Gender Task Force

Statement by the Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact, Mr. Bodo Hombach

In a statement made on 22 June 2001, the Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact, Mr. Bodo Hombach, described the role and achievements of the Gender Task Force:

The Stability Pact Gender Task Force is a dynamic regional initiative whose structure is made up of a Chair and Co-Chair, National Governmental and Non-Governmental Focal Points from each Participating State, and an Advisory Board made up of prominent regional experts and representatives of International Institutions active in the field of gender equality. After two years of co-ordinated effort, the GTF has become a major factor in reversing the negative trend of women's representation in the SEE Region and has impacted the lives of thousands of women through its programs. The GTF Mission is to ensure gender-balanced, sustainable development in South East Europe.

From its establishment the GTF sought involvement in all structures of the Stability Pact, and has been active within Working Table I focussed primarily on political empowerment of women, but also initiated cross-cutting initiatives, such as the establishment of a Trafficking Task Force under Working Table III. The GTF approach has been to produce tangible results with a focus on clear goals, which has developed its reputation as an effective initiative.

Bodo Hombach
Special Co-ordinator