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HEMISPHERIC WOMEN’S ASSEMBLY WANTS ACTION TO REDRESS THE
“FEMINIZATION OF POVERTY”

The Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) opened its 32nd Assembly of Delegates at the Organization of American States (OAS) headquarters today, with Commission President Yadira Henríquez calling for concrete action to redress “the feminization of poverty.” According to Henríquez, who is concluding her two-year term, urgent action is needed on this issue, “against the backdrop of the commitments undertaken by governments at Summits [of the Americas].”

A former secretary of state for women’s affairs in the Dominican Republic, Henríquez said that, as the hemisphere’s main forum for the formulation of policies to promote women’s rights and gender equity and equality, CIM must press ahead with its important work that includes providing member countries with instruments and strategies to promote equal opportunity and gender equity at all levels. She noted as well the progress “the OAS and our countries themselves” have made over the last two years.

During their three-day Assembly, CIM delegates will examine a wide-ranging agenda of issues, and will adopt resolutions on such matters as gender and consumption under free trade and integration processes; the role of women in conflict prevention, negotiation and settlement and in consolidating peace; and incorporating a gender perspective into hemispheric policies.

Henríquez outlined intensive efforts begun by CIM in 2000 to implement the Inter-American Program for the Promotion of Women’s Human Rights and Gender Equity and Equality, following OAS General Assembly adoption.

Permanent Council Chairman Ambassador Aristides Royo of Panama, meanwhile, commended CIM’s “really significant achievements,” including yesterday’s adoption by member states of a follow-up mechanism for implementation of the Belém do Pará Convention that seeks to end all forms of violence against women. Renewing the Council’s full support, Royo cited the Americas as the first region with additional hemispheric mechanisms to eradicate violence against women, thanks to efforts by CIM. That follow-up mechanism is to be signed before the Assembly of Delegates concludes on Friday.

Other important issues the delegates will consider during their Assembly include preventing and eradicating violence against women; combating the crime of trafficking in humans, especially women, adolescents and children; and the Inter-American Program for the Promotion of Women’s Human Rights and Gender Equity and Equality. The Assembly will also elect new officers to serve CIM for the next two years, and will consider country reports on the situation of women.

Also on hand for the opening session was CIM Executive Secretary Carmen Lomellin, who thanked the Permanent Council Chairman for “inspiring” remarks that, she said, provided context for the delegates.

Reference: E-197/04