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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


Statement to the Fourth World Conference on Women
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts


INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE

As the largest organization for girls and young women worldwide,
working in over 150 countries, the World Association of Girl Guides
and Girl SCOUTS (WAGGGS) continues to work for and with girls and
young women, to enable them to develop their fullest potential as
responsible citizens of the world. This is achieved through offering
opportunities and training programs designed to develop girls and
young women’s self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills which
enable them to contribute to the quality of family life, community
development, leadership at all levels, and international peace and
understanding

WAGGGS' education process equips girls and young women to use their
skills to participate in management and decision - making, and to
take on leadership roles. Women of all ages must have all equal share
alongside men in the leadership of institutions, communities, and
countries. These women as role models are an essential catalyst for
them to have the confidence and ability to take up decision-making
positions. Only when women and men share equally the responsibility
of decision-making, will the needs of all members of society be
recognized. As an investment for a peaceful future, WAGGGS offers its
nine million-strong membership access to leadership skills in
conflict resolution and peace activities, thereby contributing to
fostering a culture of peace. WAGGGS, through its ongoing work at
grass roots level, continues to change the lives of girls and young
women through awareness raising, advocacy, direct contacts, peer
group support and education, and by the extending of international
exchange opportunities. As a non-governmental organization(NGO),
WAGGGS has a unique role in the development of' girls and young
women. Today's girls are tomorrow's women, and by investing in them
and by giving them real opportunities to learn to be part of'
decision - making processes and power structures, governments are
investing in the future. Governments can be supportive of this by an
ongoing commitment and acknowledgment of girls and young women's full
potential, and by the provision of relevant resources. By continued
investment in NGOs, governments ensure maximum return througgh
leverage of NGOs to reach grass roots level.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) urges
governments to promote the participation of girls and young women in
decision - making processes and positions by supporting the training
of girls and young women as decision - makers. Governments must
legislate for equality through the encouragement of education
materials which foster equality and secure women’s rights; the
sharing of decision-making in the family; the development of training
programs and structures open to all, enabling participation in all
areas of management and decision-making’ and the provision of
adequate and sustained financial support, by releasing the resources
to invest in the advancement of girls and young women.

This is the governments of the worlds' investment for the future.