FPANZ): Joanne Lentfer, Wellington
Treasurer: Clare Ruckstuhl, Wellington
Member (BPW): Elena Fowler, Auckland
Member (NZFGW): Annette O’Sullivan, Lower Hutt
Member (Zonta): Liz Brown, Wellington
Member: Alison Wall, Palmerston North
Member: Amanda Scothern, Wellington
Member (Auck. Regional Pres.): Diana Asdollah-zadeh, Auckland
Member (Cant’y Regional Pres): Wendy Carryer, Christchurch

Information:
For membership inquiries or further details on any of the above, see contacts given or
email: unifem@xtra.nz
UNIFEM Office: 192 Tinakori Rd, Wellington
Postal address: P.O.Box 12324, Thorndon, Wellington

Four documents, agreed to by UN member states, are central guides for UNIFEM efforts:
• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the women’s bill of rights, is a cornerstone of all UNIFEM programmes. One hundred seventy three countries are parties to the Convention.
• The Beijing Platform for Action (PFA), adopted by governments at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women, was reaffirmed and strengthened in 2000 during the global five-year review of progress organized by the UN.
• UN Security Council resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security recognized that war impacts women differently, and reaffirmed the need to increase their role in decision making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution.
• Millennium Declaration and Millennium Development Goal(MDGs) outline a set of time-bound and measurable goals and targets to promote gender equality and to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and environmental degradation by 2015.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

-Applicants for the Internship Programme must be enrolled in a graduate level degree programme. Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments will be eligible. The students must be masters students not undergraduates. The only exception for undergraduates is if they are enrolled in a masters’ programme. General information on the concept of this programme can be found on the website: http:/www.undp.org/jobs/Interns/intern.htm.

-Intern applicants for internship in UNIFEM/New York must send their resume, along with the Application Form to the Chief, HR/Administration, Internship Programme, UNIFEM, 304 East 45th Street, Room FF-1535, New York, NY 10017, or send it by fax to (212) 906-6705. The cover letter should state exact dates of availability and the main focus/interests. Applications for internships in our Regional Office should be sent directly to the Regional Programme Director at registry@unifempacific.com

-The UNDP/UNIFEM Internship Programme operates on a non-remunerative basis. The costs connected with an intern’s participation in the Programme must be borne by the nominating institution, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation, etc. Timing for internships is flexible and can be at any time in the year. The internship can be for a maximum of a year or a minimum of 6 weeks.

-There is no vacancy listing for the internship programme. Applications are reviewed by UNIFEM as the need arises. The intern will be contacted directly by the office, if shortlisted. If an intern expresses interest in doing an internship, he/she must indicate that they are aware that UNDP/UNIFEM does not offer any form of remuneration and that they have or are in the process of identifying a source of funding.

-There is no deadline for application submission, however, applications should be received at least three months prior to the anticipated internship.

-Proof of medical coverage, passport/visa/work permits must be provided for the file before the internship commences.

Application for UNDP/UNIFEM Internship Programme

1. Name of Applicant :
2. Present University or Institutional affiliation:
3. Area of study:
4. Degree expected: ___Masters ________Doctorate __________Other
5. Date degree will be granted (Day/Month/Year)
6. Briefly explain your reasons for applying to the UNDP/UNIFEM Internship Programme.
Please include specific objectives and expected benefits of the internship

7. Requested dates for Internship
(UNIFEM only accepts interns for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of one year)

From: To:

8. Preferred hours for Internship (please check one)
_________Full-time (40 hours per week)

_________Part-time (please specify the hours requested and why below):

9. Statement of understanding of the conditions of the Internship
I understand that, should I be accepted as an intern in UNDP/UNIFEM, the following conditions will apply:

a) Status: Although not considered a staff member of UNDP/UNIFEM, I shall be subject to the authority of the Administrator and the authority delegated by him to the Heads of Bureaux, UNIFEM and Offices. I understand that I am not entitled to the privileges and immunities accorded by member states to UNDP/UNIFEM, its officials and staff members.
b) Financial Support: I shall not be paid by UNDP/UNIFEM and must make my own arrangements for living expenses. Travel costs to and from the duty station and living accommodation are also my own responsibility or those of the sponsoring institution.
c) Medial Health and Life Coverage: UNDP/UNIFEM accepts no responsibility for costs or fatality arising from illness or accidents incurred during the internship; therefore, I must carry adequate and regular medical and life insurance. I will be covered by the following health and life insurance during the internship period (your application will not be processed unless you provide this information!).
Medical:
Life:
d) Passports and Visas: I am responsible for obtaining necessary passport and visas when required. UNDP/UNIFEM will issue only a letter stating acceptance of an individual as an intern and the conditions governing the internship.
e) Confidentiality and Publication of Information: As an intern, I will respect the confidentiality of information that I collect or am exposed to at UNDP/UNIFEM. No reports or papers may be published based on information obtained from UNDP without the explicit written authorization of the Head of Bureaux, UNIFEM or Office.
f) Employment Prospects: The UNDP/UNIFEM Internship Programme is not connected with employment and there is no expectancy of such. Interns cannot apply for posts advertised internally to UNDP/UNIFEM staff during the period of internship.

Signed: _________________________________ Date: __________________________________