Appendix E: List of Initial Discussion Postings

Welcome!

We are pleased that you are able to join us for the "Why Gender-Based Analysis?" Dialogue.

The Canadian Congress for Learning Opportunities for Women (CCLOW) is hosting the discussion and Status of Women Canada is sponsoring it. Through this discussion we hope to find out:

Week One: Feb. 15 - 21, 2000

• What is your understanding of gender based analysis?

Week Two: Feb. 22 - 28, 2000

• What has your experience with gender-based analysis been?

Week Three: Mar. 1 - 7, 2000

• What do you think the weaknesses of Gender-Based Analysis are and what are its strengths?
• How can we make Gender-Based Analysis a more effective tool?
• Are there viable alternatives?

Our overall goal is to find more effective ways that Gender-Based Analysis can serve the needs of women's organizations and the general public and to see if we can work together to find some kind of consensus regarding Gender-Based Analysis.

Let's Start
First I would like to introduce myself and the two organizations I am working with on this project. Can each of you also write a short one paragraph description of who you are and what you do when you first join the discussion. This will help us put a "face" on each other. It is optional, but if you are comfortable giving us this information, it would help us get to know each other better.

My name is Dana Peebles. I am the discussion moderator for "Why Gender-Based Analysis?" I run a small Toronto-based consulting firm that specializes in gender and development and adult basic education issues. I have worked in these two sectors for 24 years. I have lived in Indonesia, Holland, Mexico, Bolivia and Cambodia as well as have done a substantial amount of work in Canada at the community level. My company recently won the 2000 International Co-operation Award for Gender Equality Achievement for our work supporting the development of the Women Leaders Network in the Asia Pacific. I have a very lively 15 year old daughter and am a single parent. I am looking forward to this opportunity to blend both my domestic and international experience in gender-based analysis through the moderation of this discussion.

The Canadian Congress for Learning Of Women is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to enhancing women's learning opportunities throughout their lives. Status of Women Canada is the government body responsible for enhancing the status of women in Canada. Both organizations have far-ranging mandates involving a commitment to improving women's lives in Canada.

In 1995, the Canadian federal government adopted a policy that all federal government institutions are required to use Gender-Based Analysis in their policy development and analysis process. Status of Women's Gender-Based Analysis Quick Guide for Policy Makers states that: