The Once and Future Action Network (OFAN)

Newsletter No. 3

Future Roles for OFAN

With the end of the UN Conference and NGO Forum on Women, has come the beginning of the new phase of the Once and Future Action Network. Members of the network have put forward a number of recommendations for sustaining and consolidating the collective initiative. Essentially, they want to see OFAN develop into a clearing house for information on gender, science and technology and as an international advocacy organization for people-centred, gender-sensitive and sustainable practice of science and technology. Here are some of the recommendations:

Networking Organization and Clearing House for Information on Gender, Science and Technology:

1. Update the database and produce an updated directory on ³Who¹s Doing What In Women, Science and Technology².
2. Expand OFAN¹s electronic networking conference as a communication and networking tool for members and potential members.
3. Maintain the newsletter and explore alternate ways of keeping other groups without electronic mail involved and informed in a timely manner, e.g., the global faxnet system.
4. Set up a World Wide Web Site to be used as a resource base for information on gender, science and technology, and as an interactive tool for training and advocacy. A promotion campaign in relevant print newsletters and electronic conferences and bulletin boards will encourage scientists, technologists, science educators and trainers, students and the general public to visit the World Wide Web Site and to be exposed to ideas and questions raised.
5. Use the Annual AAAS and NWSA meetings, to be held in February and June 1996, respectively, to discuss proposals for monitoring and implementing science and technology recommendations in the Platform for Action, to advocate for gender sensitive and sustainable science and technology and to discuss future action.
6. Develop a documentary resource book on the Once and Future Pavilion, including lists of activities, participants and available communications. The resource book will be directed to organizations working in the area of gender, science and technology.
7. Strengthen links with UN agencies involved in gender, science and technology issues and explore possibilities for closer collaboration.
8. Explore providing consultancy services using the skills and expertise of OFAN¹s diverse membership, to provide expert advice to organizations and institutions in various technical areas and sectors.

International Advocacy Organization for People-Centred, Gendered and Sustainable Practice of Science and Technology.

1. Develop multi-media advocacy kits for community groups and development practitioners. These kits will be designed to recognize women¹s scientific knowledge and contribution, and to establish linkages between formal and non-formal science and technology.
2. Launch international advocacy campaigns to encourage public awareness and debate, and to influence policy making on issues which require action on the part of communities, corporations, researchers, scientists and governments.

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