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Description
The aim of the project is to increase understanding of women about women’s rights and mobilize them and women’s organizations for protection of those rights. Most women and even their organizations in Latvia are not yet prepared for active engagement in addressing women’s rights violations and inequality between women and men. Project will deliver two mapping reports on women’s organizations, two campaigns on impact of gender equality policies and practices, two trainings for young women and two conferences for Roma and other vulnerable women, 12 regional events by local women’s NGOs for local women, 4 trainings for female mentors, will support networking and delivering positions of 20 women’s organizations to responsible policy makers. The project contributes to women’s organizations to assess their strengths, to engage in assessment of the gender equality policies at the local and national level; empowers young women and underprivileged women to take active part in civic activities; helps to outreach women in regions; increases capacity of women to support others by mentoring; stimulates the participation of NGO`s in local, national and EU policy development, builds the knowledge on gender equality and female mentoring; builds capacity of the Project Promoter. The added value of the Donor project partner is exchange of experience, as well as taking part in organization of international events - schools for young feminists, providing mentors for the activity of mentors` movement; the Donor project partner also hosts representatives of the Project Promoter on a visit to Iceland. The local partner - Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments - will support the involvement of Roma women and the other local partner - Riga Technical University Distance Education Study Centre - will provide access to knowledge, technology and research tools, and it will play an important role in the creation of the online course on gender equality.
Summary of project results
Funding and resource limitations. Limited and unsustainable funding was identified as a barrier for women''s rights and gender equality NGOs at local, national, and European levels. Reliance on non-governmental funding was noted as unsustainable despite significant contributions by NGOs to policy advisory and service provision. The legal and financial environment for civil society growth was described as unfavorable and unstable, further exacerbated by opposing organizations.
Representation and participation. Women’s political, social, and economic participation, as well as decision-making roles, were underrepresented at municipal, national, and European levels. Interests of marginalized groups, such as elderly women, women with disabilities, and Roma women and girls, were inadequately represented in NGOs and community organizations. Civic engagement was reported as low, with limited confidence in influencing democratic processes and a shortage of civic education.
Visibility and collaboration. Visibility of the association and public relations, particularly on social media, were identified as needing significant improvement. Representation of Latvian women at the European level was observed to be insufficient, requiring enhanced collaboration at national, EU, and international levels.
Institutional weaknesses in gender equality. Institutional mechanisms for ensuring gender equality at municipal, national, and EU levels were found to be weak and unsustainable. Gender equality policies were poorly integrated into state and municipal actions, hindered by strong cultural stereotypes and insufficient public and governmental understanding of civil society’s role in democratic development.
Cultural and social barriers. Persistent violence against women and girls was recognized as a critical issue to be addressed for creating a safe and respectful society. Cultural stereotypes and sexism were highlighted as significant challenges, necessitating a shift towards positive and empowering roles for women and girls.
Women''s interest NGOs'' participation in local, national, and European Union decision-making processes. Members and cooperation partners were regularly informed about the legislative process in the Cabinet of Ministers and the Saeima of Latvia. Together, or with the considered opinions of members and partners, they participated in Saeima committee meetings (Human Rights, Social and Labor Affairs, European Affairs, Inequality Reduction Subcommittee, etc.), worked in advisory boards, the Gender Equality Committee, and various working groups, initiating agenda items and providing opinions. Special priorities included issues related to Roma, girls'' hygiene, women''s health, and participation, as well as issues related to policy priorities and the budget. This activity ensured broader representation of project promoter’s members and women''s rights organizations in advocacy activities at the local, national, and European Union levels. Project promoter carried out significant activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament, and government ministries, focusing on policy and financial issues. This included advocating for the initiative on state-funded breast reconstruction surgery and contributing to amendments to the Child Protection Law. The initiative resulted in the allocation of budget funds for breast reconstruction surgery starting in 2022. The project promoter organized a session of the Prime Minister’s Demographic Affairs Committee, raising concerns about women''s post-COVID situation, as well as engaging in the reform of family benefits. Collaboration with the Ministry of Welfare continued through the Gender Equality Committee, where proposals on COVID-19’s impact on women, children''s rights, and other issues were discussed. The project also worked on shaping policies on gender equality, violence against women, and health through consultations, meetings, and joint proposals with various stakeholders. Moreover, it participated in drafting and submitting proposals related to women''s rights, including those for women with disabilities, Roma women, and women who are victims of violence. The project played a pivotal role in the development of initiatives such as free hygiene products for girls in schools and women in crisis situations, and coordinated efforts to ensure the representation of marginalized women in decision-making processes.
Events organized by women''s organizations to engage the public in the implementation of gender equality. To increase project promoter’s member involvement in various fields such as social services, health, science, transport, and animal rights, 12 initiatives were launched. Some notable examples include: 1) a pilot project providing free hygiene products in two regions, engaging 1,000 people, including schoolgirls and teachers, (2) workshops on women''s participation in medicine, with 68 participants, promoting teamwork and leadership in the field, (3) an initiative to enhance women''s participation in science, with 20 female scientists working together to promote gender equality in scientific policy-making and (4) a project supporting physical activity for women, involving 20 participants in promoting healthy lifestyles across all age groups.
Engaging young women in civic activities for gender equality. The activity aimed to engage young women in civic initiatives for gender equality by forming partnerships with European and Nordic networks and developing programs adapted to pandemic conditions. Five interns participated in program design, promotion, and workshops, with trainers confirmed from multiple countries. Efforts included promoting achievements, collaborating with partners, and conducting both online and in-person workshops, culminating in a three-day seminar program and the Latvian Girls’ Career Academy. Participants gained insights into leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, preparing for roles in national and international forums. Despite challenges, the activity successfully fostered interest in civil society careers and strengthened international solidarity through case studies and knowledge sharing.
Building the image and recognition of the project promoter (capacity-building activity). The activity focused on building capacity to increase the visibility and recognition of the project promoter. Preparations were made to showcase the work of LSOST members in violence prevention and improving the status of women with disabilities on a new website. A survey and "good practice" form were developed to collect and share successful practices. Progress on the website included research into European and Nordic best practices, while social media and monthly updates informed the public and other NGOs. New approaches, such as video recordings and a digital form for good practices, were also introduced. A public relations specialist was hired to enhance the website and develop a social media strategy. These efforts increased awareness of LSOST’s work on women’s rights and gender equality, fostering a positive public perception. By the end of the project, presentations for 26 organizations were planned, and promotional materials would be created for events. Regular updates highlighted LSOST''s contributions and encouraged the sharing of good practices. These outreach activities helped raise the recognition of the SST network’s impact on Latvian society and its role in social and economic development.
The activities of the Latvian Women''s Non-Governmental Organizations Cooperation Network. Project promoter - Latvian Women''s Non-Governmental Organizations Cooperation Network - focused on strengthening cooperation among NGOs to advance women''s rights, gender equality, and related policy issues. Initiatives included providing funding information, education, and expert consultations, alongside key platforms like the Violence Observatory and Women''s Political Engagement Platform, which promoted dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and joint action on issues like domestic violence prevention, gender-balanced political participation, and Roma women''s inclusion. LSOST also collaborated with local and international networks, including the Anna Lindh Foundation, to support advocacy, lobby for gender equality policies, and promote initiatives like publicly funded breast reconstruction services. The networking activities significantly increased the visibility and influence of women’s organizations in Latvia. By fostering stronger collaborations, LSOST empowered its members to actively contribute to policy discussions, ensuring women''s issues were represented in political discourse. This strengthened voice for gender equality also created solidarity among NGOs, enhancing their collective capacity to advocate for women’s rights, protect vulnerable groups, and address social inequalities. These efforts have had a lasting impact on Latvia''s advocacy landscape, helping to shape public policy and improve social conditions.
Study visit to Iceland. The visit involved nine key organizations, including the Counseling and Information Centre on Sexual Violence (Stígamót), Women’s Shelter Association (Samtaka um Kvennaathvarf), and the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland, among others. The visit provided an opportunity for representatives from the Latvian Women''s Cooperation Network (SST), Latvian Association of Local Governments (LPS), the Latvian Children''s Forum, and the RTU Distance Learning Centre to engage with Icelandic partners and share expertise on women''s rights and advocacy. Through this exchange, the participants aimed to enhance international collaboration in the protection of women’s rights and strengthen their networks. The visit had a significant impact, offering "hands-on" experience and the chance to deepen relationships between Latvian and Icelandic organizations working on women’s rights. It included participation in Iceland''s annual women''s march and strike for gender equality, as well as a seminar where partners exchanged project ideas and international networking strategies. The discussions focused on future cooperation between EU and EEA women''s organizations, and potential funding opportunities for Icelandic women’s participation. Additionally, media coverage helped raise awareness of the initiatives discussed.
The project had a significant impact in empowering women’s rights and gender equality in Latvia, focusing on strengthening women’s advocacy organizations, promoting their involvement in decision-making processes, and increasing their capacity to influence national and international policies. Here are the key impacts:
Empowerment of advocacy organizations: The project strengthened women’s advocacy organizations by conducting research, fostering partnerships with existing women’s groups, and engaging members in gender equality policy analysis. This led to the development of tools for assessing gender equality contributions and created capacity-building resources to further advocate for gender equality at national and international levels.
Increased civic participation: The project facilitated the participation of marginalized women, particularly Roma women and women with disabilities, in civic activities. Through the creation of a Roma women’s organization, "Sāre Khetene," and participation in national policy discussions, Roma women gained critical skills in advocacy and were included in decision-making processes. Additionally, the development of training programs and opportunities for women to attend European mobility programs enhanced their participation in European and national policy dialogues.
Initiatives for women''s rights: The project played a crucial role in several impactful initiatives, such as a petition for state-funded breast reconstruction for cancer survivors, which gathered more than 13,000 signatures and secured government funding for this initiative. Similarly, the project launched a campaign for free hygiene products for girls and women, which involved over 10,000 people in a short span of time, highlighting its effectiveness in mobilizing citizens.
Building networks and expanding reach: The project expanded the number of organizations involved in gender equality policy analysis and advocacy. It strengthened collaborations within women’s rights networks, including with the Anna Lindh Foundation and other NPO platforms, creating a broader and more effective coalition for influencing gender equality policies within the EU.
Capacity building for future engagement: The project developed a career academy for young women, providing them with opportunities for career growth and mentorship. Additionally, financial literacy programs and the involvement of experts from high-level networks helped build the capacity of women to engage in political and policy-making processes.
Increased public awareness and engagement: Through improved public outreach and digital presence (website, social media), the project was able to inform and engage 25,982 citizens about its advocacy activities. This helped raise awareness and support for gender equality initiatives and policy reforms.
Impact on policy and legislation: The project contributed to the development of key policy documents and laws. It also facilitated the inclusion of marginalized women in political consultations, thereby influencing laws and policies on a national and EU level. During the project, 13 laws and policy initiatives were influenced.
In summary, the project had a profound impact on increasing women’s participation in decision-making, building capacity for advocacy, influencing policies, and expanding public engagement in gender equality initiatives. These efforts have paved the way for more active, informed, and empowered women’s networks, contributing to a lasting change in Latvia’s civic and political landscape.
Summary of bilateral results
Collaboration with Iceland led to the preparation of four new initiatives, with two receiving support and being implemented. During the visit to Iceland, efforts were made to engage in activities of Icelandic women''s organizations – preparing for the major strike, participating in the women''s march, attending the rally, and several other activities of Icelandic women''s organizations. Future planned collaboration includes an ERASMUS+ project focused on women, especially those affected by violence, and further integration of Norwegian organizations into the European Women’s Lobby after two years of efforts.