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Summary 17 February - 3 March 1999

This summary just reflects the major discussion points. Inevitably, many valuable contributions will not be captured here. To view all messages posted to the group, please visit the working group archive.

Two more weeks of rich discussions have gone by. We have collected a wealth of good examples from all over the world. Many members provided more interesting thoughts and examples on the following topics:

1. Links between the National Machinery and other parts of government

2. Role of NGOs

Furthermore, a new issue evoved (which is, of course, closely linked to the above)

3. Strategies for organizational change

1. Links between the National Machinery and other parts of government

Many members reported on institutional structures in their government to promote gender in all areas of policy making.

In Zimbabwe, the National Machinery has built strong links with the Ministries of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Agriculture, Home Affairs, Education, Health and Child Welfare. The latter is currently working on a strategy to engender its next five-year programme. An activist from Uganda reported that in her country, the Gender Directorate in the Ministry of Gender mainly acts as catalyst and facilitator. Its task is to lobby other sectors of government to mainstream gender in their work. This function is carried out in partnership with sectoral ministries, including the ministry of agriculture, natural resources and others.

The National Machinery in Canada's province of Quebec has set up an interdepartmental group that meets 2-3 times a year. The group jointly examines how women and men are affected differently by their policies and programmes in each department. Furthermore, the group shares information and resources.

A member from India stressed that in order to influence decision-making in the government, a National Machinery does not necessarily have to be located within the government. She stated that in some countries, the National Machinery should operate autonomous of government. "The models appropriate in stable democracies in western countries need not necessarily be the most appropriate model to follow for many Third World countries" (Shirin Rai).

2. Role of NGOs

Contributors agreed that NGOs are very important to support the National Machinery and that both should work in close collaboration. A strong relationship with civil society associations creates a legitimacy base for the National Machinery vis a vis the national government.

Hovewer, as some members pointed out, National Machineries should keep in mind that not ALL civil society associations are sympathetic to women's empowerment. Also, one member from Nigeria reported that women NGO groups do not always serve the interests of the grassroots.

3. Strategies for organizational change

One participant from the USA presented an interesting framework to achieve organizational change to integrate gender in all aspects of an organization's work. The concept is based on experiences of NGOs. It is considered equally valuable for governments or other institutions.

According to this framework, all organizational change has to be based on a strong political will: a clear commitment by the leadership for gender integration, and the allocation of staff and financial resources. This commitment by the leadership should then lead to three vital changes:

a) positive organizational culture, which involves a more gender diversity among staff at all levels, and equal valuing of women's and men's perspectives and working styles;

b) technical capacity to mainstream gender, including staff skill in gender analysis, availability of gender disaggregated data, and development of gender sensitive tools and procedures;

c) system of accountability, incentives and requirements that enforce and encourage new behaviors.