Wow. You're asking me how?
I know that integrating gender equality is a priority for the Government of Canada—formerly CIDA and now the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development. This issue is a priority in programs, whether it has to do with humanitarian assistance, food safety or economic development. The Government of Canada considers this to be a priority, which is very welcome.
Oxfam Canada shares this priority, as do many other organizations. All of the ones here and that have already worked on this issue know that it's very difficult. It's a long-term undertaking. Even at Oxfam Canada, where our priority is women's rights and gender equality, we are learning every day. Power relationships cannot be changed overnight. It takes reflection on a personal, organization and institutional level.
We have developed a wonderful partnership with the department through the Engendering Change program. With organizations, with NGOs, we have thought hard about how we can promote gender equality. We have learned a lot. Through this wonderful program we have created documents, a conceptual framework and tools, which have helped our partners and the public. I hope we can continue in this direction.
Oxfam Canada and I, as the director of the Centre for Gender Justice, believe that programs targeting women and young women in particular are also very important. When there is a wide range of resources, the choice is often between two good things. I know that your work is very difficult, but at Oxfam Canada, we believe that, whenever possible, there should be two approaches: integrating gender equality issues and implementing programs truly focused on the needs of women and young women.
Thank you.