30 May 2012 - A three-day forum on strengthening gender-sensitive laws and empowering women to participate in government today concluded in El Fasher, North Darfur.

The event, entitled “Laws and Policies Affecting Women’s Representation and Participation in State Governance Structures,” brought together 60 women, including 44 Legislative Assembly and municipality members, professionals from the medical and legal fields, and others.

The forum took place at the University of El Fasher. Photo by Chris Cyckmanick.

Those gathering at the event discussed, at length, international mechanisms for women’s public participation and UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, among other topics.

“This forum is the beginning of a continuous and incremental process toward obtaining a gender-responsive legal and institutional framework,” said Ms. Yegerawork Angagaw, head of the Mission’s Gender Advisory unit.

The event concluded with several recommendations, to which the participants all agreed, including establishing networks with women parliamentarian caucuses in other African countries; holding similar seminars, particularly on sex- and gender-based violence at the municipal level; hiring more social workers for the courts; recommending a better definition of rape that distinguishes it from adultery; and providing the right for a mother to testify for her children.

The seminar, organized by the North Darfur Women’s Legislative Caucus and UNAMID, served as a continuation of a similar event held by the parties earlier in the month.