WomenAction 2000
WomenAction 2000, a global network of women's information and media organisations, was created to ensure world access to the decisions made during the UN Special Session of the General Assembly (Beijing Plus 5) entitled “Women 2000: Gender Equalityi, Development and Peace for the 21st Century” in New York, 5-9 June 2000. The Network was formed at a time when the women's movement needed it most and demonstrated the potency of a world-wide communication network run by women. It was instrumental in making it possible for women's organisations to become involved in preparations for the UN Beijing Plus Five meeting.
The network members included African Gender iInstitute (South Africa), ALAI (Ecuador), APC Women's Networkingi Support, Programme, Asian-Pacific Women's Information Network Center (Korea), IIAV (Netherlands), International Women's Tribune Center (USA), ISIS International, Les Penelopes (France), Women'sNet (South Africa) and many others.
In the period leading up to the UN Beijing Plus Five meeting, WomenAction 2000 was instrumental in making it possible for women's organisations to become involved in preparations for the meeting. It provided listeners and readers throughout the world with a daily flow of information via 2 daily newspapers, e-mail lists, the web site, a daily interneti TV programme and internet-based radio broadcasts. The WomenAction 2000 Internet Café provided access to women to send thousands of messages to their constituencies and to receive information. The network also trained a group of NGOs in journalism skills and the 40 ensuing articles were sent home for publication and/or broadcast.
Adapted from:
Women's GlobalNet #152 - Activities and Initiatives of Women Worldwide by Anne S. Walker - 20 June 2000.
The Communication Initiative site, June 28 2001.
