/ Information on the Rights of Women and Children
In Algeria, the discrimination of women is legalised and widely practiced. Many women and girls are subjected to violence within their families and in the public domain. The 'Centre d'Information et de Documentation sur les Droits de l'Enfant et de la Femme' (CIDDEF), one of cfd's partners, is committed to promoting the rights of women and children. The CIDDEF was founded in 2002 and provides the theoretical background and other means for research on gender issues. Its aim is to raise the awareness of discrimination and to initiate a political and public debate. The CIDDEF is well connected - it is a member of the 'Collectif Maghreb Egalité 95', where NGO's from Morocco, Algeria und Tunisia have joined forces and work together towards a greater equality between women and men.
An Information Platform
The CIDDEF maintains a well equipped and up-to-date library with books, multimedia and articles on the rights of women and children, as well as gender issues. The broad range of material is unique in Algiers and is diligently and frequently used by activists for Women's Rights and Human Rights, as well as pupils, students, scientists and members of NGO's. Library members have computers with internet access at their disposal. CIDDEF keeps people informed on developments concerning women's and children's rights by publishing a magazine, brochures and CD's, and by maintaining a frequently up-dated web site. The information centre regularly holds events that are open to the public. Nadia Ait Zai, who manages CIDDEF, is a well-known lawyer and lectures on labour law at the University of Algiers. As a member of the 'Collectif Maghreb Egalité 95' she is frequently consulted on matters of gender equality and invited to join discussion panels and media debates in Algeria and other countries.
Strengthening the Position of Women's Organisations
The CIDDEF has generously been offered the use of premises belonging to the Cathedral of Sacré Coeur. Now they can offer women's organisations safe rooms free of charge in which to hold discussions and press conferences. This is important, since it has become difficult to find places where people can meet, due to the state of emergency. In the face of strong political opposition women's organisations need all the support they can get: The CIDDEF therefore plans to hold seminars and workshops on gender sensitive project management and organisational development for women's NGO's.
Feminist Grass Roots Work
The CIDDEF helped prepare the latest alternative report for the international Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In 1996, Algeria joined the CEDAW with reservations. Since then the relevant UNO committee has repeatedly expressed concern over Algeria's non-compliance with the agreement. The CIDDEF also prominently contributed to the nation-wide Survey on Violence against Women in Algeria.
