Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network

Malta, 13-17 May 2015

The Royal Commonwealth Society is seeking applicants for a five-day forum in Malta, where young people from around the Commonwealth will meet to discuss gender inequality issues. The participants in the forum will form the inaugural members of the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network, which will focus on youth priorities for gender issues, and actively engage with Commonwealth processes to ensure youth priorities are reflected in policy and practice. The forum will take place six months ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), and will be a key opportunity to discuss gender equality concerns and priorities ahead of active engagement in the Commonwealth Youth Forum, People’s Forum and Women’s Forum, which all take place in the wings of CHOGM. Applicants must have experience working on gender equality issues, either in the workplace, through studies or as a volunteer.

Context and Background

Young people are able to actively participate in Commonwealth political processes via a number of platforms. The Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) is a chance for young people to debate their priority areas for further Commonwealth action, and to present this to Heads of Government. The Commonwealth Youth Council was established in 2013 to represent the voice of youth in the Commonwealth – with an elected executive of 12 representatives from national youth councils rotating every two years. However, there is no gender youth network to advocate for gender equality issues within the formal structures of the Commonwealth.

The RCS is proposing to contribute towards filling this gap by launching an international Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network. Given its substantial work on gender issues the RCS is well placed, alongside a range of participating experts, to interact with young citizens of the Commonwealth, to work with them to develop a strong youth voice on gender and equality issues.

The Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Forum

The forum will take place in Malta on 13 – 17 May 2015. It will be a five-day programme which will bring together young professionals and experts in an inter-generational learning environment for the purpose of capacity-building the group. This will occur through workshops, discussions and training sessions. The interaction will aim to develop knowledge in a range of areas, including on various gender issues, on effective advocacy, and on further practical skills. Themes covered will include child marriage, harmful practices, domestic violence, sexual violence, access to education, economic empowerment,entrepreneurship, leadership, STEM, LGBT rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The workshops and discussions will be facilitated by trainers and experts, and will serve as a space to share knowledge and experience, as well as capacity-building the participants to be able to understand the issues more clearly in their global context, gain a greater idea of the ways in which they can effectively affect policy changes, and advocate more effectively at key moments, particularly within Commonwealth structures.

Nomination form (for return by 17 April 2015)

Thank you for your interest in the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Forum. In order to be considered as a participant, we ask that you complete and submit this application to us, attaching the required supporting documents, by 17 April 2015.

  1. CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION
  • Aged between 18 and 29 at the start of the event
  • Resident in a Commonwealth country
  • Committed to upholding the Commonwealth values of good governance and sustainable development
  • Fluent in English – the working language of the Forum
  • Medically fit to travel and participate in the Forum
  • Committed to sharing experiences and learning post this event.
  1. GENERAL INFORMATION

ABOUT YOU
First name:
Last/ family name:
Gender:
Title (Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms, Dr etc):
Date of birth:
Nationality:
Country of current residence:
Home address:
Post code:
Email:
Telephone number (with international code):
Mobile number:
Name of your nominating body:

Professional background and interest

Please provide a brief overview of your background and career to date (i.e. academic achievements, community involvement and relevant hobbies). Please explain how you think you think you fit the criteria for participation (see above) in respect of your activities, knowledge, experience or positions held and why you wish to participate (in no more than 300 words).

  1. FINAL DETAILS

Signature:

Date:

4. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Please ensure that you attach a recent CV or resume

5. SENDING YOUR APPLICATION FORM

  1. Complete the application form fully
  2. Attach it to ONE e-mail with the subject headed ‘[Your Name] Gender Forum Application’
  3. Attach your CV
  4. Email toby 17 April 2015

The deadline for completed application forms is 17 April 2015.

Applications will be acknowledged.

Contact:Leila Asrari –

For more information about the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Forum visit:

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