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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Workshop on Women, Development and Empowerment was made possible through the efforts of many individuals, and the Asian and Pacific Development Centre (APDC), which provided the funds. Noeleen Heyzer, APDC Women's Programme Officer, negotiated the funds and worked with the local organisers in formulating a general outline of the workshop. Her sensitivity evidenced during her discussions with the local organisers and in the workshop sessions, endeared her to all the women at the workshop.

The content and format of the workshop programme is the result of the shared reflections and labour of Claire Slatter, Joan Yee, Donita Simmons, Arlene Griffen, Shaista Shameem, Vanessa Griffen, and Amelia Rokotuivuna who formed the Organising Committee. Donita Simmons used her skills at the computer to create attractive printed programmes. The book and visual displays set up by Joan Yee and Donita Simmons in the workshop room helped greatly in our learning.

The participants who came from different islands and backgrounds provided the resources and experiences. Our reflecting and living together for a few days enabled us to give a collective expression of obstacles to and strategies for empowerment of Pacific women. It was also the beginning of collective vision building for the future.

The pre-workshop logistics were accomplished with the assistance of Mere Ratukalai.