Fund for urban youth now available

UN-Habitat has just launched a fund for urban based youth-led organisations in developing countries working to improve the living conditions of their communities.

The Opportunities Fund for Urban Youth-Led Development will provide grants between USD 5,000 and 25, 000 to organisations led by young people, 15 – 32 years old.

The fund is committed to support innovative youth-led projects in areas such as employment, education, environment, health and safety.

This is a really great opportunity for young women living in cities and towns.  A lot of times, development is concentrated on young women and girls living in rural areas. Although this work is paramount, young women ad  girls in urban areas — especially poor urban areas, is also important.

At CSW we talked about aliviating the burden of care on young women and for any of you implementing actions out of CSW — this is a fund you can apply to for support.

The deadline for the first round of applications is June 1, 2009.  Good luck!

For more information visit www.unhabitat.org/opfund

Final recommendations for Agreed Conclusions

Hi everyone, here are the final recommendations for Agreed Conclusions. Please print, review and pass around. Any questions – do get in touch with us.

Youth Caucus today!

Really excited about the Youth Caucus today. Bunch of young people already spotting green and you can see them talking and participating at side events and the UN. A team has been working on some recommendations for the agreed conclusions and these will be worked on more at the caucus. Three of the main areas of strengthening are 1. Education. There is no mention of the impact of caregiving on a young woman’s education. Studies show that girls and young women are twice as likely to be pulled out of school to care for sick relatives. Lack of education or inconsistent attendance only drives young women further into poverty. Comprehensive education, including non-formal training, is crucial to to ensure young women and girls build skills and are prepared for a successful adn full life. 2. Media is powerful tool and can be used to change perspectives on gender stereotypes.

If you have more ideas – bring the to the caucus this morning. Conference room B, 11:30am.

Youth Organisation Caucus

The World YWCA and WAGGGS are hosting the first Youth Organisation Caucus at CSW. If you are young or represent a youth organisation then this is the forum for you! Join us to review the documents and find ways to influence the outcomes of CSW to ensure young women’s issues are covered and addressed.

Date: March 3
Time: 11:30am
Venue: Conference Room B

Date: March 4
Time: 1:00pm
Venue: Conference Room B