The Southern Gender Protocol Alliance is a network of national and regional non governmental organisations that campaigned for the adoption, and now the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. The alliance consists of national networks of gender NGOs and country themes clusters. The Gender Protocol - a global first - sets 28 realistic, measurable targets, time frames and indicators for achieving gender equality. The Gender Protocol adopted by SADC Heads of State at the 2008 Summit provides a "roadmap to equality" that provides focus and is a key mobilising tool for governments and civil society alike. The history of the Alliance is well documented in the lessons learned booklet, Roadmap to Equality, as well as a DVD by the same name. The programme to support the work of the Alliance includes:
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Research and information: The 2005 audit led to a paper called "Rationale for the adoption of the Southern African Protocol on Gender and Development" that formed the basis of drafting notes for the Protocol. After its adoption, the Alliance produced a baseline Barometer of key data on women's rights in the region in 2009. The Barometer is now an annual report, gauging progress and accompanied by a citizen score card to rate government performance. The alliance has a monthly newsletter that among others gathers examples of the Protocol @ work and profiles champions of gender justice around the region.
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Lobbying and advocacy: Following the adoption of the Protocol in three years (record time by SADC standards) the Alliance has moved ahead full steam to get countries that have not signed (Mauritius and Botswana) to do so, as well as get all countries to ratify. In 2011 nine of the 13 countries that signed had ratified. Of the thirteen countries that have ratified seven have deposited their instruments of ratification with the SADC Secretariat.
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Action planning and costing: With the focus now on implementation, GL with the support of UN Women has convened an expert group meeting on aligning national action plans in each country with the provisions of the Protocol and costing these. The intention is to hold national level workshops in each country over the coming year.
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Capacity building: The campaign has been one big learning exercise in lobbying, advocacy, drafting, use of media, new media and awareness raising. Since the adoption of the Protocol, GL and partners have been running village level workshops across the region to raise awareness. Monitoring and evaluation tools include a Protocol quiz, attitude quiz, various score cards and the annual barometer.
The Alliance has held several meetings to plan and strategise its work.
2011:
Alliance annual meeting, 10-11 August 2011
Governance cluster meeting and relaunch of 50/50 campaign, 4-5 August 2011
Alliance Steering committee meeting, 30 March 2011
Protocol Reseacher's Meeting, 29 March 2011
Costing implementation of the SADC Gender and Development Protocol, Report of think tank meeting, February 2011
2010:
SADC Protocol Alliance Meeting, 12-16 August 2010
2009:
Report of the Alliance Strategy Review Meeting, March 15 - 18 March 2009
2008:
Report of the Alliance Strategy Meeting, August 2008
Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance meeting, 29th - 31st January 2008
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