SAARC Gender Database

The SAARC Gender database has been set up as a joint initiative of the seven member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. It is not to be looked at as any other statistical database based on traditional indicators alone.

It is to include both tangible and intangible primary indicators to be identified after careful study. Based on regional practices, new additional indicators also need to be identified according to the mandate of the Bhutan Forward Moving Strategy, 2003.

As the development of the SAARC. Database is not for the purpose of dissemination of gender data only and has a much greater role for policy advocacy on burning gender issues, data has to be tabulated, analyzed, addressed for policy advocacy and be monitored on a continuous basis.

Analysis of the datasets of the proposed gender database should also be able to produce the following outputs:

Generation of a comprehensive report on the Progress of South Asian Women b) Tabulation of existing empowerment strategies along with their impact for determination of future strategies more effectively c) Analysis of good practices to empower women and end gender discrimination.

There will be a Pilot Phase of six months following the Launch, during which collection of qualitative information by the Member States will commence with immediate effect and SAARC Secretariat will upload this information on the G Data Shop during this phase.

Prioritized Indicators for the Quantitative Data Database will be developed by Member States to enable the setting up of the Quantitative Data Database. Member States will then assess the progress and review the Road Map to take the process forward in an ongoing manner.

Feminisation of Poverty

Objective: To measure the impact of Feminization of Poverty (FOP) and highlight the processes that contribute to FOP with a view to ensuring economic empowerment of women.

Health

Objective: To assess the health status of women and access to health care services to ensure women’s health security

Violence Against Women

Objective: To ascertain the incidence of violence and work towards eliminating it in terms of regional and international commitments

SAARC Summits

Summits Date Place

1st SAARC Summit 7 - 8 December 1985 Dhaka
2nd SAARC Summit 16 - 17 November 1986 Bangalore
3rd SAARC Summit 2 - 4 November 1987 Kathmandu
4th SAARC Summit 29 - 31 December 1988 Islamabad
5th SAARC Summit 21 - 23 November 1990 Male'
6th SAARC Summit 21 December 1991 Colombo
7th SAARC Summit 10 - 11 April 1993 Dhaka
8th SAARC Summit 2 - 4 May 1995 New Delhi
9th SAARC Summit 12 - 14 May 1997 Male'
10th SAARC Summit 29 - 31 July 1998 Colombo
11th SAARC Summit 4 - 6 January 2002 Kathmandu
12th SAARC Summit 2 - 6 January 2004 Islamabad
13th SAARC Summit 12 - 13 November 2005 Dhaka
14th SAARC Summit 3 - 4 April, 2007 New Delhi
15th SAARC Summit 27 Jul - 3 Aug,2008 Colombo