Concept Note
The core issues to be addressed focus on the following questions; (a) Identifying the major forms of gender inequality and the ways women are socially excluded; (b) Experience sharing on how the MDGs can be reinforced to address gender inequalities and social inclusion of women; and (c) Identifying additional MDG targets and indicators that can be used to monitor gender equality and social inclusion of women in development.
Introductory Note
We are pleased that you have accepted to take part in a three-week-long moderated e-Discussion: ‘Promotion of Social Inclusion of Women and Gender Equality in the MDGs’. The e-Discussion, organized by the MDGs Poverty Analysis and Monitoring Section (MPAMS) located within the African Center for Gender and Social Development (ACGSD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), aims to identify gaps in existing MDGs targets and indicators......
Compiled Contributions
Hello everyone,
Gender inequality is first and foremost demonstrated by the fact that most women do not possess an income. Thus leaving women dependent on the household income their husbands bring in and manage. Even if women engage in small scale trading to supplement the household income, husbands who will decide what to do with the additional income may confiscate this sum.
Most often, situations such as these tend to affect women with little or no education.
In terms of social exclusion, women are mostly denied access to education. For example, if a family has a low income and its budget for education fees is trained, the boys will be favoured over the girls. This is on top of those who believe that girls do not need a formal education as they are meant to take care of the household.
Thank you,
Mrs. Rose Ryanyeninka
Advisor Ministry of Planning, Development and National Reconstruction
Bujumbura, Burundi
Hello everyone,
This is in response to Mrs. Rose Ryanyeninka contribution by which I was highly impressed as it is rare to see women who occupy senior government level positions debate grassroots matters. This proves that “elite women” support the work done by us activists.
As for gender inequality, I believe that its primary cause is rooted in traditions though; lack of education has compounded its effects, particularly in the context of a Nation-State.
Mauritania is a multicultural country, in which, for example, women of Arabic-Beber descent enjoy a status that grants them respect as well as subtle powers that allow them to maintain their maiden names, their own properties, the right to divorce and custody of their children.
Thank you,
Mrs. Fatma Mint Elkory
NTIC et Citoyenneté
Nouakchott, Mauritanie
Website: http://www.maurifemme.mr
Summary Report of E-discussion
Under the project “Strengthening Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Health Promotion in the Millennium Development Goals in Africa”, the African Centre for Gender and Social Development (ACGS) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) organized a series of e-discussions aimed at providing a platform for experts on poverty reduction, gender, social protection and inclusion and the MDGs to share experiences, learn from each other, discuss and to the extent possible recommend supplementary targets and indicators for the MDGs in the areas of social inclusion, gender equality, disability, ageing, youth, sexual and reproductive health and health equity. The series began with a four-week-long moderated e-discussion entitled ‘Promotion of Social Inclusion of Women and Gender Equality in the MDGs in Africa’, that was held from 21 April to 20 May 2008.
This community of practice was made up of fifty experts from twenty-two African countries that are actively involved in the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The experts were drawn from governments, non-governmental organizations, universities and development partners. The diversity in experience and area of work of this community of practice (CoP) allowed for an interesting and enriching exchange of ideas and country experiences.
This report provides a synthesis of the e-discussion under three key thematic areas: (i) Major forms of gender inequality and the ways that women are socially excluded; (ii) Actions made by countries to address the social exclusion of women and improve gender equality, the challenges experienced and policy implications; and (iii) Ways in which the MDGs can be reinforced to address gender equality and the social inclusion of women and the suggested additional MDG indicators for more effective monitoring of gender equality and social inclusion of women in development. The last section of the report highlights the main conclusions of the e-discussion.
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