Title of Event:

Name of Organisation:

Date and time of the session:

Knowledge Network for Women's Health and Safety

National Network on Environments and Women's Health

Thursday June 22, 2006:1:30pm - 3:30pm

Key Highlights

1. Estimated no of participants: 45
2. Stakeholder group representation at the event: The majority of the 45 delegates who attended our session were representing NGOs, but there were also students and delegates representing government agencies present.
3. What were the expected objectives: The session objective was to look at ways to link the range of global, national, and local knowledge networks to develop policies that will promote the health and safety of at-risk women.
4. What did the networking event achieve: This networking session facilitated discussion among participants, that allowed individuals to share experiences and knowledge networking strategies from their countries, and work together to brainstorm how such ideas could be applied to women's health work in other countries, and internationally.

2. What were the core issues identified in your event as they relate to the theme and sub-themes of WUFIII?

The main theme of WUFIII, "Our Future: Sustainable Cities - Turning Ideas into Action" echoed through most discussions during the session. There was a clear emphasis on turning existing research into both effective policy and local action. The sub-themes "Sustainable Cities; Land, Housing and Infrastructure for All" and, " Sustainable Cities ; Governing the Environment for All" also emerged in the discussions as participants established the need for basic safe housing for women and participation in policy development and government.

3. What were the main points raised by panellists and participants in relation to these different issues? What new ideas have been generated as a result of the discussion?

The panel presentations explored four areas: knowledge transfer to grass root level refugee women, strengthening knowledge networks for immigrant and refugee women, urban aboriginal women, and women living with disabilities and safety in the urban environment. After the presentations, participants agreed that intersectional perspectives need to be applied to work with women's health. Participants felt the intersectional perspective could be achieved by working with other women's health organizations to provide feedback from a different lens. The obvious means of achieving this is creating an international network of women's organizations that would facilitate effective research, program creation and policy development. However, another key point raised by participants was the contrast between high levels of interest and engagement, and the limited resource available in women's health. This understanding left participants believing a network is not a viable option, because a sustainable network would require a commitment of resources that are not currently available.

4. What process steps have been identified in your event that could help turn ideas into operational reality?

Participants identified the need for strategic planning in research and policy development to ensure that projects are connected and relevant, and the limited resources are used effectively. The need to work collaboratively with government officials was also recognized, as this could help with introducing new research, frameworks and policy recommendations to different agencies and levels of government. Participants also highlighted the consideration of the sustainability of developments as an effective route to turning ideas into reality in the long-term. By not monopolizing information and structuring research and developments so they can be applied to future work in women's health, participants believe the value of current projects will continue to be appreciated as advancements are made in women's health and safety.