International Bulletin - Fall 1997
Conference Recommendations Towards the Formulation of a PPSEAWA International Plan of Action
The 20th PPSEAWA International Conference on the theme "Strengthening Alliances For A Better World Towards The 21st Century," convened in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia from 25th August to 2nd September 1997:
Having considered the keynote address by Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho of Tonga, and deliberated on the 4 key areas of the Conference theme through plenary sessions and workshop discussions, PPSEAWA:
- Reaffirms the Beijing Platform of Action and supports the translating of the momentum into action;
- Recognises the important role of PPSEAWA as an international woman's NGO with official accreditation to UN bodies;
- Determines to advance PPSEAWA's goals and mission in promoting cooperation and understanding for peace, equality and development for women of the Asia Pacific Region in the interest of all humanity;
- Acknowledges the needs, concerns and voices of women within the diverse cultures of the Asia Pacific region;
- Pays tribute to the inspiring work of PPSEAWA pioneers and members.
Calls For:
1. The Establishment of an Expertise Bank and an Expertise Exchange Programme to facilitate networking and exchange of resources. Such expertise can be drawn upon by any member organisation, on a systematic basis, to advance women's participation in peace, equality and development.
2. The establishment and strengthening of a cooperative relationship with relevant Government Institutions, International Organizations, UN bodies and other NGOs.
3. The building of strategic alliances and networking among PPSEAWA member countries through:
- Convening smaller and more frequent regional and subregional group meetings and discussions with countries taking turns to host.
- Disseminating more widely the PPSEAWA International Bulletin.
- Inviting national chapters to write about their projects, activities and success stories as a model and source of inspiration to others.
- Developing more informative and interactive channels of communication. The use of E-Mail and internet is to be encouraged while the traditional means through printed media be maintained especially for those who find modern telecommunications expensive or inaccessible.
- Identifying chapters with common interests for sharing of experience and expertise as in the areas of advocacy for peace, environmental protection and conservation, parenting and family life education, etc.
4. The Mobilization of resources more actively within and between countries and with funding agencies to support development of PPSEAWA projects and resource materials such as the "PPSEAWA Heritage Book" for maximum benefit of members and other target groups.
5. Strengthening of PPSEAWA's Advocacy role on key issues affecting women, children and families. In this regard PPSEAWA should lobby governments to protect the rights of women and children as human rights and monitor the implementation of internationally agreed upon instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of The Child. PPSEAWA should also advocate for review of legislation which inhibits or impedes women's advancement and access to economic resources.
6. Focus to be accorded to the family and the girl child. Parenting and Family Life Education programmes are to be implemented to strengthen the family institution and to promote gender complementarily in the shared roles and responsibilities of parenthood.
7. Enhancement of women's access to comprehensive, affordable and quality care with increased awareness on preventive and supportive services in relation to safe motherhood, HIV/AIDS and other health concerns of women throughout all stages of the life cycle.
8. Support for women's access to governance through increased quota in parliament and legislative assemblies, empowering women to exercise their rights and by encouraging potential women leaders.
9. Consideration of new initiatives:
- Creation of an international identity for PPSEAWA through a distinct pin or badge bearing the PPSEAWA logo and to be worn by members at all significant events.
- Commemoration of a 'PEACE DAY" every year by member countries to create public awareness and education on peace building through various fora eg. workshops on legal literacy and international instruments, cultural presentations etc.
Having agreed to and adopted these recommendations, we, the delegates at the 20th. International PPSEAWA Conference, pledge to:
- Dedicate ourselves to addressing these recommendations for the enhancement and advancement of women, children and families within our mission of promoting peace, understanding, cooperation, friendship and harmony in the Asia Pacific Region;
- Commit ourselves to develop a forward looking PPSEAWA International Plan of Action to be adopted for implementation by all member countries and
- To report progress of our activities at the 21st. International PPSEAWA Conference.
Last Modified: June 05, 2010