27 August 2010

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CEDAW - Three Down, One to Go

The third of four consultation modules produced for the NGO’s version of the CEDAW Report 2010 has today been released to stakeholders, reports the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ).

“NCWNZ’s deregistration as a charitable organisation caused a temporary spanner in the works,” said Elizabeth Bang, NCWNZ National President. “But the combination of some outsourcing and some hard graft, and things are very much so back on target.”

The Government recently released its draft report for consultation with NGOs.

“We recognise the fundamental difference between the two reports,” says Elizabeth Bang. “The Government provides a stock-take of its initiatives, which on this occasion cuts across the life-spans of Labour-led and National-led Governments. This has created a different dimension to the NGO report, which is tasked with critiquing the effectiveness of the Government’s work.”

The Government’s draft report has been circulated to those working on the NCWNZ-facilitated CEDAW project.

Thus far, NGOs have already submitted on two consultation modules prepared by NCWNZ.

These tackled issues ranging from violence against women, the welfare system, education and employment.

The current consultation module asks stakeholders to comment on discrimination arising from women living in rural areas, women advancing into leadership positions, women in politics and barriers to the advancement of women.

“We are reopening consultation on module one and two also,” says Elizabeth Bang. “With the change in reporting timeframes, resulting from the Government targeting completion before the end of December, rather than September 2010, the extra time can now be passed on to the women we are working with.”

To access the NGO CEDAW consultation modules, visit: http://ncwnz.org.nz/ngo-consultation-module-three/

“We anticipate the fourth and final consultation module will be completed over the next six weeks. Ultimately, the NCWNZ Board is targeting a release of the final report in the New Year,” concludes Elizabeth Bang.

ENDS

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