La dynamique est semblable lorsqu'il s'agit d'événements ou de proclamations issus de l'ONU ou d'autres organismes Internationaux. Ils s'inscrivent dans le lent processus de la démocratie, en arrière-plan plus souvent qu'autrement, et font appel non seulement à la volonté des gouvernements, mais aussi, à celle du public qui, de sa part, a la responsabilité d'y participer. Mais comment?

En se familiarisant d'abord avec les instruments internationaux. La plupart d'entre nous n'avons jamais lu le PAM, ou les conventions qui s'adressent à la condition féminine. Nous savons qu'il existe des mécanismes internationaux de recours, mais n'y faisons pas appel. Une bonne pratique serait de publier les textes dans nos revues et bulletins et d'en faire l'analyse, l'interprétation. Des ateliers peuvent y être consacrés lors des congrès. Les organismes féministes peuvent en d'autres mots s'approprier les 'beaux engagements' du Canada pour en faire des outils de travail, pour étoffer leurs revendications de références bien documentées aux instruments internationaux.

Les événements tels la Décennie pour la femme ne produisent que rarement des résultats immédiats et importants, à l'échelle locale. Ils servent cependant de toile de fond, soutiennent ainsi l'activité revendicatrice spécifique des nations, et, à longue échéance, font partie de l'ensemble des circonstances qui obligent les gouvernements à agir.

Cet article est réimprimé avec la permission du Bulletin AEF - Hiver 1984-1985

THE WOMEN'S DECADE:
EQUALITY, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

By Jacqueline Pelletier, Ontario
(English Precis)

In order to appreciate the impact of the Women's Decade, it is essential to temporarily retreat from the heat of the local or national action to an international vantage point. Although this grand project of the United Nations produced no miraculous results, it unmasked policies and practices discriminatory to women. The media, government and public were exposed to information which now forms a permanent part of the collective consciousness. How this will be accommodated in member states of the U.N. remains to be seen; it appears that the condition of women will improve only slowly. Still, the question must be asked: when there has been progress, has the Decade of Women contributed to it?

The U.N. has little ability to intervene directly in political crises. In the shadow of its General Assembly and of its Economic and Social Council, however, its numerous committees and commissions have the capacity to introduce subtle but long-term changes through international agreements and conventions.

Must women wait for the effects of grand words and gestures? 1983 and 1984 were dedicated to a massive study of the condition of women throughout the world. "International Women's Year" (1975) became a "Decade" (1976-1985) with a follow-up lasting until the year 2000.

In Canada, International Women's Year did have an effect. The "Why Not" slogan and the rise of feminist groups cannot be disregarded. Even the federal government expressed Interest In Integrating women into the political and social mainstream, signed equality of women conventions and passed the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For many women, the IWY triggered a new awareness, analysis and commitment to feminism.

Although progress is slow, a questioning attitude has begun to develop which international dialogue may nourish. By itself, such an event as the Women's Decade could rarely produce immediate results at the local level. Its real role is as a back- ground support for women's struggles and as one of the factors which move governments to take action.