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The introduction of a new Government policy may not be as dramatic an event as constitutional change or a high court victory, but a good policy to which the Government is genuinely committed has great value. It can lead quickly to widespread, concrete changes if, for example, it specifies budget allocations for women's issues or quotas for women's representation at decision-making levels.

Policies are often framed in terms of open-ended or long-term Government commitments. It is important that women's NGOs monitor the Government's progress, measuring it against both the policy's stated goals and the Government's obligations under the Convention.