Dianova International – we need a gender-based approach
By Denise Nanni und Milena Rampoldi,
ProMosaik. In the following, our interview with Montse Rafel, General Director
of the organization Dianova International,
operating at an international level in humanitarian, social, and health
projects. Would like to thank Montse for her important impulses and
suggestions.
What are the main
aims of Dianova?
aims of Dianova?
Dianova is an international NGO composed of associations and foundations
operating on four continents (Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe). The Dianova
Network’s ordinary members share a common mission to develop initiatives and
programs with the objective of promoting personal self-reliance and social
progress – however, they more specifically develop interventions in the health,
social and humanitarian fields. Dianova’s purpose is based on the conviction
that, with the appropriate support, each person will be able to find within
him/herself the resources necessary to achieve success in his/her personal
development and social integration.
operating on four continents (Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe). The Dianova
Network’s ordinary members share a common mission to develop initiatives and
programs with the objective of promoting personal self-reliance and social
progress – however, they more specifically develop interventions in the health,
social and humanitarian fields. Dianova’s purpose is based on the conviction
that, with the appropriate support, each person will be able to find within
him/herself the resources necessary to achieve success in his/her personal
development and social integration.
What are your
main actions concerning gender-related issues?
main actions concerning gender-related issues?
Gender equality is at the forefront of the policies of Dianova. We are
strongly committed to the empowerment of women, actively combating
discrimination and promoting access to education, particularly in rural areas,
so that women and girls can more and more become a vehicle for cultural change
and community development. In this respect, our goal is to mainstream the
gender perspective into all of our actions. It is our understanding that in
order to overcome gender inequality and discrimination we need to shift from a
model which only addresses women’s practical needs to a comprehensive
integration of the gender perspective throughout all of our programmes, at
every level.
strongly committed to the empowerment of women, actively combating
discrimination and promoting access to education, particularly in rural areas,
so that women and girls can more and more become a vehicle for cultural change
and community development. In this respect, our goal is to mainstream the
gender perspective into all of our actions. It is our understanding that in
order to overcome gender inequality and discrimination we need to shift from a
model which only addresses women’s practical needs to a comprehensive
integration of the gender perspective throughout all of our programmes, at
every level.
For example, we believe that when designing a project one must always
consider the implications of the planned actions in regard to the different
groups affected. One must consider their gender, ethnicity, class, religion and
every other factor that may limit these groups’ capabilities to benefit from
opportunities in an equal manner. The following step is to determine the measures
that should be integrated into a given project in order to guarantee equal
participation of men and women, to address the specific needs of each group, to
eliminate barriers to women’s empowerment, and to overall contribute to gender
equality among the targeted group and their community. The better we manage to
address these issues, the closer we will get to beating the traditional gender
norms and to achieving gender equality in all fronts.
consider the implications of the planned actions in regard to the different
groups affected. One must consider their gender, ethnicity, class, religion and
every other factor that may limit these groups’ capabilities to benefit from
opportunities in an equal manner. The following step is to determine the measures
that should be integrated into a given project in order to guarantee equal
participation of men and women, to address the specific needs of each group, to
eliminate barriers to women’s empowerment, and to overall contribute to gender
equality among the targeted group and their community. The better we manage to
address these issues, the closer we will get to beating the traditional gender
norms and to achieving gender equality in all fronts.
At Dianova we are committed to applying this exercise both for internal
policies and external programmes. At the organizational level, the member
organizations of the Dianova Network have for example achieved full gender
parity in their human resources management policy, and at the programme level,
gender-sensitive approaches have been developed in their programmes: in Chile,
for instance, a residential treatment programme specifically focuses on the
needs of women in situation of social vulnerability and facing difficulties
with substance use (alcohol and other drugs). This programme helps those women
connect with social integration agencies and supports them in their efforts to
improve their living conditions and regain control over their lives. Likewise,
in Spain Dianova manages several centres for asylum seekers and other
beneficiaries of international protection and their families. The two-phase
programme is based on an intervention plan tailored to each person’s specific
needs based on an individualized assessment of the latter. This model is
particularly valuable for women and girls as it thoroughly addresses cultural
and social barriers to women’s empowerment, thus facilitating their access to
education and work.
policies and external programmes. At the organizational level, the member
organizations of the Dianova Network have for example achieved full gender
parity in their human resources management policy, and at the programme level,
gender-sensitive approaches have been developed in their programmes: in Chile,
for instance, a residential treatment programme specifically focuses on the
needs of women in situation of social vulnerability and facing difficulties
with substance use (alcohol and other drugs). This programme helps those women
connect with social integration agencies and supports them in their efforts to
improve their living conditions and regain control over their lives. Likewise,
in Spain Dianova manages several centres for asylum seekers and other
beneficiaries of international protection and their families. The two-phase
programme is based on an intervention plan tailored to each person’s specific
needs based on an individualized assessment of the latter. This model is
particularly valuable for women and girls as it thoroughly addresses cultural
and social barriers to women’s empowerment, thus facilitating their access to
education and work.
Why are women
refugees considered more vulnerable, as compared to men?
refugees considered more vulnerable, as compared to men?
Conflicts, persecution, and political instability are putting the lives
of millions of women, men and children at risk, generating a great flow of
forcibly displaced people globally. The overall inability of governments to
agree on coordinated measures to protect and assist this extraordinary amount
of refugees in search of safety is making everyone vulnerable. In this context,
different groups of people experience particular challenges related to their
gender, religion, ethnicity, level of education, etc. Men are often targeted by
the criminal justice system in countries of destination; Muslim groups face
acts of xenophobia; and in many ways children are deprived of education, of public
services, and ultimately, of their own childhood.
of millions of women, men and children at risk, generating a great flow of
forcibly displaced people globally. The overall inability of governments to
agree on coordinated measures to protect and assist this extraordinary amount
of refugees in search of safety is making everyone vulnerable. In this context,
different groups of people experience particular challenges related to their
gender, religion, ethnicity, level of education, etc. Men are often targeted by
the criminal justice system in countries of destination; Muslim groups face
acts of xenophobia; and in many ways children are deprived of education, of public
services, and ultimately, of their own childhood.
We strongly believe that women refugees are much more vulnerable than their
male counterparts due to pre-existing forms of vulnerabilities. In many cases,
these vulnerabilities have reached appalling magnitudes among women living in
conflict zones, thus forcing them to flee their homes. Violence, human
trafficking, sexual exploitation and assault, abuse, discrimination and neglect
are added to the already critical pile of challenges shared by all people on
the move, in temporary settlements, refugee camps, and reception centres, in
their own or foreign countries. In this regard, the latest UNHCR Review of
Gender Equality in Operations (2016) has shown that despite the existing
efforts targeting women and girls in these contexts, the need to invest in
their protection and empowerment is still extremely high.
male counterparts due to pre-existing forms of vulnerabilities. In many cases,
these vulnerabilities have reached appalling magnitudes among women living in
conflict zones, thus forcing them to flee their homes. Violence, human
trafficking, sexual exploitation and assault, abuse, discrimination and neglect
are added to the already critical pile of challenges shared by all people on
the move, in temporary settlements, refugee camps, and reception centres, in
their own or foreign countries. In this regard, the latest UNHCR Review of
Gender Equality in Operations (2016) has shown that despite the existing
efforts targeting women and girls in these contexts, the need to invest in
their protection and empowerment is still extremely high.
Nevertheless, resources in refugee settlements and camps are often
limited. Under such circumstances, rights have been prioritized sometimes
unduly, and the voices and needs of women have often been left out of the
decision-making tables. It is in this scenario that Dianova defends that
efforts to achieve gender equality, promote women’s empowerment and protect
women’s rights, safety and freedom must not be forgotten, undermined or eclipsed
in face of the comprehensive list of needs experienced by all refugees. Hence
the importance of mainstreaming the gender perspective in all policies and programmes
addressing refugees as well as migrants.
limited. Under such circumstances, rights have been prioritized sometimes
unduly, and the voices and needs of women have often been left out of the
decision-making tables. It is in this scenario that Dianova defends that
efforts to achieve gender equality, promote women’s empowerment and protect
women’s rights, safety and freedom must not be forgotten, undermined or eclipsed
in face of the comprehensive list of needs experienced by all refugees. Hence
the importance of mainstreaming the gender perspective in all policies and programmes
addressing refugees as well as migrants.
The lack of responsiveness to refugee women’s specific needs is creating
extra layers of vulnerability for this group: for instance, access to women specific
healthcare services are limited or inexistent; women survivors of sexual and
other form of gender-based violence lack accountability measures and they are
often left unprotected, surrounded by the perpetrators and susceptible to
further abuse; many refugee women are recruited in violation of the legal
provisions that are in effect, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation of
different sorts; in refugee camps, barriers for girls to access education can also
be aggravated; etc.
extra layers of vulnerability for this group: for instance, access to women specific
healthcare services are limited or inexistent; women survivors of sexual and
other form of gender-based violence lack accountability measures and they are
often left unprotected, surrounded by the perpetrators and susceptible to
further abuse; many refugee women are recruited in violation of the legal
provisions that are in effect, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation of
different sorts; in refugee camps, barriers for girls to access education can also
be aggravated; etc.
Likewise, the disregard to the gender perspective in the design,
implementation and evaluation of refugees’ programmes and policies contribute
to the maintenance of traditional gender relations, norms and roles. Such
blatant disregard of gender perspective therefore contributes to maintaining
the barriers that prevent refugee women
and girls to thrive, whether in the settlements they are placed in while
refugees or afterwards. It is for these reasons that Dianova will take
advantage of the 61th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women to
call upon Members States to address the specific needs of women refugees and
migrants in the programmes and policies discussed at the United Nations and
other international fora.
implementation and evaluation of refugees’ programmes and policies contribute
to the maintenance of traditional gender relations, norms and roles. Such
blatant disregard of gender perspective therefore contributes to maintaining
the barriers that prevent refugee women
and girls to thrive, whether in the settlements they are placed in while
refugees or afterwards. It is for these reasons that Dianova will take
advantage of the 61th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women to
call upon Members States to address the specific needs of women refugees and
migrants in the programmes and policies discussed at the United Nations and
other international fora.
Why should drug
abuse be considered through a gender perspective?
abuse be considered through a gender perspective?
Women in particular appear to face numerous barriers to treatment.
According to the World Drug Report 2015, even though 1 out of 3 drug users is a
woman, only 1 out of 5 drug users in treatment is a woman.
According to the World Drug Report 2015, even though 1 out of 3 drug users is a
woman, only 1 out of 5 drug users in treatment is a woman.
Addressing addiction from a gender perspective allows clinicians to
consider the effects of gender socialization. Clinicians need to identify the
specific issues that affect women, and the effects of undergoing socialization
as women. These issues and effects influence women’s histories of using drugs
(motivation, relapse process, substance use patterns, etc.)
consider the effects of gender socialization. Clinicians need to identify the
specific issues that affect women, and the effects of undergoing socialization
as women. These issues and effects influence women’s histories of using drugs
(motivation, relapse process, substance use patterns, etc.)
One of the main obstacles to women entering a treatment programme is the
lack of appropriate services (for example, it is difficult to find child care
or accommodate fixed schedules). To meet these needs, Dianova’s programmes may
include children as a part of the intervention. This entails providing physical
spaces for children (day care) and staff who specialize in caring for children.
Programmes also include development workshops dedicated to promoting adherence
to treatment and to providing tools that encourage healthier relationships.
These strategies help avoid repeating childhood patterns affected by violence
or negligence.
lack of appropriate services (for example, it is difficult to find child care
or accommodate fixed schedules). To meet these needs, Dianova’s programmes may
include children as a part of the intervention. This entails providing physical
spaces for children (day care) and staff who specialize in caring for children.
Programmes also include development workshops dedicated to promoting adherence
to treatment and to providing tools that encourage healthier relationships.
These strategies help avoid repeating childhood patterns affected by violence
or negligence.
Programs have also flexible schedules and provide better access, with
clinicians going to the homes of users. This is especially important for
mothers with infants, who may not be able to leave their homes. Flexible
schedules include longer hours that allow access for users who work and are
unable to visit a clinic during normal business hours. Consequently, compliance
among these patients has improved.
clinicians going to the homes of users. This is especially important for
mothers with infants, who may not be able to leave their homes. Flexible
schedules include longer hours that allow access for users who work and are
unable to visit a clinic during normal business hours. Consequently, compliance
among these patients has improved.
In Dianova Chile Dianova offers long-term residential treatment program
for women with or without dependent children, or pregnant. With a 47-people
capacity, three facilities incorporate children into treatment and help promote
parental bonding and attachment. Together with the treatment programme, women
in these centres receive training and raise their awareness towards gender
issues (such as violence, women and children rights, etc.) and are able to help
other women in their respective environments.
for women with or without dependent children, or pregnant. With a 47-people
capacity, three facilities incorporate children into treatment and help promote
parental bonding and attachment. Together with the treatment programme, women
in these centres receive training and raise their awareness towards gender
issues (such as violence, women and children rights, etc.) and are able to help
other women in their respective environments.
How do you
advocate women’s rights at the international level?
advocate women’s rights at the international level?
Dianova has a strong and growing presence in civil society international
platforms and in transnational organizations. In addition, we participate in a
number of thematic technical commissions at the national and international
levels. Individually or organized in networks of NGOs, Dianova advocates for
personal, social and community development at international organizations such
as the Unites Nations and the Organization of American States.
platforms and in transnational organizations. In addition, we participate in a
number of thematic technical commissions at the national and international
levels. Individually or organized in networks of NGOs, Dianova advocates for
personal, social and community development at international organizations such
as the Unites Nations and the Organization of American States.
In New York, Dianova is an active member of the NGO Committee on the Status
of Women, joining civil society efforts year round to push for women’s rights
and gender equality at the United Nations. Likewise, Since 2013 Dianova’s
representatives have attended the UN yearly sessions of the Commission on the
Status of Women in NY, addressing member states with statements, organizing
parallel events with partner NGOs, and this year also being involved in the
preparations for the civil society fora taking place during the two-week long
sessions in March.
of Women, joining civil society efforts year round to push for women’s rights
and gender equality at the United Nations. Likewise, Since 2013 Dianova’s
representatives have attended the UN yearly sessions of the Commission on the
Status of Women in NY, addressing member states with statements, organizing
parallel events with partner NGOs, and this year also being involved in the
preparations for the civil society fora taking place during the two-week long
sessions in March.
Furthermore, Dianova advocates for women’s rights and gender equality in
all international platforms we are part of, pushing for the mainstream of
gender perspective in thematic debates related to migration, education,
substance abuse, and mental health. We build and strengthen Dianova’s
relationships with NGOs and international organizations in order to boost
international campaigns, release joint statements, and enhance our overall
capacity to influence political decisions at all levels and secure an equal and
fair society for all.
all international platforms we are part of, pushing for the mainstream of
gender perspective in thematic debates related to migration, education,
substance abuse, and mental health. We build and strengthen Dianova’s
relationships with NGOs and international organizations in order to boost
international campaigns, release joint statements, and enhance our overall
capacity to influence political decisions at all levels and secure an equal and
fair society for all.
