INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY THIS IS OUR TIME

Presented by The Womens Information Network (WIN) www.theWINonline.com March 8, 2012 This is Our Time
It will be a fabulous global celebration of women past, present, and future ~ the largest gathering of women for International Women's Day in the history of the world! On March 8th, 2012, the Womens Information Network (WIN) will present fabulous LIVE celebrations in 176 counties! Women worldwide will connect to celebrate and honor women past, present, and future, in many exciting ways. Amazing women celebrities, athletes, political leaders, and experts will speak about womens issues today. There will be live musical entertainment and much more! On this day women will Celebrate, Commit, and Connect. They'll celebrate like never before ~ connect as only women do ~ and commit to improve in 3 areas of their lives: 1. Personal ~ improve their personal health and well being, and their businesses as employees, business owners, entrepreneurs. 2. Family ~ help their families be healthier and prepare for the future right now. 3. Country ~ let their voices be heard: to speak up, to make positive changes in their communities/countries. We invite and welcome you to participate!! CLICK HERE to see the many ways you can be involved in this fabulous, monumental, historic event for the women of the world. Would you like to be one of the National sponsors for this history making event? CLICK HERE Lots of love, Paula Fellingham CEO, Womens Information Network www.theWINonline.com

The Story of Global Women's Summits By Dr. Paula Fellingham, CEO The story of Global Women's Summits is closely related to the story of The Women's Information Network (The WIN). We began in 2009 with a wonderful mission: to strengthen women and families worldwide through education, enlightenment, and entrepreneurism in an effort to eradicate illiteracy, poverty, and hunger, and to lift the level of love, prosperity, and peace on earth. We are women helping women live our best lives personally, in our families, and in our businesses. We embrace women of all cultures, all beliefs, and in all nations. For decades I have worked with women around the globe and I've witnessed powerful positive changes recently, but I also see the heartache and fear that many women still experience. Although places in the world are sometimes dark, those paying attention also notice sunshine through the clouds as we witness a rising and an awakening of the women of the world that is more far-reaching and fast-moving than anything ever before experienced in history. Yes, more women today are experiencing a transformation of consciousness and they're finding news ways to use their inherent nurturing and creative gifts to provide solutions for today's challenges. More and more women across the globe are being educated and enlightened, which is a key to their income growth. And with sufficient income women are free to move out of survival mode, move into self-mastery, and move up to selfless service, which will always lift the level of love and peace on earth. The WIN is now the fastest-growing global women's network on earth and our impact for good is expanding. The WIN Team invites you to join with us as we contribute to the creation of a better world through our Global Women's Summits. In my quest to create superb, life-changing Summit events I met with Ambassador Mokhtar Lamani, the former Director of the United Nation's IOC (Islamic Organization Conference) and my dear friend. Ambassador Lamani has dedicated his life to resolve conflict and advocate for peace. Ambassador Lamani gave me the courage to believe that our team of women can create historic, visionary events that can truly strengthen women and families worldwide, helping them live their very best lives. Ambassador Lamani said, "When you come from a loving, pure place, and your mission is to be of service to others, with no hidden personal or political agendas, women will feel safe and will be willing to share what is in their hearts. When you help them identify their fears and their concerns they will be able to work past those handicapping emotions and work together to find solutions." After months of preparation by The WIN Team, in June, 2011, I embarked on a journey to present 8 Global Women's Summits in 8 countries ~ to prove the model. The WIN Team presented highly successful Summits in the U.K., Netherlands, Kenya, India, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. At each Global Women's Summit 3 local leaders/experts spoke, identifying and offering solutions to the women's issues in their community/nation. Additionally, participants discussed the following 3 things that are important to all women in all nations: 1. How can we acknowledge our similarities and respect our differences? (Discussing how women are alike and how they're different is a wonderful foundation upon which to understand each other better.) 2. How can we strengthen women's roles for increased peace and development in communities, nations, and the world? (Women know how they want their roles strengthened.) 3. How can women live in greater dignity and contribute to the well-being of other women in their communities, nations, and in the world? (This issue varies widely from country to country.) After our Global Women's Summits, the ideas shared will be discussed with local, national, and international leaders so they will know what women want and can take steps to initiate positive changes relative to women's issues in each nation.

Every Global Women's Summit is a rich combination of: Keynote presentation: Believe It! Become It! How to Overcome Obstacles and Excel in Every Area of Your Life Presentations by local experts/leaders who offer solutions to the challenges women face in their communities/countries.

Discussion, with attendees, of the three initiatives listed above. A lovely lunch shared by all (included in the price of admission). Uplifting musical presentation. Awards Ceremony honoring women who receive IWD Outstanding Service Awards. As mentioned, The WIN will present 1,000 Global Women's Summits in 2012. After listening to women in 1,000 cities we will truly know the heart desires of women around the world and we will be able to work with world leaders to facilitate positive changes globally. We invite you to join us on this wonderful life-altering adventure! Questions? Email info@theWINonline.com. With loving thoughts, Paula Fellingham

The Women's Information Network

The WIN is an online educational and social network for women and an on land global community in 152 countries. We're women helping women LIVE OUR BEST LIVES ~ personally, in our families, and in our businesses. Our mission is to strengthen women and families worldwide through education, enlightenment, and entrepreneurism in an effort to eradicate illiteracy, poverty, and hunger and increase the level of love and peace on earth. We fulfill our mission by providing quality online audio and video shows, live womens events, and opportunities to connect (online and on land) with women worldwide. The WIN invites all women, all ages, all cultures, and all religions to participate. Our model is to connect with women experts/leaders worldwide and give them a platform to teach and dialogue with women in their countries on many topics and important women's issues, both online and on land. The Women's Information Network (The WIN): Is currently the fastest-growing global women's network in the world. We launched in September, 2009, and now we're in 152 countries Helped host the largest gathering of women for International Women's Day (March 8th) in the history of the world: 377 live events in 152 countries - www.InternationalWomensDay.org Presented 20 events in 2010; 400 events in 2011; will present 1,000 events in 2012 Is currently presenting Global Women's Summits in 8 countries this summer/fall. In chronological order: U.K., Netherlands, Kenya, India, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, United States. Seewww.GlobalWomensSummits.com Will present Global Women's Summits in 1,000 cities worldwide in 2012 Offers hundreds of high-quality audio and video shows (presented by experts) online, on 38 topic-driven channels www.theWINonline.com Provides hundreds of articles on numerous women-related topics Is duplicating The WIN in 152 countries using their experts - e.g. The WIN U.K., The WIN India, The WIN China, etc. Offers a monthly program for women called "Women Celebrating Life" Offers a monthly program for business women called "WIN Women in Business" Will offer the "Global Academy for Entrepreneurs" in many countries worldwide, beginning in January, 2012 Receives 500,000 1,000,000 hits/month on the websites Emails 1,000,000 people/month

EMPOWER RURAL WOMEN END HUNGER AND POVERTY.

Invest in rural women. Eliminate discrimination against them in law and in practice. Ensure that policies respond to their needs. Give them equal access to resources. Provide rural women with a role in decision-making. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

The day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration. Since then, International Womens Day has been celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly, for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women. In 1975, during International Womens Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Womens Day on 8 March. Two years later, in December 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United Nations Day for Womens Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for womens full and equal participation. International Womens Day has assumed a new global dimension for women in developed and developing countries alike. The growing international womens movement, which has been strengthened by four global United Nations womens conferences, has helped make the commemoration a rallying pointto build support for womens rights and participation in the political and economic arenas. It is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

Message of Michelle Bachelet Executive Director of UN Women on International Womens Day 2012
Posted on March 5 2012 | Speeches and Statements

More on IWD 2012 More coverage and photos of Ms. Bachelets activities at CSW56 International Womens Day 2012 Empower rural women: End hunger and poverty This International Womens Day, I join women around the globe in solidarity for human rights, dignity and equality. This sense of mission drives me and millions of people around the world to pursue justice and inclusion. Looking back at the first year of UN Women, I applaud every individual, government and organization working for womens empowerment and gender equality. I promise the highest commitment moving forward. The creation of UN Women has coincided with deep changes in our world from rising protests against inequality to uprisings for freedom and democracy in the Arab world. These events have strengthened my conviction that a sustainable future can only be reached by women, men and young people enjoying equality together.From the government that changes its laws, to the enterprise that provides decent work and equal pay, to the parents that teach their daughter and son that all human beings should be treated the same, equality depends on each of us. During the past century, since the observance of the first International Womens Day, we have witnessed a transformation in womens legal rights, educational achievements, and

participation in public life. In all regions, countries have expanded womens legal entitlements. Women have taken many steps forward. More women are exercising leadership in politics and business, more girls are going to school, and more women survive childbirth and can plan their families. Yet while tremendous progress has been made, no country can claim to be entirely free from gender-based discrimination. This inequality can be seen in persistent gender wage gaps and unequal opportunities, in low representation of women in leadership in public office and the private sector, in child marriage and missing girls due to son preference, and in continuing violence against women in all its forms. Nowhere are disparities and barriers greater than in rural areas for women and girls. Rural women and girls comprise one in four people worldwide. They work long hours with little or no pay and produce a large proportion of thefood grown, especially in subsistence agriculture. They are farmers, entrepreneurs and leaders, and their contributions sustain their families, communities, nations and all of us. Yet they face some of the worst inequities in access to social services and land and other productive assets. And this deprives them and the world of the realization of their full potential, which brings me to my main point on this International Womens Day. No enduring solution to the major changes of our dayfrom climate change to political and economic instabilitycan be solved without the full empowerment and participation of the worlds women. We simply can no longer afford to leave women out. Womens full and equal participation in the political and economic arena is fundamental to democracy and justice, which people are demanding. Equal rights and opportunity underpin healthy economies and societies. Providing women farmers with equal access to resources would result in 100 to 150 million fewer hungry people. Providing women with income, land rights and credit would mean fewer malnourished children. Studies show that higher levels of gender equality correlate positively with higher levels of per capita gross national product. Opening economic opportunities to women would significantly raise economic growth and reduce poverty. The time is now. Every human being has the right to live in peace and dignity. Every human being has the right to shape their future and the futures of their countries. That is the call for equality that I hear wherever I go. For this reason UN Women will place special focus this year on advancing womens economic empowerment and political participation and leadership. We look forward to continued strong partnership with women, men and young people and with governments, civil society and the private sector. Today on International Womens Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to womens rights and move forward with courage and determination. Let us defend human rights, the inherent dignity and worth of the human person, and the equal rights of men and women.

Top 100 women by category

Activists and campaigners

Nawal El Saadawi:Egyptian doctor, psychiatrist, feminist, university lecturer and writer

Art, film, music & fashion

Lady Gaga: Outlandish dresser, performer and politicised pop icon for the Twitter generation

Business & trade unions

Carol Bartz: The first female CEO of a major software company, Yahoo

Law

Gareth Peirce: Lawyer whose battles against miscarriages of justice have changed legal history

Politics

Aung San Suu Kyi: The Burmese pro-democracy leader who has inspired the world with her non-violent resistance to a brutal dictatorship

Science & medicine

Jane Goodall:Primatologist and environmental campaigner, who has conducted groundbreaking work on chimpanzees

Sport & adventure

Caster Semenya: Young athlete who overcame global gender taunts to winworld championship

Technology

Martha Lane Fox:Entrepreneur who foundedlastminute.com and is leading the government's campaign to get people online

Television

Oprah Winfrey: The talkshow host, actress and philanthropist - not satisfied with conquering the US - is taking on the whole world

Writing & academia

Doris Lessing: Nobel prize-winning novelist, celebrated for writing a pioneering work of female emancipation

Singapore Council of Women's Organisations

Our History

In 1978, a group of Women Leaders, led by Ms Caroline Lam of the Business & Professional Women's Association mooted the idea of an Umbrella Body to unite the many small women's organisations. On the 15th November 1978, a meeting of the Pro Tem committee took place and several names were considered, including, "Singapore Women's Federation" and Bureau of Women's Affairs. On the 30th April 1979, at a meeting called by Mrs S.C. Tang, Executive Director of the Singapore Council of Social Service, the floor nominated a pro tem committee, comprising Mrs Julie Tan (Chairperson) Mrs Caroline Lam (Chairperson), Mrs. Anamah Tan, Mrs Seow Peck Leng, Mrs Maureen Tan, Mrs Mary Ho and Mrs Tan Bee Choo's Representative. The Constitution was drawn up by the committee which was then sent to twenty four women's organisations and the Registrar of Societies in October 1979. The name that was finally approved by the Registrar was "Singapore Council of Women's Organisations". The constitution spells out the role SCWO will play as the national coordinating body for women's organisations in Singapore. SCWO's mission is to actively INFORM, ADVOCATE and EDUCATE and work towards the goal of advancing the status of women and being the voice for women in Singapore. On the 6th February 1980, the First Executive Board was elected, headed by Ms Julie Tan as the first President of SCWO. On 1st March 1980, Senior Minister of State for Education and Acting Minister for Social Affairs Dr. Ahmad Mattar officiated at the inauguration of SCWO. Publications, studies, workshops and forums have formed an important part of the SCWO's activities right from the very beginning, and continue today.

19801990 The Initial Years In the first decade, we embarked on a series of Forums, Conferences and Seminars to educate women on their rights, focusing on three key issues: 1) The Woman's Charter 2) Violence against Women 3) Women in the Workplace and Nation Three Resource Books for women were published: 1) "Family Law and You" in Mandarin and English 2) "Men, Women and Violence" in English, Malay, Tamil and Mandarin and 3) "Report on Survey of Married Women in Public Housing".

SCWO's voice went beyond the shores with it being a part of the Asean Confederation of Women's Organisations (ACWO) and during the term 1988-1990, Dr. Anamah Tan, President of SCWO was appointed ACWO President. 1991-1999 Rising of a Star With women actively participating in the economy they were often faced with the burden of building a career and yet at the same time the sole responsibility of managing the household. Our main focus then was to educate women on Work Life Harmony, and many of our activities revolved around this topic. The book "Voices & Choices" about women's contributions in society and different professions was launched by Mr Wee Kim Wee, President of the Republic of Singapore to highlight the role women play in todays economy. Recognising that gender stereotypes and roles are formed during the early years; SCWO made a submission to Dr. Tay Eng Soon, Senior Minister of State for Education proposing a modification of the Home Economics Course conducted by MOE into a "Life Skills" course for Sec 1 & 2 students of both sexes. Subsequently, in 1994, Dr. Seet Ai Mee. Acting Minister for Community Development announced that schoolboys at lower secondary level be required to study Home Economics from 1994. In 1996, SCWO worked closely with the police and other agencies to submit recommendations for the changes to the Women's Charter. Amendments to the Women's Charter were passed giving more teeth to the laws against domestic violence, extending protection to members of the family other than the spouse and children as well as widening the definition of violence to include mental abuse. It also made it easer for Victims to obtain personal protection orders (PPO's) and made the breach of such PPO's a sizeable offence, among other provisions. In 1997, with the assistance of MCD and with the support of the Ministry of Finance, and the National Council of Social Service, SCWO obtained a 30-year lease on 96 Waterloo Street. The Board led by Dr. Anamah Tan, then, worked very hard to raise the $1.8 million to build the Centre. On 18th May 1997 a ground-breaking ceremony of the SCWO Centre was officiated by Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Minister of Community Development and Dr. Wee Kim Wee, Former President of the Republic of Singapore. The Secretariat moved in on 9th Jan 99. A Crisis Shelter was set up in 1999, and was called "Star Shelter" (a name suggested by Mr Ong Teng Cheong). The Shelter provides temporary refuge for women and their children who are victims of family violence. In September 1995, The Beijing Platform for Action, a world conference on women was held to eradicate discriminating against women. SCWO participated in the conference and we chose three priorities to work on: 1) Economic Empowerment of Women 2) Stop Family Violence 3) Women and Health Health & the Healthy Lifestyle. 2000 2010 In 2000, SCWO CENTRE officially opened by Mrs S.R. Nathan, Chief Patron of SCWO. The Bonny Hicks Education & Training Centre was also launched followed by the setting up of the IT Hub in 2001. As an ageing population, particularly women, was an issue, SCWO together with Tsao Foundation and AWARE worked on several Public Forums on Women & Ageing and a Focus Group Discussion on Women & Ageing - Dialogue on Ageing. The resulting AWARE/TSAO Report; "Beyond Youth: Women Growing Older and Poorer" was the catalyst to the formation of "WINGS" (Women's Initiative for Ageing Successfully) - a collaboration between SCWO and Tsao Foundation in 2006. WINGS was set up to empower older women to take personal responsibility for their health, wealth and happiness. SCWO's work towards ending discrimination against women continued with her participation in CEDAW (Convention of All Forms of Discrimination against Women). Several closed door sessions with the Interministerial Committee and member organisations have been held throughout the years on the report and progress of the government in working in line with CEDAW to end

discrimination towards women in Singapore. SCWO presented CEDAW Shadow Report in 2007 at the 39th Session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women held at the UN Headquarters, New York, USA. Violence against Women continued to be on SCWO's agenda and in 2004, SCWO and AWARE participated in a nation wide Campaign "Help Stop Violence in the Home" an initiative of The BodyShop. The campaign raised awareness of violence in the home and empowered some women to take charge of their lives and live a life free from violence. The BodyShop donated a significant sum to start a "Rebuilding Lives" fund. The Fund assists residents of our shelter to rebuild their lives outside the shelter, with an interest free loan that can be repaid only when they can. In 2006, SCWO installed the "Wall of Fame" to recognise women who have contributed to Singapore and the Women's Movement. Mrs Shirin Fozdar, Mdm Chan Choy Siong, Mrs Elizabeth Choy, Mrs Seow Peck Leng, Hajjah Fatimah, Mrs Maria Dyer and Mrs Julie Tan were the first women to be installed on the Wall of Fame. In 2005, to commemorate SCWO's 25th Anniversary, "HerStory" highlighting Women's contributions to Singapore. In 2006, the "Women's Register" was initiated to provide an on-line database of women who would like to be appointed to leadership positions in the public, private and non-profit sectors. SCWO continued to engage the government to improve the lives of women in Singapore not just during the CEDAW sessions but in Dialogues with Women Members of Parliament led by Minister of State for Finance and Transport Mrs Lim Hwee Hua in October 2006. In April 2008, Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Community Development, Youth and Sports held a dialogue session with SCWO to understand pertinent issues affecting Singapore women including maternity leave. Also in 2008, SCWO & CASE held a Beauty Forum to examine the ethical component of beauty and slimming advertisements and marketing, as attention to the way women should look was causing pressure among girls and women to fit into a mould.

In 2009, recognizing the need, we embarked on a study, proposal and forum to improve the system ofenforcement of maintenance orders. The Taskforce examined the issue of how non-compliance of maintenance orders and the subsequent filing of enforcement of maintenance orders had impacted the lives of not only the complainant but also the lives of the children. On the international level, SCWO hosted the Pan Pacific South East Asia Women's Association (PPSEAWA) 22nd International Conference. We also participated in the 10 Year Review of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA), and was part of the organising committee of the 14th APEC WLN hosted by Singapore. In 2009 SCWO started a Service Fund, which was granted IPC status, to encourage donors to support its programmes, and saw the birth of a new logo.

The Presidents (1980 2012)

1980-1982

Mrs Julie Tan YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) Ms Caroline Lam SBPWA (Singapore Business & Professional Women's Association) Ms Quek Bee See YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) Dr. Chua Li Eng ZONTA Club of Singapore Ms Janet Yee SASW (Singapore Association of Social Workers) Mrs Constance Singam AWARE (Association of Women for Action & Research) Dr. Anamah Tan SAWL (Singapore Association of Women Lawyers Dr. Shirley Lim GCWSCS (The General Conference Women's Society of Christian Service) Dr. Jennifer Lee UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) Mrs. Tisa Ng IWF (International Women's Forum) Mrs Wee Wan Joo ZONTA Club of Singapore Dr. Ann Tan AWDS (Association of Women Doctor's) Mrs. Laura Hwang IWF (International Women's Forum)

1982-1984

1984-1986

1986-1988

1988-1990

1990-1992

1992-2000

2000-2002

2002-2004

10

2004-2006

11

2006-2008

12

2008-2010

13

2011-2012

The Womens Charter

The Womens Charter was passed in 1961 to protect the rights of women and girls in Singapore. The Womens Charter is also an Act which provides the legal basis for equality between husband and wife. Makes polygamy illegal Recognises the wifes right to a different domicile from her husband Gives equal rights and duties to both husbands and wives in the management of the home and children Makes it obligatory for a husband to maintain his wife and children during marriage and after divorce Entitles the divorced man or wife to a share of matrimonial assets Enables a battered spouse to gain protection from the perpetrator Provides the punishment for offences against women and girls Amendments to The Womens Charter The Womens Charter (1996) Amendment Bill was passed in Parliament on 27 Aug 96, assented to by the President on 27 Sep 96 and came into force on 1 May 97. It gives greater protection to women and children and aims to keep the family unit intact wherever possible.

Major amendments to the Act include: Harmonious resolution of family disputes to help family members maintain amiable relations More equitable distribution of matrimonial assets Application for the maintenance of a child to be made by any person appointed by the Minister if a parent, guardian or elder sibling above 21 years old cannot be found or is unwilling to apply on behalf of the child Issue of protection order on the balance of probabilities to make it less difficult for a complainant to secure protection Extension of the protection order to cover other family members besides the spouse and children of the perpetrator Order for a perpetrator/victim or both, or their children to attend mandatory counseling by such body as the Minister may approve or as directed by the court; and Recognition of marriages of persons who have undergone sex re-assignment procedures

What is CEDAW? The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) defines what discrimination is and what governments should do to end such discrimination. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979. CEDAW provides the basis for ensuring womens equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public life including the right to vote and to stand for election - as well as education, health and employment. Countries that sign into CEDAW are legally bound to take all appropriate measures, including legislation and temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy all their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The implementation of CEDAW is monitored by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women formed by experts in the human rights from 23 countries. To read more on CEDAW Articles, please click here. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), is often described as an international bill of rights for women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. The Convention defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field." By accepting the Convention, States commit themselves to undertake a series of measures to end discrimination against women in all forms, including: to incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women; to establish tribunals and other public institutions to ensure the effective protection of women against discrimination; and to ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organizations or enterprises. The Convention provides the basis for realizing equality between women and men through ensuring women's equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public life -- including the right to vote and to stand for election -- as well as education, health and employment. States parties agree to take all appropriate measures, including legislation and temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy all their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Convention is the only human rights treaty which affirms the reproductive rights of women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender roles and family relations. It affirms women's rights to acquire, change or retain their nationality and the nationality of their children. States parties also agree to take appropriate measures against all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of women. Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also committed to submit national reports, at least every four years, on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations. Singapore & CEDAW Within a year of signing the Convention, countries are obliged to report to the Committee on measures which they have adopted to meet the goals. Subsequently, they are required to submit progress reports once every four years. The Singapore government ratified CEDAW in 1995 and has since submitted four reports to the UN CEDAW Committee. In addition to the national reports submitted by governments, also non-governmental organisations are encouraged to submit CEDAW Shadow Reports to the Committee.

National Committee for UN Women Singapore

he National Committee for UN Women Singapore is a non-profit organisation working towards women's

empowerment and gender equality in developing countries. Established in 1999, the organisation functions as a National Committee of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), headquartered in New York. We support programs that provide women and children with access to education, healthcare, economic independence and a life free of violence and abuse.

OUR MISSION
We support the general mission of UN Women in developing nations throughout the region by providing funds and support for: Economic Empowerment Programmes - to enable women to develop business and entrepreneurial skills to access local, national and global markets. Projects also assist women in gaining access to finance, technology and information. Governance and Leadership Programmes to give women a voice and visibility by encouraging their leadership in decision making processes that shape their lives. Conflict Area Programmes - to provide services for women violated during war and armed conflict. These projects also promote the role of women in peace building. UN Women Trust Fund - which helps to support actions to eliminate violence against women, including projects in the areas of: HIV/AIDS, female infanticide, trafficking, forced prostitution, domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape. For more information on the UN Women Trust Fund, please click here. In order to achieve this mission, we undertake a wide range of fundraising activities, membership drives and public education programs and events.

About UN Women

UN Women Brochure

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. In doing so, UN Member States took an historic step in accelerating the Organizations goals on gender equality and the empowerment of women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, which focused exclusively on gender equality and womens empowerment:

Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW)

International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI) United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)

The main roles of UN Women are:

To support inter-governmental bodies, such as the Commission on the Status of Women, in their formulation of policies, global standards and norms. To help Member States to implement these standards, standing ready to provide suitable technical and financial support to those countries that request it, and to forge effective partnerships with civil society. To hold the UN system accountable for its own commitments on gender equality, including regular monitoring of system-wide progress.

Meeting the Needs of the Worlds Women

Over many decades, the UN has made significant progress in advancing gender equality, including through landmark agreements such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Gender equality is not only a basic human right, but its achievement has enormous socio-economic ramifications. Empowering women fuels thriving economies, spurring productivity and growth. Yet gender inequalities remain deeply entrenched in every society. Women lack access to decent work and face occupational segregation and gender wage gaps. They are too often denied access to basic education and health care. Women in all parts of the world suffer violence and discrimination. They are under-represented in political and economic decision-making processes. For many years, the UN has faced serious challenges in its efforts to promote gender equality globally, including inadequate funding and no single recognized driver to direct UN activities on gender equality issues. UN Women was created to address such challenges. It will be a dynamic and strong champion for women and girls, providing them with a powerful voice at the global, regional and local levels. Grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the UN Charter, UN Women, among other issues, works for the:

elimination of discrimination against women and girls; empowerment of women; and achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.