The Staff of the Women’s Policy Office are Responsible for:
Policy Analysis and Advisory
Services:
The Women’s Policy Office defines policy as any action taken by
government. The Office applies gender based analysis to government
policy in such forms as legislation, programs and services. By
applying gender based analysis to government policy, the Women’s
Policy Office provides advice to departments on how women are
affected, highlights needs and gaps and advises on how gender equity
can be better achieved.
Information Collection and Communication Services:
The Women’s
Policy Office is responsible for collecting policy relevant
information from a variety of sources to provide evidence based
policy advice and report annually on the status of women. To meet
this responsibility, the Women’s Policy Office maintains a public
library on women’s issues, collects statistics and conducts research
to assess the current status of women, as well as to identify
systemic inequities and information gaps. As part of the information
collection process, the Women’s Policy Office consults regularly
with women and women’s organizations to identify ongoing and
emerging issues of special concern as well as potential solutions.
Beyond providing policy advice to government departments, the
Women’s Policy Office communicates information on the status of
women through publications, events and initiatives.
Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) Services:
The Women’s Policy Office
administers a grants program for community anti-violence
organizations; coordinates the delivery of the Violence Awareness
and Action Training Program; facilitates meetings of VPI committees;
coordinates public awareness on violence prevention and provides
clearing house services for information on violence.
Grants Program:
The Women’s Policy Office provides non-repayable
grants to equity seeking groups for activities and initiatives that
seek to advance the status of women in Newfoundland and Labrador
subject to approved criteria.
Working Within Government:
Many government departments and agencies share responsibility for
issues of special concern to women. The Women’s Policy Office works
with all these departments and agencies to identify and analyze the
issues and to help develop policies, programs, and legislation that
benefit women.
The Women’s Policy Office acts as a
catalyst within government, heightening awareness and initiating
changes where needed.
Acting as Federal-Provincial Liaison:
The staff of the Women’s Policy Office maintains a close working
relationship with federal, provincial and territorial counterparts.
This includes ongoing participation in intergovernmental working
groups which address such issues as child care, violence against
women, Aboriginal issues, and Acting as Federal-Provincial Liaison.
Working with the Community:
The Women’s Policy Office carries out ongoing consultation with
women’s groups and organizations as well as individual women. Women
are consulted so that we can identify the issues of particular
concern to them, and to ensure they have a say in government
strategies designed to enhance their economic and social status.
Business, labour, and community
groups are consulted to ensure that the concerns of women are
considered at every level of decision-making.
Keeping the Pubic Informed:
The Women’s Policy Office publishes a variety of materials,
including educational material developed specifically for the women
of Newfoundland and Labrador. Some existing materials include,
Surviving Sexual Assault: A Women’s Guide, Money Smarts for Young
Women, Control your Financial Future, Dating Violence, and
Celebrating Diversity. Through the Violence Prevention Initiative,
the office also promotes violence prevention through media campaigns
and social marketing.
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