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 Introduction Member Networks Partners Coordinating Council Why "Huairou" Grassroots Profiles History & Achievements |
Introduction:
Huairou and New Ways of Partnering Grassroots women have always had a rich repertoire of solutions to local problems of survival and community development, but their participation in policy forums, whether local, national or global has traditionally been discouraged. In 1995, at the worldwide NGO forum in Huairou, China, grassroots women and their professional partners created an international organization to strengthen their capacity to create sustainable communities and to influence policy through “new ways of partnering.” What's "new" about it? Grassroots people are often spoken of in global development discussions; women, in particular, are spotlighted for their importance; however, almost all of their advocacy has been undertaken by professionals. While this has a certain cultural efficiency, in that allows people with similar knowledge bases to exchange information, it sacrifices information and analysis from a local perspective. Furthermore, it blocks the efforts of the marginalized to develop their own style, expertise and power-base. Grassroots leaders of the Huairou Commission believe it is in the best interests of sustainable development if grassroots women themselves explain and promote their points of view – locally, regionally, and internationally. This is new. Who's a Partner? The Huairou Commission is a network of grassroots women’s organizations which partners with organizations and individuals interested in supporting the advocacy work of grassroots women. While the Commission’s network membership evolves with changing realities, today’s backbone organizations are Asian Women and Shelter Network (AWAS), Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work, GROOTS International, Habitat International Coalition - Women and Shelter Network (HIC-WAS), International Council of Women, Women and Cities International and Women & Peace Network. A Coordinating Council, composed of representatives of grassroots organizations, draws its priorities from its grassroots members and transforms them into policy. Because of their many common interests, Huairou worked particularly closely with UN-HABITAT. Other major partners include UNIFEM, UNDP, the World Bank, UCLG, CORDAID certain NGOS and faith based organizations. Except for the organization’s administrative work and some international advocacy, Huairou Commission programs are executed by its member organizations. Local Partners In the last few years, Huairou member organizations all over the world have experimented with establishing lasting partnerships with local authorities. The results have been remarkable. Learn more> |
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