Strengthening the Women’s Sector: An Evaluation of Organisations Involved in Addressing

This research study is the initiative of the Foundation for Human Rights. The report focuses specifically on the women’s sector, which is identified as being comprised of “women’s organisations” – formally structured organisations that deal with issues relating to women. The research was intended to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the women’s sector with a particular focus on lobbying and advocacy. Based on a survey of women’s organisations the report reveals that the majority of women’s organisations are service delivery oriented, focusing on issues of immediate relevance to women’s daily lives, such as domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and employment creation. Fewer than one-fifth of the organisations focus primarily on advocacy and lobbying. Although representatives of women’s organisations feel that the sector has been effective as there have been changes in policy, legislation and on the ground, 79% of organisational representatives interviewed felt that the sector is not as effective as it could be.

ISBN: 9-780981-434919
Publisher: Irish Aid
Year of Publication: 2009