4TH INTERNATIONAL GENDER CONFERENCE THEME: SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE; A SOCIAL NIGHTMARE PROVOKING ACTION 17TH TO 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2007 ELMINA, GHANA Dear Colleague, INVITATION AND CALL FOR PAPERS On behalf of the Management and Board of the Gender Development Institute (GDI) and on my own behalf, I have the honour and the privilege to invite you to join us for the 4th International Gender Conference. The theme for this conference has been chosen because Sexual and Gender Based Violence is a major Public Health and Human Rights problem throughout the world. There is the call on Governments and all other Stakeholders to take concerted action and make recommendations for the Health, Education and Criminal Justice sectors of society to take the problem seriously. It is our conviction that no positive and sustainable change can occur unless the problems of Gender Equity are analysed within the framework of Public Health, Human Rights and Human Security. It is only when all aspects of society have equal rights and mutual recognition of these rights, that there can be an all encompassing and equitable development for all. OBJECTIVES OF CONFERENCE • Create a Forum to Deliberate and Share Experiences on Human Rights Issues from a Gender Perspective; • To Understand what Sexual and Gender- Based Violence is; • Bring to the Fore, Discussion and Debate of Gender Equity; • Increase Awareness among Men about the Gender Dynamics of Sexual and Gender -Based Violence. • Recognise Gender – Based Violence against Men; • Initiate a Process of Collaboration and Networking between Gender Equity Advocates and Human Rights Promoters. PARTNERS & PARTICIPANTS The issue of gender based violence is not the preserve of only one organisation or any individual. It requires a multidisciplinary approach to make an impact. In this regard, some organisations have pledged their support to the Conference. They include African Centre for Human Development, Voices of African Women in Crisis, Women for Women International, Sankofa International, among others. Participants will be drawn from: • International and Local NGOs • Civil Society Organisations • Multilateral and Bilateral Development agencies • State and Para-Statal Organisations • UN Agencies CONFERENCE FORMAT The Conference will consist of: • Presentation of Papers • Workshops • Group Discussions • Parallel Panel Sessions • Socialisation Nites • Community Outreach Programmes • Excursions. DURATION The Conference will start from Monday, 17th to Friday, 21st September 2007. International participants are expected to arrive on the 16th and depart on the 22nd of September, 2007. FEES An all-inclusive Fee of $1500 will be charged per person. This includes;  Conference Registration fee  Single Accommodation in a Three-Star Hotel  Full Board and Lodge for 4 days (Breakfast, Lunch, Supper and Snacks)  Participation in Conference tours  Meeting upon arrival and transport to and from conference venue  Conference Souvenirs  Conference Report VENUE The venue of the conference is Elmina Beach Resort. It is located near very important historical and cultural monuments such as Forts and Castles. It is indeed an ideal place for serious discussion and dialogue, the balmy Atlantic breeze will provide the conducive atmosphere needed for fruitful discussion and dialogue. We hope that you will join us at the 4th International Gender Conference and look forward to welcoming you to Elmina, home of important historical sites and cultural monuments. We wish a fruitful trip to Ghana. Sincerely, Wilbert Tengey (Chief Executive Officer)