G_46_00

12 June 2001 Press Release No. N/13/2001

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

MEDIA ALERT

ESCAP CONVENES FIRST EVER BARRIER-BREAKING SUMMIT OF
WOMEN MAYORS, COUNCILLORS

19 to 22 June 2001, Phitsanulok, Thailand

Patriarchal social systems, high campaign costs, cultural prejudices
corruption in politics on the agenda

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is organizing the first ever Asia-Pacific Summit of Women Mayors and Councillors to be held from 19 to 22 June 2001. The City of Phitsanulok, headed by the longest serving woman mayor in Thailand, is the host city.

Over 200 participants from 24 countries and territories will address issues faced by women in local government. Participants include serving and former women ministers, members of parliament, several permanent secretaries, mayors, councillors and eminent scholars from the region.

During the Summit Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of ESCAP, will present awards to seven women mayors and councillors from China, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand in recognition of services to their communities and for breaking barriers against the participation and representation of women in local governments.

According to ESCAP, women in decision-making positions in government provide transformative leadership by redefining political priorities, placing new items on the agenda and providing new perspectives on mainstream issues. “Nowhere in the region, however, are women equally represented in local government,” said an ESCAP spokesperson.

Organizers aim to increase awareness of the challenges and constraints women face while leading local governments. Delegates will also discuss follow-up regional strategies and actions to promote women’s participation and representation in local governments.

The meeting is being organized by ESCAP in collaboration with a wide variety of UN agencies and programmes, non-governmental organizations, and research and training institutes. The Government of Japan is providing support.

NOTE TO EDITORS:
You or your representatives are invited to attend the Summit from 19-22 June 2001 at the Amarin Lagoon Resort, Phitsanulok, Thailand.
The opening ceremony will be held at 09:00 a.m. on 19 June 2001, followed by a press conference at 10:30 a.m.
The programme of the Summit and list of the awardees are provided.
Telephone interviews may be arranged.

For further information please contact:
Mr. Yap Kioe Sheng, Chief, Human Settlements Section/ESCAP
Tel: (66-2) 288 1600, Fax: (66-2) 288 1097, E-mail: huset.unescap@un.org

Mr. David Lazarus, Chief, United Nations Information Services/ESCAP
Tel: (66-2) 288-1234, Fax: 288-1052, E-mail: unisbkk.unescap@un.org

Asia-Pacific Summit of Women Mayors and Councillors
19-22 June 2001, Phitsanulok, Thailand

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME

Tuesday 19 June 2001

Plenary session
09:00-09:05        Welcome address by the Mayor of Phitsanulok
09:05-09:35        Address by the Governor of Phitsanulok Province, representatives
                            of UNIFEM, UNCHS (Habitat), ADB, UNDP
09:35-09:45        Address by Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of ESCAP
09:45-10:00        Opening Address of Thai Minister (to be confirmed)
10:30-11:00        Presentation on the comparative overview paper on “Women in Local
                            government in Asia and the Pacific.” by Professor Jean Drage, ESCAP consultant.
13:00-14:30        Panel discussion on “Women and Good Governance” organized by UNCHS (Habitat)
15:00-16:30        Panel discussion on “Women in Government 50-50 by 2005: Get the balance right!!!”
                            by UNDP/UNOPS APGEN

Wednesday 20 June 2001

Plenary session
09:00-10:30 Panel discussion on “Gender Budgeting” organized by the Asia Foundation

Breakout session

11:00-12:00        Sub-regional group discussions
                            (i) South Asia
                            (ii) South East Asia
                            (iii) East Asia and the Pacific

Each sub-regional group discussion will focus on answering the following questions:
                            (i) What do you think are the issues of participation and representation of
                                 women in local government in your sub-region?
                            (ii) What actions are needed at the country level to promote the participation
                                 and representation of women in local government?
                            (iii) What regional support mechanisms are needed to support actions at the
                                  country level?
13:00-14:30        Sub-regional group discussions (continued)
15:00-16:00        Sub-regional group discussions (continued)

Thursday 21 June 2001

Plenary session
09:00-09:20        Report of the South Asia group meeting
09:20-09:40        Report of the South East Asia group meeting
09:40-10:00        Report of the East Asia and the Pacific group meeting
10:30-12:00        Discussions

Breakout session

13:00-14:30        Issue based symposia on:
                            (i) “Promoting Regional Cooperation and Exchange of Best Practices between
                                  Cities and Towns” organized by CityNet
                            (ii) “Experience of Phitsanulok in Integrated Solid Waste Management”
                                  organized by the Municipality of Phitsanulok
                            (iii) “The Experience of Phitsanulok in Promoting Economic Opportunities
                                   for Poor Women” organized by the Province of Phitsanulok
                            (iv) “Promoting Partnerships between Local Governments and Women
                                   Community Leaders” organized by UNDP/UNOPS TUGI
                            (v) “Women in Urban Water Supply and Sanitation” organized by
                                   the Water Resources Section, ESCAP
                            (vi) “Promoting Barrier-free Environments and Incorporating the Concerns
                                   of Women with Disabilities in Decision-making” organized by
                                   the ESCAP Social Policy Section

15:00-16:30 Symposia (continued)

Friday 22 June 2001

Plenary Session

09:00-10:30        Discussions on the declaration on the advancement of women
                           in local government
11:00-12:00        Discussions on the declaration on the advancement of women
                           in local government (continued)
13:00-14:30        Discussions on the declaration on the advancement of women
                           in local government (continued)
15:00-15:30        Adoption of the declaration on the advancement of women
                           in local government
15:30-16:00        Closing ceremony

Recipients of ESCAP Awards for Outstanding Service
and Breaking Barriers Against Participation
in Local Government

Zhang Ningsheng, Mayor, Dujiangyan Municipal Government, Sichuan Province, China

Ms. Zhang Ningsheng has a service record in local government of 14 years. At present, she holds the position of Mayor of the Dujiangyan People’s Municipal Government (elected 1998) and of Deputy Secretary of Dujiangyan Municipal Party Committee. Being the Mayor her responsibilities cover the all-round work of the municipal government. She thinks women’s concerns and priorities about urban local government and urban issues generally differ from those of men and also believes that increasing the number of women with power in local government will have a direct effect on the status of women, as more women in local government will affect the decision-making concerning rights and interests of women. Ms. Zhang feels that women leaders have responsibility for promoting female participation in politics at all levels and for increasing the capacity of women in society in general.

Rita Bhauguna Joshi, Mayor, Allahabad Municipal Corporation, Uttar Pradesh, India

Ms. Rita Bhauguna has served as the Mayor of Allahabad Municipal Corporation for the past six years and is affiliated with the Indian National Congress Party. Her areas of responsibility are to direct the municipal operation, although her powers are limited, as all administrative and financial powers are vested in the Municipal Commissioner. Additionally, she is a member of several Committees and Boards on Local Government, e.g. the All India Council of Mayors, and the UNDP International Advisory Board of Mayors. She is also the Vice-president of the National Council of Women in India. Ms. Joshi thinks women’s concerns and priorities about urban local government and urban issues generally differ from those of men, in that women are more concerned with children’s education, water and sanitation, and law and order. In her view, increasing the number of women representatives and officials in urban local government would have a direct effect on the status of women, as women will feel more confident and useful to society.

Srie Lestari Rahayu, Councillor, Local House of Representatives, Bantul County, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Elected in 1999, Ms. Srie Lestari Rahayu holds the position of Councillor of the Local House of Representatives, Bantul County and is affiliated with the PDI Perjuangan Party (Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle). Her areas of responsibility include managing issues of education, employment, arts and culture, religion, public welfare etc. for Bantul County residents. Ms. Rahayu thinks women’s concerns and priorities about urban local government and urban issues generally differ from those of men, in that women involve people in problem solving. In her view increasing the number of women representatives and officials in urban local government would have a direct effect on the status of women, as society becomes more aware that women can compete with men.

Frana Cardno, Mayor, Southland District Council, New Zealand

Currently the Mayor of the Southland District Council, Ms. Frana Cardno has served in local government of 20 years. She was initially elected to the Te Anau Community Board, a position she held for 12 years (6 as Chair). In 1989 she became a Councillor on the Southland District Council and became the Mayor in 1992. The Southland District is the largest district in size in New Zealand and has 12 Community Boards and 18 Community Development Communities. Ms. Cardno thinks women’s concerns and priorities generally differ from those of men in terms of local government issues. She believes women pay more attention to the social issues, they are more approachable, have good communication and listening skills and are focused on decision making. She also believes that women leaders have a responsibility to promote female participation in politics at all levels. Women often lose their confidence after having children and must be encouraged to participate, particularly in rural isolated communities.

Ms. Gul Noor Bugtti, Councillor, Municipal Corporation, Quetta, Pakistan

With a service record in local government just short of one year, Ms. Gul Noor Bugtti holds the position of Councillor of the Municipal Corporation of Quetta and is affiliated with the Central Committee Balochistan National Party. Her areas of responsibility include cleanliness of the city, waste management, sewerage system management, and approval of national-identify card forms. Additionally, she is a Member of several networks, societies and forum, including the All Balochistan Political Women’s Forum, and is currently working as the Women’s Empowerment Coordinator FPAP. Ms. Bugtti thinks women’s concerns and priorities about urban local government and urban issues generally differ from those of men, in that women are assigned training and vocational issues, while men focus on infrastructure and the likes. In her view, increasing the number of women representatives and officials in urban local government would have a direct effect on the status of women, as more women’s issues will be raised and women Councillors will gain self-esteem and confidence.

Ms. Katherine Gordon, Mayor, Olongapo City Council, Philippines

Ms. Katherine Gordon has a service record in local government of 5 years. At present, she holds the position of Mayor of Olongapo City Council and is affiliated with the Philippine Nacionalista Party. Prior to being elected Mayor, she served 8 years as Congressional Representative for the First District of Zambales. As a Mayor, her areas of responsibility include upholding law and order, and administering social, economic and physical development programmes. Prior to becoming elected Mayor, Ms. Gordon served as a Congressional Representative for the First District of Zambales. Ms. Gordon thinks women’s concerns and priorities about urban local government and urban issues generally differ from those of men, in that men tend to see the big picture while women often pay more attention to details and specifics. In her view, increasing the number of women representatives and officials in urban local government would have a direct effect on the status of women, because male chauvinism will lessen with more women in power.

-- UNIS --