MOVEMENT TO RECOGNIZE WOMEN'S RIGHTS 'REVOLUTIONARY AND UPLIFTING' UNITED STATES TELLS 'WOMEN 2000' GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPECIAL SESSION

Press Release
GA/9722

MOVEMENT TO RECOGNIZE WOMEN'S RIGHTS 'REVOLUTIONARY AND UPLIFTING' UNITED STATES TELLS 'WOMEN 2000' GENERAL ASSEMBLY SPECIAL SESSION

Eighteen Additional Speakers Address Efforts to Implement Platform for Action Adopted at 1995 Beijing Women's Conference

The movement to recognize and support women’s rights was one of the most revolutionary and uplifting forces now shaping the world, the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly was told this morning. The Secretary of State of the United States, Madeleine Albright, said that after Beijing, it was no longer possible to deny that women’s rights were human rights, and were indivisible from the universal rights of every human being.

The special session -- "Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-first Century -- heard from 18 high-level speakers who assessed and reviewed progress made in implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, adopted during the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995).

The call from Beijing was a call to action, Ms. Albright said, and the United States had responded. Efforts had been intensified to gain approval from the Senate of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Also, a major global initiative had been launched to halt trafficking in human beings. The benefits of globalization must be shared not just by some people in some countries, but by all people in every country. Accordingly, efforts must be redoubled to make education and training more available, so that poverty retreats and opportunity spreads.

Several speakers addressed the negative consequences of globalization. The Vice-President of Honduras, Gladys Caballero de Arevalo, said it presented obstacles to the consolidation of achieved objectives. In today's globalized world, the topics of development, gender equality and peace were closely interconnected, she said.

Jarmila Moracek De Cerruto, Vice-Minister for Gender, Generational and Family Affairs of Bolivia, said that the fight of women to gain respect for their human rights was developed within the framework of a globalized world, where poverty deepened due to an unfair distribution and concentration of income. She noted that 85 per cent of the world’s population received only 15 per cent of world income.

General Assembly Plenary - 1a - Press Release GA/9722 Twenty-third special session 8 June 2000 7th Meeting (AM)

The Minister for Labour and Social Affairs of Iraq, Saidi T. Abbas, and Romaine Ndorimana, Minister for Social and Women's Affairs of Burundi, drew attention to the adverse impact sanctions against States had on the situation of women and children in those States. Mr. Abbas told the Assembly that sanctions constituted a crime against humanity and the progress achieved by Iraqi women on the cultural, social and economic levels had been undermined by the imposition and continuation of the embargo and the accompanying collapse of Iraq's infrastructure. Ms. Ndorimana said the terrible effects of the embargo on her country could be felt even after its suspension.

Ministers of Hungary, Kazakhstan, Finland, Mongolia, Solomon Islands and Oman, and representatives of Turkmenistan, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Kyrgyzstan, Ecuador, Brunei Darussalam and New Zealand as well as a Minister from the Palestinian Authority addressed the Assembly.

The Assembly will meet again at 3 p.m. today to continue its general debate.

General Assembly Plenary - 3 - Press Release GA/9722 Twenty-third special session 8 June 2000 7th Meeting (AM)

Assembly Work Programme

As the special session of the General Assembly, entitled -- "Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the twenty-first century” -- began its fourth day this morning, 18 speakers were expected to take part in the review progress in implementing the Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women and further actions and initiatives for achieving gender equality. For further details, see Press Release of 2 June.

Statements

GLADYS CABALLERO DE AREVALO, Vice-President of Honduras: During the last five years, my Government has achieved important progress in the establishment of a new judicial framework favouring women’s rights. Among them, one can highlight the Political Constitution of the Republic, establishing rights to liberty and health, as well as equality without distinction to gender, race, religion and social status. Laws have been adopted on domestic violence, children and adolescents, HIV/AIDS and equality of opportunity. The Government also pursues the policy of equality in agriculture and natural resources. The policy on sexual and reproductive health has allowed the country to increase the use of contraceptive methods. Women are increasingly participating in the Government and in decision- making processes.

Despite those accomplishments, however, Honduras has suffered from the negative consequences of globalization, which presents obstacles to the consolidation of the achieved objectives. The majority of the population suffers from the adverse effects of poverty. Application of structural adjustment policies has produced a negative effect on the most vulnerable social groups, particularly poor women. Challenges to development in Honduras were aggravated by the devastating impact of Hurricane Mitch.

We recognize that it is our responsibility to overcome obstacles in the realization of the goals of the global action Platform. For instance, we must improve policies oriented toward homes with women as head of household and solidify measures regarding sexual education. We are also deeply concerned over the increased maternal death rate, associated with immunological diseases. We reaffirm our commitment to the Platform for Action, taking into account the consensus reached by Latin American and Caribbean countries in the meetings in Santiago de Chile and Lima. In today’s globalized world, it is impossible to isolate one topic from others. Without any doubt, the topics of development, gender equality and peace are closely interconnected, and it is impossible to reach any of them without the others.

SADIE T. ABBAS, Minister for Labour and Social Affairs of Iraq: Throughout the ages, women in Iraq have enjoyed rights and privileges recognized by custom and guaranteed by law. That state of affairs was embodied in the very first legislation known to history, the Code of Hammarabi. Within this framework, and in the context of the social and economic developments in Iraq, a number of legislative acts have been enacted whose provisions are inspired by the tolerant essence of Islamic Law and the cultural and humanitarian heritage of Iraq. These measures have provided greater participation and protection for women and have thus led to the removal of all traditional barriers obstructing the progress of women, as well as the creation of a state of equality between men and women in various sectors of life.

The implementation of human rights, including the right to development, and especially women’s rights, depends on three elements: the political will of the State; the resources available; and international cooperation. There is no doubt that the continued imposition of a comprehensive sanctions regime on Iraq has neutralized two of these elements, namely available resources and international cooperation. The progress achieved by Iraqi women on the cultural, social and economic levels has been undermined by the imposition and continuation of the embargo and the accompanying collapse of the country’s infrastructures.

The acute shortages of food and medicines and the basic necessities of life have deprived the Iraqi people, and above all women and children, of their livelihoods. This is clearly and alarmingly reflected in the actual state of health of women, particularly the groups of mothers within reproductive ages. There has been a proliferation of diseases of the thyroid gland and premature babies as well as an eight-fold increase in the incidence of viral hepatitis and infection of the respiratory system among mothers and children. The environmental pollution caused by the United States’ and United Kingdom’s forces’ use of depleted uranium bombs has led to the emergence of incurable diseases among women, such as leukemia, breast cancer and cancer of the ovaries, and neurological and muscular disorders.

In light of these and other tragic facts, which have attained dimensions that cannot be ignored, the international community is now duty-bound to examine most scrupulously the grave consequences entailed by the imposition of such sanctions on States and demand their end, as it constitutes a crime against humanity. In the name of the women and children of Iraq, we appeal to you to shoulder your legal and humanitarian responsibilities and do your utmost to put an end to this suffering by lifting the sanctions, thus saving the women in Iraq and enabling them to resume their true role in building the family and civilized society.

JUDIT SZEMKEO SZILAGYI, State Secretary, Ministry for Social and Family Affairs of Hungary: Hungary is firmly committed to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, in accordance with its traditions, and recognizes the rights of women for equal opportunities. For example, schooling for boys and girls became compulsory in Hungary in 1868 and the first kindergarten school was founded in the first half of the nineteenth century by a woman. Providing full-time work for every woman was declared a goal during the 1950s. However, with democratic changes, a number of problems surfaced with regard to equal opportunity.

The unemployment rate for women, particularly for those over 40 years of age, is high. Also, women’s participation in politics and public life has remained low because the earlier policy had not been properly implemented. The Government, therefore, currently seeks to promote the employment of women and create more job opportunities, as well as help women and men to reconcile work and family duties. Institutions are also being established for the protection of victims of family abuse. Education is also being strengthened by providing training in careers, professional orientation, family planning and employment. The Government is also aiming to improve institutional recourse to legal remedies.

The role of civil society has been recognized as one of the cornerstones of democracy and gender equality in Hungary. The Council of Women’s Representation, established in 1999, is comprised of representatives from civil organizations, as well as from several government ministries and academia. There is also ongoing cooperation with civil society on initiating laws and programmes for promoting gender equality.

AITKUL SAMAKOVA, Minister, Chairperson of the National Commission on Family and Women’s Affairs of Kazakhstan: We welcome the establishment of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women following the Beijing forum. Also, the decision to establish special gender programmes within the framework of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in our country is very timely. The “Gender in Development Bureau” in Kazakhstan has been working to build women’s capacity, enlarge the network of women’s non-governmental organizations and introduce the gender perspective in all spheres of society. We have also participated in a number of preparatory conferences for the special session, one of which was organized in Kazakhstan.

For the first time, a post of Minister-Chairperson of the National Commission on Family and Women’s Affairs was introduced. The main goal of the National Commission on Family and Women’s Affairs is to act as an institutional catalyst for addressing the women’s issues. The Constitution of the country gives equal rights to men and women in all spheres of life. More than 100 women’s non-governmental organizations are very active in the area of the political advancement of women. Last year, they registered their first political party, Political Alliance of Women’s Organizations. Declared equality, however, is not always supported by real guarantees and opportunities.

To achieve better gender balance, we have started examining our legislation from the gender point of view. New laws are being developed on equal rights and opportunities. Gender issues are regularly covered on the pages of the journal of the National Commission of Women and in mass media. We have succeeded in attracting the attention of politicians and society to such important issues as violence against women. The first crisis center for women victims of violence has been established. We support the international campaign of zero tolerance for violence against women. In order to provide employment for women, the Government is offering a number of significant incentives to enterprises.

Women’s issues were discussed at the Eurasian Economic Summit in Almaty in April. We have realized that one of the most successful strategies in widening economic opportunities for women is micro-credit. Since 1999, the micro-crediting programme for most vulnerable citizens is being implemented in Kazakhstan. A special credit line has been established for women entrepreneurs. In the sphere of women’s health, the Government is taking all possible measures to improve the situation in the country. The health problems however, are exacerbated by nuclear tests, formerly conducted in Semipalatinsk, and the Aral Sea ecological catastrophe.

OSMO SOININVAARA, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Finland: Over 100 years ago, Finland was the first country in the world to give women full political rights. Women are well represented in political life at all levels. The quota provisions, requiring a minimum of 40 per cent of both men and women in governmental and municipal bodies, have had a dramatic effect on women’s participation at local levels. In a few months time, Finland will conclude the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Equality between women and men in Finland is based upon full and equal realization of all human rights. I would especially stress the right to work, the right to universal and individual social security and the right to health, including sexual and reproductive rights, as well as mental health. The right to education is a crucial factor in the promotion of equality between men and women. In Finland, women have been active developers of the welfare state. Social security, as well as social and health care services, especially day care for children and parental leaves, make it possible for mothers and fathers to work outside the home. Inequalities between women and men, however, remain a fact of working life. Women’s salaries are, on average, about 82 per cent of men’s salaries.

The girl child requires particular attention. The feminization of poverty starts in the treatment of girl children. Today’s new challenge worldwide is how to help women and girls make better use of information and communication technology. The revolution in this field can and should empower women. HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest health risks and threats to development. Gender-based discrimination is an important factor in determining vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The realization of women’s sexual and reproductive rights, including the right to information and services, is of great importance. I take this opportunity to encourage the development of national educational programmes on health issues for young girls and boys.

Equality between women and men must be realized in practice. National legislation or outcomes of international processes are not enough. The involvement of civil society is crucial in achieving full gender equality. We, as representatives of governments, must support the non-governmental organizations in their role and continue the dialogue with them. Governments however, have the primary responsibility for the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted in Beijing, as well as the actions to be adopted here. I hope that our recommitment will lead to more accelerated actions. Gender equality and advancement of women will continue to be major issues in the twenty-first century.

NYAMOSOR TUYA, Minister for External Relations of Mongolia: To enable women to become collaborators in and benefit from development, genuine partnerships between men and women must be forged. Mongolia has been working towards that goal by enacting new legislation and revising older laws to mainstream gender into policies and programmes. The new Labour Code contains specific provisions prohibiting discrimination in the workplace. Women’s equal rights in inheritance, land use, ownership of livestock and other property are provided for in civil and family laws. Mongolia’s national plan of action for the advancement of women works in tandem with the unemployment reduction and national poverty alleviation programmes to deal with women’s economic activities, poverty, health, education, family and violence against women, among others.

Poverty reduction is a priority and a women’s development fund, with a focus on income generation, has been established as part of the programme. The challenges faced by women in Mongolia include complex interrelated problems in the areas of poverty, unemployment, health, education, social protection, culture and behavioural norms. Women have less job security and less access to information and credit as entrepreneurs. Social dislocation, in a number of cases, generates frustration, which sometimes leads to crime and violence. Alcohol abuse has become a major cause of the breakdown of the family and domestic violence because it has been ignored.

Issues concerning rural women are also important, because of their contribution to agricultural production. The transition to a market economy has brought opportunities and challenges to the rural population, contributing to the improvement of their wealth. Poor resources, however, continue to impede women’s access to basic social services and poor infrastructure in those areas deprives them of access to modern information technology. The State wishes to renew its commitment to study the challenges faced by rural women and to determine, quantify and explain the impact of globalization and poverty on those women.

MADELINE ALBRIGHT, Secretary of State of the United States: Our movement to recognize and support women’s rights is one of the most revolutionary and uplifting forces now shaping the world. It is no longer possible, after Beijing, to deny that women’s rights are human rights, and are indivisible from the universal rights of every human being. It is also no longer possible to conceive of development separate from the advancement of women, because no society can move ahead if half its population is held back. It is no longer possible to argue that abuses against women are merely cultural and that there is nothing any of us can do about them.

The call from Beijing was a call to action, and the United States has responded. Coordinated by President Clinton’s Interagency Council on Women, and in partnership with non-governmental organizations, we have worked as a team to fulfil the commitments we have made. New investments have been made in the early detection and treatment of breast and cervical cancer, and a war has been waged against HIV/AIDS. We have strengthened policies on family leave, increased investments in childcare and helped millions of women to find good jobs. Efforts are made to expand small business and micro-enterprise credit, helping women-owned businesses to grow in number twice as fast as those overall. New laws against domestic abuse have been combined with assistance to states to help victims and prevent crimes.

We have also intensified efforts to gain approval from the Senate of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. We have placed efforts to advance the status of women and girls right where they belong -- in the mainstream of American foreign policy. We are mobilizing public and private sector resources, and bringing women from around the world together to exchange knowledge and achieve results. We know that when women are able to make their own decisions, whole societies benefit, which is why our contributions to international family planning help to ease economic hardships, save women’s lives and reduce the number of abortions.

We have also launched a major global initiative to halt trafficking in human beings. Domestically, we are working to enact a strong new law to punish perpetrators more effectively and provide more thorough care for victims. Overseas, we are forging partnerships to share information, coordinate legal actions and find and close criminal networks. Together, we must strive to see that the benefits of globalization are shared not just by some people in some countries, but by all people in every country. Accordingly, we must redouble our efforts to make education and training more available, so that poverty retreats and opportunity spreads. Our movement is not about making each woman the same. It is about recognizing and appreciating women’s diversity and treating each individual fairly. This principle is the magnet that has brought us together a cross the boundaries of ethnicity and vocation, generation and gender.

HILDA KARI, Minister for Women, Youth and Sports of Solomon Islands: The major constraints that hinder the successful implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in my country are obvious. Among them are the high rate of illiteracy and the lack of resources and capacity. Only 17 per cent of women are literate. Experience has shown that investment in girls’ education translates directly into better nutrition for the whole family, better health care, smaller families and poverty reduction. Equally important is the need for coherent coordination among various government agencies and non-governmental organizations, including church groups. The church network reaches all communities and is, in a lot of areas, the only formal assistance available.

While maternal and infant mortality rates have decreased, they are still high. The promotion of maternal and child health care and family planning will be a major component of government plans. Above all, attitudes towards family planning require further improvement and family planning services need to be made readily available. The Solomon Islands’ Constitution provides for equal rights and freedoms for every citizen regardless of gender. A number of women’s organizations are, therefore, currently raising awareness by educating women about their rights, especially legal rights to protection from all forms of violence against women.

Despite the efforts of my Government, women are still under-represented at policy and management levels in both the public and private sectors, the non- governmental organizations and churches. There is a great need to create political awareness, through the education of women, to increase their participation in the political process, including voting. The media can be a useful tool in this regard. I appealed to the Commonwealth Secretariat to mount a special diploma programme in communication. At the subsistence level, women continue to be the major food producers and, therefore, play a very important role. Their role in food sufficiency and food security at the family level is vital. The current ethnic tension in the country has caused tremendous difficulties for woman and children. As the result of the ethnic tension and the increasing unemployment situation, poverty is becoming more evident.

International policy responses to resolve the formidable challenges of globalization and to utilize its benefits must take into account the concerns and needs of women. The advancement of women must be an integral part of our efforts to revitalize international cooperation and to address these challenges. Education is the key to effective participation in the new global economy, from primary education to life-long learning. It is central to sustainable development, social progress and human freedom. That is why the empowerment of women is critical. That is why educating the whole population is crucial. That is why educating the girl child is a must.

ROMAINE NDORIMANA, Minister for Social and Women’s Affairs of Burundi: Equality cannot be attained without peace, one of the fundamental human rights. Although Burundi is just emerging from a state of conflict, it is still concentrating its programme for the improvement of women in six major priority areas, including peace and culture, communication, health and particularly education. The women of Burundi have organized activities to guarantee peaceful coexistence for all its people. In addition, the Government has developed a number of health programmes and initiatives aimed at gradually improving the lives of mothers and children. Unfortunately, the crisis has influenced the success of many of those programmes. On issues related to education, despite the fact that legislation requires that there should be no discrimination against women, they are forced to leave school very early for a number of cultural and other underlying reasons.

The Government has ratified all international conventions that guarantee the freedom of women and is now preparing a law that would grant women equal rights to occupy decision-making positions in Burundi. It is also undertaking sustained action in several other areas, as stipulated by the Platform for Action. The advancement of the status of women in that country is slowly being realized, for example in the media. The Government is experiencing problems due to the embargo that had been decreed against the country and its terrible effects could still be felt, even after its suspension. The international community must be aware that Burundi is working diligently in achieving sustained equal rights for its women.

THUWAYBA BINT AHMED BIN ISSA AL-BARWANI, Under-Secretary for Social Affairs of Oman: The Sultanate ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1996 added impetus to the strengthening of the girl child focus in the country. Awareness campaigns were launched to publicize and promote children’s rights. The country is promoting enhanced women’s participation in all fields of national development. Initiatives to increase women’s participation in the labour force have yielded substantial dividends, with the numbers of women in the civil service going up from 19 per cent in 1994 to 26 per cent in 1998. Although the largest concentration of women is still in the areas of health and education, a recent move into the fields of engineering, marketing and finance has given women greater access to private-sector job opportunities. The Government is implementing training and poverty-reduction measures.

In health care and quality of life indicators, reductions in mortality rates and increased life expectancy due to universal access to maternity and childcare have been attained. There has been a steep reduction in the fertility rate and an increase in contraceptive prevalence. Women are increasingly participating in decision-making. Today, 29 Omani women are candidates for the upcoming Consultative Council elections. I must hasten to add that the right to vote for the Council has already been granted to Omani women. The number of women’s associations has risen from 17 in 1995 to 25 in 1999. A big step forward has been the establishment of the Coordination Committee for Women’ Voluntary Work.

Positive constitutional and legal provisions advocate women’s involvement in the public and personal spheres. Gender equality in accordance with the tenets of Islamic Sharia is an underlying principle of the country’s legal system. With enlightened leadership, strong political will and support, Omani women need only take advantage of the opportunities made available to them. In order to address our unfinished agenda, specific future actions are being formulated to address under-reporting in national statistics; change perceptions about the woman’s role; and increase awareness of better living concepts and productive options. Improving the quality of education and making it relevant to girls is a priority.

JARMILA MORACEK DE CERRUTO, Vice-Minister of Gender, Generational and Family Affairs of Bolivia: These five years, the fight of women to gain respect for their human rights was developed within the framework of a globalized world, where poverty deepens due to an unfair distribution and concentration of income. Fifteen per cent of the world population owns 85 per cent of it. Therefore, 85 per cent of the population has only 15 per cent of the income. Unfortunately, the same thing happens with resources and wealth, which is basic to development.

In Bolivia, the governmental actions designed to create conditions that will harness the role of women and assure total exercise of their rights and access to power have contributed to public policies in that area, but not yet sufficiently so to integrate women in all stages of development in total equality. The mobilization of Bolivian women and the institutionalization of them in the State structure have opened up spaces in different parts of society, granting validity and importance to a subject that does so much for the fortification of democracy and for building development in equality by diversity.

We call on the developed countries to make true efforts to obtain a right and equitable distribution of wealth in the world. We urge the developing countries of our region and the world to develop a line of thought and action that will maintain sovereignty and self-determination for our nations. As long as a woman dies from preventable reasons, as long as gender segregation and violence in different forms and expressions persists, as long as cultural and religious practices that go against the fundamental rights of women are justified, we can not speak of equality, development and peace.

AKSOLTAN ATAEVA (Turkmenistan): In spite of the diverse and exceptional complexity of the tasks facing this newly independent State, the Government has identified women’s problems, their constitutional status, support for motherhood and protection of the family as top priorities in State policies. The development of all social organizations and further democratization of society are inseparably linked to ensuring women’s equality. The Constitution and laws of the country grant women equal rights with men in all spheres of economic, political, cultural and social life. The laws of the country guarantee women equal opportunities for realizing their aspirations in running the affairs of the State, as well as in public and economic matters. The 1999 Government and local elections are indicative of the democratic processes that are underway in Turkmenistan, with women now accounting for 26 per cent of all elected officials.

In 1995, Turkmenistan adopted the Declaration on International Obligations in the Field of Human Rights and Freedoms with an underlying principle that the status of women must be based on democracy and the rule of law. Consequently, the Government has created a diverse system of material and social benefits to support all women. Those benefits include payment of social subsidies to families with many children, sale of foodstuffs at State-subsidized prices, free use of electricity, gas and water, and free secondary and higher education. As a result, 98 per cent of Turkmen women have received some form of education and over 40 per cent have received higher education. The State allocates almost 50 per cent of its budget for social programmes to enhance their effectiveness. Other important areas to the Government include public health and the environment.

Problems concerning the role of women in the country have not all been solved. The radical transformation of the social system and the change of social guidelines creates certain difficulties. Genuine freedom and involvement of women in complex processes including their active role in building a democratic society all, presupposes a high level of social and legal culture, so that women can counter stereotypes regarding their role in family and social life.

ROSALYN E. HAZELLE, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community and Social Development and Gender Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis: Being fully committed to the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, my Government undertook a wide-ranging review of the status of women, which highlighted significant achievements in the elimination of many forms of direct discrimination. Legislative and policy gaps were also highlighted in such areas as violence against women and poverty. An integrated gender and development plan was incorporated into the macroeconomic planning framework. The Government committed itself to introducing a gender-analysis and planning component in all development policies and programmes.

A Gender Management System introduced in the country has resulted in the strengthening of linkages between the ministry responsible for women's affairs and other branches of Government. It also facilitates training of senior policy makers and planners in gender analysis and planning. Recognizing that women need to be empowered to articulate their needs and concerns, the Government has launched a campaign to increase women’s participation at all levels. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of women in senior positions within the civil service. With respect to violence against women, legislative amendments have been enacted to increase penalties for all forms of sexual abuse, and a domestic violence act was passed by our Parliament.

Legal reform is most effective when accompanied by changes in the culture and attitudes of all. To this end, the Government has instituted mandatory gender- sensitive modules on human rights and violence against women within the police- training programme. We have also provided training for health personnel, guidance counsellors and childcare workers to provide services to victims of violence. Reproductive health programmes are being extended, and special attention is paid to adolescent mothers. Regarding the problems of poverty, a poverty-assessment study has been conducted in the country.

The problem of poverty is exacerbated by our vulnerability to natural disasters, the impact of which has been especially devastating for female heads of households. We are calling on the international community to take account of the economic and physical vulnerability of small island developing States in the formulation of development policies and in international cooperation. We also wish to echo the concerns, some of which are contained in the Lima Consensus, that economic globalization, external debt and the erosion of trade preferential margins have had negative impacts on the lives and situation of women.

ABYLABEK ASANKANOV, Office of the President of Kyrgyzstan: The twentieth century was a time of great changes for Kyrgyzstan. During that time, the role of women in the country underwent significant transformations. Now they are involved in the public life of the country, holding jobs and solving difficult problems outside of the family. The country is going through the process of democratization, and efforts are being made to eliminate poverty.

Following the decisions made in 1995 in Beijing, a number of radical measures have been adopted for the advancement of women in Kyrgyzstan. By the decree of the President, 1996 was proclaimed the Year of Women. Assistance from the Government budget is provided for women’s initiatives in various spheres of life. An institute on women’s issues and commissions on gender equality have been created. Relevant legislation is being developed in this respect. In 1998, a National Council on Gender Equality was established. Many women’s non-governmental organizations function in the country. In 1999, Kyrgyzstan submitted its first national report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

However, the Government is experiencing many difficulties in carrying out its obligations. New market relations subject the population of Kyrgyzstan to great challenges. Psychological changes are taking place among the population, and women have to adapt to the new circumstances. Last year, religious extremists penetrated the border of Kyrgyzstan and took hostages. These events affected the situation in the country. The Government is also encountering many difficulties in the health and education spheres. The new democracy does not have resources to overcome all the problems, and it needs assistance in this respect. However, the Government remains committed to the implementation of the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action.

MARIA ISABEL BAQUERIZO DE NOBOA (Ecuador): The Beijing Platform takes as its starting point the recognition of the existence of significant disparities between men and women that must be overcome to attain human sustainable development and gender equity. It was in that context that Ecuador made its commitment. Consequently, the National Women’s Council was created at the highest level of the Government. It established a number of appropriate procedures and, together with women’s organizations, spearheaded the recognition in the country’s new Constitution a large majority of specific collective rights of women. The difficult economic adjustment period that the country experienced during the past five years has been a serious threat to development and democracy, presenting an obstacle to achieving human-centred development and endangering gains in gender equity.

In response to the crisis, the Government is implementing a social emergency plan focused on women from the poorest sectors of society. It emphasizes employment and income generation policies and programmes. It is also working so that the peace achieved with Peru will be reflected in frontier communities through economic and social development projects, which focus on the situation of women and children. One of the greatest challenges to the Government is improving the access of rural and indigenous women to resources by strengthening women’s movements and organizations, especially those that belong to the most needy sectors. However, significant advances have been made, particularly in the promotion of civil society in formulating, implementing and evaluating public policies on gender equity.

New challenges are being faced because of the new international environment, which fosters globalization and technological advances. Presently, Ecuador is experiencing an economic, social and political transition that promotes gender equity as fundamental in obtaining stability and for the well-being of the population. To this end, laws have been implemented to ease the lot of pregnant women and diminish maternal and infant mortality, as well as a law of political quotas, which requires that 30 per cent of the candidates for elections to public posts must be women.

JEMAT HAJI AMPAL (Brunei Darussalam): The Government has recognized the need to institute policies that are not gender-biased and, as a result, the State is benefiting from the impact its women are making in all aspects of national development. There has been a marked increase in the number of female students enrolled in tertiary schools and women now outnumber men in those institutions. The national policy has also led to increased job opportunities for women and that has been accompanied by a marked shift in social attitudes to the professional status of women. There are equal job opportunities available with equal pay. The percentage of women in the labour force is currently over 50 per cent and the Government, non-governmental and private sector organizations have recognized the needs of working mothers and taken measures to counter possible adverse effects on families.

Brunei women are also active in the business sector, both nationally and internationally. In that light, the Government is providing equal incentives and encouraging women, in particular, to develop their own small- and medium-sized enterprises into technology and knowledge-based industries. Progress has also been made in the provision of health care, which is cost effective and accessible to both men and women. Preventive health care programmes geared towards women are given high priority. The Emergency Order, legislation introduced in 1999, protects the rights of women who are not covered by the Islamic Family Law and includes maintenance for wives and children. A children and young persons act, which will protect the girl child from discrimination, abuse and neglect is expected to be introduced shortly.

LIZ GORDON, Member of Parliament of New Zealand: New Zealand remains committed to the protection and promotion of women’s rights as human rights, and its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The country has expressed its intention to sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention.

In encouraging gender equity, it is important for nation States to be just as honest about the challenges they face as their successes. Only in this way will government and international institutions find solutions, taking fully into account the effects of their policies on women. Since 1996, New Zealand has continued to undergo significant social and economic changes. Ending gender-based discrimination and promoting the rights of women remain high on the Government’s agenda. Particular attention is given to achieving women’s economic independence as a basis for empowering women in all areas.

Working women in New Zealand earn about 80 per cent of the average male wage. The gender wage gap appears to be widening for female graduates. Although the pay gap has narrowed for the lowest paid, this relates to men’s wages falling, rather than women’s wages rising. Policies remain in place that may appear equal, but which have unequal effects for women. Like all developed nations, New Zealand’s economy relies heavily on women’s participation on a productive and reproductive level, both in paid employment and as mothers. The Government is committed to the legislation, which provides a framework enabling women to achieve their full potential as citizens.

Discussions are underway to institute a new system of paid parental leave. Concerted action to address violence against women has been a key success since Beijing. More must be done to recognize the role of women as peacemakers. In our own region, women took a leading role in closing a secessionist conflict on the island of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, nine years ago. New Zealand is also committed to looking at ways to close the social and economic gaps between the Maori -– the indigenous people of New Zealand -– and non-Maori populations. In promoting a regional approach to economic development and job creation in New Zealand, the Government relies on the input from women of all ethnic and social backgrounds. My Government looks forward to hosting a Commonwealth South Pacific symposium on gender, politics and peace-building later this month.

INTISAR AL-WAZIR, Minister for Social Affairs of the Palestinian Authority: The Palestinian woman has been deprived of developing her socio-economic potential because of continued occupation and oppressive policies, which include confiscation of land and buildings, as well as expansion of settlements. That has hampered the ability of Palestinian women to thoroughly implement the Beijing Platform for Action. In spite of those obstacles and difficulties in promoting a viable and comprehensive plan for sustainable development, the Palestinian people, particularly its women, have been able to establish the foundations for an educational, health and economic infrastructure, as well as for the various structures and networks necessary for development, while simultaneously bearing in mind the issue of gender. Moreover, legislation and regulations have been promulgated based on international standards for the promotion of democracy in Palestinian life and for securing the principles of justice and equality for men and women.

The recent legislative election witnessed the election of five women to the legislative council, which consists of 88 members. Although Palestinian women participate in all areas of society through their work in various departments and ministries, their numbers are limited because of customs and traditions that consider women secondary participants in development. To overcome those obstacles and to empower women, gender-specific units have been created in all ministries. Also, collaboration between non-governmental organizations and the government have resulted in a national strategy that includes methods to define priorities to minimize the gender gap and give priority to women in rural areas, refugee women and those living in poverty. A review of policies and legislation will also be undertaken to ensure that there is no gender discrimination. Gender-sensitive legislation will also be promoted and its implementation ensured.

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