30 October 2014 - UNIOGBIS Gender Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Social Cohesion, women's organizations held a two days' workshop to discuss gender constitutional issues and women's Human Rights.

The workshop held in Cachungu, north, on 28-29 October aimed at raising awareness on the urgent need to augment for constitutional reforms and the need for gender equity as it is stipulated in UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

The Ministry of Women, Family and Social Cohesion, Ms. Bilony Nhasse, in her opening remarks said it was ripe to act now while the government was warming up to the participation of women in political and at decision making process. She urged participants to utilize this opportunity and come up with a declaration that will make great changes in the country.

At the end of the workshop, the 50 participants from women-led organizations, women from Civil Societies, women leaders from government, including political parties identified several gaps in the Constitution that if not addressed will continue to hamper the participation of women in all areas.

They agreed on a number of resolutions, including:
1. The urgent approval of temporary measures on the women quotas, on electoral law for political parties and parliament to ensure a significant representation of women in Political parties and as candidates for future parliament. In addition review of the legal framework governing the political and electoral system.
2. The increase of budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Women, Family and Social Cohesion and the Institute of Women and Children, to effectively deliver implementation of gender equality and equity national policy and strategy to combat gender-based violence;
3. Adapting specific measures to encourage education of women such through the allocation of scholarships to girls and women in all categories of education;
4. Creation through the state budget of a special fund for economic empowerment of women and to encourage the formalization of women's small businesses.
5. Adoption of a law/ Policy that exempts pregnant women and children 0-12 years paying user fees for prenatal visits.
6. Review the policy document of the reform of the defense and security sector to include issues of gender equality, in the framework of UNSCR 1325.