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“Impact of the Financial and Economic Crisis on Women and Families”
Held in conjunction with International Day of Families on 15 May 2009
Emerging risks for women and families against backdrop of the global financial crisis
As growth in Asia decelerates significantly as a result of the global financial crisis, the number of unemployed in the region is projected to go up to 94 million in 2009, while 60 million more people will be pushed into poverty this year, according to the United Nations (UN).
The current crisis, in addition to the recent food and fuel price volatility, which continues to affect the poor in developing countries, will have serious and long-term gender-specific consequences for women in developing countries in the region and their children. Historically, periods of economic recession have placed a disproportionate burden on women, and they are often exposed to greater risk of violence and domestic abuse in times of hardship, when their economic and social rights may also be jeopardised.
The informal sectors of Asian economies, such as tourism, textiles and garments, and trade and retail, with a high concentration of female workers, are already among the hardest hit. The UN predicts that workers are not only likely to lose their jobs, but their wage income is also likely to decline substantially.
To assess the vulnerability of women and families against the backdrop of the current crisis, Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific’s (ESCAP), will deliver a public lecture, titled, “The Impact of the Financial and Economic Crisis on Women and Families”.
Date: Monday, 11 May 2009
Time: 6:00 pm (reception) 7:00 pm (lecture)
Venue: Renaissance Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
Entrance is free but seats are limited. To register, please contact:
Ms. Linda Tham
Tel: +603 2091 5116
Email:
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The Speaker
Dr. Noeleen Heyzer is the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. She is the first woman to occupy the position. Since taking office, Dr. Heyzer has championed institutional change and development effectiveness positioning ESCAP as the regional hub assisting countries to build the economic and social foundations for inclusive and sustainable societies in the Asia Pacific region.Before her appointment to ESCAP, Dr. Heyzer was the first Executive Director from the South to head the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). She has served on numerous boards and advisory committees of international organizations. She has received several awards for leadership, including the UNA-Harvard Leadership Award, the Woman of Distinction Award from the UN-NGO Committee on the Status of Women, Women of the Year Award (2007) by the Singapore Press Holdings and many others. In recognition of her contribution to women, peace and justice, Dr. Heyzer was among the nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005.
ABOUT UN in Malaysia
The UN Country Team in Malaysia is dedicated to developing sustainable and rights-based development to empower women, men and children, especially in the poorest and most vulnerable, to lead better lives; free of poverty, violence, HIV and AIDS. We are guided by the principles and values of the UN Charter, the Millennium Development Goals and other fundamental UN system instruments that include the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The UN in Malaysia works closely with the Government of Malaysia in support of the country’s national development priorities.The UN Country Team in Malaysia is represented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). In addition, UNU-International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) and WHO-Global Services Center (WHO-GSC) are also part of the UN family in Malaysia.
ABOUT International Day of Families
The International Day of Families was established by the United Nations to celebrate families, to promote awareness of issues relating to families as basic units of society, as well as, to advocate for appropriate action in support of families. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 47/237 of 20 September 1993. 2009 is the 15th Anniversary of the International Day of Families and will be observed under the banner of "Mothers and Families: Challenges in a Changing World".
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