THE NATIONAL ACTION COMMITTEE on the Status of Women held its national conference and Annual General Meeting on June 4-6 in Ottawa. A wide variety of proposals and resolutions on the theme "Global Struggles — Local Realities" were discussed. Focusing its attention on global capitalism's impact on women, NAC continued to demonstrate that it is in the forefront of the global struggle for social justice.

The funding crisis that permeated last year's conference has been temporarily averted by the receipt of project funding for a study of the impact of global capitalism on women and women's organizations. According to President Joan Grant-Cummings, "It is absolutely essential that we build solidarity with our sisters from the south to counteract the fluidity of capital across borders." Globalization, according to a report presented at the conference, "provides a view of the world in which the interests of the powerful are defined as necessity, while the demands of the poor appear as greed which undermines economic success."

The research project was kicked off by a series of workshops in which delegates discussed the impact of globalization on their local communities, and the struggles that women face across the country. These struggles have intensified in direct proportion to the proliferation of trade and investment deals which further entrench the rights of corporations.

An excitement around "acting locally" could be felt when the World March of Women in the Year 2000 was discussed. The March is scheduled as a series of events beginning on International Women's Day next year and culminating in a world rally on October 17, the International Day for the Elimination of Poverty. Women from 65 countries participated in the first preparatory meeting held in Montreal last October. Women around the world will be involved in local rallies, marches and actions to highlight the two demands — the elimination of poverty and the elimination of all forms of violence against women.

The march also raised some concerns about the "opting in" clauses (10 and 11) of the demands for the elimination of violence against women. These clauses relate specifically to the equality rights of lesbians. A compromise was agreed to at the preparatory meeting that would allow countries to "opt-in" to these clauses on a country to country basis. These were contentious, according to Francois David, the President of the Federation des femmes du Quebec, because a minority were not in a position to publicly defend these demands in their country. NAC was reaffirmed as a leader in struggle for the recognition of the equality rights of lesbians.

This understanding, however, wasn't shared by some delegates who suggested that lesbians refuse to participate in any organizing related to the World March. But more rational heads prevailed, and a resolution was unanimously accepted, demanding that lesbian women be included on every organizing body of the World March in Canada.

The struggles of women on the international level were highlighted on Saturday. Bella Galhos, the representative from the National Council of Timorese Resistance (CNRT) gave a moving account of the struggles of East Timorese women against the brutal occupation of the Indonesian military. "The struggle," said Bella, "is not just for our homeland, but to take our place in the leadership and to be a part of our new government."

The most moving moment of the conference was Bella's beautiful performance of a Timorese song of resistance at the international solidarity banquet on Saturday evening. Bella's passion and love for her land and her people moved us to tears. Fittingly, she was awarded the NAC "Women of Courage Award" the next day, at which time she asked us all to redouble our efforts to build solidarity with the people of East Timor.

Resolutions from member organizations were discussed on Sunday, which set NAC's priorities for the coming year. One priority campaign will be the ongoing struggle against C-31, a bill which continues to entrench sexist discrimination in the Indian Act. Another NAC priority is to continue to pursue the Fair Share campaign, and maintain pressure on Ottawa to increase the Women's Program Fund.

Delegates also unanimously passed a resolution submitted by the CPC Women's Commission committing NAC to developing a campaign that will educate and organize opposition to the Social Union Agreement amongst women. The resolution also committed NAC to convening a community-labour conference to begin a campaign for a democratic solution to the national question. At the request of the NAC executive, the Commission agreed to take the lead role in the implementation of this resolution.

While the financial crisis has been averted, long term viability is still one of the most central and crucial organizational questions facing NAC. A budget was presented that includes very ambitious efforts around fundraising. Projected revenue for the year 2000 is more than double the anticipated revenue for 1999. Clearly the key organizational focus must be to achieve a stable funding base for NAC as soon as possible. The first step in this plan was the launch of Campaign 5000, a drive to reach 5000 women (and men) annually to donate $100 each year to NAC. We urge readers to consider making a donation within their means to this vital organization. Donations can be sent to NAC, 203-234 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON, M4P 1K5 or to the NAC regional office closest to you.