Ghana: 4th International Gender Conference

4th International Gender Conference

Theme: Sexual And Gender-Based Violence: A Social Nightmare Provoking Action

Sponsored by: Gender Development Institute, Ghana Email: [email][email protected] Phone: 233-21 223031
17th to 21st September, 2007 Elmina, Ghana

On behalf of the Management and Board of the Gender Development Institute (GDI) we have the honour and the privilege to invite you to join us for the 4th International Gender Conference.

The theme for this conference has been chosen because Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is a major Public Health and Human Rights problem throughout the world. This is a call for Governments and all Stakeholders to take concerted action for the Health, Education and Criminal Justice sectors of society to take the problem seriously.

It is our conviction that no positive and sustainable change can occur unless the problems of Gender Equity are analysed within the framework of Public Health, Human Rights and Human Security. It is only when all aspects of society have equal rights and there is mutual recognition and respect of these rights, that there can be an all encompassing and equitable development for all.

We invite especially the International Development Community, United Nations Agencies, the Donor Community to Ghana. Many conferences on similar themes have been organised outside Africa. But it is in Africa that a lot of the crises occur. It is here that we need the Information, Experiences of Best Practices, Networking Possibilities, Support and Encouragement to start and take ownership of the process of change. We need your support and appeal to you and organisation to participate. Please invite a friend to come along.

OBJECTIVES OF CONFERENCE
-Create a forum to deliberate and share experiences on human rights issues from a gender perspective;
-To understand what sexual and gender- based violence is;
-Increase awareness among men about the gender dynamics of sexual and gender -based violence.

-Recognise gender - based violence against men;
-Initiate a process of collaboration and networking between gender equity advocates and human rights promoters.

PARTNERS & PARTICIPANTS The issue of sexual and gender based violence is not the preserve of only one organisation or any individual. It requires a multidisciplinary approach to make an impact. In this regard, some organisations have pledged their support and collaboration to the Conference. They include African Centre for Human Development, Voices of African Women in Crisis, Women for Women International, Sankofa International, The Ark Foundation, among others. Participants will be drawn from:

International and Local NGOs, Civil Society Organisations, Multilateral and Bilateral Development Agencies, State and Para-Statal Organisations, and UN Agencies.

CONFERENCE FORMAT The Conference will consist of:

-Presentation of Papers
-Affinity Workshops
-Syndicate Group Discussions
-Parallel Panel Sessions
-Socialisation Nights
-Community Outreach Programmes
-Excursion.

DURATION The Conference will start from Monday, 17th September and end on Friday, 21st September 2007. Official Opening: Monday, 17th September, 2007 at 12:30 p.m.

Official Closing: Friday, 21st September 2007 at 12:30 p.m.

FEES $1,500 for Single room occupancy for 4 days in a 3 star Hotel $1,300 for Paired room occupancy for 4 days in a 3 star Hotel This includes; Conference Registration fee Full Board and Lodge for 4 days (Breakfast, Lunch, Supper and Snacks)

Participation in Conference tours Meeting upon arrival and transport to and from conference venue Conference Souvenirs Conference Report Conference Certificate of Participation Conference Picture THERE IS A SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR GHANAIAN PARTICIPANTS. CONTACT GDI SECRETARIAT FOR MORE DETAILS.

JOIN US We invite you to join us at the 4th International Gender Conference. We look forward to welcoming you to Elmina. Let us show support and commitment to an important moral and ethical problem. Please share our invitation with as many people as possible. Ghana is 50 years old, in Championing African Excellence. Join us to help build a better Africa free from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.