It examines gender equity within public funds and all other expenditure. The process analyzes the South African initiative and examines where savings and alternative expenditure can be directed for a more equitable gender targeting. This meeting will also examine the issues of gender, governance and the feminization of poverty. It is increasingly clear that the governance agenda has to be reconstituted for it to succeed in meeting gender specific needs. In this context, strategic points of entry in the governance agenda need to be identified so as to provide new and more relevant treatment of gender concerns and agendas that provide opportunities for promoting women's interests.
Strategic entry points without articulation with the grass roots are often futile.
Therefore we will look at the Indian experience in grass roots political participation. It is no coincidence that we are gathered here in New Delhi. And finally, we will discuss the relationship of possibility with gender and governance. It is hoped that the background papers will stimulate active discussion that will come up with suggestions and recommendations from your collective wisdom. UNDP in collaboration with our partners, has convened this meeting to provide an opportunity for sharing your individual and collective visions for meeting the challenges of effectively strengthening women's political participation in the 21 st Century.