A regional approach to women's needs: the Women and Development Unit in the Caribbean
Zeidenstein, S.
Assignment Children 1980(49-50): 155-171
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5128 PMID: 12233379 Document Number: 312725
Caribbean women face common problems of employment and high rates of women-headed households which can most effectively be addressed on a regional basis. In June 1977 women representing the governments of English-speaking Caribbean nations founded the Women and Development Unit (WAND) to serve as a regional agency promoting national programs in favor of women. WAND is attached to the University of the West Indies but has its own funding, identity, and mandate, and it benefited from flexible funding procedures in its first year. WAND's priority activities are training based on a participatory approach to women's needs, technological assistance to pilot projects, communications for public awareness and support, and collaboration for better use of resources. In its first year WAND contributed to 10 training conferences; organized 5 workshops, 1 to generate support among the media and the other 4 emphasizing income generation, particularly in agro-based industries. WAND has also prepared manuals and audio-visual materials. Future plans call for consolidating and strengthening the activities and priorities already developed.