SAARC Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC)

Islamabad, Pakistan
Training Course on
Gender Equality: Issues and Way Forward for the SAARC Region
March 18-23, 2013
Concept Paper
Introduction
Gender equality is a global concern which has been part of international
commitments. Goal 3 of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) emphasizes
promoting gender equality and empowering women. A target has been set to eliminate
gender disparity in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005 and at all levels
by 2015 (Oxfam GB, 2007)1. Gender equality is believed to be at the heart of peoplecentred development. It generally means recognition of the needs of both men and
women in development policies. It also refers to the equal access of men and women to
economic opportunities, education, healthcare and security in their everyday lives.
Despite many achievements in getting more gender parity, the SAARC Region is still
facing gender gaps that prevent equality between man and woman in having their
balanced share towards sustainable development.
2.
Education has historically been viewed as an effective tool to empower men and
women and creating more opportunities for success in life. While access to primary
education in South Asia has been enhanced since the introduction of free and compulsory
education, still achievement gaps between girls and boys are persisting. Many experts and
researchers in the field believe that the reason of poor access to education and other
facilities is because of the age-old perception of the division of work at the household
level. Most of the parents from the traditional settings do not perceive any direct benefit
from girls education and training, therefore they engage them in household chores which
provide indirect benefit to the family. Therefore, governments need to adopt careful
interventions for the education of girl child as is the case with boy child.
3.
According to the Mahbub ul Haq Human Development Centre (2012)2, womens
empowerment in South Asia has remained at the centre of development policies where
1

Oxfam GB (2007). Practicing Gender Equality in Education. Retrieved on January 24, 2013 from:
http://www.ungei.org/resources/files/ProgIns_wholebook.pdf
2
Mahbub ul Haq Human Development Centre (2012). Human Development in South Asia 2012:
Governance for Peoples Empowerment. Lahore: The author.

gender equality is used as an important tool for achieving all other Millennium
Development Goals. Furthermore, in spite of various government initiatives in the region,
majority of women in South Asia are not fully empowered especially the poor and the
marginalized. According to the Gender Inequality Index (GII) for South Asia, 2011, the
situation is particularly disappointing in most of the SAARC Member States.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan are among the lowest ranking
countries in the region. However, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka have comparatively
higher rankings (MHHDC, 2012).
4.
Gender inequality is a societal issue and hence may not be taken as womens issue
only. However, one cannot deny the fact that women suffer the most in any sector of
human development. Gender-based violence as a form of discrimination against women
is quite visible in the SAARC Region. Womens access is limited not only to basic social
services including health and education but also to real economic opportunities. Majority
of women in the region work in farming but they dont have direct access to land. The
causes of gender inequality vary from country to country and even within a single
country. However, its consequences are almost common in terms of rising level of
poverty, social stratification, uneven income distribution, little share of women in income
generating activities, and many more.
5.
Since gender-related issues have become critical elements of development
dialogues therefore, nexus between gender and human resource development has also
become indispensable. A number of gender initiatives have been taken at SAARC level
which reflects the acknowledgement of womens full participation in all spheres of life.
SAARC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations
Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) in order to help Member States in attaining
the goals of gender equality based on the empowerment approach (SAARC & UNIFEM,
2007)3. Although women in South Asia have achieved significant level of advancement
in the last few years yet their contributions fall below men in every country. There remain
enormous obstacles to womens full participation in socioeconomic development which
result in narrow economic growth. There has been a growing realization of the fact in
which gender inequality can affect the outcomes of future macroeconomic development
policies and actions. Therefore, gender equality is essential for social cohesion, desired
economic vitality and sustainable development in the long run.
6.
Poverty in the region is linked to the prevailing inequality. The relationship
among gender equality, poverty and growth is complex but interlinked. The SAARC
3

SAARC & UNIFEM (2007). Gender initiatives in SAARC: A premier. Retrieved on January 23, 2013
from: http://www.saarcgenderinfobase.org/saarc/Gender%20Initiatives%20in%20SAARC%20%20A%20Primer.pdf

priorities and programmes aimed at combating poverty, sustaining democracy and good
governance, strengthening cooperation and promoting closer networking among the
Member States need to address gender concerns for sustainable growth and development.
In this context, the SAARC Member States have to pursue coherent national development
strategies so as to ensure inclusive and holistic development at national as well as
regional levels. To productively utilize this vital population and resource, attention needs
to be paid to gender-responsive development plans, policies and strategies. There has to
be a Regional Gender Management System in place like Commonwealth Gender
Management System (GMS) that helps the process of gender mainstreaming in all
Commonwealth countries (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2000)4. This system is a critical
step for closing the gap of gender inequality through system wide structures, mechanisms
and processes in collaboration with other stakeholders. Governments in the region will
have to establish a culture of equality supported by law with a view to engage women in
the development process.
7.
The training course on Gender Equality: Issues and Way- Forward for the
SAARC Region will provide the participants with an opportunity to assess the existing
situation of gender equality in the region. It will also provide a platform to deliberate on
related issues and associated problems and prospects with reference to South Asia. The
one-week training course will develop participants' knowledge, skills and understanding
in critically analysing gender equality issues and opportunities in South Asia through
various in-house exercises, exposure visits and group discussions.
Objectives:
8.

The training course will specifically address the ways and means to:
a. Bring together researchers and practitioners and facilitate a dialogue on the
key issues of gender equality in the SAARC region.
b. Identify critical factors influencing gender equality initiatives in South Asia.
c. Analyze scope for regional cooperation in devising policies related to gender
equality, gender mainstreaming, and womens empowerment in Member States
that would lead to sustainable development in the region.
d. Suggest specific and realistic strategies and programmes for regional
collaboration for mitigating gender inequality in the region.

Commonwealth Secretariat (2000). Towards gender equality. Retrieved on January 22, 2013 from:
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/%7B1276FD00-BED7-4860-9D1A1A44E27A5479%7D_6WAMMPapers.pdf

Approach
9.
The training course will be interactive and participatory in discussing concepts
and sharing of ideas. Experts from SAARC Member States will make presentations on
various aspects while discussion will take the agenda forward. The environment thus
created will be participant friendly in all respects. Moreover, the facilitators will explain
themes highlighting the connections, theories and practices related to gender equality in
the SAARC Region. Participants will prepare group reports and present their findings in
the final session of the training course. A training report will be prepared later on by the
SHRDC.
Methodology
10.
To achieve the training objectives, a number of methodologies including lectures
and demonstrations, peer and group work will be used. Resource Persons will arrange
activities according to the nature and requirement of their respective themes to make the
topics comprehensive and interesting for the participants. After every presentation, there
will be a question-and-answer session in which participants will ask questions and/or give
their inputs in relation to the topic under discussion. Emphasis will also be given to the
group work in which participants are expected to come up with SAARC specific
suggestions and recommendations related to the training theme.
Case Studies/Exercises
11.
In order to gain thorough understanding, participants will be divided into groups
to conduct case studies on selected themes. The findings will be shared with each other.
After thorough discussion on each theme, group findings will be compiled as group
reports.
Expected Outcomes of the Training Course
12.
Expected outcome of the training course will include: improved capacities of
policymakers and practitioners of the participating countries to integrate the gender
equality-based strategies in their national development plans; increased and up-to-date
body of knowledge on the topic of gender equality; greater awareness among the
participants about their roles and responsibilities to tackle the subject issue; and,
increased understanding of the measures and responses to enhance gender equality in the
region. By the end of the training course, participants will be able to analyze the policies
and programs on gender equality of their respective countries.
Participants
13.
About 28 participants including resource persons are expected to attend the
training course. Participants profiles include the following:
a) Mid-level policymakers/functionaries, master trainers/professionals from
government and semi-government organizations working in the areas of
gender equality, gender mainstreaming, women and social development
4

sectors, HRD, planning and development, policy advocacy, and

governance;
b) Researchers and scholars on the MDGs related to gender equality; and,
c) NGOs and private sector representatives.
Country Report Preparations
14.
Participants of the training course will prepare Country Reports incorporating
broad aspects relating to gender inequality as well as factors inhibiting achievement of
gender equality in their respective countries. They will also make recommendations for
future planning and actions in this regard.
Logistic Support
15.
Travelling cost has to be borne by the Nominating States/Organizations whereas,
free boarding and lodging facility in Islamabad shall be arranged by the SHRDC,
Islamabad.
Date and Duration
16.

The training course will be of one week duration w.e.f. March 18-23, 2013.

Venue of the Training Course

17.

The training course will be organized in a hotel at Islamabad, Pakistan.

Contact Persons
1. Mr. Rehmat Wali Khan (Focal Person), Education Officer SHRDC, Islamabad
Ph: +92-51-9255387, Cell: +92-344-2312524, Fax: +92-51-9255160
E-mail: rehmatwalikhan@yahoo.com
2. Dr. Javed Humayun, Research Fellow (Training), SHRDC, Islamabad.
Ph: +92-51-9255385, Cell: +92-333-5192766, Fax: +92-51-9255160
E-mail: humayunjaved@yahoo.com
3. Dr. Riffat Aysha Anis, Director SHRDC, Islamabad
Ph: +92-51-9255159, Fax: +92-51-9255160