The Network stands as a national body advocating for change and fostering of right relationships to help women build a better life for themselves. Some of the things we do include -:

• We work on policy issues and provide access to government and other decision makers.

• We act as an intermediary and resource body providing advice, information and support to other voluntary organizations including some of the most vulnerable and under-resourced groups in the country.

• Fund-raising and campaigning for better support for women’s groups form a key part of our work.

• We issue publications and conduct workshops.

• We work on regional and international matters centered on the UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women and for the full participation of women in the National Development process.

• We act as a catalyst for legislative change relevant to women

• We played a leading role in lobbying and ensured that a space was made for a regional voice of youth to be heard at the 1991 Regional Economic Conference held in Port of Spain.

• We ensured the Network’s membership’s perspective was included in the voice of the Regional NGOs at the Conference by its full participation in the formation of the CPDC.

• We developed a National Policy Statement on Women out of broad based consultations.

All members are invited to attend quarterly plenary meetings held every three months. In addition there is ample opportunity to attend meetings, sub-committees and working groups on more specialist subjects. Some of these groups i.e. Women and Health, Women in Politics and Women as Consumers are ongoing. Others come together in a more ad hoc way e.g. to prepare responses to government white papers, bills or policies or respond to a particular need raised by members.

What is The Network's Agenda For Women?

Employment

• Economic and employment policies that protect and increase women’s access to safe and secure employment and income

• Improved conditions of women’s health and safety at work

• The diversification of women’s employment opportunities.

Education and Training

• Greater and more meaningful participation of women at all levels of national educational policy

• Equal access to scientific, technical and vocational education particularly for young women

• Adult education programmes

• A fully integrated system of training, having direct linkages to employment needs and relevant to future employment and development trends

Health

• Recognition of the vital role of women as providers of health care both inside and outside the home

• Women’s full participation in the achievement of the goal of health for all

• Improved health care for women and children and a role for women as proactive partners in their own health and the health of their children

• Health education for preventive health care

• Reproductive Health

Development Policy, Technology and the Environment

• The full and effective participation of women in the decision making and implementation process related to science and technology, including planning and setting priorities for research and development

• A positive impact of science and technology on women’s integration into, the various sectors of the economy, as well as on their health, income and status; an approach to development which seeks to establish and maintain a harmony between resources and human needs

• Women and Climate Change

Power and Politics

• Equality of participation by women in all national and local legislative bodies and political parties

• Equity in the appointment, election and promotion of women to high posts in executive, legislative and judiciary branches and state boards and commissions

Housing and Settlements

• The involvement of women in the formulation of policies, programme and projects for the provision of basic shelter and infrastructure with recognition of women’s vulnerability

Women in Enterprise

• The removal of legal and administrative blocks which prevent women from getting access to credit, as well as

• Positive support systems such as loan guarantees, technical advice and marketing development services

• Assistance for the establishment, management and ownership of enterprises by women in the formal and informal sectors including

• The encouragement and enhancement of cooperatives in traditional craft and cottage industries

Violence against Women

• Adequate protection and means of redress to women and children who are victims of family violence, incest, rape and sexual harassment, including

• Appropriate legislation for sexual harraddment in the workplace

Family Welfare

• Quality child care to assist women in discharging their domestic responsibilities

• While enabling them to participate in and benefit from education, training and employment

• The encouragement of men and women in sharing domestic roles and in responsibility for the care, maintenance and education of their children

Peace

• Full participation of women in the shaping of our society and in the promotion of a humane and just society

• A clear recognition that peace and security, self determination and national independence are fundamental for the attainment of the objectives of the UN Decade for Women - equality, development and peace

Law

• Legal and administrative reforms necessary to achieve adequate protection and treatment of women under the law

• Compliance with and implementation of committments made at International Conferences and Summits