TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG ISSUES RAISED IN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON 'WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT' AT STATUS OF WOMEN COMMISSION
Press Release
WOM/960
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG ISSUES RAISED IN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON 'WOMEN AND ENVIRONMENT' AT STATUS OF WOMEN COMMISSION
19970311 The need for countries to exchange technology on renewable and non- renewable sources of energy was stressed by several speakers as the Commission on the Status of Women continued its deliberations this afternoon on the theme of "women and the environment".During an exchange of views, speakers drew attention to solar energy as a renewable energy source which could benefit particularly low-income women. It was stressed that it was a simple technology which protected the environment and was available at very low cost, although the initial outlay could seem prohibitive.
The theme for this afternoon's discussion was one of the four critical areas of concern of the Beijing Platform for Action that the Commission has chosen to focus on during its current session. The other three areas of concern are: education and training of women; women and the economy; and women in power and decision-making.
During the exchange of views, where many speakers reacted to this morning's panel discussion on the same theme, attention was drawn to the impact of transfer of harmful pesticides and other substances between States. Speakers stressed that the destruction caused by those substances had global consequences. The impact of patterns of consumption on the environment was also noted and several speakers called for a consensus on environment issues.
Also, it was emphasized that a monitoring mechanism to assess achievements made on gender perspective needed to be established. The need for developing gender-sensitive data in order to provide for action-oriented proposals was stressed. A gender perspective should be applied also in the allocation of funds for the environment and there should be equal access to resources, it was said.
Women's Commission - 2 - Press Release WOM/960 4th Meeting (PM) 11 March 1997
It was noted that the mainstreaming of gender issues was closely related to mainstreaming of environment issues. Gender mainstreaming could not and should not be viewed in a sectoral manner. Moreover, national capacities should be developed to carry out gender analysis. In that regard, the Commission should address the question of how countries could develop gender analysis.
Stressing that issues of sustainable development should be dealt with in a holistic manner, speakers said the effective implementation of gender- sensitive policies in that area required an effective set of tools, development of quantitative and qualitative indicators, review of legislation and reallocation of resources and commitment at all levels of decision-making.
It was also emphasized that the implementation of Beijing recommendations should be undertaken along with the implementation of Agenda 21 -- the programme of action adopted by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development -- and the Cairo Programme of Action on population and development, in an integrated and coherent way including the agreements of all other United Nations conferences and summits.
The Commission will meet again at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 12 March, for a panel discussion on "women in power and decision-making".
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