1. Description

The Network of Women Parliamentarians of the Americas brings together the women members of the parliamentary assemblies of the unitary, federal, federated and associated States, regional Parliaments and interparliamentary organizations of the Americas. In the framework of the integration processes of the Americas, it fosters dialogue on issues related to the advancement of women in order to promote gender equity, peace and human development as well as the involvement of women in the decision-making processes of our societies.

The objectives of the Network are:

• to encourage the representation and action of women in the Parliaments of the Americas, to foster the sharing of experience among them, and to promote solidarity among women in general;
  
  
• to ensure that both men and women parliamentarians take into consideration the rights and demands of women, from the viewpoint of the respect of human rights and a better distribution of wealth;
  
  
• to support the participation of women in the Parliaments of the Americas and to create communication mechanisms for the activities of women parliamentarians.
  

The Network holds an Annual Meeting, preferably in conjunction with the General Assembly of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas (COPA). Although it works in close connection with the COPA, the Network remains autonomous for the organization of events, separate from those held by the COPA.

2. Axes of intervention and the Network’s Action Plan

Here are some intervention axes proposals for the Network of Women Parliamentarians of the Americas’ Action Plan, in order to maximise its action while meeting the challenges identified above:

A) Count on the individual and collective leadership of its members

Since the principal tool of change in the hands of women parliamentarians is their impact on legislation, it is important to keep informed of its successes, and to rely on and train ourselves mutually. Thus, the Network can act as a trigger and unifying element to determine together more efficient means to further the status of women. In order to reach this goal, the leadership of each representatives within her parliamentary assembly is essential.

B) Continuously provide tools to the parliamentarians concerning gender-specific budgets

To gradually encourage the adoption and implementation of gender-specific budgets in the different parliaments of the Americas. In order to reach this goal, including male parliamentarians in the elaboration of education initiatives could increase their receptivity with regard to these issues privileged by women and could facilitate the passing of these issues on the common agenda for the adoption of this type of legislation. To systematize the information and make it more accessible.

C) Encourage the setting up or the collaboration in Thematic Seminars which have an educational objective.

Still very few networks offer training and this seems to be an important niche to explore. Training workshop for parliamentarians could help the legislators in their functions. As well, we can think up an educational action plan for the population on a chosen thematic. The support and collaboration of the Network concerning Thematic Seminars is encouraged.

D) Develop a solid source of financing

The Network will solicit the collaboration of privileged financial partners that will contribute to a specific budget envelope allowing for the implementation of its projects and thematic activities.

E) Incite an increased participation of women parliamentarians in the activities of the Network

We wish and encourage an increase in participation during the Network’s meetings. First contacts in the parliamentary bodies of the Americas to increase participation and regional representation during the Annual Meetings and Thematic Seminars will be undertaken.

F) Continuously improve the Network’s Internet Website

Not only does the Network’s Data Bank bring together the legislations on the status of women from different parliaments but it also gives access to websites of interests for the advancement of issues that preoccupy or concern women. Its continuous improvement requires the regular contributions of the members in order to keep the available data up to date.

G) Increase the visibility of the Network

To ensure the publication of articles concerning the activities of the Network in particular in COPA Magazine or in any other source of information of interest such as local, national or international medias.

H) Increase the links and communication between women parliamentarians and women' organisations from different countries in order to develop common efforts to improve women condition.

I) Support the legislative Assemblies in developing internships or mentor guidance program for female university students or for women who want to engage in a political career.

J) Chair the Working Committee on Health and Social Development within the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas (COPA).

The attributions of this committee are to examine issues relating to health, social protection measures and policies aiming to eliminate poverty. This Committee will contribute to increase the awareness of the Parliamentarians of the Americas, which are, in the majority, men, with regard to the challenges women must face in this field.