Programme Focus

Since its inception in 1996, measuring the progress made in the implementation of the PFAs has been a key programme focus of EASSI. Over years, EASSI has positioned itself to provide conceptual leadership on women’s rights and gender equality issues by providing case studies of good practice, identifying and facilitating actions around critical issues of concern to women, advocating for policy reforms and sharing information and knowledge to effect changes in women’s lives in the sub-region.

Although there have been other regional and national initiatives pursuing different aspects of the critical areas of the PFAs, EASSI remains the only sub-regional organization whose sole purpose is committed to monitoring the implementation of the critical areas of concern. While new frameworks have emerged, such as the MDGs, the PFAs still remain the most effective instruments for promoting advancement of women, gender equality and social justice.

Thus, EASSI programme strategies have aimed at monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the PFAs by both NGOs and governments within Eastern Africa as a means to holding governments accountable. In addition, they have targeted policy changes to reduce gaps in the implementation of the PFAs.

Programme Direction

During this period, 2009–2013, EASSI will remain committed to its purpose and will create linkages with other frameworks to strengthen its facilitative role in promoting national, regional and international process on critical areas of concern to facilitate meaningful changes for women. This will be pursued through three thematic areas, namely:

·         Women’s rights and gender equality;

·         Women’s reproductive health and sexual rights; and

·         Women in the peace process