Yap Summit Community Sector - Yap State Government

YAP STATE GOVERNMENT
SDP Gender Goals
Departments Interviewed: DY&CA (all); YWA (all)
Gender # 1: Enhance and promote the cultural, economic, legal, political and social development of women and
children throughout their life cycles.
being achieved/strong impediments
Positive aspects towards the achievement of the Goal:
• YWA & WIO are promoting women economic, legal and political participation of women, mainly in terms
of networking and initiatives (e.g. Food Security Day).
• The promotion of communication within women circles is improving.
Critical aspects were highlighted that may affect the final achievement of the Goal:
• Lack of funding and volunteerism seem not to be any more a resource, as people’s attitude towards
volunteer initiatives changed. Please refer to the recommendations paragraph to follow up on the
challenges and potential of volunteerism.
• There are advocacy initiatives in place, however tangible projects are lacking.
• Girls and young women are being targeted, while elderly women tend to be neglected.
Recommendations were made to support the achievement of the Goal:
• The cultural participation is a controversial aspect of the Goal, as the inclusion of Yapese women in the
cultural development is perceived in different ways by different groups of women. [Working Group Note:
This aspect should be further explored and understood by breaking down the reasons brought in by
different sides: those that feel discrimination and those that do not perceive social structures in this way.]
• More awareness raising and advocacy should be supported to promote traditional values that are getting
lost. Mainly in relation to volunteer activities, there is a need to rediscover a traditional commitment
towards Yap as a whole. An analysis of the impact of FEMA aid impact and usage after Typhoon Sudal has
been strongly recommended to rediscover individual, family, and community values that can be
promoted by women circles. [Working Group Note: the potential of men’s groups should also be
explored, as gender is about gender roles, and their interaction, it is not only about empowering women.]
Gender # 2: Enhance the Leadership Capacity and Roles of Women.
being achieved/not understood
Positive aspects towards the achievement of the Goal:
• A successful project sample is the Yap Women Association Building.
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