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The International Women's Rights Project (IWRP) was founded in 1998 to strengthen the capacity of women's NGOs in Canada and internationally. IWRP and our partners work to influence the implementation of international human rights standards through collaboration, participatory research and evidence-based advocacy. Since 2003, IWRP has been affiliated with the Centre for Global Studies (CFGS) at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. In addition to being a project of the CFGS, IWRP is incorporated as a non-profit organization in Canada and in South Africa. The IWRP is guided by a group of advisory partners. IWRP operates on a project-by-project basis, with support from the Centre and the University, funding from private donors, foundations, individuals and government sources. We work with a team of student interns, volunteers, and international associates. Our model is to work in partnership with civil society organizations, research institutions, donors, universities, and individuals. IWRP works in partnership with Canadian and international NGOs, by invitation, to provide research, capacity-building, and an exchange of knowledge and learning. IWRP believes strongly in "femtorship" and each term at the University of Victoria we femtor a number of students from several disciplines. The first major project of the IWRP was the pilot CEDAW Impact Study, developing impact analysis methodology with NGO correspondents in 10 countries, resulting in a comparative analysis of CEDAW on national systems. Some of our most recent projects have built on our various program areas: Women and Constitutions - The Canadian Forum on Women's Activism in Constitutional and Democratic Reform, and Putting Women on the Agenda 2 in Southern Africa; Women, Peace and Security - Engendering the R2P Doctrine; research for the Commonwealth Secretariat on the impact of HIV/AIDS on women's political participation in Southern Africa; and our ongoing work at the University of Victoria. IWRP seeks to develop innovative vehicles to promote joint ventures within and among communities that generate, use and transfer the knowledge needed to build healthier communities in Canada and globally with an emphasis on gender equality. IWRP is engaged in work on the use of ICTs for social justice, the development of legal and health resources for rural women, and the education of young women and girls. Our newest program is Siyabongirla, using sports for girl's empowerment. Some of our current partnerships are with the Afghan Women's Organization (in Canada and Afghanistan); the Rwanda Women's Network; The Centre for Applied Legal Studies, South Africa; the Gender Research and Advocacy Project (GR&AP), Namibia; Senakangwedi; Sonke Gender Justice Network; the Masiphumelele Youth Project; and the Entebbe Women Association. IWRP serves as the gender focal point for Canada's World, engaging Canadians in a dialogue about Canada's international policy. The IWRP was founded by Marilou McPhedran, who served as the first Director. From 2003 to 2007 she was Co-Director with Susan Bazilli, who is the current Director.
With thanks: original site created by Kelly Mannix. Maintained and updated by Nina Cherington. |
