CEDAW for Change Institute 2023 – Oxford, UK

Course Overview

This program is offered as a blended learning program with both online and in person components. The online program before the in-person session provides the context for understanding CEDAW and other women’s rights mechanisms and provides an opportunity for participants to begin getting to know each other and sharing their experience with each other.

The course content and structure includes:

Part 1: Online Learning Program (August 2023)

The online learning program involves flexible, self-led learning sessions and a discussion forum. Participants will dedicate approximately 3 hours per week. Topics include:

• Basic Notions of Human Rights
• Introduction to the UN Human Rights System
• International Women’s Human Rights Activism

Part 2: Intensive In-Person Program at Oxford University, UK (Sept 4 – 9, 2023)

From Monday to Saturday, the international program cohort will take a deep dive into women’s human rights learning on the campus of Oxford University in the UK. Intimate group size of 25 – 30 learners from different regions of the world allows for a rich shared learning experience. Topics include:

• What is CEDAW?
• Core Principles of CEDAW
• Form and Function of the CEDAW Committee
• Feminist advocacy and CEDAW
• Understanding CEDAW as a living document, including intersectional framework
• Complementary advocacy mechanisms such as UN Special Procedures
• Special topics in women’s human rights, such as Cultural Rights, Women’s Rights in Contexts of Crisis, Indigenous Women’s Rights, and so on
• Action Planning

Part 3:  Online Program Completion (Sept – Oct 2023)

After the in-person session, participants will work further on their action plans and share them in the online learning forum for peer and facilitator feedback.

In some cases, our partners may offer additional learning opportunities specific to their cohorts with a regional focus.

Application Process

To be considered for the program, you must be invited to submit an online application.  

Information on fees and program costs is found below.

Eurasian Region Fellowships:

The fellowship period is now closed.

Women’s Solidarity Fund (WSF) with support of Open Society Foundations (OSF) is pleased to provide a number of funded fellowships (tuition + travel + accommodations) for applicants from the Eurasian region (see eligible countries below) who clearly demonstrate a deep commitment to using CEDAW to make social change for women in their respective communities/countries.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must be a citizen or full-time resident of: Ukraine, Moldova (Central Europe), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia (South Caucasus), and Tajikistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan (Central Asia). Ukrainians living abroad as a result of the war may also be eligible.

Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated history of working on women’s issues in their country or region and will be able to apply and share their learning within their feminist networks and organizations. Applicants with a strong organizational or network base, those who look to engage in UN advocacy in the next two years and/or whose state has an upcoming CEDAW review will benefit from this program.

The program takes an intersectional approach to women’s human rights and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.

Note: The program is in English so candidates must be comfortable communicating in English.

CEDAW for Change – Joint Program for African Region

The Women’s Human Rights Education Institute is pleased to share a special training opportunity for advocates in Africa that we are offering in partnership in 2023.

Through a special collaboration with WAYEI, the Women and Youth Education Institute in Nigeria, participants based in Africa can join the Oxford program as a multi-component women’s human rights advocacy training opportunity.

This joint program includes:

Our CEDAW for Change Institute at Oxford University, UK, from September 4 – 9, 2023, along with the accompanying online learning pre-training (Aug 2023)

AND

A follow-up training program focused on Promoting and Protecting Women’s Human Rights in Africa at Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria from Nov 5 – 8th, 2023.

This program is offered at a special registration rate which includes both programs, and is open to advocates who are residing and working in Africa.

Payment Deadlines

Once you have received an acceptance to the program, you must pay a deposit to guarantee your space in the program, as space is limited.  We recommend submitting payment immediately upon acceptance to avoid disappointment. Payment deadlines and amounts are as follows:

Immediately: $500 USD deposit due to guarantee space in the course.  Payment must be made by international wire transfer, details will be provided.

By Aug 1, 2023: Full payment is due. 

Discounts

CEDAW for Change Institute Discounted rate: Unwaged participants, full-time students and staff of women’s organizations with an annual budget of less than USD $100,000 may be eligible for a discounted tuition rate.

Discounts may be available for multiple participants from the same/affiliated organizations—inquire by email if this applies to you.

Planning – Accommodations & Budgeting

Please note that the cost of tuition does not include accommodation or travel costs.  We regret that we cannot make bookings on your behalf.  Oxford has many accommodation options at a variety of price ranges.  We strongly recommend booking early so that you can find something in your budget range.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS

Our recommended choice is to stay onsite in the accommodations provided by Kellogg College or the nearby Lady Margaret Hall, which will allow you to walk easily to classes and enjoy the Oxford Campus alongside other program participants.  After you register, we can provide more information about accommodation options in the area.

2023 stay rates can be found on Kellogg’s website HERE

Dates:  The program runs from September 4 – 9, so you will need to arrive in Oxford by September 3 and the earliest to depart would be September 10.

Budgeting for your stay:

 Your costs to participate in the program beyond tuition will depend on your location and other factors, but please budget for the following: 

• Approx. 40-50 pounds per day for meals and incidentals (You can save costs by shopping at a nearby grocery store rather than eating only in restaurants.)
• Accommodation costs – will vary depending on whether you find room lodgings, use AirBNB, or book a local hotel.
• Our recommended accommodation options at the colleges range from 100 – 120 pounds per night for a twin/shared or single room.
• Personal travel medical insurance for non-residents of the UK (purchase in your home country)
• Visa fees, if you require a visa to enter the UK
• Flight from your place of origin to London – Heathrow or Gatwick airport
• Local transportation costs:  return bus between Heathrow or Gatwick airport in London and Oxford  (Approx. 30 pounds each way)

Note that a welcome dinner will be provided, as well as tea/coffee and light snacks during the day.  Information will be provided regarding lunch options and for other dinners participants will self-cater.

Local Information

Oxford is a beautiful historical town in southern England rich with history and interesting sites.  The city was founded in the 9th century, and Oxford University was founded in the 12th century, resulting in a magical city with medieval architecture and picturesque surroundings.

For information about the climate, history and tourism-related information, see here.

Our program will tap into local history and culture through a guided feminist/suffrage history tour of Oxford, included as part of the program.  There are many other local historical and cultural attractions to access during your stay.

Getting to Oxford

The closest airports to Oxford are those that service London: Heathrow and Gatwick airports.   To travel to Oxford from the airport or from London:

Travel by Bus

If you are travelling internationally the Airline operates through the day and night, linking Oxford with
Heathrow and Gatwick airports:
http://airline.oxfordbus.co.uk/

Oxford’s central bus station is located at Gloucester Green, George Street, and facilitates local and
national services including National Express and Stagecoach:
http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/

The Oxford Tube and X90 both offer a direct, frequent coach link to central London:
http://www.oxfordtube.com/
http://x90.oxfordbus.co.uk/

Visa Information 

Please be aware that a temporary visitor’s visa for the United Kingdom may be required. Participant visa processes can take a few months and require supporting documentation. In the past, visa delays have forced some participants to arrive late and have caused others to miss the Institute altogether. PLEASE APPLY FOR YOUR VISA EARLY.

• Once we accept your application, we will provide you with a visa support letter, but you must find out from your nearest UK consulate or embassy what documents and procedure are required—it may require you to gather many documents on your end.
• You must have a valid passport.
• Two recent passport photos are usually required. Make sure these photos meet the requirements as outlined on the website.
• You must provide proof that you have enough money for your visit abroad. The amount of money may vary, depending on the circumstances for your visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives. You can get more information from the visa office in your country or region.
• You will need to include other documents. These documents could be: identification cards, proof of employment, a letter of invitation from your hosts, or a proposed itinerary. Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information.
• Other information related to your ties to your home country, such as marital status, children if any, family ties, property ownership, can be helpful
• If you have traveled abroad previously, please include information on past visas as demonstrating travel history can be helpful to your application
• Be aware when you book your flight that a transit visa may be required for transfers or stopovers, for example, if your flights connects via the US or a European airport.  Check carefully to avoid problems.