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International Council of Women
Project Five - O begins a new chapter of history!
JOINT STATEMENT
of the President of BPW International and President of the International Council of Women (ICW/CIF)
On February 28 2009 at the annual meeting of Project 5-O in New York it was amicably agreed that only two partners
would continue with the mission and future work of Project 5-O.
BPW International and the International Council of Women (ICW/CIF) are the remaining partners at this time.In 2007
Zonta International had announced its intention to withdraw from the 5-O partnership due to organisational
changes/direction based on the future plans not being aligned any further.In 2008 Soroptimist International indicated
that through their own restructuring they were considering withdrawing and in 2009 this was made official along with the
International Federation of University Women (IFUW).
Based on the long and successful past 28 years of close collaboration of Project 5-O, the remaining partners of 5-O,
BPW International and ICW, reinforced their commitment to continue.
BPW International and ICW have reaffirmed their commitment to continue the work of 5-O.
The two organisations are undergoing an evaluation and search for three additional partners which will again make
up the 5-O partnership for the future.It is estimated that this collaborated effort with the potentially identified
organisations, to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2009.
All projects under 5-O will be continued with the ongoing care that has been maintained over the years.
Even though our organisations have parted we are strongly committed to continue the ongoing collaborative and
mutually beneficial alliances that have been established over the years in the various levels of integrated work that we
are doing.President of ICW, Annamah Tan from Singapore and President of BPW International, Elizabeth Benham from
New York are working closely together to expedite the process for moving forward together.The dedicated coordinator
for many years, Johanne Sorensen, will continue her work and support during this transitional period.
Elisabeth Benham Dr. Anamah Tan
President, BPW International President, International Council of Women ICW/CIF
United Nations, NEW YORK
March 2009
Project Five-0 supports vocational training for women and girls in developing countries and countries in transition. It is funded by a coalition of four international women’s organisations.
The Project grew out of International Women's Year 1975 and became associated with the UNESCO CO-Action Programme in 1982. The pilot project was in Calcutta in 1983, and this continues most effectively today.
The setting up of Project Five-0 in Copenhagen in 1980 at the Mid Decade of Women Conference was an historic event, the first time that a worldwide programme had been established by a group of international women’s organisations that had a combined membership of 75 millions in 75 countries.Approved local projects receive initial and follow-up funding, and aim at self-sufficiency within five years.
Project Five-O in the MDG3 Global Call to Action Campaign
“Half way to 2015 we are far from achieving the Millennium Development Goals launched by world leaders in 2000. We need to get on track. All actors in the global community have responsibility to ensure our joint success.”
This is the appeal that Ms Ulla Tørnæs, Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, sent to all actors on the global stage working for the improvement of the life conditions of the world’s poor. >> more
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Commission on the Status of Women
Fifty-second Session
25 February-7 March 2008Written Statement from Project Five-O for 2008 CSW [PDF]
Oral Statement for CSW [PDF]
