Feminist Peace Network

UN SHOULD LEAD BY EXAMPLE SAYS FWRM

THE FIJI Women’s Rights Movement is deeply disappointed at the lack of transparency and accountability in the appointment process for UNIFEM¹s newExecutive Director. On April 7th, the United Nations announced the appointment of a candidate from Spain, despite having identified India¹s Dr.Gita Sen as the best candidate from those short-listed.

“We still do not know why or how the new ED was chosen. This type of non-transparent process threatens our belief in the UN system,” said FWRM Executive Director, Virisila Buadromo.

FWRM had joined over 600 other organizations from around the world - from women¹s organizations, global networks, advocacy groups, and other civil society organizations - calling for the appointment of the leading candidate from India. She had been unanimously chosen by the UNDP Selection Committee

“The UN should reflect the highest principles of governance, accountability, and professionalism in its selection process and it is a concern to us that these standards do not appear to have been followed” says Buadromo.

“We expect the UN to stick to its principles of justice and equality, and lead the world by example. We have been let down, and are concerned about’ the implications of this flawed process on the UN¹s commitment to gender’ equality, women’s rights and empowerment,” Buadromo said.

FWRM calls on the UN to be transparent and accountable to women around the globe, by explaining in detail the UNIFEM selection process. FWRM believes financial contributions should not be a factor in the process under any circumstances. If these basic principles of fairness and equity are not adhered to, the selection process should be reviewed.

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FWRM is a multi-ethnic and multicultural NGO committed to removing discrimination against women. By means of core programmes, as well as innovative approaches, the FWRM practice promotes democracy, good governance, feminism and human rights. It strives to empower, unite and provide leadership opportunities for women in Fiji, especially for emerging young leaders.

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“In a statement, DAWN, a network of researchers on gender issues based in Africa, Asia and the Americas, expressed dismay at the choice.

“We feel the selection process has been deeply flawed and its integrity violated,” it said.

DAWN said it understood that the interview panel looking at six shortlisted candidates had identified Indian academic Gita Sen, a founder of DAWN, as the best.

“However, because of the U.N.’s concerns over funding and significant and open political pressure from the government of Spain, other names from the shortlist were brought back into consideration,” it said.

“This is a tragedy for the U.N. in terms of its ability to to draw competent candidates, transparency and fairness, and its credibility with women’s movements and development organizations.”"

Filed under: Uncategorized, Commentary, Gender-Based Violence