FAFIA's Experience With Gender Budgeting
In 1981, Canada ratified the United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action (FAFIA) is an alliance of over 70 women's equality seeking organizations that monitors Canada's compliance to CEDAW. Since the mid-1990's governments have paid lip service to women's equality while supporting fiscal policIies that exacerbate women's economic insecurity in Canada. FAFIA has been analysing and advocating for women friendly budgets and fiscal policies since its inception in 1999. In October 2007, FAFIA launched its Gender Budgeting Initiative with the support of Oxfam Canada and the Elementary Teachers of Ontario. FAFIA maintains a strong commitment to analysis and advocacy around budgeting for women's human rights in order to improve Canada's adherence to international human rights commitments and fully realize women's equality in Canada.