Report of mission to South Africa : regional gender roundtable 1- 4 december, 1997

Abstract

The UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa (RBA) organized a Regional Gender Round-table in Johannesburg from December 1-3, 1997, as part of a collaborative regional project on Gender Mainstreaming and the Advancement of Women. The project aimed to strengthen African states' capacity to promote women's political and economic empowerment and support post-Beijing initiatives for gender equality. Twelve participating countries, along with government gender machineries, UNDP gender focal points, non-governmental organizations, and regional institutions such as ECA, COMESA, and AFWE, were represented. The Round-table sought to develop a cohesive work programme, finalize Memoranda of Understanding, and establish networks for gender mainstreaming. Presentations highlighted progress in implementing the global platform for action, particularly in West Africa, and proposed capacity-building initiatives, such as a training programme for women entrepreneurs in food processing.