In the 3rd International Conference it was decided that a policy would be drafted regarding the framework for building gender awareness and sensitivity at all levels of the International Alliance. A work team was established in order to follow up this decision after the 3rd Conference, a work team consisting of representatives of the Alliance from Asia , Africa and the Americas . This work team drafted a policy on gender awareness and integration of gender perspectives in consultation with member organizations in their continental areas of responsibility over the course of the next few years.

In Nairobi , Kenya in November 2004 the draft policy was presented for consideration to the membership of the International Alliance during the 4 th International Conference of the Alliance . Over the course of the International Conference extensive discussions and consultations were held, and the full 'Balanced Relationship' Policy was adopted by the International Alliance.

To provide effective follow-up and monitoring of the Balanced Relationship Policy, the mandate of the work team was extended. They were mandated to plan activities and trainings to enhance knowledge about the Balanced Relationship among member organizations of the International Alliance. After consultations again in their respective continental areas of responsibility, the work team met in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia in February 2004 for a preliminary planning and strategy meeting for expanding knowledge and application of the Balanced Relationship Policy.

Over the following two years a project was developed to address gender-related concerns and issues in the regions. The project was designed to be developed n three continental regions: Asia; Africa and the Americas. Further details of the continentally specific work plans can be obtained from the continental coordinators, Lucy Mulenkei for Africa, Stella Tamang for Asia and Esther Camac for Latin America.

Objectives

General Objectives:

•  Revitalise, re-cultivate and promote indigenous peoples values, tradition and customs that promote balanced relationships between men and women,

•  Ensure the full and effective participation of women in decision making at all levels in all member organizations of the International Alliance,

•  Raise awareness within the International Alliance network starting from early childhood and in the family,

•  Strengthen the existing indigenous women networks and organisations in each of the regions,

•  Establish effective committees committed to the further strengthening of the Balanced Relationship Policy in each continental grouping

•  Implement policies and programme of actions at all levels,

•  Ensure that indigenous men and women enjoy their fundamental rights equally

Specific Objectives:

1. To have regionally specific and locally appropriate work plans and activity schedules for the promotion of the Balanced Relationship Policy within the International Alliance

2. To have completed case studies addressing and identifying specific areas of concern within each of the regions

3. Produce training manuals for the Balanced Relationship Policy able to be shared and applied in the different regions

4. Centrally produce publications of the policy and other information media available to all Alliance regions

5. Develop local trainers versed in the Balanced Relationship Policy