The focus of the Council forum is to bring about convergence in philosophy for all those concerned with the planning and development of water supply and sanitation services. The GNC wishes to hear directly from all our members about their recent, current or planned research activities - please use the reply slip at the end of this issue to keep us informed. The Gender Issues Sourcebook produced by the working group is a compilation of tools and other resources for gender-sensitive programming. It can be used in different types of development agencies in diverse geographical locations. As a sourcebook, it provides ideas and methods which can be adapted to local contexts.
Users can add the other tools they have found or adapt the tools in the book.
Tools are arranged in order according to different stages of the project cycle. Two Tool Selection Matrices help the user to find all the tools relevant to a particular stage of the project cycle, or those relating to categories such as training, personnel or budgets. The Resources section contains a list of bibliographies covering the topic of women, water and sanitation and a list of agencies with particular expertise in gender issues in the sector. The References section identifies further reading and support for the choice and use of tools. In conclusion, the paper argues that the sector as a whole lacks its own set of principles which are based on experience and agreed on by professional consensus.