Mid-Term Review of the Norwegian Action Plan for Women's ... - Norad

3.3 Analysis of the MFA’s interaction with UN agencies on WRGEThis section deals with the UN system as an arena for advocacy on WRGE issues in relation toNorwegian development cooperation. Based on the targets and means outlined in the Action Plan forWomen’s Rights and Gender Equality in Development Cooperation 2007-2009 (MFA 2007a), the mainchannels of influence will be assessed. These are defined as conditional financial contributions – and theLetters of Allocation and programme activities related to these – as well as board representation,secondment and other (informal) channels of influence. Based on a selection of some of the UN funds,programmes and specialty organisations that receive substantial funding from Norway – UNDP,UNICEF, UNFPA and ILO – similarities and differences will be highlighted in the MFA’s approach.Sources and methodsThe data used for this review are mainly based on two types of sources: interviews with MFArepresentatives in charge of relations with the UN system, and documentary analysis of Letters ofAllocation, framework agreements, Programme Cooperation Agreements, as well as statements tomeetings in the governing bodies of the UN organisations and to other UN forums. Most of theinterviews were conducted in January 2009, based on semi-structured open interviews. The interviewslasted for approximately one hour each, and covered topics such as board representation, reportingprocedures, lobbying activities and other forms of influence exerted by the MFA officers in the UNsystem. In addition, some key governmental documentation has been consulted in this process: theAction Plan for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in Development Cooperation 2007-2009 (MFA2007a), White Paper No. 11 (2007-2008) ‘On Equal Terms’ (MFA 2008a) and the Budget Proposition(Stortingsprop. No. 1.) to the Parliament from the MFA 2008-2009 (MFA 2008b). Internet resources,particularly the MFA website and the websites of the various UN organisations, have also beeninstrumental in the analysis.BackgroundThe 2007-2009 Action Plan sets targets and stakes out a course of action for realising women’s rightsand gender equality (WRGE) through Norwegian development policy. To achieve these goals, theaction plan states that Norway must have a “clear political message in international forums” and“contribute to increased attention and acceptance” around WRGE issues (MFA 2007a:10-11). TheAction Plan also states that, by the end of the period, Norway should be assessed in terms of its abilityto use its position – as a political and developmental actor – to realise WRGE aims.In relation to its four thematic areas, the Action Plan identifies UNDP (and UNIFEM) as a key partneron issues of women’s political participation; ILO, UNDP and UNIFEM as partners on women’s economicparticipation; on issues of reproductive and sexual health/rights, WHO is identified as a political authority,while UNFPA is important at the country level; and UNIFEM, UNFPA and UNICEF are named as keyplayers in relation to violence against women.The Action Plan states that a holistic approach to development policy requires more than targetedWRGE policies. Mainstreaming and integration of WRGE perspectives are important in broader sectorssuch as: Peace, human rights and humanitarian assistance Good governance, institution-building and anti-corruption policies Environment and sustainable development Oil and energy Education and healthTo achieve successful integration of these perspectives in a broader development agenda, the ActionPlan highlights cooperation with UNICEF, UNGEI, UNESCO, WHO, UNAIDS, and UNFPA.The Action Plan includes a detailed agenda for Norwegian policy in multilateral organisations.18