v. vi. vii. viii. The Information, Training and Research Action Centre for Women (CIFRAFG), which is under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Gender and is responsible for the development and implementation of a policy of constant exchanges in analysing and producing relevant and reliable information. Its main mandate is to: - Ensure the training of women and any other target public by incorporating the gender dimension; - Carry out research/activities in order to improve the socio-economic situation of women; - Provide decision-makers with comprehensive studies on all issues relating to women. The National Gender Promotion Council (CONAP Genre), which is a national institution for decision-making and guidance on gender issues, and brings together representatives of the government, national institutions and development partners (civil society, religious and customary communities, private sector, local stakeholders and technical and financial partners). The National Women’s Forum, which is a forum for biennial consultation instituted in 2008 to enable women to exchange directly with the President of Faso on their development concerns and to make recommendations to the Government towards the improvement of the living conditions of women. The establishment of collaboration with other ministries and partnership with institutions and civil society organisations, which has led to: - The registration of associations under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Gender; - ix. Effectively address all issues of gender inequality in their respective regions; Hold annual sessions; Participate in the sessions of CONAP-Genre. The inclusion of representatives of associations in working committees and in institutions; The exchange of information through brainstorming sessions, seminars and round-table discussions; - Joint missions. The existence of bilateral and multilateral cooperation relations (embassies, international organisations). They are generally occasional and include: - Financial support for local government projects; - Participation in common networks and consultation forums; Exchange of information; - Meetings and participation in seminars and workshops. 14