by Debbie Budlender, September 2009 In the first half of 2009, structured interviews were conducted with 1,366 volunteers providing care-giving in six African countries. The interviews were conducted as part of the “Compensations for Contributions: Creating an enablig policy framework for effective home-based care” initiative, a project supported by the UNDP-Japan Partnership Fund (WID/GAD).

By: Huairou Commission, February 2009 Nine women from four African nations on the 14th February 2009 began a six day learning exchange in Maharashtra, India. Facilitated by Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) and GROOTS International, the GROOTS India – Africa Learning Exchange encouraged knowledge sharing between grassroots women in respect to sustainable groups and networks, saving and credit, livelihoods and effective community lead health and HIV/AIDS initiatives.

The World YWCA December 2008 In this issue of Common Concern, we reveal how HIV and AIDS care programmes have been established in many affected communities and are often championed by grandmothers, resilient widows and young women. Sadly, such programmes have not been supported with tools and resources that would enable women to safely and effectively provide care and support. Community-based approaches to health care, especially in the context of HIV and AIDS, require an accompanying policy shift that ensures primary health care service delivery is strengthened. Features a case study of the Home-Based Care Alliance

By the Caregivers Action Alliance March 2009 The 53rd UN Commission on the Status of Women, 2009 focused on "The Equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS." At the end of the Commission session, all participating UN member states at the CSW came to a consensus on the final output document, called the "Agreed Conclusions." This year's Agreed Conclusions are particularly important for grassroots women because it is the first document adopted in plenary by UN Member States that addresses caregiving in any detail. The Agreed Conclusions are a potentially powerful lobbying and advocacy tool for civil society because governments have already agreed to the statements within. Civil Society can use the document to hold governments accountable by monitoring and evaluating the level of implementation at the national level.

By Huairou Commission 2010

By Esther Mwaura-Muiru, May 2006 A Powerpoint presentation on the global network of grassroots Women’s Organizations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern and Western Europe and North America aiming to strengthen women’s needs and capacities and increase participation in community development at the World Bank Local Response Consultative meeting.

By Huairou Commission 2009