Promoting gender equality across Asia and the Pacific – SIDA

SIDA, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, recognizes that gender equality is both a goal in itself as well as a prerequisite for long-term democratic development and equitable and sustainable global development. To promote gender equality, greater influence of women and greater respect for women’s rights in Asia and the Pacific, SIDA/Sweden announces its support of the Partners for Prevention programme for three years (2011-2013) of 9 million Swedish crowns (~US$1,320,000). SIDA’s policy to promote gender equality and the rights and role of women is focusing its efforts primarily on four areas: women’s political participation and influence; women’s economic empowerment and working conditions; sexual and reproductive health and rights; and women’s security, including combating all forms of gender-based violence and human trafficking. In addition, SIDA recognizes that GBV is also perpetrated against boys and men, and that boys and men are potential partners in working against violence. Overall, the Government of Sweden is working to create an environment for women and men living in poverty to improve their living conditions, through a strategy that contributes to equitable and sustainable global development. Its goal in terms of democracy and human rights is to strengthen regional actors and systems for an increased respect and observance of the human rights. The strategy emphasizes the importance of development cooperation focusing on regional exchange of experience. For further information, contact [email protected]