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IFUW
is an organization that by its very nature of including members from all
academic fields, can examine issues from multi-disciplinary perspectives.
At the same time, it is also necessary to understand concepts that can apply
to any or all areas of a given subject. These are what we refer to as "cross-cutting"
issues. The value of this kind of approach is that we can bring together
in one place the specialized knowledge each discipline or issue involves
in order to find solutions to problems in the world that have developed
in no small way because of the 20th Century emphasis on the paradigm of
"specialization." No issue stands alone in a global world that we are now coming to understand most often has no physical or conceptual boundaries. Although specialized and indepth research and study are necessary, the integration of that research, together with cultural and economic differences, are all factors that need to be included to arrive at a successful solution for today's problems. The process is ongoing. For instance, research and study of the issue of gender equality has first required us to hold up equality as a separate issue to be recognized and generally accepted. Much of the world is now at the stage of having had our conscientiousness raised, it is now time to "integrate" or "mainstream" the issue into all policies. Most women's organizations, including IFUW and its national affiliates, have learned that "expertise" also comes from sources other than academic activities. Through experience in confronting problems, skills in bringing about change have emerged. Common process skills can be applied to any issue for which we seek changed policies. Again, combining the efforts of many perspectives is necessary. The most successful methods have often occurred because multiple organizations combine their efforts, thus broadening their own understanding as well as that of the decision-makers of an issue leading to solutions that are best for all of society. This is true at the local, national or international levels of policy-making. Thus, IFUW embraces an approach to our activities that
recognizes and The links on the left look at a few of the key cross-cutting issues. |
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International Federation of University Women 10 rue du Lac CH-1207 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: (41.22) 731 23 80 Fax: (41.22) 738 04 40 E-mail: info@ifuw.org |
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