My training is in anthropology. So I have a lot of experience working at the local level. I think this is really something central to good solid analysis.
National action plans are extremely important at the macro level, but that's not enough. The Government of Canada, as a member of the United Nations, has been pressed into developing a national plan. We are the 22nd country that has done so. In fact, I believe that was done six years after the recommendation was made by the UN Secretary General.
I believe that women in the field view that as something important, but, since that is happening at the macro level, it's not enough; it's simply not enough. Sometimes there's little traction at the local level,
it doesn't filter down
at the local level.
That's also very important, but, once again, without resources, without the political will, without personnel to ensure that's well integrated and evaluated, we don't really move forward.
As an anthropologist, I believe the idea is to see and gain a better understanding of how these kinds of structures, these kinds of approaches, these norms can affect and improve the situation at the local level. And without integrating the local aspect and these macro structures, I don't know whether there will be any impact.
For a number of years now, there have been national action plans in certain African countries, but honestly we're seeing very little impact. That's important. There's also a lack of political will and resources. This always has to be done in combination with what is going on locally.