[EXTENDED VERSION]

Oral statement made at the 51st session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, 26 Feb – 11 Mar 2007 by the Convenor of Project Five-O, Dr Anamah Tan, President of the International Council of Women, on behalf of:

  • International Council of Women (1888)
  • International Federation of Business and Professional Women (1930)
  • International Federation of University Women (1919)
  • Soroptimist International (1921)
  • Zonta International (1919)

Madam Chairperson, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my privilege to address you as Convenor of Project Five-O on this year’s important theme, ‘The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl-child’. We wholeheartedly support all initiatives targeted at promoting and furthering this aim.

Born 27 years ago in Copenhagen, Project Five-O is a partnership of five international women’s organizations, namely the International Council of Women, the
International Federation of Business and Professional Women, the International Federation of University Women, Soroptimist International and Zonta International. The international nature of our five organizations and the fact of our longstanding cooperation is testament to the firmly-held belief by our members that working together across borders and organizations is key to combating violence against the girl-child. In celebration of the Silver Jubilee and with the support of DANIDA (Danish International Development Agency), we have published Empowering Women Worldwide, a book on the history of Project Five-O, which is being launched during this CSW. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go into our development fund.

Why the girl-child? While the theme has been at the centre of many discussions and resolutions at the highest levels, the girl-child is still a pressing concern in many countries. Discrimination against the girl-child can start as early as when she is in the womb through pre-natal sex selection. After she is born, preference for sons dictates the treatment she gets through childhood and well into adulthood, where her subordinate status is only accentuated by gender-stereotyping in a male-dominated society. The life of the girl-child is marked by lack: lack of nutrition, lack of a good education, and lack of power to make decisions and steer her own life course. We are proud to say that UNICEF has nominated us to partner them in the UNGEI pilot project in Nigeria, and we look forward eagerly to this initiative.

Since its inception, Project Five-O has striven to address these issues through its programmes in developing countries throughout the world which are focused on providing vocational training for girls and women, and building capacity among disempowered communities. Project Five-O believes in providing girls and women with lifelong tools which they can use, ultimately empowering them with the skills and ability to gain greater autonomy over their own lives.

To illustrate one of many such examples, in 1982, the five organizations banded together to start a pilot project in Thakurpukur, a village 15 kilometres away from Calcutta. The target group was girls and women from 14 to 40 years of age. As most participants were married and could not leave their children at home, the programme incorporated an overall programme for children as well.

The objective was to develop an integrated non-formal education-cum-income generating centre for the benefit of poor rural and suburban women from areas near Calcutta. This project has developed steadily, with women from about 20 neighbouring villages taking part. Weaving looms were acquired for income generation, a mobile library funded by a UNESCO grant and a family planning unit set up for health check-ups, which were particularly important for children. Medicine, immunizations and dietary advice were also dispensed.

A shelter for victims of violence was added in 1991, and in 1992, a medical van provided immunization programmes and medical help to the surrounding villages. This Five-O village has been a model for several women’s integrated projects established in other parts of the world, notably in Philippines and Thailand. Girls form the core group of this model village. An elementary school provides education for girls, and women learn handicraft skills, making products which are noted for their fine workmanship. They are also educated on the importance of health and hygiene, and ‘health camps’ targeted at families are conducted by volunteer doctors once a month.

All this began with a vision, and was realized with the seed money of US$5,000 from the Virginia Gildersleeve Foundation and the dedication of Project Five-O volunteers.

International treaties such as the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child afford protection to the girl-child, but the struggles she faces every day in school, at home and in the streets requires a concerted and consistent application of both international and domestic law to ensure that her place in society is a safe and secure one.

Project Five-O sincerely hopes that this 51st session of the CSW will raise much-needed awareness among governments and the wider public about the plight of the girl-child, and that they and non-governmental organizations such as ours can draw lessons and gain added impetus from the numerous discussions, side events and activities over the next two weeks, and bring home something which they can use to eliminate discrimination and violence against the girl-child.

Dr Anamah Tan PPA(G), PBM, BBM, JP

Convenor, Project Five-O

President, International Council of Women (ICW-CIF)

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