WUNRN

http://www.wunrn.com

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

http://www.saarcgenderinfobase.org/pages/data-descrip.php?country=afghanistan

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https://sites.google.com/a/saarc-sec.org/saarc-secretariat-blog/events/saarcgenderinfobasetocrossseveralbarriers

SAARC GENDER INFORMATION DATA BASE

Apr 21, 2011 - By Ibrahim Zuhuree

'SAARC Gender Info Base' (SGIB) was launched with the support of UN Women. Aim of this data base is to collect and disseminate both qualitative and quantitative information on gender equality and women’s empowerment from one place.

At present, SGIB gathers information on three prioritized indicators. Firstly, SGIB measures the impact of feminization of poverty (FOP), which is a process leading to a higher proportion of women among the poor (both income poverty and human poverty) when compared to an early stage. The aim is to find out factors contributing to FOP and to help formulating projects in the SAARC region that will economically empower women. The second indicator is violence against women, with special reference to trafficking, and thirdly health indicators including HIV/AIDS.

SGIB has come a long way since its establishment. The prioritized areas are extremely sensitive and to obtain relevant data from the Member States (MS) have not been easy. However, during the past four years SGIB has managed to cross several barriers with the aid of CBOs and NGOs and get the 8 MS involved sharing qualitative and quantitative information on these issues. At present, data are accessible to the general public at: http://www.saarcgenderinfobase.org/.

At present achievements include endorsement of the SGIB online component; SGIB Desks established at Member States; and assistance of national committees including NGOs and research organizations. In addition to the 3 thematic discussed earlier, SGIB has set a minimum of 15 prioritized indicators for all the MS to collect qualitative and quantitative data and information.

Expanded and enhanced SGIB is now the ‘first point of reference’ for SAARC initiative on Home Based Workers, SAARC programmes on Micro-finance for Women’s Economic Empowerment and Housing information related to Regional Trafficking activities. In this regard, from 28-29 April 2011 in Delhi, SAARC Secretariat and SGIB Team will consult with SEWA and RMK to initiate dialogue and identify a framework of cooperation and support that will strengthen the positioning of the SGIB both at the regional and national levels. Key outcome of the meeting will be to identify Focal Points within SEWA and RMK for institutional linkage. In addition, the meeting will also carry forward the work of standardizing terms and definitions for use in the SGIB.