Hosted by the governments of Norway and Sweden, Gumbonzvanda stated there is a ‘direct continuum’ between fragile states and women at the decision making table. “The money is there. The funding does happen, but where are the women? The money does not trickle down to the community level.”

Gumbonzvanda is passionate about communities, especially when discussing fragile states. “International humanitarian organisations get all the money and community organisations are left out. In fragile states, government budgets shift from social welfare to security. Money goes towards more police and armed forces, instead of healthcare. Women are then left with the burden.”

Gumbonzvanda says women can be involved in the peacemaking process in fragile states. “Women in camps could participate in analysing their own risks. They know the reality of what happens and what takes place.”

Gumbonzvanda was joined by a number of impressive panel members who also stressed the need for women to be at decision-making tables in fragile states. Country representatives from Sudan, Hon. Betty Ogwaro and Sidiga Washi said, “Women in Sudan must be part of the political, economic and social system to create women’s empowerment.”

Roxanna Carrilo, a Gender Advisor with Peace Building Corporation (PBC), said there was a need to enhance the capacity of gender advocates at the United Nations level and civil society. “Gender equity is one of the greatest opportunities for peace building”, said Carrilo.

The biggest challenges discussed by all panellists were the challenges around capacity building, reconstruction of priorities and the need for women to take a lead in the decision-making process.

Gumbonzvanda made recommendations in her address to bridge the gap between financing gender equality and women’s empowerment in fragile states. She recommends that:
- The United Nations Secretary General commission a study on financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women in fragile states
- UN member states must commit to strengthen the analysis and financing of gender equality and women empowerment actions in the Peace Building Commission and the UN Democracy Fund as well as other regional bodies
- Donors, UN agencies and non-governmental organisations must increase technical and other support to gender advocates and women’s organisations in fragile states for effective participation in decision making forums related to financing and post crisis recovery and reconstruction.
- In recognition of the special situation in Sudan, the UN Secretary General and member states must facilitate greater participation in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and Multi Donor Trust Funds (MDTFs) as well as the Darfur peace and recovery efforts.

Gumbonzvanda also recommended the CSW outcome document must contain concrete recommendations on financing gender equality in fragile states.

Related Links

• Read presentation:Financing Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Fragile States (PDF78.60 kB)
• United Nations commits to end violence against women at CSW
• Gear up for a United Nations that works for women
• World YWCA calls for increased resources for women’s rights, security and empowerment in the context of HIV and AIDS
• World YWCA meet with United Nations Deputy Secretary General and UNFPA Executive Director
• Adequate funding for women’s response to HIV and AIDS and security needed now
• World YWCA events at CSW
• Official CSW Website