Task Force

Jumping the Fence

From October 2000 to October 2009 a task force was set up, the Committee on the Status of Women invited Mr Alfredo Sfeir Younis, representative of the World Bank, to give a talk, entitled "A Coalition for Gender Equality".

In his rich and dynamic presentation he set us a challenge and it was in response to this that this "Reflective Group" or "Think Tank" was formed.

Objectives
The Task Force aims to provide a solid foundation for a new coalition, for new strategies and models, for concrete action, convinced that only gender-specific policies can combat poverty effectively.
The Task Force is a think tank composed of about twenty participants from NGOs belonging to the Committee on the Status of Women, but it is open to all. It discussed the significance of a change in paradigm based on values; analysed the global forces that prevent women from achieving equality, united development and sustainable peace in this new century.

Activities
The group reflects on how to realise the agenda for women, known for a long time, by emerging from our compartments; initiating different ideas, other groups, other strategies, moving from a culture of war to a culture of peace. The change can only come through the practical reality of daily life and not through principles dictated from New York or Geneva. How can we recognise the significant role of women in society; the strength and importance of feminine energy? How can we build a society with a new political and economic agenda, with a new social environment based on equality at every level and on our values and beliefs, which leads towards greater peace and justice?
The Task Forces met together regularly to define the concepts of "feminine energy", "jumping the fence", and "the missing link", we reflect upon our values and principles, their cultural and spiritual origins and their universal nature. To find the missing link is not only to tolerate diversity, but to ensure the equal dignity of every human being. Although the Task Force has disbanded this work continues and may eventually be compiled into a written document.
Furthermore, we would like our think-tank to expand in order to reflect a more realistic cross-section of society. Under the umbrella of the Committee on the Status of Women, we organised a round table at the Conference for Least-Developed Countries in Brussels in May 2001, entitled "Women as Actors for Well-being and Economic Security: the missing link – Balancing Material and Ethical Values".