The program, to be carried out by the IDB's Women in Development Unit, will fund organizations that support and promote the active participation of women in the economic, social, and political processes of their communities.

Organizations that demonstrate potential in advancing women's leadership and citizen participation would receive technical assistance to strengthen their institutional capability.

Networks will be established to facilitate the exchange of information among current and potential women leaders and women's organizations in the region and elsewhere.

An 11-member council formed by women leaders, representatives of governmental and nongovernmental organizations, academics, and representatives of the mass media, will provide strategic guidance and support the program's fund-raising efforts.

The council will also include representatives of the Inter-American Commission on Women of the Organization of American States, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Of the program's total cost, $350,000 will be contributed by the Norwegian Fund for Women in Development and $120,000 by the Swedish Technical Cooperation Trust Fund for Consulting Services.