Changes Needed to Promote Sustainable Development: Perspectives of Selected Women in Canada: Part 2

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Changes Needed: There is a need to tap women's voices. There is not enough of women's input into decision making processes and a lack of validation of women's contributions.

The system needs to be changed as it does not reflect the most important priorites of civilization. For example, oil spills (such as the Exxon Valdez spill) result in the increase of our Gross National Product (GNP), because of the increase in jobs, and materials used for cleaning up the spill. On paper, our country is richer, but it does not reflect the costs of the destruction to the environment and surrounding communites.
There should be no rewards for acts which cause the destruction of the environment.
..................................................Dorothy Inglis

We need a clear verbalization of issues and impact (long term) of political and economical decisions and much greater consciousness raising of all genders and people in order to approach sustainability.
..................................................Rozina Janmohamed

List of changes needed in order to approach S.D.: food security - facilitated by cancellation of world debts; training women in food production and providing them with all the needed infrastructure to produce in the realm of sustainable agriculture.
..................................................Nelago-Saima Kasuto

List of changes needed in order to approach sustainable development:
1) dismantling the IMF and WB as well as other such institutions.
2) democratising (genuinely) all UN bodies and agenda.
3) democratising and decentralizing all governments.
4) empowering all people in civil society/NGOs.
5) developing transnational alliances and campaigns on the above.
..................................................Dot Keet

List of changes needed in order to approach sustainability:
1) women have to take part in decision and policy making.
2) women have to take part in the implementation of the decision (of all levels).
3) all policies and decision to be analysed from a social, gender and environment perspective.
4) tolerance of other views.
5) willingness to question our own view.
..................................................Rabia Khan

List of factors which should be changed or improved for sustainability: capital growth, lifestyles, social and environmental justice, peace, equal participation in decision making.
..................................................Erica Bremner Kneipp

We need more sincere communication between various parties at the local, national , regional and global level; creating safe forums so everyone can participate, making it all inclusive; incorporating environmental cost to doing business; incorporating the worth of " women's" unpaid work into economic analysis and economic decisions.
..................................................Ena Kuang

Changes Needed: notre conceptions de l'economice lasee sur la consummation; diminuer la pollution atmospherique, appliquer le principe 'polluer-panyer'. de toute moniere il y a toujours quelquiuen qui doivit payer on qui devra payer un jour.
..................................................Estelle Lacoursiere

We need an attitude change - education at early levels that examine the basis for sexism; training at all levels; media images that promote a different ideology; more representative government - civic education at a young age, a less consumer oriented society - simple lives; a more global consciousness - education of interdependence.
..................................................Héléne Lalonde

List of changes needed in our system to integrate S.D.: participatory technique for research and policy making; respect indigenous skill and knowledge; re-establish the value of locally established natural resources; minimize consumption and be contended with limited local resources; maximize the sum of women's knowledge and skill.
..................................................Kanchan Verma Lama

Public awareness education should be focused on sustainable development, on how it relates to "me". There also needs to be greater public awareness that political will is derived from public will.
..................................................Lorraine Lee

We need a greater advocacy role to pressure governments into observing sustainable development policies previously stated. More education directed to general public to keep them aware of threats to SD.
..................................................Mary Lemyre

The New World Order needs to be redefined!!! Trade needs to be focused locally to better be part of a circle of producers-consumers which is the basis of society.
..................................................Anne Levesque

We need to change and improve: multinational corporations, attitudes towards consumption, better and more attraction between "North" and "South".
..................................................Tamara Levy

List of changes needed to promote sustainability: remove corporations and turn them into small enterprises; agribusiness-organization form, CSA, address the underlying problem of foodbanks, not keep on increasing them, reduce budgets, influence politicians to change policies.
..................................................Connie Lippold

List of changes needed to promote sustainable development:
1) development approach which has a focus on growth,
2) forest 'management' and resource 'extractions',
3) control of local government by business,
4) use of power-over in decision making,
5) lack of individual's sense of region and community.
..................................................Brennain Lloyd

We need to change the power structure so that development is not based getting more money, but rather that small groups, working cooperatively, determine what jobs and projects will work in their community and then empowering them to start. As I see it, we need to focus on women.
..................................................H. (Sue) MacKay-Smith

We need education of the 'market.' Our North American societies are so market driven, that changes seem to occur only through 'market' demand. The 'sustainable' development concern group is so incestuous - all they do is exchange ideas amongst themselves and everyone outside the circle doesn't even know they exist. Information and methods of action must be made 'accessible to the public.
Collaboration of all stakeholders. Until we begin to work together towards a common goal, change will not likely occur.
..................................................Lillian Mei Ngan Mah

We need: teaching of the nature of reality as shown by 20th century Physics - interconnection of energy, matter and consciousness/information; teaching that spiritual growth is available to all, development of new consumer patterns following from 1 and 2 above --material over consumption to consumption of art, services and energy and material-efficient products; encouragement of bioregionalism where feasible, accessibility and free flow of information and states of environment and the flow of money and resources.
..................................................Diane Malley

We need decentralized decision-making on the use of resources. As well, we need gender parity in decision making at high levels.
..................................................Jeane Manning

List of changes needed in order to approach S.D.: unjust distribution system, depletion of natural resources; social injustice and oppression of women; North South relations, participation of women at all levels.
..................................................Jayshree Mehta

Factors within the system which need to be changed in order to promote sustainability : women and education; connection with grassroots work sharing resources/support with theory makers; women taking control in appropriate technology; women recognizing diversity and limitation of the word 'women'. Women need to network-too many battles are fought. The technology and materials are available to connect. We need to bridge the spaces and use the immense/diverse collective knowledge that we possess.
..................................................Erica Meiners

We need a major international shift from sovereignty to responsible binding ..................................................cooperation.
Evelyne Meltzer

Many decision-making systems and processes currently in place at all levels of government can work in opposition to SD goals and objectives and can provide a significant barrier to change. Governmental and institutional organizations must undertake a comprehensive review of their policies and practices to ensure this situation does not continue and to maximize the opportunities for cost-effective implementation of SD initiatives.
..................................................Colleen Mercer Clarke

List of changes needed to integrate S.D. into society:
1) change in attitude, where there is respect for each other, differing perspectives and the earth,
2) de-militarization,
3) reduced consumption,
4) precautinary approach,
5) cross-cultural exchange.
..................................................Lisa Mitchell

Personal, governmental and bureaucratical attitudes regarding sustainable development should be changed. There should be a greater awareness of the power and responsibility that first world countries have for developing countries.
..................................................Sibongile Mokoena

Native people need to be able to do things for themselves and not be constrained by the imposition of provincial and federal laws; the lack of recognition of aboriginal rights hampers what native people need to do and generated conflict, long expensive court procedures and animosity. This is not only a problem in Canada, which gives us the responsibility to speak out at the UN level about conceptual rights and issues for indigenous people. Changes needed at the community level are a microcosm of what's needed internationally. People who are fighting for their rights are seen as troublemakers; there is a need for more real cooperation. There is a need for a university program geared to native resource management -- first for native students, then for both native and non-native students. There are useful models in the American and Innu Science and Engineering Society and the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. There is a need for legislative and policy changes -- aboriginal rights have to be recognized; the status quo is no longer acceptable. Changes are coming; they need to be faster and to take place more cooperatively.
..................................................Laurie Montour

I don't expect a massive change, because ultimately a change in attitudes has to occur on a grand scale. We have seen a tremendous awakening of awareness about the need to protect our environment, yet the destruction continues in the name of jobs, here in Canada and abroad. Canada should be ashamed at the loss of cod in the East Coast and the destruction of Clayoquot Sound on the West Coast-just 2 major environmental disasters amongst many in our country. Destruction of the environment continues because those who wield power will not permit an economy that includes the development of the social, political, and the cultual components of a society.

My hope is in grass roots community groups that are developing community based economic programmes. If there are pockets of hope dispersed, then there is hope that these efforts will have a chance to succeed.
..................................................Mary Morgan

List of changes needed to approach sustainability:
1) women should be given opportunities to express themselves and to work, like men have. 2) indigenous women should be acknowleged and given the chance to speak as they have a lot to contribute to the community.
3) women should work and help each other in all ways.
5) the women from the North should take their knowledge to women in the South..
..................................................Lucy Mulenkei

We need to increase the public's awareness and changing social attitude towards sustainable development.
..................................................Lillian Nakamura Maguire

A fundamental change in attitude in the North, creation of 'community'; gender equality, equitable distribution of resources and respect for life and education awareness are all important factors to be addressed in the integration of sustainable development into our society.
..................................................Geeta Narayan

Women need hope, solidarity and mutual respect in the continual transformation of their own lives as well as in the changing role of women in society. The critical mass of women must work together to affect change.
..................................................Caroline Newton

Changes Needed
1) need for equitable distribution of resources (natural, social political, etc) amongst all people-men/women, north/south, across classes and races,
2) reductions in militarism/arms race to reduce war amongst people of different countries(intra) or people of two or more countries (inter),
3) need to review the current operations of the IMF, World Bank with respect to structural adjustment programmes and their impact on women,
4) development of technology that contributes less to the degradations of the environment (re-emphasis on technologies that are suited to the environment),
5) development of technology that can be easily understood and operated by women (especially rural women in Agriculture); women's participation in decision making.
..................................................Agatha Nnazor

List of changes needed in order to integrate sustainability into society:
1) communication as to central concerns about sustainability - encouraging a continuing dialogue among women.
2) making possible the participation of 'minority women' in development 'tasks', redistribution of resources to get rid of poverty, etc.
3) a more 'global' vision of sustainability-keeping the '1st' world in check.
..................................................Paula Norrena

List of changes needed to integrate sustainable development into society: deconstruction of multi-national corporations; community control of land; re-learning knowledge about the land that our grandparents have always known.
..................................................Mary Jean O'Donnell

Changes needed: We have to focus public education towards changing ideas regarding "consumerism", promoting cultural awareness and reducing racism. Communication should be facilitated among all parties in order to achieve sustainable development.

So many changes are required...over all structural adjustment is necessary to achieve SD, and all parties require sacrifice.
..................................................Kayo Ohmagari

'To sustain ourselves and our communities we must develop individuals socially rather than masses industrially.'
..................................................Rosie Patch

List of changes needed in order to integrate sustainability into society: decrease over consumption in the North/efficient use of resources; increase community and individual responsibility for the environment; increase participation of women in all levels of decision making; increase accountability personal/corporate/governmental; increase research, funding ; use of eco-friendly products.
..................................................Linda Pennells

List of changes needed in order to integrate sustainable development into society : debt-cancellation; remove control of trade by Northern corporations and dominating institutions; aid-restructuring and reorientation of aid mechanisms to benefit and empower people; reduce overconsumption via mass education toward change in lifestyles; we need to reduce militarism and increase disarmament.
..................................................Rosalinda Pineda-Ofreneo

Changes needed: Public consciousness raising of options available, coupled with greater opportunities for the public to work through the consequences of their choices so as to come to informed decisions on the course of action that should be adopted. How done: A national communications campaign speaking to the issues and options coupled with the execution of public issue forums.
..................................................Leone Pippard

I believe that the kinds of changes required cannot be addressed at the global level alone and that it is perhaps arrogant to think we can "change the world." Instead, we need to work at the level of our competence, in our own lives, in our communities, and regions.
This is especially true in the so-called first-world where people consume natural resources at a rate many more times that of people in less privileged countries. At home, we can begin to change that way we relate to each other and the world around us, in the light of global crisis facing humankind. Community organization by watershed needs to take political precedence, where local people can take direct responsibility for the well-being of their home places. Governments and businesses which cannot act in the best interests of all of life as a priority over profits should cease to exist.
..................................................Judith Plant

We need to change the stereotyped image of women being weak and dependent. The equality between men and women will be realized when the young (boys and girls) are socialized after women role models. Education, information for women and better services should be provided so that women will have the opportunity to upgrade themselves.
..................................................Wu Qing

Changes Needed: More awareness and better communication among all stakeholders is important in order to integrate sustainable development into our society.
..................................................Sheida Ramji

List of changes needed in order to integrate sustainable development into the system: the economy (changing values education so that over consumption does not rule) working towards local economies with fair trade; power structure-bring women and youth to the decision making places and bring the power of decision making to the places where these people are already involved, ie.community, N.G.O.'s, etc, ; promote small scale sustainable agriculture.
..................................................Catherine Raynauld

We need to reform the traditional decision making mechanisms used to make public policy decisions to accommodate and encourage a greater degree of public involvement.
..................................................Carol Reardon

Changes Neeeded: We need to mitigate external debt/IMF and WB policies. We should shift to food security in all regions, to all people. We need to eliminate inequal access to resources and decision making as well as to reduce the dominance of transnational corporations.
..................................................Silvia Ribeira

Economic analysis, identified with the neo-liberal policies of current governments, continues to serve as the framework for evaluating policy options. This needs to be changed because many of the policy options that need to be considered for a sustainable future do not lend themselves to economic quantification and evaluation- they requrie consideration on moral and ethical grounds since they involve the future of our children and of the earth. Beliefs and ethical values should not be ignored because they can't be easily quantified to fit into traditional economic analysis. So in general, I believe the movement for sustainable development needs to push for a change in the framework which policy debates take place. The impact that actions by governments and corporations have on the environment and people in their communities must be considered and given real importance now and in the future.
..................................................Ann Rowan

Changes Needed: community consensus -- building with more and more activists, having training to help people cooperate and act together FOR something rather than against someone.
..................................................Helen Ryane

In order to become sustainable, we need public education that offers alternatives to present unhealthy lifestyles.
..................................................Gulzar Samji

Community/ Development
..................................................Pamela Sayne

List of changes needed in order to integrate the qualities of S.D. into our society :1)exploration/development of a non anthropocentric worldview, 2) rethinking of our place within, not outside, nature, 3) new economic system that recognizes different kinds of valuing, 4) death of the myth of 'traditional family values', 5) more women in decision-making positions.
..................................................Sandra Severs

Changes Needed: There should be a societal change and outlook in the way women are perceived. The public needs to be educated on this matter so we can operate within our own society. I also have observed a lack of self sufficiency in our use of resources. There needs to be more boundary guidelines utilized in the exploitation of resources in order to address the goals of S.D.
..................................................Sajida Shroff

Women can only become beneficiaries of development in a society when the society allows them to particpate fully in defining and improving the concept of development. I believe development has both gender and culture.
..................................................Khatun Sidoigi

List of changes needed in order to integrate S.D.:
Links between SD efforts in Canada and internationally. Are agencies continuing to work in isolation locally and nationally? Do we have one SD international policy? How are efforts integrated? There needs to be a link between research and training eg. North/North, South/South and North/South.
..................................................Glenda P. Simms

Changes needed for a more sustainable society: New ideology that links social, economic, environmental policies and values; more media coverage that is more balanced rather than pro business; political will/public pressure to push reluctant politicians; new ethic of sharing what is in limited supply; decision-making power allocated to appropriate level (global, regional, national, local) with as much decentralization as the issues will permit.
..................................................Muriel Smith

Changes Needed: everybody needs to take a stand for what they believe in. If one person speaks, stand behind him/her and support their statement; joint management of fishery resources--communities should have a say about what's going on.
(Nationally) The government needs to step down a little harder on enforcing the policy of prohibiting foreigners against fishing inside the 200 mile limit.
(Internationally) The rest of the world needs to realize that there is a crisis going on in Newfoundland. If Newfoundland cannot fish in their own waters, why should others be allowed?
..................................................Nicole Snook

Changes Needed: We need a great deal of support for the NGO community; public education ; advocacy role; we need to reprogram the Commission for Sustainable Development; Montreal Protocol and the International Framework on Climate Change. This change can not be carried out by the government as credibility will be lost. There must be a Greened budget by a
greened government. As well, the government should subsidize programs for greened products and greened jobs.
..................................................Susan Tanner

List of changes needed in order to integrate the qualities of S.D. into society.
-empowerment of grass roots
-increased involvement of women
-ethics review boards of international associations (especially multinationals)
-discontinue third world debt.
..................................................Konia Trouton

List of factors we need to address in order to reach sustainability: patriarchy; reverence of old unchanging institutions; hierarchical decision making; we need to know what happens to power in consensus decision making.
..................................................Arja Vainio-Mattila

List of changes needed in order to approach S.D. : reduced energy use; listening to women; participatory decision making; economical power and control by women; awareness of gender differences.
..................................................Maria Eugenia Villalobos

If there is ever a time when the world needs women it is now. Look what power structures without women have given us. Women have the ability to put all three pieces of sustainable development together-environment, economy, and community.

Changes needed for S.D. include; full access to information and involvement of all citizens. Women are the most underestimated part of most societies; alternatives to industrial thought and paradigms that are understandable to citizens; skills in decision making on new bases.
..................................................Gaile Whelan-Enns

List of factors which need to be changed in order to integrate S.D. into society: unequal resource distribution; inequality in opportunities, in power, in decisions; lack of recognition given to women; Ideology (womens' domesticity).
..................................................Anoja Wickramasinghe

"Our home life is a microcosm of society life. Those whose under-valued work is the care and nurturing of the family life, in all its diversity, need a voice in sustainability issues."
..................................................Carol Wilkins

Changes needed for a more sustainable society: Attitudinal, value and structural chnges are needed. Fear is the basis of a lot of greed; we need to be less afraid and treat one another and nature with more respect. We need to more in awe of the wonder of life.
..................................................Rosina Wiltshire

Explicit commitment in principle and practice to: integration of environment and economy; equity/distributive justice; community-building -- locally, regionally and globally.
..................................................Susan Wismer

First we need a better understanding of how change happens (within organization, communities, bureaucracies, etc). We can then derive strategies based on that understanding to promote a vision of sustainable development.
..................................................Beth Woroniuk

More women in decision-making at all levels -- I know numbers aren't everything, but they matter. The women I have spoken with about sustainability understand the issues, tensions and contradictions. It is necessary to ensure that these perspectives are part of discussions and decision-making about sustainability at all levels Greater links between policy and action at all levels. People working on the ground need to feel that they are part of a collective upwelling to activity moving us toward sustainability; and policy must be better informed and shaped by people on the ground. A major public awareness task is needed so that "ordinary" people know that they can influence decisions being made (ostensibly) on their behalf and have help with the mechanics of getting involved in all kinds of public processes. They also need to know that they can and should hold decision-makers accountable, not only on election day. There also have to be much clearer links made between the daily activities of people in developed countries and our impact on developing countries -- sustainability for Canada can only be achieved in the context of global sustainability.
..................................................Miriam Wyman

List of factors to be addressed in order to integrate S.D. into society: less male domination in the political organizations; image of women in mass media, self awareness of women through education, participation in policy making, relationship with male partners and colleagues.
..................................................Chen Yi-Yun

Changes Needed: more clear vision on and related actions towards alternative economics in contrast to the prevailing movement towards "global economy'; more wider discussions on linkages between consumer society in the North and environmental degration and losses of livelihood among people in the South; rethinking and actual follow-up policy change on international development aid.
..................................................Asako Yoshida

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