Program Description

PROGRAM FOR THE SUPPORT OF WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION

The Program for the Support of Women's Leadership and Representation is an initiative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with the collaboration of UNIFEM, UNICEF, UNDP, and OAS/CIM. The purpose of the Program is to contribute to the increase of women's citizen participation and their access to leadership positions in public and civic life in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Recent democratic trends in the region have made it increasingly possible for women to assume more prominent roles in government and civil society at many levels and with considerable impact. Despite these inroads, women continue to face obstacles in their efforts to increase their participation in policy making bodies at the community, local, national, regional, and international levels.

To date, the IDB has committed US$3.25 million, the Norwegian Government has contributed another US$350,000 and the Swedish Government US$120,000 for the three-year duration of this regional Program. Additional donor agencies, foundations, and corporations are being identified as possible partners that could help expand the financial base of the Program. A long-term fundraising strategy is being developed to generate additional funds and to ensure sustained funding for the future and the eventual independence of the Program.

Basic institutional structure of the Program consists of an Execution Unit located at the IDB Headquarters, which is responsible for the overall administration of the Program; a Council, formed by distinguished women leaders, representatives of private, governmental and non-governmental organizations, academics, and representatives of the collaborating organizations; and an Advisory Network, whose members will be drawn from the field and regional offices of the IDB, UNICEF, UNIFEM, UNDP, and OAS/CIM, and locally based NGOs, civic organizations, and institutions throughout the LAC region.

The Program will respond to requests for funds with application, review, selection, monitoring, and evaluation procedures which encourage sound decision-making in a timely manner. Main areas to be considered for funding by the Program will include leadership skills training, young women's leadership, coalition building, legislative reform, public education, policy influence, research, and others. An important component of this initiative will be the dissemination of information to the public, the partners, and the donor community on the Program's activities, best practices, and lessons learned.

The Program will finally seek to facilitate links among women involved at all levels of public life, to foster effective regional networks, and to enhance the institutional capability of selected organizations that work to promote women's leadership in the region.

Tel.: 202-623-2571 Fax: 202-623-1463
E-mail: prolead@iadb.org

Last updated: 01/16/07