From Cradle to Grave: How Civil Registration and Gender Data Impact the Rights of Women and Girls

Hosted by: Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC); Data2X; Open Data Watch

Civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems are critical for protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of women and girls; facilitating access to health, education, and loans; and preventing child marriage. They equip countries with evidence to design policies that address the unique needs of vulnerable groups and provide real-time data for measuring progress towards gender equality. Yet despite their importance, many countries do not have functioning CRVS systems and gendered barriers persist. Join gender equality, gender data, and CRVS experts for a thought-provoking conversation about why efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights must include CRVS systems.

Open to all delegates.

Gender Equality is Everyone’s Business: The Power of the Private Sector to Deliver for Good

Hosted by: The Deliver for Good Campaign, Merck, and P&G

Gender equality is everyone’s business – and it can’t be business as usual!  Achieving a gender-equal world calls for more effective collaboration within and across sectors. Join two long-time leading experts – Merck and P&G– for a special breakfast event that will unpack the breadth and depth of what it takes to advance gender equality in households, communities and societies, and unveil their vision to accelerate cross-sector partnerships that deliver for girls and women.

Open to all delegates.

Breakfast Brainstorming with WHO: Envisioning the Future of Safe Abortion Care

Hosted by: WHO

This side event will involve an open forum to exchange ideas of the future of safe abortion care from innovative approaches to legal reform and policy changes, the connection between formal care and self-management, innovative new models of care particularly in fragile or restrictive settings and integration of safe abortion to sexual and reproductive health and rights in the era of universal health coverage. This session will be an interactive, collaborative session to envision the future of safe abortion care.

Open to all delegates.

Launch of 2019 Women at Work Report

The Power of Now: Taking stock of where we stand and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead

We first need to map where the world stands on gender equality and the health and rights of girls and women before we can chart a path forward. With evidence and data, optimism and realism, The Power of Now will apply a gender lens and explore progress made and setbacks faced in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We will open with a grounding presentation, then have a dynamic discussion between leaders from civil society, the UN, government, and private sector, on opportunities and challenges ahead. 

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Opening: The Right Honourable Justin P.J. Trudeau, Prime Minister, Government of Canada
- Introduced by Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Government of Canada

Presentation: Anna Rosling Rönnlund, Founder, Dollarstreet, Co-Founder, Gapminder

Moderator: Isha Sesay, Founder, W.E. Can Lead Foundation, former journalist, CNN

Panel:
- Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director, UN Women
- Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Government of Canada
- Joannie Marlene Bewa, Young Beninese Leaders Association
- Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, Oxfam International
- Ken Frazier, Chairman of the Board & CEO, Merck + Co., Inc.
- Peter Sands, Executive Director, The Global Fund to Fights AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria

Delivering for Girls and Women Award

Film Screenings: Economic Development

Hingakawa (18:43)
> On the 25th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, Hingakawa tells the story of two women who made the choice to rise above and choose forgiveness. Vestine and Genevieve are best friends—one Tutsi, one Hutu. Once on the opposite sides of war, these women experienced heartbreak in very different ways. Finding common ground through their shared livelihood of coffee, they are no longer each other’s enemy, they are each other’s strength. Director(s): Luanne Dietz

Defying the Odds (4:48)
> Defying the Odds is about a young single mother who dropped out of school after her parents forced her into marriage. She's now enrolled in a youth centre where she studies Motor Vehicle Mechanics, a course that only men take in her community. Director(s): Maryan Dahir Aden for FilmAid International

Press conference with The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Film Screenings: Midwives

Zahida's Story: A Midwife on a Mission (4:25)
> After experiencing her own difficulties in childbirth, Zahida embarked on a mission to make pregnancy and delivery safer for women and newborns in her rural village. Director(s): Nance Ackerman

With Mother (Endomononi) (12:47)
> “Endomononi” tells the story of Nembeyan and Nasinyari, Maasai traditional birth attendants, as they provide maternity care to women and families in their communities in rural Tanzania. Maasai girls and women remain some of the most marginalized populations in Sub-Saharan Africa with little to no access to education or health services, and experience extreme health and economic disparities. Pregnancy and childbirth for these women can often lead to death. With support and training from the Maasai Women Development Organization (MWEDO), traditional birth attendants like Nembeyan and Nasinyari can be a vital link between the women they serve and skilled care. Director(s): Clancy McCarty for Every Mother Counts

Birth Wars (10:00)
> The feature length documentary “BIRTH WARS” chronicles a power struggle between doctors and midwives in Mexico about whose vision on childbirth should prevail. Doctors rule over a medical system that claims to be safe and efficient but that often robs women of their dignity, while midwives fight to transform this system towards one centered on respect for a woman’s needs. "Birth Wars - Part II" is an excerpt of the feature film, and documents the fight for respect by traditional midwives in Chiapas, against a medical establishment that refuses to accept them as partners. Director(s): Janet Jarman for The MacArthur Foundation

Wakeup Call

A look ahead at the day: The power of data in driving gender equality and accountability

Host: Divya Mathew, Senior Manager, Research, Policy & Advocacy, Women Deliver
- Stephanie Psaki, Deputy Director, Population Council’s Girl’s Center

Film Screenings: Sexual Harassment

Don't Yell for Help (14:22)
> A first date goes wrong when a woman grows suspicious about the man she's with. Is her date capable of hurting her? Is someone following her? Or is fear all in our minds? A modern short film about the lives of women and the little things we do to protect ourselves from being assaulted on a daily basis. Director(s): Irena Murphy

Silence (6:19)
> From new filmmaker Valentina Murra, a 19 year old Hispanic woman who felt so inspired to tell this story in the realm of rape culture in the USA. This film brings awareness to sexual assault on high school and college campuses, and shows solidarity between women. Silence is about Laura, a Hispanic high school student reliving the night before, where she got sexually assaulted at a house party by someone very close to her. Director(s): Ryan Hooker and Valentina Murra

Australia: Rape on Campus (5:11)
> In recent years sexual assault at universities has attracted significant media coverage. But missing from the conversation are the voices of international students, often too ashamed or too marginalized to speak out. In August 2017, the Australian Human Rights Commission ‘Change the Course’ report revealed that approximately 30 students will be sexually assaulted each day in a university setting. A staggering 1 in 5 of them, international students. Over six months, experienced journalists, Aela Callan and Nina Funnell diligently researched how this issue impacts on the international student community, and the subsequent ramifications for this multi billion dollar industry. Director(s): Aela Callan

Candid Conversation

How Do We Advance Gender Equality in the Face of Danger?

Host: Shahira Amin, Independent Journalist
- Heather Jarvis, Co-Founder, Slut Walk
- Carla Aguirre, Associate Director of Communications, Latin America Program, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Global
- Wiem Askri, Co-chair and Member, Board of Directors, African Queer Youth initiative; Women Deliver Young Leader

On the Ground

Hear directly from delegates at the Women Deliver 2019 Conference

Film Screenings: Women in Conflict Using Art

Brave Girl Rising (19:52)
> What does it mean to be born black, born a girl, and born into war? For 17-year-old Somali refugee, Nasro, it means a life of constant struggle. She made the journey from her native Somalia when she was just seven years old, and already an orphan. Now she lives alongside hundreds of thousands of other refugees, facing nearly constant danger from all sides. Yet in spite of her circumstances, she wields a fierce spirit in her battle to defy the impossible odds. In a film that combines elements of both documentary and magical realism, renowned Somali poet Warsan Shire, actress Tessa Thompson, and Golden Globe winner David Oyelowo bring Nasro’s tragedy and triumph into powerful focus. Director(s): Richard Robbins and Martha Adams

In The Image: Palestinian Women Capture The Occupation (2:54)
> In the Image: Palestinian Women Capture the Occupation follows a group of Palestinian women on the West Bank. Working together with the Israeli human rights organization, B’Tselem, these courageous Palestinian women endure teargas and harassment and shoot video of daily human rights violations and settler violence. Their videos, uploaded raw to YouTube by B’Tselem’s Camera Project, provides shocking evidence of endemic human rights abuse – images of young children arrested and kicked, of blind-folded civilians shot, of settlers spitting and throwing rocks at Palestinians hanging out their laundry, of fields razed, and homes invaded. The footage has gone viral; it has swayed public opinion, been admitted as evidence in Israeli courts, and resulted in the convictions of abusive soldiers and their superiors. In the world’s most heated war of representation – these brave Palestinian women are making a real difference. Director(s): Emmy Scharlatt

For Sama Trailer (2:16)
> FOR SAMA is the incredible story about Waad al-Khateab, who filmed her life over a five year period during the conflict in Aleppo. During that time she married a doctor, gave birth to a daughter (Sama), and continued capturing moments of love, loss, sacrifice and survival. FOR SAMA essentially serves as a love letter from a mother to her daughter. Director(s): Waad Al-Khateab and Ed Watts

Power Talks: Politics and Economics

Moderated by: Joanna Roper, UK Special Envoy for Gender Equality

10:20 | Erica Zanotti, Manager of Social Programs, Instituto Consulado da Mulher (The Women´s Consulate)
> Erica Zanotti dives into a new methodology for women entrepreneurs that mixes personal initiative, empowerment principles, and management skills to significantly raise profits.

10:30 | Andree Nenkam, Scientific Officer. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Alumni
> Agricultural extension services in Africa largely target men for some selected specific programs. Andree Nenkam argues that local communities will see a boost in food security and livelihoods when more female farmers participate in these important training programs.

10:50 | Melvine Obola, Volunteer, Kenyan Red Cross
> In 2009, the Liberia National Red Cross Society launched its Women Training and Integration (WIN) project to give vulnerable women an opportunity to obtain valuable skills training. On behalf of Sayba Tamba, Sec Gen of LNRCS, Melvine Obola a Kenyan Red Cross volunteer will share how WIN has helped girls and women in Liberia change how they identify themselves, and as a result, promote social and economic inclusion and empowerment.

11:00 | Joana Bacallo, Youth Leader, Wimler Foundation – Hong Kong and the Philippines
> Water is everyone's issue, and Joana Bacallo says anyone can contribute to solutions. Hear how her travels inspire her life’s commitment to work in water, sanitation, and hygiene in rural indigenous communities.

11:10 | Shaista de Araújo, Project Manager, Oxford Policy Management
> Shaista de Araújo speaks about MUVA, an innovative program that works to secure a brighter economic future for disadvantaged young women in urban Mozambique. She details the research that helped create the program and the need to address attitudes and social norms that can hinder women’s economic empowerment.

11:20 | Monica Mhoja, Ph.D., Tanzania Program Director, Landesa
> Land rights play a vital role in empowering women socially and economically. Dr. Monica Mhoja introduces Stand For Her Land, an emerging global campaign that aims to help millions of women realize those rights in their daily lives.

11:30 | Jasmine Burton, Founder and President, Wish for Wash
> How can global health organizations leverage design and social enterprise for greater impact? Jasmine Burton from Wish for WASH shares her team’s journey as they work to innovate the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sector and alleviate the burden of poor sanitation on women and girls in marginalized communities.

11:40 | Lucina di Meco, Global Fellow, Wilson Center; Director of Girls’ Education, Room to Read
> Female political activists and candidates globally are turning to social media to overcome marginalization, increase their political capital, speak with their constituency, and fight against the “caveman” political style of far-right movements. These are just some findings Lucina Di Meco discusses from her new report on women politicians and media.

11:50 | Michael E. Bonner, Regional President, Personal & Business Banking, Bank of Montreal
> Women’s Access to Capital: Women need more help scaling their businesses and better access to capital. When we provide this support – we create sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Gender 7: Where Women Make the News

Hosted by: The One Campaign

Ever wondered what the world would be like if the G7 was all women? The ONE Campaign is proud to introduce the Gender 7 - seven extraordinary influential women leading the fight for gender equality all over the world. Please join us as we reveal the news that's possible when the G7 leaders put gender equality at the top of the agenda. Featuring Melinda Gates, Dr. Joannie Marlene Bewa, Katja Iversen, Angela Marie McDougall, Gayle Smith and more special guests to be announced.

Open to all delegates. RSVP here: thegender7.eventbrite.ca

Youth Zone Kickoff

The Youth Zone opens with a celebration of the #PowerOf youth! Join Women Deliver staff, Young Leaders and special guests at the official opening of the Youth Zone.

Beyond the Hashtag: Power and Women’s Movements in the Era of #MeToo

Organized by: Men Engage, UNFPA, Spotlight Initiative, Together for Girls

Will the #MeToo movement create lasting change and an end to violence against girls and women? Thinking beyond the hashtag, this session will explore the role of INGOs, donors, and the UN system – together with survivors. Come learn how people are leveraging the power of the movement to transform national systems, and get to a world where no one needs to say #MeToo anymore.

Feminists Organize! Busting Myths About Fundraising for Movements

Organized by: African Women’s Development Fund, Equality Fund incubated by The MATCH International Women's Fund, Philanthropy Advancing Women’s Rights, Prospera

What really prevents feminist organizations from raising funds? It’s time to bust some myths. A panel of donors will share the pros and cons that they’ve weighed when asked to fund movements and feminist organizations. Donors play a critical role in advancing women's rights, so it’s time to understand, once and for all, how to secure funding.

Break Bread Together: Nutrition Stories from Around the World

Organized by: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Scaling Up Nutrition, Nutrition International

Good nutrition is a matter of life and death, and the difference between surviving and thriving. However, good nutrition is only achieved when women are empowered, and girls and women will only have equal opportunities to grow, learn, and earn when they have adequate nutrition. Participants in this session will hear from experts in small-group settings – representatives from advocacy, grassroots mobilization, business, and program design – how to replicate proven nutrition approaches for girls and women.

360° Films: Virtual Reality

This year, we are excited to introduce a new immersive component of the Film Festival – 360° films with the use of Virtual Reality headsets! Put yourself in the shoes of girls and women around the world. Featuring:

The Vidya Vox Story - The Female Planet
> Growing up in America, Vidya faced many challenges surrounding her cultural and self identity due to bullying and problems in her family life. This rediscovery of her heritage has led to the development of music that seamlessly blends together influences of her Indian-American heritage into a refreshing and fun new sound which has been popular worldwide. Follow Vidya on a beautiful journey through her hometown of Mumbai, as she takes us back to the places, people and music that has had such a huge impact on the musician and woman, she has become today. Director(s): Mary Matheson for Daydream and Surround Vision

Girl Icon
> Girl Icon follows 17-year-old Rani, from Varanasi, India. Although Rani grew up in a community that believes girls should stay at home, do chores, and get married, this doesn't stop her. Rani is determined to finish school, go to college, and inspire others as a Girl Icon leader to stay in school. Director(s): Sadah Espii Proctor for Oculus VR for Good Creators Lab program in partnership with Malala Fund and Milaan Foundation

Healthy Families, Healthy Futures: Pfizer Foundation and World Vision
> The Healthy Families, Healthy Futures: Pfizer Foundation and World Vision 360 film demonstrates the impact of family planning and childhood immunization services in underserved communities. The film showcases the Pfizer Foundation’s work with World Vision to improve access to family planning and education in Kenya. Director(s): Dan Archer for Pfizer Foundation and World Vision

Women on the Move
> In Women on the Move, experience in virtual reality the intimacy of rural Niger with Fatchima and her granddaughter, Nana. Fatchima unlocked a better future for women in her village through an empowerment program that is upending the culture of child marriage and female subjugation. Stand tall in the power of these women and see their worth as they build money, education and support for children in the village, including Nana. This is a rare glimpse into what's possible when women band together and are inspired to change. Director(s): Shannon Carroll for Oculus VR for Good in partnership with CARE

U Turn
> What happens when a young female coder joins a male-dominated floundering startup that's deep in an identity crisis? UTURN explores themes of gender discrimination and sexism within the workplace in a new way, with interwoven stories that allow viewers to embody either a female or male character. Viewers can choose what perspective to follow at any time, and will only hear the scene they looked at through a unique spatial sound design. Whatever they miss might change their perspective on the overall story. Director(s): Nathalie Mathe

Sereya: A Girl with a Mission
> Sereya, 13, is a Maasai girl who lives in Kenya. She is one of many young girls saying ‘no’ to FGM/C (Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting), a practice that unfortunately is still widespread within her culture. We follow Sereya as she goes through an ‘Alternative Rite of Passage.' The new ritual replaces FGM/C (also known as ‘the cut’) with sexual and reproductive health education. Witness how years of community dialogue pays off for Sereya and the other girls of her community! Director(s): Peter van Apeldoorn and Daan Tan for Amref Health Africa

Weld Champions
> Many of South Sudan’s children have known nothing but war and suffering in a conflict that’s devastated millions of lives. Girls in South Sudan are growing up against the backdrop of constant conflict, battling low education rates and early marriage expectations. Weld Champions is narrated by Tina, who had to drop out of school because of the war. Director(s): Mary Matheson for Save the Children and Surround Vision.

A Mother's Promise
> Mamata’s family could not afford to send her to school so she dropped out, married her childhood sweetheart and started a family. Mamata used family planning to space her two children and not get pregnant until, and if, they are ready for another child. Mamta missed her opportunity to get an education and her dream of being a nurse, but she is determined to give her children the opportunities she never had. Director(s): Jeffrey Bates for UNFPA and Nathan Beriro for UN Department of Information

Dreaming in Za'atari: Stories After Syria
> Seven years after the Syrian crisis first began, Dreaming in Za’atari takes you into the worlds of teenagers Mahmoud, Tabarak, and Najat. This immersive film explores the three teenagers' hopes and dreams for the future through VR animations that transform the spaces around them. It illuminates the voices of teenage refugees, particularly girls, whose dreams are like any other teenage dreams in the world, in spite of their surroundings. Director(s): Zahra Rasool for World Vision in partnership with Al Jazeera

Fatherhood
> Noah is a farmer living in rural Ghana with his wife and three children. Three years ago, Noah was one of the first in his community to sign up for the Fathers Clubs which were created to support men to take a more active and equal role in supporting the right to health for women, girls and children. Fatherhood is a glimpse into Noah’s life and how being part of this project has helped him and other men in his community change their ideas about what it means to be a good father and partner, and given him an opportunity to serve an agent of change for gender equality. Director(s): Martin Edstrom & Fredrik Edstrom for Plan International Canada

Nowhere
> By transporting the viewer back into the womb - a place that everyone has been before but cannot remember – Nowhere explores how place of birth can determine one’s experience of the world. With a public increasingly desensitised to images of the refugee crisis, Nowhere takes a new approach to discussing borders and statelessness. Following the journey of a migrant mother from the perspective of her unborn child, this non-fiction VR experience puts into practice the ritual theory that experiencing a universal threshold can inspire feelings of community, and reflection upon social hierarchies. Director(s): Carolina Marconi

Blood Speaks
> Blood Speaks' is a transmedia activism project that investigates the social, emotional and physical causes and consequences of normalized violence against women perpetrated under the guise of tradition. Focused on the ritualised process of menstrual exile in Nepal (known as chaupadi) we experience the brutal exile of women forced to live in isolation and seclusion during their menstrual periods and following childbirth. Director(s): Poulomi Basu