Engaging Women as Economic Citizens in Developing Countries
Never underestimate the progress and the decisions that can be made when a group of women get together. Many women would agree that one of the things women share worldwide is a love of getting together to share their stories and life experiences, personal and professional. It was on this premise that UN Women, with the support of Canada, agreed at the Conference on Women's Economic Empowerment in 2011, to develop a digital hub, the Knowledge Gateway, so that women (and men) worldwide active in empowering women would have a virtual platform to share their experiences and expertise.With this year's International Women's Day upon us on March 8, 2014, women and men worldwide will gather to celebrate achievements, note the conditions and contemplate how to improve the circumstances for women, especially for those who live in developing countries. This year the United Nations is asking people to reflect upon the theme, "Equality for women is progress for all."
Research supports what many people already know: involving women in the economic life of a country reduces poverty and improves the economic stability of a country. Focusing on how to improve the circumstances for women and girls in developing countries will help facilitate gender equality in health, education, employment and entrepreneurship. The facts about the status of women in developing countries show that there is still much work to be done:
- More women than men live in poverty
- Worldwide, women account for 58 percent of unpaid employment
- Women make up more than half of the world"s illiterate people
- More boys that girls attend secondary school
- Educated women are likely to marry later, having smaller and healthier families
- Fewer women assume decision-making roles at home, in business or on a political level
A global connection
To lift themselves out of poverty, women—and the organizations that support them—must learn about and understand the opportunities before them so they can work to achieve a more equitable and prosperous way of life. Wanting to empower women and help them achieve these goals, UN Women, working closely with Canada, launched the Knowledge Gateway in September 2013.A dynamic, global platform designed to invest in women's equality and economic empowerment, the Knowledge Gateway brings people together from around the world to share experiences and expertise, discuss business ideas and take advantage of learning opportunities. The platform is a meeting place for individuals from developing and developed countries, engaging large international organizations and grassroots networks.
There are four main components of the Knowledge Gateway:
- The Knowledge Library provides users access to current research, data and information about successful policies and best practices.
- Through the Knowledge Network members can connect with leaders and peers, engage in partnerships and communicate about areas of interest to increase women's economic empowerment.
- The Knowledge Circles offers users an area for more informal exchange so people can ask questions, engage in online discussions, and receive mentoring and support for their projects and ideas.
- Through the Learning Centre members can take online courses and attend webinars to learn about concepts such as how prepare a business plan, implement a marketing strategy, get a job and negotiate a salary, or more specifically in thematic areas that include policy, employment, workplace, entrepreneurship, resources, agriculture, energy and the environment, leadership and data/statistics.
By the numbers
These days, a simple Internet connection can facilitate the gathering of a global community where individuals, governments, civil society and other organizations can ask questions, attend workshops and share information. Telling people about the Gateway and encouraging them to use it, will help in the success of the project. Some of the early indicators of the interest in the Knowledge Gateway can be determined by the number of people coming to the "virtual table."Five months in, these numbers give a sense of the project's early reach:
- 35,000 visitors from 100 different countries have stopped by
- 1,640 registered users have downloaded nearly 700 publications and more than 180 resources and how-to guides
- 150 discussion threads allow users to ask and answer questions and share experiences and lessons learned
- 3,500 subscribers follow the social media outreach
On a personal note
Keeping it personal is the quest of the Knowledge Gateway champions. Announced on December 3, 2013, the 29 community champions came on board to further women's economic empowerment in their communities.Everyday people from the different countries and walks of life were brought on board because of their passion for women's economic empowerment and their interest to raise awareness, using traditional and social media channels. Launched by a 24-hour Tweetathon, the purpose was to use existing networks to keep the conversation going, adding new people and ideas along the way.
Changing times
The internet has made the world a smaller place. Logging on to platforms such as the Knowledge Gateway opens the door for citizens, civic actors and governments to connect with others in a true global digital space. Open dialogue, sharing experiences and giving people a voice can bring about positive change to support women's economic empowerment around the world. With support for projects such as this one, Canada is active in finding new ways to reach out, engage and solve problems to improve the lives and circumstances of people in need.Knowledge Gateway Champions Testimonials:
Quotes
"My decision to become a community champion was based on the desire to make a contribution to creating and developing the world with equal opportunities for women and men, no gender discrimination and no violence, with fulfillment of women's rights. I wanted to know how and what I am able to do for women in my own country. Knowledge Gateway is a great informational resource, it is also an educational platform, and I believe that awareness-raising can become a key instrument of improving women's live. Now each of us is a part of global process of women's empowerment. It is a great feeling of being inspired and to become an inspiration for others."
- Anna Bolbasova (Female, Belarus)
"I made the decision to become a champion for women's economic empowerment for a myriad of reasons, but chiefly, I believe it should be a focal point for everyone. By addressing the economic plight of women, we can positively affect not only their lives, but also those who depend on women for sustenance and care-giving. I grew up in a third world country, specifically Jamaica, and the doomsday reality of matriarchal families who constantly bob below the poverty line was painted on most doorposts across the country. For me, being a UN Knowledge Gateway Champion for women's economic empowerment was the perfect way to advocate and facilitate dialogue."
- Kavelle Christie (Female, Jamaica)
"Very often, people in many countries fail to recognize the importance of Women in our lives and discourage them and do not allow them to rise. My motive for joining Knowledge Gateway is to understand not only the problems faced by Women in India but also in other countries and what solutions are being implemented by them. Till now, Knowledge Gateway has been a very good journey and interacting with different people and sharing knowledge has been fruitful. I am sure this long lasting bond will continue and we will keep making difference in lives of women all over the world no matter which part of the country we live."
- Vikram Simhan (Male, India)
"I became a community champion to get the attention of the UN and policymakers. It is important that women have a better and equal future to look forward and they are treated as first-class citizens."
- Poh Ching (Female, Singapore)
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