Thematic Working Groups

FOKUS has four main thematic working groups, each representing our main policy areas:  women’s rights training and local mobilization, violence against women, women in conflict and post- conflict, economical and political rights and participation.

The working groups were selected in December 2008. Working group members preside in the groups for two years. Half of the members are eligible for renewal for up to four years in total.  This is to avoid simultaneous replacement of all members. Group
members are nominated by their organizations, but do not represent their organization in the group. Representatives from FOKUS' secretariat are appointed on the basis of their expertise on thematic areas. The working groups meet three to four times a year.

The purposes of the groups are to strengthen FOKUS' over-all work with the programs, support realization of projects from single ad-hoc ones to on-going programs, and to execute FOKUS’ role as a driving force and competence centre for the areas.  Each member organization’s special expertise area is treated as an important resource.

Working groups serve as platforms for thematic development, competence -building, experience exchange and debate between  organizations and the Secretariat.  Moreover, the program committees will work toward program cooperation amongst organizations and help toward its execution. Working groups are not , however , responsible for the daily concrete administration of the programs.  The full ownership and responsibilities lie with the relevant member organizations.