Reference group meetings for 2012 Gender Protocol Barometer reports begin

Between March and April 2012, the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance will hold country reference group meetings facilitated by the country focal networks with assistance from the regional secretariat to produce the 2012 SADC Gender Protocol Barometer reports. The aim is to have the 15 meetings in all 15 SADC countries as part of consultations and validation process to ensure that the data and qualitative analyses are verified.

On the backdrop of the validation process, the Alliance will use the opportunity to get citizens to score theirgovernment’s progress towards meeting the 28 targets set for 2015 in the SADC Gender Protocol. While this score is basedon perceptions, it is critical. The process is empowering because it gives ordinary men and women the opportunity hold their governmentaccountable. It also ensuresthat women and men engage critically with theprovisions of the Protocol.

The Barometer complements the citizen score card with an objectiveSADC Gender and Development Index based on 23 indicators across six sectors: Governance (3 indicators), Education (3), Economy (5), Sexual and Reproductive Health (3), HIV and AIDS (3), and Media (6).

The Alliance will take the opportunity to present the 2011 SADC Gender Protocol Barometer in countries where this has not happened. The planned dates are:

 For more information about your country, please contact Loveness Jambaya Nyakujarah: alliance@genderlinks.org.za