EVALUATION

Meetings in two languages are never easy, but one of the interpreters commented that this group had the best balance of English and French of any she had attended. Despite the constraints of microphones and translation co-operation and understanding prevailed.

The process of this consultation provided a range of learning opportunities for women participants. They found it empowering to see how effectively they could chair official meetings or sub-groups, plan a press strategy, write a press release, and act as a rapporteur.

One third of the participants answered a questionnaire evaluating the consultation. Overall, 25% of the participants rated the consultation excellent, 56% very good and 19% good. Participants applauded the work of the Planning Committee and organizers. They liked the structure of the event: the focus on issues; the setting of clear goals and objectives; the encouragement of participation by all, and the direct links to decision makers. But some women called for stronger leadership and criticized "our usual women's stuff about not wanting to appear pushy".

Participants were very enthusiastic about what they had gained personally from this event. They gained a clearer understanding of the processes, structure and policies of the Women's Program, and had the opportunity to make recommendations.

They developed political skills and contacts that will strengthen the Canadian women's movement. But perhaps most important was the contact with other participants: women felt energized by the strength and unity of the group. For minority women, the awareness that mainstream women are sincere in their support was important.

Women's groups are not yet having true consultations with the Minister and with Women's Program of Secretary of State. To quote Jan Barnsley of the Women's Research Center, "consultation is a process of seeking advice and input. To be meaningful, consultation must occur before a final decision is made so that the advice and input... are taken into account in the decision-making".

This event was only an information meeting or briefing; the Minister asked no questions and sought no advice, but merely announced funding and staffing decisions. Women's groups must push for true consultation that will allow us to influence policy in advance rather than only being able to react.

Convergence Consultants, located in Ottawa, organized the consultation on behalf of the Planning Committee.