THE Women and Gender Equality Commission is calling on all political parties concerned to extend its life, which comes to an end later this year, in order for the commission to continue the work it has already started. Addressing members of the media at a press conference yesterday, chairperson of the commission, Mrs. Indra Chandarpal, said the commission is much more empowered and prepared to take on the plans outlined in its five-year strategic plan (2013-2018), which was launched last April.

Pointing out that the commission had an original three-year tenure, Mrs Chandarpal said that while the commission members await their fate, they will continue with their work and the fulfilment of their mandate, as is stated by the constitution.

Mrs. Chandarpal said the strategic five-year plan is the cornerstone of the commission’s work plan, and members expect the activities to take place in the new year will be based on what is contained in that plan.

She highlighted that while many issues are affecting women, the commission would not be able to undertake all, and has accordingly outlined for attention certain priority thematic areas in the strategic plan, namely organisational and institutional strengthening of the commission; women’s leadership and governance; economic improvement of women; and gender based violence.
She said that, from its inception, the commission has used every opportunity to have all stakeholders sign on to its mandates, and members intend to have continued discussion and interactions with their partners in this regard. The commission has also had a consultation process in which the consultant had opportunity to interact with various stakeholders to know what they would like to see in the work of the commission.

She indicated that those meetings were very fruitful, and consequent to the work of the consultant along with the commission and all its partners, the strategic plan was compiled, which encompasses all of the issues brought to the commission and thought to be of importance.