'The fight against poverty must be based on the realisation of human rights for women and men. The contribution of both women and men to development must be acknowledged. Women must be able to take part in societal decision-making and welfare development on the same footing as men. This will require an active effort to strengthen women's rights, participation and influence.

This action plan sets targets and stakes out the course for the realisation of women's rights and gender equality both as a separate priority area and as an integral dimension in the Government's other development cooperation priority areas.'