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Next Phase

The most important thing to remember is that the ordinance is only the first step in the process to make women’s human rights real in your community. Once action has been taken to implement human rights, in whatever form, you have to monitor its effectiveness and continue to refine the process. This will involve monitoring, education, and implementation. You need a public/private body to monitor the implementation.

You have to get the word out to the relevant groups and individuals about any and all implementation efforts, or ensure that someone else does. Further, just because the government said they would do what you wanted them to do does not mean they have the same idea of what you wanted. You need to be diligent and keep those responsible for implementation apprised about the needs, interests, and thoughts of the community. You may want to do this through a variety of methods, including

• Participating in Task Forces;
• Supplying information to community groups;
• Arranging continuing roundtables and other forms of public comment;
• Keep government agencies talking to the community groups to maintain support for your efforts and to ensure they are effective.

Remember: passing a law or changing a policy is just the beginning. The real work is ensuring that it actually improves the lives of women and girls in your community.

Last Page: Acknowledgements

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