NEWS RELEASES
CANADA SATISFIED WITH ACHIEVEMENTS OF FIRST CONFÉRENCE DES FEMMES DE LA FRANCOPHONIE IN LUXEMBOURG
February 8, 2000 (2:20 p.m. EST) No. 19
CANADA SATISFIED WITH ACHIEVEMENTS OF FIRST CONFÉRENCE DES FEMMES DE
LA FRANCOPHONIE IN LUXEMBOURG
Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie) Ron J. Duhamel, head of the Canadian
delegation to the first Conférence des femmes de la Francophonie -- which included Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) Hedy Fry -- applauded the results of this two-day event. The conference,
which was held in Luxembourg, led to the systematic reference to and application within the Francophonie of
specific issues concerning women and men in the development, delivery, follow-up and assessment of policies.
"We were very pleased to witness the support within the Francophonie for the adoption of an integrated
approach to gender equality, and for the recognition of the role of civil society," said Mr. Duhamel. "We were
also happy with the conference's unanimous adoption of the declaration, which testifies to the progress made,
and with the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as members of national delegations to the
conference."
In a presentation to the conference, Dr. Fry noted Canada's experience in implementing a comprehensive
approach to gender equality. Thanks to its leadership in this area, Canada was one of five member states
invited to share their experiences. "I was honoured to be asked to make a presentation at this landmark
conference," Dr. Fry said. "The member states of the Francophonie regard Canada as a world leader in
developing a gender-mainstreaming system that can be successfully implemented within the machinery of
government."
Dr. Fry's presentation's highlighted Canada's expertise and growing success in implementing gender-based
analysis (GBA), a gender-mainstreaming tool that grew out of the Fourth United Nations World Conference on
Women (Beijing, 1995). GBA is used to understand social processes and respond with informed, effective and
equitable options for policies, programs and legislation. Dr. Fry also discussed policy research and the funding
of NGOs as other important mechanisms the Canadian government employs to further women's equality.
The conference, which ended February 5, gathered more than 300 delegates, including 250 women, from
55 states and participating governments, associated and observing countries of the Francophonie, along with
representatives from international NGOs, civil society, regional and international organizations, and the
Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie. Two members of Canadian NGOs were part of the Canadian
delegation.
In his capacity as president of the Conférence des ministres de la Francophonie, Mr. Duhamel delivered the
opening remarks at the conference, replacing Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General of the Organisation
internationale de la Francophonie.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Amy Butcher
Office of the Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie)
(613) 944-5482
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
Thoren Hudyma
Office of the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(613) 997-9900
This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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