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Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
USAID listening to
USAID
Vital Voices
Promoting Women's Participation in Latin America and the Caribbean
Recognizing Priority
although women are graduating from colleges and
universities and achieving leadership positions in
Tasks
increasing numbers, they are still vastly under-
represented at the highest levels of business,
"Equal rights and opportunities between men and
government, and other institutions. And for the
women and the objective of ensuring active partici-
millions of women in the region who live in poverty,
pation of women in all areas of national endeavor
the multiple responsibilities of generating income
are priority tasks."
and caring for their families are often made more
-Declaration of Santiago,
Santiago Summit of the Americas, April 1998
difficult by gender and economic constraints.
Government, business, education, and community
Efforts to tackle these ongoing issues have become
leaders throughout the Western Hemisphere are
priority tasks within each country. Working with
acting on the knowledge that countries thrive best
dedicated people in both the public and private
with the active involvement of all their people.
sectors, the U.S. Agency for International Develop-
Experience has proved that improved economic
ment (USAID) is seeking solutions that are cost-
security, health status, and access to legal rights for
effective and that benefit society's marginalized
both men and women result from women's
groups. In its work in the region, USAID serves as a
increased leadership in civil society and
catalyst to local initiatives; conducts and supports
government.
research on and disseminates innovative solutions
to development-related problems; and provides a
Yet, as the heads of state at the Santiago Summit
forum for concerned, creative people to share
recognized in their Declaration, the countries of
experiences and ideas.
the hemisphere must still work to support women's
full integration into
national economic and
political systems and
to raise the standard of
living for all. Women's
participation in the
formal labor force has
risen in Latin America
and Caribbean (LAC)
region during the past
three decades. But
even taking into
account differences in
education and skill
levels, women earn
on average only
72 percent of men's
wages. Similarly,
1
The Latin America and Caribbean Bureau of the United
"We have seen microfinance institutions become
States Agency for International Development (USAID) has
the trusted links between microenterprise and
committed US$40 million this year for the development of
the formal banking system," said Mark
microenterprise activities in the hemisphere. These programs
Schneider, USAID Assistant Administrator for
Latin America and
are part of a global effort by the agency to devote more
Latin America and the Caribbean, citing
resources to microenterprise. USAID is investing US$120
institutions in Bolivia and Guatemala that are
million annually worldwide to support the following
Caribbean Bureau
now self-sufficient competitors in the
performance-based programs:
commercial banking sector.
Technical assistance to established microfinance
Microenterprise
organizations
foundation, to create BancoSol, the world's first
Technical assistance to build institutional capacity of
Activities
commercial self-sustaining bank solely dedicated to
microfinance institutions and exchange visits
microlending. BancoSol reaches 76,000 clients, over
Matching grants for U.S. private voluntary organizations
two-thirds of whom are women. The average BancoSol
A program to manage loan and guarantee facilities
client has US$120 in deposits, the equivalent of one-
supporting efforts of commercial banks to provide
eighth of the country's per capita gross domestic product.
microenterprise credit
Other USAID-supported financial services programs for
Technical assistance from USAID overseas missions to
microentrepreneurs in the country have reached close
to 130,000 Bolivians.
support microenterprise credit
In addition, USAID supports training and extensive research
In Ecuador, approximately US$6 million in USAID
into microenterprise best practices, including business
funds are supporting microenterprise programs, reaching
development services, village banking, savings mobilization,
138,000 clients between 1996 and 1999. Banco Solidario,
management information services, and commercial banks.
the first privately owned bank created to serve the
Activities to assess the effects of microenterprise services
microenterprise sector, was established in 1996 through
include detailed study as well as development and testing
a joint USAID/Ecuador-LAC Bureau equity investment
of assessment tools that can be used in the field.
of US$1.2 million. Three U.S. PVOs, Catholic Relief
Services, Project Hope, and FINCA International, initiated
USAID
new starts in village banking, a methodology designed
to reach rural women and promote their empowerment
through income-producing ventures. More than 10 village
banks have been established since October of last year,
directly benefitting approximately 399 businesswomen.
U.S. Agency for
An estimated 100 banks will be established over the 15-
International Development
month life of these grants, directly benefitting
For more information, please contact:
approximately 2,500 women.
Inter-American Forum
The Latin America and Caribbean Bureau, USAID, RRB
Room 5.09-111, Washington, D.C. 20523-5900. Phone:
on Microenterprise
Later this year, the LAC Bureau will host a regional
(202) 712-0823 Fax: (202) 216-3262
conference on microenterprise development in
Mexico City, Mexico
Washington, D.C. We look forward to sharing these and
The Office of Microenterprise Development, USAID, RRB
other success stories, recent innovations, and future
Room 2.11-024, Washington, D.C. 20523-0058. Phone:
March 26-28, 1998
challenges to microenterprise endeavors with the IDB
(202) 712-0030 Fax: (202) 216-3593
and other development partners throughout the region.
Visit our Web sites at: www.mip.org and www.info.usaid.gov
The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Bureau of
President Clinton's three trips to the region within the
Microenterprise Funding
USAID is pleased to be a cosponsor of the Inter-American
last twelve months highlights the administration's
Latin America and the Caribbean Bureau
Forum on Microenterprise with the Inter-American
commitment to microenterprise development. With the
1997 (in US$ Millions)
Development Bank (IDB). It is a pleasure to join the
Bridgetown Declaration, the President pledged US$3
IDB and other development partners in promoting a
million through a special microenterprise initiative for
Caribbean
broader role for microenterprises in the economic
the Eastern Caribbean. Targeting smaller economies of
$5.0
integration of the Americas.
Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, this assistance is managed by our partners
South
Mexico and
With 16 Missions throughout the Americas, the LAC
America
Central America
in the Caribbean. Technical assistance, development
$13.8
$11.9
Bureau is deeply committed to microentrepreneurs,
bank loans, and guarantees assist microenterprises through
especially to women and young people, who are the
the Caribbean Development Bank and its linkages with
fastest growing segment of the economies in our region.
National Development Foundations on each of the
We are committed to support the Summit of the Americas
Windward Islands. A contribution to the Caribbean
process, and its efforts to eradicate poverty and
Development Bank's Basic Needs Fund will meet the
discrimination. Over the next three years, the LAC Bureau
special requirements of the very poor. A US$2 million
has pledged US$120 million in credit facilities and
loan portfolio guarantee program with the Royal Bank
and illiteracy, microenterprise programs have given new
technical assistance funds to advance microenterprise
of Trinidad will make loans to first-time micro and small
hope and viable employment opportunities to thousands.
development in the Americas.
borrowers, to enable entrepreneurs to expand their
businesses into regional and international markets.
Programs in three countries of the sub-region have
Indigenous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
Through the Caribbean Association of Industry and
generated sizable amounts of working capital, loans, and
U.S. private voluntary organizations (U.S. PVOs) are
Commerce, five Free Market Development Advisors are
savings for participants. In El Salvador, the Center for
our customers, partners and stakeholders in this
providing technical assistance to micro and small
Microenterprise Support (CAM) functions in the four
development process. Each LAC Bureau Mission has
enterprises in the Windward Islands.
most populous cities of the most densely populated
developed its network of microenterprise intermediaries.
country in the region. Last year, the center circulated
Our LAC Regional Sustainable Development office has
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton is the LAC Bureau's
nearly US$5 million in working capital among 17,000
a close working relationship with the Microenterprise
strongest supporter of microenterprise activities.
members, with an average loan amount of US$146 per
Coalition, co-chaired by ACCION International and
Beginning in 1996, with her address to the Microcredit
person-the equivalent of 6 weeks of an average salary.
FINCA International on behalf of many U.S. PVOs
Summit in Washington, D.C. and her participation in the
In Honduras, US$4.5 million in loans, with an average
assisting microenterprises throughout the region. USAID
"Renewal" of USAID's Microenterprise Initiative on the
loan amount of US$191 per person, was disbursed to
has supported successful models for working with
steps of the Capitol, she has proclaimed microenterprise
15,014 village bank members. Loans totaling US$3
microentrepreneurs in rural and urban areas.
development as a "tool that not only transforms lives but
million were provided to 9,130 members in Nicaragua,
lifts communities and societies as well." She carried her
averaging a loan size of US$154 per member. As a result
message to the IDB's Regional Consultative Forum on
of self-employment efforts assisted by USAID, the
Microenterprise Funding
Microenterprise in San Jose, Costa Rica. More than 450
41,000 village bank members in these three countries
Latin America and the Caribbean Bureau
representatives from all Central American countries
have been able to save US$1.8 million, averaging US$44
attended the forum.
40
per member.
40.0
(In US $ Millions)
30
30.7
In Central America, FINCA International's local affiliates
With the US$1.4 million regional grant from the LAC
28.0
20
extended approximately 78,000 new loans in 1997.
Bureau, ACCION International is assisting non-profit
Ninety-three percent of these recipients were women.
institutions in transforming themselves from informal
10
By providing informal financial services, microenterprise
banks into fully regulated commercial banks. In 1992,
0
support organizations have generated economic
USAID invested US$5.9 million in the remarkable startup
1996
1997
1998
opportunities for a conflict-torn population. Although
of Bolivia's BancoSol. ACCION International provided
Actual
Estimated
Projected
the region suffers from high unemployment, poverty,
technical expertise to PRODEM, a local nonprofit
Draft Conference Program
IXth Conference of First Spouses of the Americas
(As of January 14, 1999)
Wednesday, September 29
3:00 6:00 pm
Registration
Westin Hotel
6:00 7:30 pm
Opening Ceremony and Reception
Recommended venue -- Museum of Civilization.
Guests to include FS, delegates, other conference participants, ambassadors, corporate
sponsors, members of Cabinet, women members of parliament and senate, friends of
Madame Chrétien.
Professional MC calls participants to their seats.
- Entrance and presentation of FS
- Presentation of women Cabinet Ministers
- Greetings from the Prime Minister
- Opening Address by Madame Chrétien
- Short cultural program (20 min, possibly children)
- Brief reception
Thursday, September 30
Session 1: Healthy Start - Investing in Children 0-6
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Registration
Westin Hotel
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Follow-up Report to VIIIth Conference
NB: All sessions to have two podiums. One for MC, the other for speakers. Madame will
preside over sessions and open and close, but someone else will actively chair all discussions
(Huguette Labelle ?).
Brief presentation summarizing actions take by FS in follow-up to the last conference.
Based on summary document compiled prior to the conference and circulated to FS at
the conference.
Usually delivered by someone on host country FS staff -- Chaviva? Louise Leger?
9:00 - 10:00 am
Dr. Paul Steinhauer: "Why Zero to Six Matters"
30 minute presentation by Dr. Steinhauer on child brain development and why the years
0 to 6 are critical determinants of a child's long term life chances. (Include impact of
subsance abuse on foetus/infant.)
We will encourage use of visual aids to make presentation more interesting and
compelling. Will be translated and made available in a format FS can take back and use
in their country.
If the session begins on time, this will be followed by a period for comments and
questions.
If the session begins late, the question/discussion period can be shortened accordingly or
eliminated altogether if necessary.
10:00 - 10:30 am
Remarks from FS
3 FS deliver their remarks on the theme of children 0-6
NB: FS will be advised remarks are optional and can be delivered orally or simply
submitted in writing for those who may not wish to speak. This may free up time on the
agenda for other content, although most FS will likely want to speak.
10:30 - 10:45 am
Coffee break
10:45 - 11:30 am
Remarks from FS
4 FS deliver their remarks on the theme of children 0-6
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
FS and delegations tour NGO exhibits
Approximately 20 Canadian NGOs whose missions are relevant to the project on
children 0-6, and who are active internationally or wish to be, will be invited to
participate in a half-day NGO fair where they can exhibit information on their programs.
Each FS will be invited to sponsor the participation of one NGO from their country.
NGOs will be invited to forward a limited amount of information on their program to us
prior to the conference so that it can be translated and made available on site at the
conference.
Exhibitors may also include some relevant government programs i.e. Community Action
Program for Children or Aboriginal Head Start.
FS, their delegations, and cooperation agency staff will tour the exhibits to learn about
innovative programs for children 0-6.
NGOs will have a chance to liaise with one another and with the international
cooperation agencies at the morning fair. More structured meetings will be planned in
the afternoon to brief them on the activities of the relevant cooperation agencies, the
proposed children's project, and to identify opportunities for interested organizations to
participate.
An inventory of participating organizations, with a description of what they do and how
to reach them will be prepared in English, French and Spanish for distribution to all
conference participants. This will encourage linkages between the different groups and
enable FS to follow-up on programs that interest them.
12:45 - 2:15 pm
Lunch
FS to lunch separately at Bailey's restaurant in the Westin. Buffet luncheon to be served
to other conference participants in another room.
Session 2: Healthy Start - Investing in Children 0-6
2:30 - 3:00 pm
Follow-up report on Integra project
Invite representatives from the Fundacion Integra and the lead cooperation agency to
report on the results of the information sharing project FS endorsed at last year's
conference.
3:00 - 3:45 pm
Presentation on proposed Project Children 0-6
Lead international cooperation agency (TBA) to present project on children 0-6 for FS
endorsement.
Presentation should include information on the status of children 0-6 in the hemisphere
and the key risks to their well-being. Reference would be made to the status of children
from indigenous groups and children with disabilities.
3:45 4:00 pm
Coffee Break
4:00 - 5:30 pm
Remarks by FS
9 FS deliver their remarks on the theme of children 0-6
5:30 7:15 pm
Break
7:15 7:30 pm
FS travel to cocktail reception/dinner
7:30 - 8:15 pm
Cocktail Reception
National Gallery is preferred venue.
We may wish to do group photo during reception.
8:15 - 10:30 pm
Dinner and Cultural event
National Gallery is preferred venue. Guests to include FS with 1-2 members of their
delegation, Ambassadors and spouses, selected Cabinet ministers and spouses. PM to
attend. Cultural event TBC.
Madame Chrétien suggests: Marie-Jo Thériault (sing Evangéline), Susan Agulak
(performed at Mandela event), male Aboriginal singer who performed at last Canada
Day celebration in Ottawa; Oliver Jones (jazz pianist); performers from Cirque du Soleil.
Friday, October 1
Session 3: Women's Health
9:00 - 10:00 am
PAHO Presentation - Project for endorsement.
PAHO to outline project they are suggesting for endorsement by FS. Likely focus will
be telehealth and applications for improving maternal health, providing health
training/services to remote (and particularly Aboriginal) communities.
Presentation would include an overview report on women's health status in the Americas
and key challenges. Reference would be made to serving Aboriginal women, women
with disabilities, and women living in rural and remote areas.
10:00 10:15 am
Coffee Break
10:15 - 11:00 am
FS remarks
4 FS deliver remarks on the theme of women's health
11:00 - 12:00 noon
FS and delegations tour NGO exhibits
FS would tour exhibits by NGOs. Would also include some government programs -- i.e.
centres of excellence.
Same approach as previous day, but different groups will be represented -- i.e.
community-based women's health centres; centres of excellence (women's health and
family violence); community organizations working on health promotion for girls, young
women, pregnant women, elderly women; programs serving women with breast cancer
Aboriginal health organizations, health organizations working with immigrant women
etc.
Health Canada would manage the selection process, tying it to the project being
presented to FS for endorsement.
12:15 - 1:15 pm
Lunch
FS dine separately at Bailey's. Buffet lunch for other conference participants.
Session 4: Women's Health
1:30 2:30
Telehealth Presentation
Demonstration of telehealth technology. Focus on telehealth as an efficient and effective
means of providing health care services to rural and remote communities.
Conference delegates would be provided with inventory of telehealth companies and
telehealth programs in Canada, with contact names.
2:30 - 3:00 pm
Remarks by FS
3 FS deliver their remarks on the theme of women's health
3:00 3:15 pm
Coffee Break
3:15 - 4:30 pm
Remarks by FS
7 FS deliver their remarks on the theme of women's health.
This is assuming 30 FS will be making remarks in total. If fewer, we will shorten the
,
program to 4:00 pm to allow FS time to refresh themselves before the closing ceremony.
5:00 - 6:30 pm
)
Closing Ceremony and signing of Ottawa
Reading Room in the Centre Block is preferred venue. Adjacent salon suitable for a
Declaration
holding room or for a photo, and Railroad Room across the hall could be used for a
reception after the ceremony.
Louise to check flight options to ensure FS can comfortably make the last flight to
Miami that evening if they wish.
From me to you
w/ love.
t
T
STEVEN M. SIQUEIRA
SECOND SECRETARY
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE
MISSION OF CANADA TO THE OAS
TEL: (202) 682-1768
501 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
EXT. 7208
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
FAX: (202) 682-7624
[email protected] CELLULAR: (202) 316-2835
web: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/oas/
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
STEVEN M. SIQUEIRA
DEUXIÈME SECRÉTAIRE
REPRÉSENTANT SUPPLÉANT
MISSION PERMANENTE DU CANADA PRÈS DE L'OÉA
501 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
TEL: (202) 682-1768
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20001
EXT. 7208
FAX: (202) 682-7624
[email protected]
web:
CELLULAR: (202) 316-2835