Asia Pacific Women’s Watch(APWW)
Chronology 1991-2008

Funded by UNIFEM
1st edition
February 2009Foreword
As almost 20 years have passed since the beginning of APWW’s Activities, compilingan up to date “APWW Story” has been the subject of discussion for some time. In order
for anyone to take over the tremendous task of writing the APWW Story, I thought it wasnecessary to have a rather detailed chronology of APWW, starting from the very beginning.
Based only on documents and publications in my possession, I have finally drawn up,
though incompletely, the following 1~3, adding comments:
1. Chronology of Asia Pacific Women’s Watch (APWW)
1991~2008
APWG (Asia Pacific NGO Women’s Working Group)＞ APW(Asia Pacific Watch)＞ APWW (Asia Pacific Women’s Watch)
2. APWW and UN Activities
At present, APWW’s activities are centered on UN Conferences in connection withwomen and CSW Sessions, organizing preparatory Asia Pacific Symposiums on theoccasion of UN World Conferences on Women. CSW themes are included from CSW
36, 1996, following the Beijing Conference. This is to show what themes APWW
activities were centered upon. I do not have sufficient data concerning what the
APWW activities were at all the sessions, so there may be many important omissions.
3. List of APWG, APW and APWW Publications
4. Acronym
I used APWG instead of APNGOWG, as I saw Young Hai Park’s
protest against having NGO inserted, insisting that as an acronym APWG should be
used. “We have been using the abbreviation of APWG…We, old members, all havesome sympathy on the word APWG.” (28 January 2005)
5. Names
Using names is a very ticklish matter. Mistakes often occur and those
who have not been mentioned will complain. When APWW did anything as a group,
I usually did not put in names. However, people may be interested in remembering
who did what for APWW. I have been very inconsistent in this matter, not having all
the details. However, in APWW and UN Activities, I excluded all individual names.
People may find the names in the Chronology.

i6. All future APWW documents/attachments should have the date and place ofadoption/decisions and the occasion recorded. The human mind becomes unreliable
as time passes by.
7. You will notice that the events of recent years have quite a lot of details. This shows
how systematic and organized APWW has become. (ECOSOC Consultative Status isa great proof!) On the other hand, I have also omitted meetings and minutes I do not
have, so I regret that there may be many unforgivable omissions.
8. I hope that other Steering Committee members and those who served in the past willcorrect and add to the chronology, as is, in order to make an accurate history of
APWW for future reference.
9. There are different methods of writing the STORY. I would be grateful if someone
would record how APWW progressed in its activities by showing what changes
occurred because of APWW. What influence and successes did we have? Because of
Eileen Pittaway’s lobbying workshops and efforts, with the cooperation of Isis, whatchanges did we succeed in making in the UN documents? Writing such a story isbeyond my ability.
10. A list of Convenors, Steering Committee Members, Honorary Members, Advisors,
Secretariat Members, with the years they served should also be added. As for theorganization and committee members at each of the NGO Forums, they are recordedin the Reports of the meetings. However, it may be a good idea to have the chieforganizers, chairpersons, etc. recorded also.
11. APWW statements at conferences should also be included.
12. Last but not least, I beg someone to write the Story of APWW, based on accurate
facts, revealing all the wonderful accomplishments, adding human “flesh” (in thewords of Eileen) to the skeleton history of APWW.
The publishing of this Chronology was only possible with the generous support of
UNIFEM for which we are most grateful.
With much appreciation to all the hardworking members, past and present, who havebeen an important part in the history of APWW, I wish you further success in continuing
Our Great Story.
Mitchiko Nakamura
January 2009ii

Contents

Foreword

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・iContents ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・iii

Chronology ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・1

Appendix Ⅰ APWW and UN Activities

・・・・・・・・・・・35

Appendix Ⅱ Publications ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・45

iii

Chronology

Chronology of Asia Pacific Women’s Watch (APWW)
APWG > APW > APWW
1991~2008
The following is the chronology of events, networks and groups in the Asia Pacificregion, with especially the strong support of the Pan Pacific South East Women’s
Association of Thailand, the Asia Caucus and Isis International, that came together
over a period of time to form what is now known as
the Asia Pacific Women’s Watch (APWW)

1991
1. The Beginning of the first Asia Pacific regional network Pan Pacific South East Asia
Women’s Association (PPSEAWA)
In 1991 PPSEAWA was requested by CONGO to serve as NGO Forum ’95 Asia andPacific Focal Point. PPSEAWA designated the International President, Thanpuying
Sumalee Chartikavanij to serve as the Focal Point.
PPSEAWA’s representatives attending NGO Forum ’95 Planning Committee :In New York Leoni Pynappel and her alternates
In Vienna
Elizabeth Louise Girardi, Permanent Representative at CONGOIn Geneva
Elizabeth Beckett
2.
The Setup of Focal Point Office in Bangkok
2.1 Set up office in Bangkok at 2234 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
2.2 Contacted CONGO members in Asia/Pacific region through their International
Presidents and Thailand based affiliated members.
2.3 Established close linkage with ESCAP.
2.4 Organized the Asia and Pacific NGO Working Group to facilitate NGOs in the region.
24 Core Attending Members from NGOs in the region together with a group of
Thailand based voluntary Meeting Co-Ordinators.
2.5 Maintained corresponding contacts with NGOs other than CONGO members.
2.6 Sent representative and report of activities to the meeting of NGO Forum ’95
Planning Committee in Vienna, March 1993. Was not able to send a representative tothe meeting in August 1993.
2.7 When Dr. Noeleen Heyzer joined as Substantive Co-Focal Point, more regional NGO
networks gave strong inputs to the Working Group.
2.8 Maintained linkage with NGO Forum ’95 office in Vienna and later in New York.
3.
Co-Ordinated the Asia and Pacific Regional Symposium of NGOs (1993)
This is the first preparatory NGO Symposium to be organized in any region.
3.1 Organized and paid for the cost of Symposium preparatory meetings in Bangkok
from May to November 1993.

1

Chronology

1992

The formation of the Asia Pacific NGO Working Group

11-20 March
CSW 36

ViennaOctober
Asia Pacific NGO Working Group (APWG) was formed.
First Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand

December
Second Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand

2

Chronology

1993
March
Third Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand

17-26 March
CSW 37
Conference of NGOs Consultation

ViennaViennaApril
APWG visited Mr. R. Ahmed, Executive Secretary of ESCAP.
19 MayFourth Meeting with ESCAP
Bangkok, Thailand
Number of attending members increased to 24 organizations and regional networks,
with an additional list of 46 organizations as corresponding members.
Isis International, a member of the APNGO Working Group, launches Women
Envision, a publication meant to keep women posted on the developments and plans
for the Beijing Conference on Women.
June
Special Meeting with Thailand-based international NGOs

ThailandJuly
NGO Preparatory Meeting organized by UNIFEM
Seoul
12-13
Seminar on Putting Gender on the Agenda of UN Conferences
Co-hosted by UNIFEM & Korean Women’s Development Institute (KWDI)
14-15
NGO Planning Meeting for the Fourth World Conference on Women
Organized by APWG Both held at KWDI, Seoul
Fifth Meeting
Sixth Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand

September
Seventh Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand

3

Chronology

OctoberEighth Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand[However, there is mention in Thanpuying Sumalee’s statement in Manila (1993) that
“From May to October this year, the working group met in Bangkok, Thailand 16 times
to prepare the symposium,” which shows that informal Working Group meetings were
held with great frequency.]
16-20 November
Asian and Pacific Symposium of Non-Governmental Organizations on
Women in Development
Manila, Philippines
Convened by ESCAP, National Commission on the Role of Filipino Womenin coordination with APWG
*Manila Report “Proceedings of the Asian and Pacific Symposium of
Non-Governmental Organizations on Women in Development” published by the
Secretariat; later called the “Big Yellow Book”.
*Attendance: 550 participants from 320 national, regional and international NGOs
and 100 observers, 7 UN agencies, 2 intergovernmental organizations, 11 donor
agencies and 6 Governments.
*The national NGOs came from 32 countries and areas in the Asian and Pacificregion: UNESCAP Report*APWG Chairperson: Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij
Co-ordinator: Noeleen Heyzer (DAWN)*The Working Group had submitted a list of 121 names from different networks to
ESCAP. Eleven were chosen to receive funds from ESCAP in order to attend the
NGO Symposium.
*According to “Reaching Out” Vol.1, Issue 1, January 1994: About 630 women from36 countries attended the Symposium*Report of NGO Symposium, published by the secretariat the “Big Yellow Book”*“Little Yellow Book”>Key Recommendations based on the “Big Yellow Book”,
edited by APWG, used for lobbying in Jakarta*“Voices from Asia and the Pacific”, used for lobbying at 1994 CSW

4Chronology

1994
January
APWG began to publish “Reaching Out”, a Bi-monthly Update of Regional
Preparations for Beijing“Reaching Out” Vol.1, Issue 1- 5 (January-December 1994 ) - Vol.2, Issue 1-5(February 1995 - July 1996)
Vol.1, Issue 1 - Issue 5: Introductions by Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij,
Chairperson, Focal Point & Noeleen Heyzer, Substantive Focal Point (DAWN)
N.Heyzer was appointed Director of UNIFEM in October 1994
From Vol.2, Issue 1 (February 1995): Introduction by Thanpuying Sumalee
Chartikavanij and Salamo Fulivai, Substantive Focal.
Reaching Out, Vol.1, Issue 1 (January 19, 1994) Follow up from the NGO
Symposium (1993) :“Thanpuying S. Chartikavanij, CONGO Coordinator of the NGO Working Group,
has been meeting with ESCAP officials, Executive Secretary Mr. Rafeeuden
Ahmed and Mr. Edward Van Roy and Hiroko Hashimoto of the Social
Development Division to discuss plans for Jakarta.”
17-18 February
Ninth Meeting
Bangkok, Thailand
Regional Expert Meeting: several members of APWG took part in this meeting.
“Mr. Ahmed will be invited to brief members on NGO participation in Jakarta (2nd
Asia and Pacific Ministerial Meeting to be held by ESCAP). We invite all regional
representatives, issue-based coordinators and all interested NGOs to the meeting.”
7-18 March
CSW 38 Incorporated planning for the Beijing Conference and a concurrent
International NGO Planning Meeting
New York
26-29 April
GO-NGO Regional Workshop on Economics and Sustainable Development,
organized by APDC
Singapore“Women Weaving the World Together” This project came out of the meeting.
19-20 May
Tenth Meeting to finalize key recommendations for Jakarta Ministerial Conference
Bangkok, Thailand

5

Chronology

6 JuneDetailed plans for NGOs were announced.
* “The Indonesian government has very kindly provided a meeting room for NGOs
which is located at the Conference Center. The Indonesian NGO committee has
agreed to coordinate all arrangements.”* “ESCAP has given the Working Group ten minutes to make an official presentation
at the Ministerial Meeting on 14 June. Thanpuying Sumalee, chairperson of theWG will present the recommendations from the NGO Plan of Action.”* “NGO Forum ’95 Convenor Khunying Supatra Masdit will also be addressing the
Ministerial Meeting.”
7-11 June
Meeting of Senior Officials on Women in Development & 2nd Asian and Pacific
Ministerial Conference on Women in Development Convened by ESCAP
Jakarta, Indonesia“Reaching Out”, Vol. 1, Issue 4, August 1994: The Working Group brought out apaper entitled “Women’s Unheeded Concerns.” This paper and the Key
Recommendations were distributed to all Ministers and officials.
“APWG lobby book” P.3 “Organised lobby of NGOs in issue-based sashes
created a powerful visual impact on Ministers. Thanpuying Sumalee read out therecommendations from the NGO Symposium. NGOs raised the ‘Yellow Book’ insolidarity.”
13 JuneEleventh Meeting and Strategy Training Session at the Conference Center

Jakarta

AugustTranslation and distribution of the “Yellow Book” in South East Asian Countries,
supported by the Canadian International Agency (CIDA)
September
Twelfth Meeting

Bangkok, Thailand

November
Thirteenth Meeting in Bangkok - Regional NGO Planning Group Meeting*Discussed NGO’s “Unheeded Concerns”*“Send a sister to Beijing”, aimed at fundraising for women who could not otherwise
afford to go to Beijing was started.

6

Chronology

1995
February“Reaching Out” Volume 2, Issue 1 Announcement is made in the introduction “From the Focal Points” that Salamo Fulivai replaces Noeleen Heyzer as Substantive
Focal Point.
February
Fourteenth Meeting to prepare documents for New York NGO Consultation
and CSW lobbying
Bangkok, Thailand
The Working Group was re-structured in order to reflect new tasks and priorities.
13-14 March
NGO Consultation
New York
1400 women attended, representing 900 organizations. The Asia Pacific NGO
Group document “Voices from Asia and the Pacific: The Asia Pacific Input into the
Global Platform for Action” was very well received and much of the content was
included in the Platform for Action. This was particularly exciting because an
NGO document had never reached a preparatory meeting before.
This document reflects NGO vision for the transformation of society so as toengender structures, processes and forms of governance that would empower
women and men to work together as equal partners towards equality, democracy,
sustainable development and peace.
15 March - 7 April
CSW 39, Acted as the preparatory body for the 4th World Conference on Women, andincorporated planning for a concurrent international NGO Planning Meeting
New Yorkth“Statement at the Plenary of the 39 Session of the CSW on behalf of the NGOs of
the Asia Pacific Region” by Pam Rajput
June
Fifteenth Meeting - Regional NGO Planning Group Meeting
Bangkok, Thailand
This was the last NGO Planning Group Meeting before the Forum to finalize plans
for the Asia Pacific Tent, and for activities in Beijing.

7

Chronology

31 August - 8 September
NGO Forum ’95
Huairou, China
APWG activities : Asia and Pacific Friendship Tent
Asia-Pacific Women Weaving the World Together
Send Asian Pacific Sisters to Beijing
Workshop and Panel Discussions
e.g. “The Role of Civil Societies in Shaping National andInternational Policies on Women”“Women in the NICs” etc.
Media Festival
Asian and Pacific Celebrations
Advocacy Activities
4 -15 September
Fourth UN Conference on Women
Beijing, China*APWG played a leading role in various caucuses, and in lobbying governments toensure that issues of concern to women in this region were addressed in the BPFA.
*There were three main arenas at the Conference, the Plenary Session, the Working
Groups and the Caucus Groups.
*Dr. Patricia Licuanan was Chairperson of the Main Committee and the Preparatory
Committee of the Women’s World Conference on Women

8Chronology

1996
11-22 March
CSW 40
New York
Themes : 1. Methods of work for dealing with the implementation of the Platform
for Action adopted by the 4th World Conference on Women
2. Women and the media
3. Child and dependent care, including sharing of work and family
responsibilities

1997
10-21 March
CSW 41
New York
Themes : 1. Women and the environment
2. Women in power and decision-making
3. Women and economy
4. Education and training of women
Asia Caucus was formed at the UN CSW 41 to address the issues of women in the
Asia region related to CSW.
Meetings were organized by Isis International.
3-6 July
Asia and Pacific Watch Group (APWG) Meeting
Organized by Young Hai Park with Korean NGOs contact unit to APWG,
Sookmyung Women’s University
Seoul, Korea
Sponsored by: Korean Ministry of Political Affairs,
Korean National Council of Women,
Korean Federation of BPW
14 women from 11 countries attended*Workshop on Media and Gender
Organized by Isis International as part of the Asia Caucus*AP NGO Working Group-Where do we go from here?
* Structure APWG>Asia Pacific Watch(APW)*Constitution (draft) was drawn up.
The first general meeting of APW was planned for the second week of January 1998
in India.
It was decided that Pam Rajput would act as chairperson and Anjana Shakya as thetreasurer with Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij, the focal point of the former
APWG as the honorary chairperson until the general meeting.

9Chronology

1998
8-11 January
Challenges for Women in the Next Millennium
Asia Pacific Watch Meet (APW)

Chandigarh, India
Organized by Pam Rajput
Introduction to APW
Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij
Inaugural Address
Dr. Moluni Giri, Chairperson, National Commission for
Women, India
Keynote Address Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, UNIFEM
Thematic Remarks Ms. Razia S. Ismail, UNICEF, India
Presentation for the Pacific “Violence and Women and as it affects the girl child”
Jane Prichard
APW Recommendations Prior to the 42nd CSW :Violence against Women, Women and Armed Conflict, Human Rights of Women,
The Girl-Child

1-13 March
CSW 42
New York
Themes : 1. Violence against women
2. Women and armed conflict
3. Human rights of women
4. The girl child
Asia Caucus meetings were held daily, and drafted the Asia Caucus statement basedon the recommendations agreed on at the Chandigarh APW Meet. The statement
was presented by Pam Rajput

10Chronology

1999
First Lobbying Training Workshop for Asia wide women is set up by the Asia
Caucus with APW participation in Nepal organized by Satthi and Isis International
1-19 March
CSW 43
New York
Themes : 1. Women and health
2. Institutional mechanism for the advancement of women
Asia Caucus was held.
11-12 June
Asia Pacific NGO Planning Meeting for Asia Pacific Regional Symposium
Attended by Asia Pacific Watch (APW) and Asia Caucus
Sponsored by the Asia Pacific Center for Development (APCD)
Penang, Malaysia
31August - 3 September
Asia Pacific Regional NGO Symposium: Asia Pacific Women 2000-Gender
Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century
Nakom Pathom,Kasetsart University, Thailand organized by an ad hoc committee
made up of the various Asia wide networks and women’s organizations.
Hosted by Thai WomanWatch (TW2)*Attended by 385 women from 28 countries*Workshops on the 12 Critical Areas of Concern in the BPFA
*Panels, Sub-regional Reports, Special Interest Group Reports, Statements*General Meeting Participants at the meeting voted on the proposal of merging thead hoc organizing committee (committee members included Amelia Rokotuivuna(Pacific wide Regional YWCA), Luz Martinez (Asia Caucus), Susanna George(Isis International), Heisoo Shin (APWLD), Shagufta Alizai (Shirkat Gah),
Mitchiko Nakamura (Japan NGO Report Preparatory Committee), Anjana
Shakya(APW) to form a new group that was later named Asia Pacific Women’s
Watch at the ESCAP Meeting in October. This merged group became the firstSteering Committee of APWW.
The network elected 2 Co-Chairs to lead the new structure, Thanpuying Sumalee
Chartikavanij and Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Co-Chair of Southeast Asia Women’s
Watch and President of Miriam College in the Philippines.
*Youth Forum

11

Chronology*Report of the Symposium~“Asia-Pacific Women 2000: Gender Equality,
Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century” (The Big Blue Book) editedby Eileen Pittaway*Report of the parallel Youth Forum~“Gender Equality, Development and Peace for
the Twenty-First Century”*3 September Declaration of the Asia Pacific NGO Symposium – “Asia-Pacific
Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace”
26-29 October
ESCAP High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting
UN Conference Center, Bangkok, Thailand
APW distributed and lobbied with the “Big Blue Book”
29 October
APW Meeting, chaired by Patricia Licuanan
UN Conference Center*The new structure was formally organized and named Asia Pacific Women’s Watch(APWW) in preparation for the 23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly.
*Steering Committee members were appointed, including the merged ad hocorganizing committee members agreed on at the NGO Symposium, with additional
members. Qualification of SC members: representatives of national organizations
with e-mail addresses.
* It was confirmed that APWW would hold Asia Pacific Caucuses at CSW.

12

Chronology

2000
28-29 January
APWW Lobby Training Workshop in Preparation for CSW44 and the Special
Sitting of the General Assembly to Review Progress on the Beijing Platform for
Action, Beijing Plus 5 (Women 2000)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Organized by Anjana Shakya, Eileen Pittaway, APWLD
Published: ”Voices 2000 & Beyond” and “Some Tips for Lobbying at CSW” acompanion document -Asia-Pacific Women’s Lobbying Documents for Beijing + 5
Both the Workshop and the Lobbying Documents were funded by ADP (Asia
Development Bank), SEAGEP (South East Gender Equity Program) and UNIFEM
28 February - 17 March
CSW 44
New York
Theme: Comprehensive quinquennial review and appraisal of the implementationof the Platform for Action
29 February
CSW Plenary Session Statement on Behalf of APWWBy Pam Rajput, Convenor
NGO Consultations
Daily Asia Pacific Caucuses were held, 12:00~13:00
A new e-mail list was established by APWW and hosted by Isis International APWW-Meet a list that began with over 300 women’s groups in the region andserved as an organizing instrument for the network.
4 MarchAPWW Steering Committee Meeting
Chaired by Eileen Pittaway
200 flags/wands were sent from Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavnij to be waved“whenever we feel good” at any statements in the meetings.
7 MarchAPWW Visioning Workshop-June & Beyond
Also worked on amendments to the Outcome Document
9 MarchAPWW Steering Committee Meeting
Chaired by Eileen Pittaway and Pam Rajput

13

Chronology

15 March
APWW Steering Committee Meeting
Chaired by Eileen Pittaway & Pam Rajput(i)Quorum one-third plus one as quorum for meetings- confirmation to be sought byemail from those not present(ii)Communications - Email response: responses to be made within 4 days, 7 days for
non-urgent matters. If no response is received by these deadlines, then this will betaken as consent.
An e-mail list for the Steering Committee becomes the main form ofcommunication for the Steering Committee.
(iii) Planning to June(iv) Documentation
APWW brochure(v) Pam & Eileen were to represent APWW on CONGO until June 2000
“Voices 2000 & Beyond” (“Little Blue Book”) and “Some Tips for Lobbying”
were used effectively for lobbying.
30 May - 10 June
23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly, “Women 2000: Gender
Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century”
New York*Jane Prichard (NZ) wrote and designed a new APWW Brochure to be distributed at
the June Special Session, which was used for several years.
*Information reports were circulated through e-mail lists with a reporting team chairedby Isis International.
1 JuneAPWW Meeting
Preparation for APWW presentation at CONGO Working Session
3 JuneNGO Working Session for Beijing+5 (CONGO) 9:00-17:30
Reports by the Regional Representatives of the NGO Coordinatng Committee
for Beijing+5
Asia/Pacific APWW’s presentation was visible and well received.
Coordinated by Eileen Pittaway & Pam Rajput

14

Chronology

4 JuneSteering Committee Meeting
Chaired by Pam Rajput
1. Asia Pacific Caucus: to be held daily
2. Strategy for week of Special Session
3. Steering Committee Meeting on Future Activities:(i) Procedural Matters - quorum, email response, communications strategy(ii) Future plans 2000-2005(iii) Funding and Funding Accountability(iv) Convenorship(v) Funding of Brochure
4. APWW Workshop
8 JuneAPWW Workshop
Future of Asia Pacific
10 JuneSteering Committee Meeting
1. Asia Pacific Caucus met every day successfully.
2. Strategies well worked out.
(i) Pam and Eileen made substantive contribution to CONGO and were
heard right throughout the meetings during the week.
(ii) Regional presentation for Asia/Pacific on 3 June was much appreciatedby all present.
(iii) On 5 June, Pam Rajput spoke for Asia-Pacific at the outdoor opening.
3. 9 June Eileen Pittaway made a statement in the Committee of the Whole
4. Pam Rajput spoke at the General Assembly
5. Forward Planning:(i) National consolidation(ii) 2001~a sub-regional meeting(iii) 2003~2005 a regional meeting(iv) Next APWW SC Meeting: January 2001 for 2 days in Thailand.
6. Isis International carried out onsite reporting of CSW meetings to be
circulated to women in the region.
2-4 December
Expert Meeting on Regional Implementation and Monitoring of the BPFA andthe Outcome Document of the 23rd Special Session of the General Assembly
relating to Women in 2000
Attended by Pawadee Tonguthai,Eileen Pittaway and Pam Rajput

15

Chronology

2001
20-23 January
APWW Regional Planning Meeting - ”Linking Hands for Change”
Hosted by TW2
Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Chaired by Pam Rajput and Eileen Pittaway*APWW Five Year Plan drawn up.
*Preparations for Beijing + 10
National level meetings and capacity building events 2001-2002
Sub-regional meetings
2002-2004
Regional symposium
2004*APWW Structure & Constituency
All Steering Committee (SC) members to serve a 3 year term (1999-2002)
3 regional organizations: ISIS, APWLD, NAPYElection of Convenors - There was consensus agreement to select 3
co-convenors because of the great workload in the convenorship - 1 for the
workplan (Shagufta Alizai), 1 for the infrastructure (Eileen Pittaway) and 1 forlinkage to UN bodies, etc.(Pam Rajput). Pam and Eileen accepted the positions, but
Shagufta accepted only on the condition of having the approval of Shirkat Gah, thenational organization in Pakistan.
In case of a vacancy, it was decided to select alternates. Aurora Javate de Diosand Young Hai Park were nominated.
(Shagufta later had to decline the position, and Young Hai Park became the 3rd
co-convenor.)*Advocating the inclusion of young women in APWW - Youth Monitoring Program*Need for UN accreditation
A Taskforce will report on the accreditation and formalizing process, and develop
a draft Constitution by August 2001 for the Committee’s further consideration.
Eileen agreed to convene the Taskforce on the basis that two legal experts from theCommittee would join the Taskforce to draft the Constitution in preparation for UN
accreditation.
*Honorary Membership
It was agreed that APWW give Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij the title ofhonorary member in recognition of her contribution to APWW since its inception.

16

Chronology

6-16 March
CSW 45
New York
Theme : 1. Women, the girl child and HIV/ AIDS
2. Gender and all forms of discrimination, in particular racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
Coordinated the daily Asia Pacific Caucuses
7 MarchAsia Pacific Caucus statement
Delivered by Virada Somswadi, APWLD
14 March
APWW Statement-“Asia-Pacific Statement to the Racism Panel at the CSW”
Presented by Mavic Cabrella-Balleza

17

Chronology

2002
20-24 February
APWW Training Course on the Principles of Networking and a Planning
Meeting
Chiangmai, Thailand
Hosted by TW2
The training workshop was in collaboration with the Centre for Refugee Research,
Australia, Isis International, Philippines and APWLD, Thailand.
4-15 March
CSW 46
New York
Themes : 1. Eradicating poverty, including through the empowerment of women
throughout the lifecycle in a globalizing world
2. Environmental management and mitigation of natural disasters: agender perspective
APWW statement in collaboration with APWLD
Presented by Young Hai Park
4 MarchLobbying/Training Workshop

By Asia Pacific Caucus
Coordinated by Eileen Pittaway

7 March*Co-ordinated a workshop on “Women and Poverty”.
Young Hai Park, Nurgul Djanaeva and Pawadee Tonguthai were among thenine panelists.
*Co-ordinated the Asia Pacific Caucus meetings*Each day in the evening, Asia-Pacific representatives met with representatives fromother regions to coordinate their lobbying activities, work on the language in thelobbying documents to reflect the most recent negotiations.
*Held discussion among the steering committee members who attended CSW,
regarding regional plan of action for the next year, and future programme ofregional and sub-regional monitoring.
*Lobbying documents were distributed to government delegates.
*Gender issues in Asia Pacific countries were disseminated and discussed ininternational forum.
*APWW was firmly recognized as a force in lobbying and a focal point at CSW on
monitoring the BPFA for Asia Pacific perspective. Its members worked together
with NGOs from other regions in solidarity throughout the meeting period of CSW.

18

Chronology

2003
20-24 February
Networking for Beijing+10 - A Training Course and Planning Meeting for APWW
Conducted by Isis International
Hosted by TW2
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Some of the outcomes of the Meeting:*APWW Committee members reconfirmed the “5 Year Work Plan” agreed
in Kanchanaburi in 2001.
*APWW will co-ordinate a regional NGO meeting prior to the ESCAP Meeting.
*In future APWW position papers, CEDAW will be more clearly referenced to issuesof concern, and the CEDAW process used to strengthen lobbying positions.
*The number of co-convenors
It was suggested that there could be three
co-convenors with defined roles. However, it was agreed that there would be twoco-convenors with equal responsibilities.
*There was an election: Patricia Licuanan and Eileen Pittaway were elected asco-convenors*A new part time position of APWW Coordinator will be appointed
and the Coordinator will be situated in the country of one of the Co-convenors.
The Coordinator will manage the e-mail list linking the Steering Committee
members and the region wide e-mail lists.
*Luz Martinez is hired as the network’s first part-time coordinator.
*SEAWatch, through Patricia Licuanan, will host the APWW Secretariat at Miriam
College in the Philippines.
*An APWW Constitution will be prepared for approval as a matter of urgency andlodged in the Philippines under Miriam College.
*APWW will apply for ECOSOC accreditation.
3-14 March
CSW 47
New York
Themes: 1. Participation and access of women to the media, and information andcommunication technologies and their impact on and use as an
instrument for the advancement and empowerment of women
2. Women’s human rights and elimination of all forms of violenceagainst women and girls as defined in the Beijing Platform for Action
and the outcome document of the Special Session for the General
Assembly entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development andpeace for the twenty-first century”

19Chronology

5 MarchStatement of the Asia Pacific Women’s Caucus in relation to Trafficking of Womenand Girls
Presented by Young Hai Park

APWW took part in the following informal consultations on Beijing + 10:
22 July
Informal Consultation for the Asia Pacific NGO Forum for BPFA+10
Bangkok, Thailand
20 August
Manila Follow-Up Meeting
Manila, Philippines
The Coordinating Committee (later referred to as the Convenors Meet - network) for
the NGO Forum was planned for January and the Asia-Pacific NGO Forum in July
2004.
A separate e-mail list, the Convenors Meet mailing list was set up later in preparation
for the Forum.
7-8 November
APWW Working Group Meeting (preparation for the NGO Forum in July 2004)
Hosted by TW2
Bangkok, Thailand
1. Confirmed representatives to Steering Committee
2. Old archives (hard & soft) of APWW materials will be collected and kept in the
Secretariat office.
3. Constitution- Mary Jane Real of APWLD is working on the forms required by thePhilippine government to register APWW in the Philippines. Mary Jane agreed toprovide the “skeleton constitution” by the end of November 2003
4. As the UNESCAP High Level Intergovernmental Meeting in connection with
Beijing+10 will be on Sept.6-9, 2004, the NGO Forum will be planned for July 1-3,
2004.
5. APWW will network with the Coordinating Committee of 20-30 members from theregion. Criteria and commitments are:(i) commitment to CEDAW and the BPFA without reservation(ii) to participate in working committees(iii) to raise own funds, i.e. support own participation
6. Annie Serrano, Chair of the NGO Forum, was hired as APWW part-time
Coordinator, replacing Luz Martinez.

20Chronology

2004
January
Isis International commits to hosting the e-mail list for APWW-Meet (merging the old
APWW lists into one networking list). Apwomen-steer is designated as a private list
for the Steering Committee and Isis agrees to establish ad hoc lists the network may
need.
12 February
APWW Steering Committee (SC)
Hosted by TW2
Bangkok, Thailand
1. APWW Constitution and Incorporation - the ‘skeleton Constitution needed forregistration is in progress.
2. A guiding APWW Constitution was necessary for gaining ECOSOC Status.
A committee was formed with Mary Jane as Chair with members - Eileen
Pittaway, Yamini, Mitchiko Nakamura, Nurgul Djanaeva
3. APWW’s Role in the NGO Forum - 2 informal meetings with some regionalNGOs have been held. The representatives and APWW will form a Convenors
Group which will take forth the NGO Forum plans.
4. Reconfirmation of the Kanchanaburi Five Year Plan (2001) which had also been
confirmed at the Chiang Mai Meeting (2003).
5. Membership and Steering Committee structures were discussed. Chiang Mai
recommendations were reaffirmed.
6. Communication Outreach - “apwomen-steer” for SC members, APWW-Meet todisseminate information to women outside the SC.
7. History of APWW - APWW’s roots can be traced to pre-Beijing and it should be
written as such.
8. Fundraising - Funding possibilities were explored for 2 SC meetings, website
communications, trainings, regional activities, etc. Expected annual funds
needed are $20,000. Funding needed for the NGO Forum-$170,000.

21

Chronology

13-14 FebruaryFirst Convenors Meeting (Preparations for the NGO Forum)
Hosted by TW2
Bangkok, Thailand
Organizational matters
Membership of Convenors Group-APWW is one of the members
Chair
Patricia B. LicuananVice-Chair
to be decided
Secretary General
Annie Serrano
Network CommunicatorLuz Martinez
Committees and Committee Heads
Host Committee Thanpuying Sumalee Chartikavanij and TW2
Program of events and workshops
Celebrate gains; Identify gaps; Emerging issues; Action for equality,
development and peace; Capacity building
Documentation
1-12 March
CSW 48
New York
Themes : 1. The role of men and boys in achieving gender equality
2. Women’s equal participation in post-conflict peace-building
APWW Statement
Presented by Young Hai Park
Asia Pacific Caucuses were held.
29-30 April
2nd Convenors Group Meeting (Preparations for the NGO Forum)
Hosted by TW2
Bangkok, Thailand
Finalized all plans and preparations for the Forum
Updated membership of the Functional Committees and Thematic Groups
Reports of the Functional Committees
Political Strategies for September UNESCAP & 2005 CSW Updated program22Chronology

30 June - 4 July
NGO Asia-Pacific Forum on Beijing + 10 “Celebrating Gains…Confronting
Emerging Issues”
Hosted by TW2 Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakornpathon, Thailand
This Forum was organized by the Convenors Group made up of mainly APWW
members, the Secretary General and the Secretariat. The group also included
officers from other regional organizations as well. The organizing secretariat was
hosted at Miriam College in the Philippines and the host country secretariat underThai WomanWatch was hosted in Thailand.
Fund raising was handled mainly by the Secretary General, Annie Serrano.
More than 700 women attended from 35 countries.
Scholarships were offered to 80 women.
Statement of the Asia Pacific NGO Forum on Beijing + 10
Publications:
The “Purple Book”- proceedings of the NGO ForumThe “Little Purple Book”“Voices 2005 and Beyond” (Re-print of the “Purple Book”)
Negotiation Kit for Beijing + 10 - CSW 49 (2005)
27 August
APWW received its Incorporation Certificate in accordance with thecorporation laws of the Philippines at Miriam College, Katipunan Road, Quezon
City, Metro Manila, Philippines
6 September
APWW Lobbying Workshop (whole day)7-10 September
UNESCAP High Level Intergovernmental Meeting to Review Regional
Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and its Regional and Global
Outcomes
Bangkok, Thailand
Statement by the Asia Pacific NGO Forum-Asia Pacific Women
Celebrate Reconfirmation of Beijing Declaration
APWW distributed the NGO Forum Statement, conducted a lobbying workshop andsponsored side events.
8 September
Highlights of the NGO Forum (APWW Secretariat)

23

Chronology

10 September
Adoption of Report & Chairperson’s Summary
NGO Briefing: Next Steps
October
UN ESCAP High Level Meeting on Beijing + 10
UN Conference Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Statement of the Asia Pacific NGO Forum in Beijing + 10
Presented by Pawadee Tonguthai24Chronology

2005
28 February - 11 March
New York
49th CSW
Theme: Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform of Action and the
Outcome Document of the Special Session of the General Assembly
entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace forthe twenty-first century”
APWW sponsored events and activities:
APWW attended the daily Asia-Pacific Caucus
APWW distributed and lobbied with the “Little Purple Book” (Negotiation kit)
APWW Statement at CSW was read by Young Hai Park.
26 February
Lobby Workshop for Refugee Women and Other APWW Affiliates by Australian
National Committee on Refugee Women (ANCORW)
1 MarchWorkshop on Gender Issues in the Post Tsunami Response
By ANCORW and APWW
2 MarchWorkshop on Gender Issues in Post Conflict Situations by Mindanao Commission on
Women, Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND), ANCORW and
APWW
3 MarchWorkshop on Women and Health from the Perspective of Youth by Japan Women’s
Watch (JAWW) /Japan’s Network for Women and Health (WHJ) and Network ofAsia Pacific Youth (NAPY)
5 MarchPanel on Women’s Land Rights by Satthi All and APWW

25

Chronology

9 MarchAPWW Steering Committee
1. Steering Committee (SC)
1.1 Term of office: The Constitution set the term of office of members to three
years. Decision: The present set of members will leave office on staggeredbasis at one member per year so that there will be new set of members after three
years.
1,2 Additional slots per sub-region: The two additional slots per sub-region(there are five members per sub-region according to the Constitution) will befilled immediately. The sub-regional focal points and members will decide among
themselves who would be their two additional representatives.
1.3 Regional organizations in SC: ARROW was recommended for membershipwhen a slot became available. A discussion took place concerning the criteria
for selecting regional organizations. Decision: (a) Only women’s NGOs may bemembers of APWW SC. (b) As such, NAPY, which is a mixed gender group, is
not qualified. (c) APWW SC members will scout for a regional young women’sgroup to be invited to the SC.
2. Co-Convenors’ Term of Office
2.1 Eileen Pittaway expressed her intention to resign as she had served a fullterm. For the same reason, Patricia Licuanan also expressed her intention to
step down. Pam Rajput pointed out that the Co-convenors’ term may also bereckoned only beginning from the effectivity of the Constitution.
2.2 Decision: The two Co-convenors will remain in office until the strategicplanning meeting when an election may be held.
3. Strategic Planning
3.1 It was agreed that the next steps for APWW will have to be discussed in amore conducive occasion. Perhaps in a strategic planning meeting. Decision: A
meeting will be organized sometime in June or July 2005.

26

Chronology

21-22 July
Asia Pacific Women’s Watch Strategic Meeting
Hosted by TW2
Bangkok, Thailand*APWW Constitution, approved and made effective on 22 July.
*Evaluation of APWW’s role and activities in the Women’s Movement in
Asia-Pacific since the adoption of the Five Year Plan (Chiang Mai, 2003)*Asia Pacific Women’s Watch Key Results Areas*Election of Co-Convenors - Pawadee Tonguthai and Anjana Shakya were selected.
*Executive Committee members: East Asia - Zanaa Jurmed, Central Asia - Yevgeniya
Kozyreva, South Asia - Anjana Shakya, Southeast Asia - Pawadee Tonguthai, thePacific - Jane Prichard*APWW Spokespersons: Patricia Licuanan and Pam Rajput*APWW Secretariat will be transferred from Manila to Bangkok, Thailand with thechange in convenors.
2 August
Asia Pacific Women NGOs Meeting on Mainstreaming a Gender and Rights
Perspective into the MDGs
Jakarta, Indonesia
Convened by APWW, Indonesian NGOs Network for Beijing + 10 and
Beyond, and Indonesian CSOs Network for MDGs
3-5 August
Regional Ministerial Meeting on MDGs in Asia and the Pacific:
The Way Forward 2015 (ESCAP)
Jakarta, Indonesia*Jakarta Declaration on Millenium Development Goals in Asia and the Pacific: The
Way Forward 2015
*APWW~Statement of the Asia-Pacific Women’s Watch to the Regional Ministerial
Meeting “Declaration on Gender Equality
and the MDGs” was presented by Sjamsiah Achmad
31 October - 3 November
Expert Consultation on “Priorities in Follow-up to the Ten-year Review andAppraisal of Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
Attended by Anjana Shakya New York27

Chronology

2006
26 February
NGO Consultation

UN, New York

27 February-10 March
CSW 50
New York
Themes: 1. Enhanced participation of women and development: an enabling
environment for achieving gender equality and the advancement of
women, taking into account, inter alia, the fields of education,
health and work.
2. Equal participation of women and men in decision-making
processes at all levels.
APWW activities:
Asia Pacific Caucus was held daily.
Gender equality and mainstreaming in connection with the UN Reform statedin the High Level Panel’s Report to the General Assembly on 9 November,
2005, was an issue of much heated discussion in addition to CSW’s themes.
28 February
Asia Pacific Caucus statement-“The United Nations as if Women Mattered: The
Establishment of a ‘Women’s Task Force on the Reform of the UN’”
Presented by Pawadee Tonguthai
3 March“Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on Violence against Women”“Trafficking in women ~ an NGO perspective of Thailand”
Presented by Pawadee Tonguthai
4 MarchAPWW Steering Committee
Future plans were discussed.
Mitchiko Nakamura was nominated honorary member.
6 MarchPress Conference by Women’s Non-Governmental Organizations
Samantha Cook (WILPF), June Zeitlin (WEDO), Charlotte Bunch (CWGL),
Pawadee Tonguthai (APWW)

28

Chronology

7 MarchAPWW Workshop: New Millenium, New Decisions-Do Women Have the Edge?
March- May
Application for ECOSOC accreditation (Deadline 1 June 2006)
The documentation for APWW’s application for ECOSOC NGO status was done inearnest, chiefly by Pawadee with the cooperation of SC members, and sent on 25
May to Mandara Payackapan to be taken personally to ECOSOC.
April-July
Campaign for Gender Equality in UN Reform
APWW members lobbied actively in preparation for the July 2 meeting of the HighLevel Panel on the UN Reform on the UN System-Wide Coherence Panel in the
Areas of Development, Humanitarian Assistance and the Environment, appealed toand presented statements to 2 members of the Panel in the Asia Pacific Region: H.E.
Mr. Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister, Pakistan, also head of the Panel, and Mr. Keizo
Takemi, former State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Japan:
APWW Statement (signed by Pawadee Tonguthai and Anjana Shakya)
SEAWatch (Southeast Asia~Patricia Licuanan, Annie Serrano, etc.)
Beyond Beijing Committee (Nepal- Anjana Shakya)
Feminist League of Kazakhstan (Yevgeniya Kozyreva)
Forum of Women’s NGOs of Kyrgyzstan (Nurgul Djanaeva)
Women for Women (Bangladesh - Mahmuda Islam)
Sri Lanka Women’s NGO Forum Statement (Sepali Kottegoda)
Japan Women’s Watch ( Hiroko Hara, Mitchiko Nakamura)
2 JulyHigh-Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence - Consultation with Civil
Society Organizations
GenevaStatements by Patricia Licuanan and Pawadee Tonguthai
17 July
Endorsed the Statement by CWGL and WEDO - “Gender Equality Architecture and
UN Reform” (signed by 60 organizations)29Chronology

2007
24 February
APWW members attending CSW 51 +other NGOs discuss activities for the CSW.
New York
25 February
NGO Consultation
Evening APWW members gathered for further discussions

New York

26 February - 9 March
CSW 51
UN, New York
Priority Theme: The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against
the girl child.
Evaluation of CSW 48: The role of men and boys in achieving gender equality.
APWW members attended the daily CONGO briefings.
APWW members attended the Linkage Caucus on the UN Reform which was held on
27 Feb., 1, 5, 7, 9 March
APWW members attended the daily Asia Pacific Caucus
27 February
Morning - AP Caucus- comments were gathered from those present which were
included in the AP Caucus Statement drawn up later.
16:00 APWW workshop: “Violence against Girls-Stopping the Scourge”
28 February
AP Caucus Statement completed and handed in to DAW Headquarters.
Evening Steering Committee members discussed the CSW Agreed Conclusions(draft)1 MarchPanel Discussion on “UN Reform and Gender Architecture:
Where Do We Stand?”Facilitated by: CWGL, Heinrich Boell Foundation, WILPF
From APWW: Panelist -Patricia Licuanan (SEAWatch)
Moderator-Pawadee Tonguthai (TW2)30Chronology

2-4 MarchGlobal Strategy Meeting for Gender Equality Architecture at the United Nations
Organized by WEDO and CWGLAPWW Pawadee Tonguthai, Patricia Licuanan and Hiroko Hara attended.
2 MarchAsia Pacific Caucus Statement to the CSW 51st Session, 2007:“Future Leaders: Girls and Young Women of Asia Pacific Region”
Presented to CSW by Anjana Shakya
3 MarchSteering Committee Meeting - Decision was made to recommend Eileen Pittaway tobe appointed Honorary Member of APWW to a future formal SC Meeting.
8 March“Open Letter Regarding Women’s Gender Equality Architecture at the UN from the
NGO Linkage Caucus taking part in the 51st CSW” was presented to UN Member
states and the Secretary-General. Signed by 147 women/organizations, including
APWW.
10-11 MayAPWW Regional Consultation on “Strengthening UN-NGO Cooperation, Promoting
Gender Equality in Asia-Pacific”
Hosted by TW2
Bangkok, Thailand
Background paper - APWW Key Result Areas (KRA), adopted at APWW Strategic
Planning Meeting, 22 July, 2005, Bangkok, Thailand
10 MayMorning - Asia Pacific NGOs and the UN Efforts in Promoting Gender Equality
Afternoon - Moving Forward31

Chronology

11 MaySteering Committee Meeting-APWW Work Plan (2007-2008)*Membership- new members need to be recruited*CSW 52 APWW Statement should be prepared by the end of November*Asia Pacific Caucus Statement should also be drafted early - Pam Rajput
volunteered to draft the written statement for the upcoming CSW 52 session.
*Pawadee Tonguthai’s report on the process of APWW’s application for ECOSOC
Consultative Status was appreciated. The ECOSOC Committee will make thefinal decision at its scheduled meeting for 14-16 May, 2007.
*The informal Steering Committee (SC) Meeting held in New York had proposed andagreed that Eileen Pittaway of Australia, a former convenor, be offered an honorary
membership for her great contribution to APWW. SC agreed unanimously.
*It was decided that the present APWW SC members, excluding Thida Khus andZanaa Jurmed who just joined in 2005, should stay for another year and a half andhave their terms ended along with the terms of the two co-convenors - Pawadee
Tonguthai and Anjana Shakya.
Candidates for the SC should be nominated before the next SC Meeting, expected tobe held around July 2008.
* Sub-committees:
1. Network and Linkages - covers the issues of membership as well as
coordination.
Members- Patricia Licuanan, Rajieli Nicole, Nurgul Djanaeva, Luz Martinez
Results of its deliberation to be sent through apwomen-steer list by end of June
2. Advocacy and Training
Nurgul, Pam Rajput, Sepali Kottegoda, Lynnsay Francis (APWLD)
3. Resource Mobilization
Executive Committee~Pawadee Tonguthai, Anjana Shakya, Zanaa Jurmed (EastAsia), Nurgul Djanaeva (Central Asia) ,Jane Prichard (Pacific) + Hiroko Hara,
Shuwen He, Thida Khus, Lynnsay Francis
16 MayECOSOC accreditation - APWW received information from Mandara Payackapan(TW2) in New York that the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs granted Special
Consultative Status to APWW on 16 May, the second day of the committee.
21 September
APWW (Pawadee Tonguthai, Co-convenor) received formal notice fromECOSOC that APWW was granted Special Consultative Status with related
documents.

32

Chronology

2008
14 January
APWW-Meet mailing list starts functioning in order to send information concerning
CSW 5224 February
NGO Consultation

UN, New York

25 February - 7 March
CSW 52
Theme : 1. Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women
2. Evaluation of “Women’s equal participation in conflict prevention,
management and conflict resolution and in post conflict peace-building”
26 February
APWW Workshop - “Women’s Voices in Conflict Resolutions”
Speakers - Anjana Shakya, Sepali Kottegoda, Dina Siddiqui, Boladuadua
Launch of the GEAR (Gender Equality Architecture Reform) Campaign - APWW
was one of the sponsors with Patricia Licuanan as the focal point for Southeast Asia.
28 February
APWW Workshop - “Gender and Public Policies in Asia Pacific”
Moderator - Pawadee Tonguthai
Speakers - Shuwen He, Patricia Alexander (Gender Coordinator, UNDP Regional
Center for Asia Pacific), Hiroko Hara, Pam Rajput, Young Hai Park25, 26 February, 3. 4 March
Asia Pacific Caucuses
28 February
Asia Pacific Caucus Statement

Presented by Carole Shaw

1 MarchAPWW Steering Committee Meeting
1. Review of APWW activities at CSW 52 (25-29 Feb)
2. Plan for APWW activities at CSW 52 (3-7 March)
3. Tentative agenda for the annual APWW Meeting, Bangkok (21-22 June, 2008)33

Chronology

21-22 June
APWW Annual Meeting 2008 and Election of Steering Committee for 2008-2011
Hosted by TW2
Bangkok, Thailand
1. Briefings on UN Activities by APWW’s Key Partners - UNESCAP, UNIFEM, UN
Reform and GEAR, UN Human Rights Council, CEDAW
2. APWW’s role in connection with Global Development activities and advocacy
efforts at CSW, planning for 2008-2010
3. Key Result Areas and Best Practices - presentation of sub-regional/ national reports
4. ECOSOC Consultative Status Update
5. Future Directions for 2009
6. Membership and structure of administrative body
7. Terms of Steering Committee Members
8. Election of new Steering Committee members, Hiroko Hara,
Chair and Sepali Kottegoda, Vice-Chair for 2008-2010
10 September
Transfer of APWW Business and Documents from Pawadee Tonguthai(past Co-convenor) to Hiroko Hara (Chair) in Tokyo
23 October“Approved APWW Program of Activities for July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2010” was sent
to all Steering Committee members*APWW Secretariat to be located in Tokyo
Coordinator, Mariko Asano
Advisor to Coordinator, Luz Martinez*Management of APWW-Meet is to stay until further notice with Miriam College
and moderated by Luz Martinez.

34

Appendix I

APWW and UN Activities
1991
The Conference of Non-Government Organizations accredited by ECOSOC (CONGO)
requested the Pan Pacific South East Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA),
International to be the Asia-Pacific Focal Point for the Beijing NGO Forum.

1992
October
Asia Pacific NGO Working Group (APWG) was formed.

1993
July
NGO Preparatory Meeting
Organized by UNIFEM, KWDI(Korean Women’s Development Institute),& APWG
Seoul
12-13
Seminar on Putting Gender on the Agenda of UN Conferences
UNIFEM & KWDI
14-15
NGO Planning Meeting for the Fourth World Conference on Women
APWG
November 16-20
Asian and Pacific Symposium of Non-Governmental Organizations on Womenin Development
ManilaConvened by ESCAP, National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women incoordination with APWG
*Attendance: 550 participants from 320 national, regional and international NGOs &100 observers*Manila Report “Proceedings of the Asian and Pacific Symposium of
Non-Governmental Organizations on Women in Development”
Published by the Secretariat
Later called the “Big Yellow Book”*“Little Yellow Book”
Key Recommendations based on the “Big Yellow Book”, used forlobbying in Jakarta (1994)

35

Appendix I

1994
January
APWG publishes “Reaching Out” - a bi-monthly update of regional preparations for
Beijing January 1994 - June 1996 (10 issues)
March 7-18
CSW 38 - Incorporating planning for the Beijing Conference and a concurrent
International NGO Planning Meeting
New York
June 7-11
Meeting of Senior Officials on Women in Development & 2nd Asian and Pacific
Ministerial Conference on Women in Development
Convened by ESCAP
Jakarta, Indonesia
APWG lobbied actively with the “Little Yellow Book”

1995
March 13-14
NGO Consultation
March 15-April 7
CSW 39Preparations for the 4th World Conference on Women
August 31-September 8
NGO Forum ’95
September 4-15
Fourth UN Conference on Women*Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA)

New York
New York

Huairou, China
Beijing, China

1996
March 11-22
CSW 40
New York
Themes : 1. Methods of work for dealing with the implementation of the Platform
for Action adopted by the 4th World Conference on Women
2. Women and the media
3. Child and dependent care, including sharing of work and family
responsibilities

36Appendix I

1997
March 10-21
CSW 41
New York
Themes : 1. Women and the environment
2. Women in power and decision-making
3. Women and economy
4. Education and training of women
Asia Caucus was formed at the UN CSW to address the issues of women in the Asia
region related to CSW.
Meetings were organized by Isis International.
July 3-6
Asia and Pacific Working Group Meeting (APWG)
Seoul
APWG restructured →Asia Pacific Watch (APW)1998
January 8-11
Challenges for Women in the Next Millennium - Asia Pacific Meet (APW)
Chandigarh, India
March 1-13
CSW 42
New York
Themes : 1. Violence against women
2. Women and armed conflict
3. Human rights of women
4. The girl child*Asia Caucus Meetings were held jointly by Asia Caucus and APW on a daily basis
and drafted the statement for women in the region to be presented to CSW. The
Asia Caucus Statement was based on the recommendations agreed on at the
Chandigarh APW Meet.
1999
March 1-19
CSW 43
New York
Themes : 1. Women and health
2. Institutional mechanism for the advancement of women
June 10-11
Asia Pacific NGO Planning Meeting for Asia Pacific Regional Symposium(APW and Asia Caucus)
Penang, Malaysia
Sponsored by APCD

37

Appendix I

August 31 - September 2
Asia Pacific Regional NGO Symposium: Asia Pacific Women 2000-Gender
Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century
Nakom Pathom, Kasetsart University, Thailand*Youth Forum*Attended by 385 women from 28 countries*Report of the Symposium~ “Asia –Pacific Women 2000: Gender Equality,
Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century” (“The Big Blue Book”)
October 26-29
ESCAP High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting
Bangkok
APW distributed and lobbied with the “Big Blue Book”
October 29
APW Meeting (during ESCAP Meeting)
Bangkok
APW→Asia Pacific Women’s Watch (APWW)
Steering Committee was formally organized
The name was changed to Asia Pacific Women’s Watch at this meeting.
Reconfirmed to hold Asia Pacific Caucuses at CSW.

2000
January 28-29
APWW Lobby Training Workshop in Preparation for CSW 44 and the Special
Sitting of the General Assembly to Review Progress on the Beijing Platform for
Action, Beijing Plus 5 (Women 2000)
Godovari Resort, Kathmandu, Nepal*Published: “Voices 2000 & Beyond” (Little Blue Book) and “Some Tips for
Lobbying at CSW” a companion document~ Asia-Pacific Women’s Lobbying
Documents for Beijing + 5
February 28 - March 17
CSW 44
New York
Theme: Comprehensive quinquennial review and appraisal of the implementationof the Platform for Action
March 7APWW Visioning Workshop - June and Beyond
APWW also had a meeting to work on the amendments to the Outcome Document
Asia Pacific Caucus
May 30 - June 10
23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly, “Women 2000: Gender
Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century” (Beijing +5)38

Appendix I

December 2-4
Expert Meeting on Regional Implementation and Monitoring for the BPFA andthe Outcome Document of the 23rd Special Session of the General Assembly
Attended by APWW

2001
January 20-23
APWW Regional Planning Meeting, “Linking Hands for Change”
Kanchanaburi, Thailand*APWW Five Year Plan adopted
March 6-16
CSW 45
New York
Themes : 1. Women, the girl child and HIV/AIDS
2. Gender and all forms of discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance
Asia Pacific Caucus

2002
March 4-15
CSW 46
New York
Themes : 1. Eradicating poverty, including through the empowerment of women
throughout the lifecycle in a globalizing world
2. Environmental management and mitigation of natural disasters: agender perspective
March 4
Asia Pacific Caucus
Lobbying/Training Workshop
March 7APWW Panel - Women and Poverty

2003
February 20-24
Networking for Beijing + 10~ A Training Course and Planning Meeting for
APWW
Chiang Mai, Thailand*Five Year Work Plan (2001) reconfirmed*APWW Constitution to be prepared in order to be lodged in the Philippines*APWW will apply for ECOSOC accreditation

39

Appendix I

March 3-14
CSW 47
New York
Themes : 1. Participation and access of women to the media, and information andcommunication technologies and their impact on and use as an
instrument for the advancement and empowerment of women
2. Women’s human rights and elimination of all forms of violenceagainst women and girls as defined in the Beijing Platform for Action
and the outcome document of the Special Session for the General
Assembly entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development andpeace for the twenty-first century”
Asia Pacific Caucus
July 22
Informal Consultation for the Asia-Pacific NGO Forum for BPFA+10
APWW and other organizations
BangkokAugust 20
Manila Follow-Up Meeting
ManilaAPWW and other organizations
The Coordinating Committee (later referred to as the Convenors Meet-network) for
the NGO Forum was planned for January (→Feb. 13-14) and the Asia-Pacific NGO
Forum in July 2004
November 7-8
APWW Working Group Meeting
Bangkok
APWW Steering Committee representatives confirmed
APWW will network with the Coordinating Committee of 20-30 members from theregion in preparation for the NGO Forum2004
February 12
APWW Steering Committee
Bangkok
Reconfirmation of the Five Year Plan (2001) which had been confirmed at Chiang
Mai (2003)
February 13-14
First Convenors’ Meeting
BangkokPreparations for the NGO Forum40

Appendix I

March 1-12
CSW 48
New York
Themes : 1. The role of men and boys in achieving gender equality
2. Women’s equal participation in post-conflict peace-building
Asia Pacific Caucus
APWW/ Asia Pacific Caucus Statement
April 29-30
2nd Convenors’ Group Meeting
Bangkok
Finalized all plans and preparations for the Forum
June 30 - July 4
NGO Asia-Pacific Forum on Beijing + 10 - “Celebrating Gains -Confronting
Emerging Issues”
Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakornpathon, Thailand*More than 700 women attended from 35 countries*Publications: “The Purple Book” - proceedings of the NGO Forum“The Little Purple Book”“Voices 2005 and Beyond”(Re-print of the “Purple Book”)“Negotiation Kit for Beijing + 10” for lobbying use at CSW 49
September 6
APWW Lobbying Workshop (whole day)
Bangkok
September7-10
UNESCAP High Level Intergovernmental Meeting to Review Regional
Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and its Regional and Global
Outcomes
Bangkok*Statement presented by the Asia Pacific NGO Forum - “Asia Pacific Women
Celebrate Reconfirmation of Beijing Declaration”

2005
February 8 - March 11
CSW 49
New York
Theme: Review of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and theoutcome documents of the Special Session of the General Assembly
entitled “Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for thetwenty-first century”
Asia Pacific Caucus
February 26
Lobby Workshop for Refugee Women and Other APWW Affiliates by Australian
National Committee on Refugee Women (ANCORW)
41

Appendix I

March 1
Workshop on Gender Issues on the Post Tsunami Response(ANCORW and APWW)March 2Workshop on Gender Issues in Post Conflict Situations by FIND (Women, Families
of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance), ANCORW and APWWMarch 3
Workshop on Women and Health from the Perspective of Youth by JAWW/WHJ and
Network of Asia Pacific Youth (NAPY)
March 5
Panel on Women’s Land Rights by Satthi All and APWWJuly 21-22
Asia Pacific Women’s Watch Strategic Meeting
Bangkok*APWW Constitution approved and made effective on 22 July
*Asia Pacific Women’s Watch Key Results Areas
August 2
Asia Pacific Women NGOs Meeting on Mainstreaming a Gender and Rights
Perspective into the MDGs
Jakarta, Indonesia
Convened by APWW, Indonesian NGOs Network for Beijing +10 and
Beyond, and Indonesian CSOs (Civil Society Organizations)
Network for MDGs
August 3-5
Regional Ministerial Meeting on MDGs in Asia and the Pacific: The Way
Forward 2015 (ESCAP)
Jakarta, Indonesia
October 31 - November 3
Expert Consultation on “Priorities in Follow-up to the ten-year Review andAppraisal of Implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Action”
New York

42

Appendix I

2006
February 26
NGO Consultation
New York
February 27 - March 10
CSW 50
New York
Themes: 1. Enhanced participation of women and development: an enabling
environment for achieving gender equality and the advancement of
women, taking into account, inter alia, the fields of education,
health and work
2. Equal participation of women in decision-making processes at alllevels*UN Reform*Daily Asia Pacific Caucuses
May 25APWW’s application for ECOSOC NGO status was sent to ECOSOC
April – July
APWW members lobbied actively for UN Reform, presenting statements to2 members of the High Level Panel in the Asia Pacific Region
July 2High-Level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence - Consultation with Civil
Society Organizations
Geneva2007
February 25
NGO Consultation
New York
February26 - March 9
CSW 51
New York
Priority Theme: The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violenceagainst the girl childEvaluation of CSW 48: The role of men and boys in achieving gender equality
Asia Pacific Caucus
September 21
APWW received formal notice from ECOSOC that APWW was approved as “NGOin Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of theUnited Nations”

43Appendix I

2008
February 24
NGO Consultation
UN, New York
February 25 - March 7
CSW 52
UN, New York
Theme : 1. Financing for gender equality and the empowerment of women
2. Evaluation of “Women’s equal participation in conflict prevention,
management and conflict resolution and in post conflict peace-building”
Asia Pacific Caucus

For your reference - Asia and the Pacific Beijing +10: Selected Issues Presentations from2004 High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting to Review Regional Implementation of the
Beijing Platform for Action and its Regional and Global Outcomes
ESCAP Report
Page 75
After Beijing, the efforts of the Asia Pacific NGO Working Group (reconvening as Asia
Pacific Watch) were directed toward the monitoring of the implementation of the Beijing
Platform for Action. In preparation for the Beijing+5 Review, Asia Pacific NGOs held a
Regional NGO Symposium in Thailand in October 1999. The outcomes of that meetingwere contained in the report, “Asia-Pacific Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development
and Peace for the Twenty First Century” referred to as “The Big Blue Book”. After the
Symposium, the Asia Pacific Women’s Watch (APWW) was born as the regional focal
point for regional Beijing-related activities.
In June, 2004
The Asia Pacific NGO Forum on Beijing + 10 was held in Thailand. Initiated by APWW,
which served as the secretariat, the Forum was organized by a Convenors Group
composed of 50 regional NGOs. Over 700 participants from all over the region attended
the Forum held at Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakornpathom, Thailand. The highly
successful Forum produced a statement and the “Purple Book” both of which are sharedwith governments at this High Level Meeting. There was some concern that there would
be little interest in the AP-NGO Forum and that it would not be possible to organize it in
the short period of five months. But these fears were unfounded as the AP-NGO Forumrevealed the continued strength of Asia Pacific NGO partnerships.

44Appendix II

APWG > APW > APWW Publications
As of January 20091993 “Proceedings of the Asian and Pacific Symposium of Non-Governmental
Organizations on Women in Development”
Later called the “Big Yellow Book”
Published by the Secretariat of the Symposium in Manila
1994 - 1996
“Reaching Out” a bi-monthly update of regional preparations for Beijing
Published by APWG (total 10 issues)
Vol.1, Issue 1 (January 1994) - Issue 5 (December 1994)
Vol.2, Issue 1 (February 1995) - Issue 5 (July 1996)
1994“Little Yellow Book - Key Recommendations to Governments from the Asian andPacific Symposium of Non-governmental Organizations on Women in
Development”
Presented to the Second Asian and Pacific Ministerial Conferenceon Women in Development, 7-11 June 1994
Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia
By the Asian and Pacific NGO Working Group1995(Cover title) “NGO-Forum ’95 - Voices from Asia and the Pacific” (Inner title) “Voices from Asia and the Pacific: the Asian and Pacific Input into
the Global Platform for Action - Amendments of Draft Platform for Action”
Recommended by the Asia & Pacific NGO Working Group(based on draft received 4 February 1995)“Asia & Pacific Watch (APW)”
Report of the Asia and Pacific Watch Group Meeting
held 3-6 July 1997 in Seoul
Edited by Young Hai Parknd
“Asia-Pacific Watch-Recommendations to the 42 Session of theCommission on the Status of Women”
Based on the outcomes of the Chandigarh APW Meet (8-11 January)
Edited by Pam Rajput“Asia-Pacific Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the
Twenty-First Century”
Report of the Asia Pacific Regional NGO Symposium,
held 31 August - 4 September, referred to as the “Big Blue Book”
Edited by Eileen Pittaway

1997

1998

1999

45

Appendix II

1999
2000

2000

2000

2004

2005

“Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century”
Report of the parallel Youth Forum held 31 August - 4 September“Voices 2000 and Beyond: Asia-Pacific Women’s Lobbying Document for
Beijing + Five”
Referred to as the Little Blue Book
Edited by Eileen Pittaway“Some Tips for Lobbying at CSW”
Based on the outcomes of the APWW lobbying workshop,
Edited by Eileen Pittaway
Kathmandu, January“Asia Pacific Women’s Watch Updated Lobbying Document for Beijing + 5”
for use by supporters of the BPFA and the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Edited by Eileen Pittaway“The Purple Book”
proceedings of the Asia Pacific NGO Forum on Beijing +1030 June - 3 July, 2004 at Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakornpathom, Thailand
Referred to as the “ Big Purple Book”
Edited by Eileen Pittaway, Carole Shaw, and the Documentation Committee“Little Purple Book”
Draft version, not for quotation for use at the NGO Lobbying Workshop
at the High Intergovernmental Meeting (ESCAP) UN Convention Center,
Thailand (7-10 September)Compiled by Eileen Pittaway, Carole Shaw and the Documentation
Committee at the AP NGO Forum on Beijing + 10
“Voices 2005 and Beyond”
Reprint of “The Big Purple Book”
By the NGO Forum Secretariat
Manilath“Negotiation Kit for Beijing +10: 49 Session of the UN Commission on the
Status of Women - New York City, February 28 - March 11,2005”
Based on the “Little Purple Book”
Arranged by the Forum Secretariat Manila

46