Invitation: Worksop on 'Fathers & Families: Responsibilities & Challenges'; 14 May, UN Conference Hall

[Guest guest]

Invitation: One day National Workshop on 'Fathers and Families:

Responsibilities & Challenges

Families are critically affected in this century by demographic and

epidemiological changes; changes in family structure, composition and

roles; issues related to migration; the HIV pandemic; and

globalization; the scenario creates an urgent need to assess the

ground realities and emphasize on integrating family perspective in

policies and programs especially the health sector, In this context

fathers' and men's role becomes particularly pertinent and need to be

reviewed in planning and implementing policies and programs, to best

develop approaches that integrate a family perspective in health and

social concerns.

Development, Welfare and Research Foundation along with United

Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Information Centre

(UNIC) and the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) is

organizing a one day National Workshop on 'Fathers and Families:

Responsibilities & Challenges' on Wednesday, 14th May 2008 at the UN

Conference Hall (55, Lodi Estate) during 9:30 to 5:30 pm.

The workshop is based on the theme designated by UN for the International Day of

Families which is observed on 15th May all over the world.

The workshop aims to (a) increase awareness of family issues,

specially in the health context; ( strengthen the capacity of

institutions to formulate, implement and monitor policies in respect

of fathers' roles; © undertake assessments of the situation and

needs of families, identifying specific issues; (e) enhance the

effectiveness of local, national and regional efforts to carry out

specific programs concerning families, generate new activities and

strengthen existing ones; and (f) improve collaboration among

stakeholders to give impetus to putting families at the heart of the

policy and programs. The workshop is bringing together academicians,

researchers, policy makers, administrators, media personnel,

activists, government, UN, international agencies and civil society

to deliberate on how to strengthen and support families at the

national and local levels.

I, on behalf of DWARF, UNFPA, UNIC and ICRW invite you to this

workshop. A line of confirmation from your side would be most helpful.

With best wishes and regards,

Yours truly,

Dr. Mala Kapur Shankardass

Sociologist, Gerontologist, Health & Development Social Scientist

Managing Trustee and Chairperson (DWARF) working with families and

communities for improving quality of life by focusing on " Little

Things Matter Initiatives' (LTMI)

Postal Address: D104 Anand Niketan, New Delhi 110021, India

Mobile: + 9818138553, Fax: 91-11-26196990

Deepmala

e-mail: <dmahla@...>