ISO: GNB
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The electronic version of this document has been prepared at the Fourth
World Conference on Women by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
in collaboration with the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
Secretariat.
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AS WRITTEN


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                       Excerpt from Press Release.
  The written statement was not available in a scannable language at the
                time of presentation in the conference.
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   N. INTCHASSO NHAREBATE, Minister for Social Affairs and the Advancement
of Women of Guinea-Bissau:  Although much has been achieved for humanity,
women have yet to achieve a desirable level of development.  Women make up
52 per cent of the population of Guinea-Bissau; however, illiteracy among
them is 76 per cent.  This is largely attributable to the high drop-out
rates among girls.  A plan was currently being developed for family
planning.  The Republic has ratified Conventions against all forms of
discrimination against women and in support for the rights of the child. 

   The concerns of Guinea-Bissau's women include access to education and
basic health care; setting up of a credit bank for women; rights to land
ownership and inheritance; access to appropriate technology to alleviate
the burden of work in rural areas; and child care, to avoid woman having
to work with their children strapped to their backs all through the day. 
Debt-relief is also essential.