Communique of FTF Strategic Meeting, Toronto, Canada, August 2006

The meeting was instrumental to:

• Agree on steps on how to increase visibility of the linkages between gender, poverty and inequality;
• Consolidate the role of the Feminist Task Force within GCAP;
• Agree on a policy statement and a long-term strategy;
• Plan short and long term mobilization activities;
• Improve communications and outreach of the FTF;
• Constitute a facilitation team that will coordinate FTF activities;

Further, the following messages were agreed for the GCAP month of mobilization and beyond:

• GENDER EQUALITY TO END POVERTY
• If gender equality is not there, eradication of poverty is NO WHERE!
• Feminization of poverty is a reality. Address it!
• Gender equality is crucial to addressing the inequalities of trade, debt and aid.
• Women’s human rights are key to end poverty.
• Gender justice for food sovereignty.
• Poverty will be history ONLY if gender justice is achieved 

The FTF strongly encourages all GCAP members to use these messages at all levels of mobilization. It also encourages national coalitions to work hand in hand with the FTF which will make available information, analysis, speakers and any other support to highlight the links between gender, poverty and inequality.

The FTF looks forward to common efforts during the month of mobilization and beyond. It is hopeful that GCAP members dedicate resources as agreed upon in Beirut to ensure that gender equality is taken up as a central demand to end poverty and inequality.

The meeting was organized to coincide with the XVI International Conference on AIDS in order to highlight the interlinkages between gender, poverty and HIV/AIDS. A statement was presented to the conference. 

The meeting also prepared a statement on the situation in Lebanon calling for an end to all aggression and violence against civilians.

A full report and all FTF statements will be disseminated through GCAP communication sources.

Feminist Task Force – GCAP