From the Coordinator

The year 2000 had an easy passage from 1999. The much advertised and anticipated technological disasters did not visibly manifest themselves, and therefore CAFRA’s work was not disrupted.

Programmes throughout the year were sustained by our Partners HIVOS, OXFAM, UNIFEM, Heinrich Boll Foundation, Inter America Development Bank, British Department for International Development (DFID) and the Caribbean Development Bank.

CHALLENGES

The challenges for the year remained (a) Accessing necessary human, financial, technical and physical resources (b) Harnessing the expertise of the membership and enhancing their capacity (c) Identifying and implementing projects for social transformation (d) Establishing strategic linkages at national, regional and international levels

Inter NGO Governmental Collaboration

This collaboration increased through the Beijing process.

CAFRA was invited to a workshop for staff of Women’s Bureaus, and NGOs involved in gender-mainstreaming. At CAFRA’s request an extra day was included to deal specifically with the Beijing process. The focus was: (a) Critically examining the government reports and positions, and presenting recommendations for improved language in the texts, and benefits to women. (b) Gathering information, particularly from the NGOs for input in the Alternative Report.

CAFRA VISION

As the 21st Century unfolds, so does the critical issues affecting women and their communities.

The social and economic framework built by male dominated structures are giving birth to crises that affect humanity, and an environment, in which the male feels threatened. This has given rise to a backlash on women’s advancement.

It is critical that the Regional Women’s movement be vibrant and focused.

Nelcia Robinson
Coordinator
CAFRA