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WOMEN’S CAUCUSES Overview and Comparative Examples

Learn about the benefits and rationale of women's caucuses, different structures and examples, and best practices. Explore topics like organizational development, cross-sector meetings, and joint initiatives with other legislative committees. Discover lessons learned and strategies for long-term support.

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WOMEN’S CAUCUSES Overview and Comparative Examples

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  1. WOMEN’S CAUCUSESOverview and Comparative Examples The National Democratic Institute

  2. INTRODUCTIONS/ GROUND RULES • Introductions • Ground rules • Ice breaker exercise • Key terms - caucus

  3. WOMEN’S CAUCUSES OBJECTIVES • To gain an understanding of women’s caucuses, including: • the benefits and rationale • different structures and examples • best practices

  4. WOMEN’S CAUCUSES TOPICS • Why a women’s caucus? • How to structure a women’s caucus • Examples from around the world • Lessons learned and strategies Photo: National Democratic Institute

  5. WHY A WOMEN’S CAUCUS? • Organizes women’s political voice and power • Introduces legislation that addresses gender equality Photos: National Democratic Institute

  6. WHY A WOMEN’S CAUCUS? • Facilitates communication between government and civil society • Impacts political will by mobilizing other sectors • Promotes women’s leadership • Provides opportunities for constituency outreach

  7. STRUCTURE OF A WOMEN’S CAUCUS • Cross-Party Legislative Caucuses • Cross-sector Caucuses include civil society organizations and other stakeholders Photo: National Democratic Institute

  8. STRUCTURE OF A WOMEN’S CAUCUS • Leadership and decision making structure • Policy development • Strategic planning

  9. CAUCUS ACTIVITIES • Activities • Regular meetings as a caucus • Meetings with other stakeholders • Roundtables, hearings and public events • Training workshops • Other initiatives

  10. caucus EXAMPLES

  11. UGANDA WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS ASSOCIATION (UWOPA) • Allied with youth, workers and disabled delegates • Leadership insisted on a non-partisan approach

  12. UGANDA WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS ASSOCIATION (UWOPA) • UWOPA developed a Common Women’s Legislative Agenda with CSOs • Focused on constituent outreach Photo: National Democratic Institute

  13. UGANDA WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS ASSOCIATION (UWOPA) • Constitutional provisions for equality • Constituency outreach • Increased leadership positions for women • Founded complementary civil society group, Forum for Women in Democracy

  14. MACEDONIA: WOMEN’S PARLIAMENTARY CLUB • Founded in 2003 as an informal association • Recognized by Parliament with rights to its own sub-budget Photo: National Democratic Institute

  15. MACEDONIA: WOMEN’S PARLIAMENTARY CLUB • NDI partnered with the Club from early after its formation • Technical assistance and training • Provides comparative examples Photo: National Democratic Institute

  16. MACEDONIA: WOMEN’S PARLIAMENTARY CLUB • Zipper system • Domestic violence • Women’s health Photo: National Democratic Institute

  17. UKRAINE: EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES CAUCUS • Includes both women and men committed to gender equality • Found common ground on the issue of single parents • Leadership structure represents all three main factions

  18. UKRAINE: EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES CAUCUS • Took time to establish • Clear leadership roles, by-laws and structure negotiated Photo: National Democratic Institute

  19. UKRAINE: EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES CAUCUS • Submitted draft laws on domestic violence, human trafficking and protection for single parents • Initiated a national dialogue on violence against women Photo: National Democratic Institute

  20. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: MOSTAR WOMEN’S CITIZEN INITIATIVE • United women political activists, civic leaders and citizens to address a common issue • Due to their advocacy, legislation protecting maternity leave was passed

  21. INDONESIA: POLITICAL WOMEN’S CAUCUS (KPPI) • Cross-sector coalition open to all • Partners with Indonesia Women Parliamentarians Caucus • Structured like a political party

  22. INDONESIA: POLITICAL WOMEN’S CAUCUS (KPPI) • NDI organized workshop series, forum for women activists to meet • Organizational support • Training of Trainers Photo: National Democratic Institute

  23. INDONESIA: POLITICAL WOMEN’S CAUCUS (KPPI) • Institutionalized 30% quota for women • Candidate trainings Photo: National Democratic Institute

  24. GENERAL STRATEGIES • Organizational development • Cross-sector meetings • Joint initiatives with other legislative committees • Meetings with political parties Photo: National Democratic Institute

  25. LESSONS LEARNED • Focus on a concrete agenda • Establish clear leadership structures • Engage women and men • Ensure long-term support

  26. EXERCISE • Agree on a priority issue • As a group come up with 3 possible policy solutions on the issue • Identify what other stakeholders should be involved on the issue • Identify a speaker to present your issue and solutions to the group

  27. WOMEN’S CAUCUSES REVIEW • Why establish a women’s caucus • Structure • Examples • Lessons and strategies • Questions? • Feedback?

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