Call for Applications: Regional Youth Exchange Programme on Gender Equality
Swedish Institute Alexandria (SwedAlex) and the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Institute (DEDI) are inviting young people from the region (EU-MENA) to apply for a Regional Youth Exchange Programme (YEP-EU/MENA) in Alexandria, Egypt on 27-30 May. The theme for this year’s forum is gender equality with an aim to conceptualize a gender agenda that is conducive and sustainable.
The forum will aim at answering the question: “Do We Need a Gender Agenda for Politics?”. The dialogue forum targets young professionals and politicians from various backgrounds, whom are eager to foster dialogue in their own societies, organizations, and institutions on the topic of gender equality.
Theme 2016
The United Nations has set its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in fact it is hard to disconnect SDGs from the challenge of equality, not only based on gender but rather race, ethnic origin, religion, economic and social status. The SDGs not only aim to achieve sustainable development globally, but also to outline where governments and citizens need to make their best in achieving a safe, equitable, and sustainable life. The role of civil actors and individual is therefore indispensable.
Gender equality is not a field of study by its own or an area for developmental intervention where international organizations play an instrumental role independently from governments or citizens; it is rather a social development issue that aspires for a progressive and equitable society by engaging all actors for the benefit of the society. Denmark and Sweden have a long history in promoting equality as a government policy in various fields including education, health, and labor market. Denmark has also elected Helle Thorning-Schmidt as the first female Prime Minister in the period 2011- 2015. Also, Sweden launched its feminist foreign policy initiative with a focus on Rights, Representation, and Resources (3Rs).
Swedish Institute Alexandria and the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Institute are conducting an Exchange Programme for the youth from the MENA-EU region on the topic of gender equality as an agenda for organizations and political parties. The four days’ program will include interactive activities mainly based on participant’s insights and knowledge. There will be also lectures and roundtable discussions by a group of European and Arab academics, researchers and prominent speakers on gender equality.
The programme will address the following sub-themes:
1. What is a gender agenda?
2. Equality and/or Feminism.
3. Gender Equality and Political Parties.
Additional Information:
- Forum’s Language: English
- Forum’s Duration: 4 days
- Forum’s Location: Swedish Institute Alexandria
- Forum’s Costs: Swedish Institute Alexandria and DEDI will cover all costs relevant to the forum including flights, accommodation, and meals.
Dates:
Participants should arrive in Alexandria Egypt on the 27th of May and shall depart on 30th of May.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible participants should be working in a NGO, a government body, or an active member of a political party? Or a student doing research in the area of equality, gender, and development?
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 22 – 32
- Regions: From MENA and Europe
- Professional and Educational Background: youth working in civil society, government, academia, political party, or a student researching in this area, and have a clear interest in the topic.
- Language: Fluent in English
Selection Criteria:
We are looking for 30 participants to represent the MENA region and the EU. The Swedish Institute in Alexandria and the Danish Egyptian Dialogue Institute believe in equal opportunity, hence we will ensure there is a gender balance in the accepted applications.
Application Deadline:
please send us your application before 1st of April, 2016 to the following email: youthinpolitics@swedalex.org
Documents required for applying (Only complete application packages will be accepted):
1- Your application form (download from top right of page)
2- Your CV
3- Biography (One paragraph + a recent picture)
4- Letter of motivation, explain in 500 words why you think you should be invited to this event given your current position, how will this event contribute to your development or engagement on the topic, what do you expect to learn during the forum
5- Contact information sheet (Email/Phone number/Address/Nearest Airport)
6- A presentation in less than 8 slides about a successful project/initiative in your country that has contributed to changing gender perception or about a person that has contributed to making significant changes in gender policies in your country
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to write to our email address: youthinpolitics@swedalex.org
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies/Alexandria/Current-affairs/News/Call-for-Applications-Regional-Youth-Exchange-Programme---sys/