WOM/BEI/17 5 September 1995 2nd Meeting (AM) CONFERENCE ON WOMEN BEGINS GENERAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON MAJOR ISSUES CONFRONTING WORLD COMMUNITY Hears Statements by 13 Delegations The Fourth World Conference on Women began this morning a general exchange of views on key issues affecting the realization of the rights of women. In this discussion, the representative of the European Union declared support for the promotion of sexual and reproductive health for women and men indicated that the Union would welcome an agreement on a reference to sexual rights in the platform for action of the Conference. Speaking on behalf of the Union, Cristina Alberdi, Minister for Social Affairs of Spain, said that, as the largest donor of official development aid in the world, the Union considered gender-sensitive development cooperation to be a key strategy. The achievement of gender equality in political decision-making was essential for strengthening democracy. It was also essential that a gender perspective be fully integrated into all areas of competence of the United Nations, including its Secretariat. Jenny Shipley, Minister for Women's Affairs of New Zealand, said equality and development would not be achieved if peace was not understood from a woman's point of view. Peace included freedom from domestic violence, from economic deprivation, from the threat of rape as a tool of war and then civil strife. Mrs. Shipley also said New Zealand and the Pacific nations would prefer France resume nuclear testing in its own immediate environment and not in the South Pacific if it was so confident that no risk existed. New Zealanders were shocked and saddened that China tested a nuclear device only three days after the end of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review and Extension Conference. (page 1a follows Conference on Women - 1a - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 Susanna Agnelli, Foreign Minister of Italy, said that only through a stronger presence of women in political, economic and social decision- making could people undergo the change of heart needed to guarantee not only women, but the whole world, equality, development and peace. Panamanian First Lady, Dora Boyd de Perez Baladares, told the Conference that Panama planned to establish a "City of Knowledge" -- a world centre for research, information and learning -- that could become the site for an international centre for the promotion of women, the analysis of problems, the search for solutions and for decisive action in all matters concerning the women. The centre would be located in facilities that were once military installations. The First Lady of Brazil, Ruth Cardoso, said that in the future democracies should recognize the differences between the sexes and yet guarantee them equal rights. She stressed the importance of the media in helping to prevent violence against women. Leticia Ramos-Shahani, a Senator from the Philippines, addressed the Conference on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China. She said the Group was concerned with such issues as women's poverty, violence against women, and the need for increased development funding for women. It was also concerned with external debt problems and the need to strengthen the budgets and mandates of national, regional and international institutions for women. She also spoke on behalf of her own country. The Conference's objectives of equality, development and peace were also of concern to the countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia's State Minister for Women's affairs told the Conference, on behalf of the Movement. Mien Sugandhi said the concerns articulated by the Movement were similar to those contained in the Conference's draft platform of action. She also spoke on behalf of Indonesia. Statements were also made by Aysel Baykal, Minister of State of Turkey; Koken Nosaka, Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Women's Affairs of Japan; Miet Smet, Minister of Labour in charge of equal opportunities among men and women of Belgium; Silvia Hernandez, Minister for Tourism of Mexico; and Srimani Athulathmudali, Minister of Transport, Environment and Women's Affairs of Sri Lanka. The Conference will meet again at 3 p.m. today to resume its general exchange of views. (page 2 follows Conference on Women - 2 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 General Exchanges of Views Over the next few days, the Conference plenary's general exchange of views will focus on the second review and appraisal of the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies for the Advancement of Women to the Year 2000 (adopted in 1985); the main conclusion and recommendations of the regional preparatory conferences; and national priorities and commitments. The first review and appraisal of the Nairobi Forward-looking Strategies was conducted in 1990 by the Commission on the Status of Women and the Economic and Social Council. The Conference has before it the report of the Secretary-General on the second review and appraisal of the implementation of the strategies (document A/CONF.177/4). In addition, the Conference has for its consideration a report on the extent to which gender concerns have been included in the activities of the relevant human rights mechanisms of the United Nations such as treaty monitoring bodies, rapporteurs and working groups (document A/CONF.177/9). Also at the request of the Commission on Human Rights, the Conference is considering the preliminary report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, and the Plan of Action for the Elimination of Harmful Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (document A/CONF.177/10). Other documents relating to the second review and appraisal of the implementation of the Nairobi Forward-looking strategies include a note by the Secretariat transmitting the 1994 World Survey on the Role of Women in Development (document A/CONF.177/5); a note by the Secretariat transmitting the update of The World's Women Trends and Statistics (document A/CONF.177/6); and the report of the Secretary-General on progress achieved in the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (document A/CONF.177/7). In regard to the main conclusions and views, participants have before them a note by the Secretariat concerning the report of the Secretary- General transmitting the results of the regional and other international conferences (document A/CONF.177/8). Meetings to prepare for the Conference were held in all five United Nations regions. Each of these meetings adopted a platform or programme for action which have been submitted to the Beijing Conference. In connection with national priorities and commitments, participating States are invited to make statements of national priorities and/or commitments to bring about change by the year 2000, taking into account the Platform for Action. (more Conference on Women - 3 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 LETICIA RAMOS-SHAHANI, Philippines: The principle of the fundamental equality between men and women is enshrined in the Philippine constitution and is the basis for the adoption of legislation, policies and other types of affirmative action to raise the status of Filipina women. The 1995 Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranked the Philippines twenty-eighth out of 116 countries in its Gender Empowerment Measure, which examines the extent to which women can participate in their countries' economic and political life. Without budgetary resources, the draft platform of action will remain unimplemented. The Philippines will increase its annual contribution to the United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM) by 700 per cent. Other countries should increase their support so UNIFEM's current capacity of $16 million can be doubled by 1996. The Philippines is concerned with key issues involving the plight of rural women, who make up 80 per cent of its female population; its migrant workers; and women and children who are victims of trafficking. Receiving countries should forge bilateral agreements with the Philippines to ratify relevant international agreements to protect migrant workers. The Philippines reiterates its offer to host an international conference on migration and development. Speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China: Main concerns of the Group of 77 include the 70 per cent of the world's poor who are women; violence against women; increased development funding for women; the setting up of an International Fund for Social Development for education and other programmes to empower women; durable and effective solutions for the external debt problem of many Member States; the allocation of additional resources by international financial institutions to support economic and social programmes linked to the strategies in the platform of action; strengthening of the budgets and mandates of existing national, regional and international institutions for women; and affirmative action programmes to eliminate barriers to the advancement of women at the United Nations and other international organizations. CRISTINA ALBERDI, Minister for Social Affairs of Spain, on behalf of the European Union: The European Union encourages all States to accede to, ratify and implement the international human rights instruments, in particular the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action provide a solid basis for progress in protecting and promoting the equal status and human rights of women and for the elimination of gender discrimination. Investment in women's and girl's education is critical for the achievement of human sustainable development. The European Union supports the promotion of sexual and reproductive health for women and men and would welcome an agreement on a reference to sexual rights in the platform for action. The Union also (more) Conference on Women - 4 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 reaffirms its commitment to ensure full enjoyment by women and the girl- child of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including their sexual and reproductive rights, and to take effective action against violations of the rights and freedoms. The Union condemns sexual abuse and violence against women in all forms and especially when used as an instrument of war. It calls attention to the growing number of women who face poverty, with special consideration for the situation of women in rural areas. For women all over the world to secure autonomy and economic empowerment, there must be structural change based on a new gender contract and a new mutual understanding at public and private levels, between women and men, including by consolidating women's integration in economic and public life and encouraging the assumption by men of an equal share of domestic and family responsibilities. The achievement of equality in political decision-making is essential for strengthening democracy. Moreover, it is essential for the United Nations to advocate and to take concrete action to promote the status of women and to fully integrate a gender perspective into all areas of competence of United Nations machinery, including the Secretariat. Institutional and financial issues must receive special attention. As the largest donor of official development aid in the world, the European Union feels that gender-sensitive development cooperation is a key strategy, which must be pursued with the utmost resolve. The Union is committed to solidarity with and support to women throughout the world, particularly women struggling under poverty or the consequences of armed conflict, and women who face obstacles to the full enjoyment of their human rights. It acknowledges the fundamental role that the women's movement and the non-governmental organizations play in the design and implementation of equality policies. AYSEL BAYKAL, Minister of State of Turkey: Women's progress can only be achieved through human development and by combining the vision and effectiveness of men and women on an equal basis. It is largely because of the strength and endurance of the women's movement that the international community accepts the achievement of gender equality and the full realization of women's human rights as a legal and ethical responsibility. However, despite efforts and achievements, millions of women are still living through unbearable human rights breaches as a result of armed conflicts, assaults and ethnic cleansing. The world faces the challenge of creating conditions for advancing women's rights at the local level and finding universal solutions. International agencies must be sensitive and open to both the local and universal concerns and receptive to the voices of the under-privileged and silent minorities. Modern Turkey has come a long way in terms of women's rights, yet is well aware that a considerable amount of ground must still be covered. Current policies and programmes are strongly focused on enhancing the participation and representation of (more) Conference on Women - 5 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 women in political life, while also improving education, employment, health and professional opportunities, as well as upgrading national legislation to facilitate women's participation in all aspects of socio-economic and political life. Turkey is committed to changing the small number of provisions in its national legislation which are against gender equality and to removing reservations from the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Turkish Government is also determined to extend compulsory education from five to eight years and increase the literacy level of women to 100 per cent by the year 2000. Sufficient resources have already been allocated to this effort. Infant and maternal mortality rates will be halved. MIEN SUGANDHI, State Minister for Women's Affairs of Indonesia, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement: The Conference objectives of equality, development and peace are also of concern to the countries of the Non- Aligned Movement. The concerns articulated by the Movement are similar to those contained in the draft platform of action before the Conference. Speaking on behalf of Indonesia: The aims of equality, development and peace are interdependent. They required national, regional and international cooperation in the economic, political and social spheres. Indonesia's strategies are based on equality and harmony among men and women, governments and non-governmental organizations public bodies and the private sector. Between 1980 and 1994, the level of illiteracy among women in Indonesia fell dramatically. By the 1990s, compulsory education has resulted in female enrollment rates exceeding those for males. Deaths of girls under the age of five also declined between 1980 and 1993, while female life expectancy at birth increased. Indonesia participates actively on women's issues in various international forums. KOKEN NOSAKA, Chief Cabinet Secretary and Minister for Women's Affairs of Japan: The goal of the Government is to create a society where there is an equal partnership between men and women, and so the post of Minister of Women's Affairs, which was created three years ago, is held concurrently by the Chief Cabinet Secretary. The course of action taken by the Conference should rest on three pillars: first, employment of women; second, respect for the human rights of women; and third, partnership between men nd women, between non-governmental organizations and governments and across international borders. One key to the empowerment of women is education. Japan has made efforts to create a better educational environment for women and their enrollment in secondary and tertiary education has been higher than that of men since 1989. Despite the Equal Employment Opportunity Law, many Japanese women face a "wall". The Government intends to employ and promote women in public service and encourage private enterprises, political parties and other organizations to do the same. It will also support entrepreneurial activities by women and promote their participation in decision-making in agricultural activities and management. (more Conference on Women - 6 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 Global efforts must also be made so women can participate in economic and social development equally with men. Women must benefit fully from the process, to ensure a balanced, sustained development. When implementing development programmes, donors need to enhance cooperation to empower women and remove gender inequalities. Japan will pursue the "Initiative on Women in Development," which will attach particular importance to improving educational standards, women's health and economic and social participation by women. Japan has made constructive efforts to enhance the human rights of women and intends to take strong action so women will no longer be victims of sexual crimes, or sexual exploitation. In cooperation with the Asian Women's Fund, which was established in July, the Government will support the grass roots activities by Japanese and foreign non-governmental organizations which focus on care for women who have suffered from violence, as well as research on the prevention of violence against women. The Fund is meant to express Japan's atonement to former "comfort women" and to reflect its sincere remorse for its past history. SUSANNA AGNELLI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Italy: No matter howdifferent societies are, women should never indulge in destructive or war-prone attitudes. Women should always defend peace because they are among those who suffer most. Only through a stronger presence of women in the political, economic and social decision-making processes can people undergo the change of heart to guarantee not only to women, but to the whole world, equality, development and peace. Italy demands full respect for women's inalienable human rights, as well as total commitment to the care and education of girls, a prerequisite to enable them to make a decisive contribution to the good of society. It is primarily governments which must assume their responsibilities to put into daily practice the right to equality, but every member of society must become totally committed to achieving it. Italy hopes that the Conference will adopt a strong and meaningful declaration aimed at enlivening public awareness on the necessity of fostering the human rights of women and girls. It encourages the incorporation of gender policies into cooperation activities promoted with its public development aid. It further aims to make a contribution to the issue of women in conflict situations and in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of civilian life in their countries. DORA BOYD DE PEREZ BALLADARES, First Lady of Panama: United Nations action should be complemented with other actions to place women at the centre of the agenda for peace, development and equality. The Conference should address the problem of inequality between the sexes from the perspective of gender which allows women to identify more clearly how society and culture have schemed to create abysmal (more) Conference on Women - 7 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 inequalities that go beyond biological differences. Panama has created the National Council for Women -- the highest ranking organization ever established in the country to address the problems of women -- to guide in defining public policy with respect to women. Only a new participatory, integrative, efficient and sustainable style can guarantee that women participate on an equal plane. Indigenous Panamanian women will also be a top priority. Panama plans to establish a "City of Knowledge", a world centre for research, information and learning, that could become the site for an international centre for the study and promotion of women, the analysis of problems, the search for solutions and for decisive action in all matters concerning the women. The centre would be located in facilities that were once military installations. JENNY SHIPLEY, Minister for Women's Affairs of New Zealand: Equality and development will not be achieved if peace is not understood from a woman's point of view. Peace includes freedom from domestic violence, economic deprivation, the threat of rape as a tool of war, civil strife and from fear that children will be killed because the peace process is not understood. Deferring difficult issues must not be tolerated. Our children and grandchildren expect us to speak with meaning and act without delay. In this context, the cessation of nuclear testing and the signing of the comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty is the issue of the moment. France's decision to resume nuclear testing in the South Pacific has created great disappointment has and raised a storm of protests around the world. Small island nations dependent on the oceans for their livelihood find the risk associated with nuclear testing unacceptable. Aside from the possibility of accidents, there are serious regional concerns about the long-term consequences to the marine environment. Great offence is caused by continued claims that no risks exist. If the nuclear waste storage standards which apply to France were to be applied to Mururoa Atoll, it is doubtful testing would proceed. Pacific nations have asked that a comprehensive environmental impact study be undertaken prior to any testing. Naturally, New Zealand and the Pacific nations would prefer France to test in its own immediate environment and not in the South Pacific if it is so confident no risk exists. New Zealanders were also shocked and saddened that China had tested a nuclear device only three days after the end of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty review and extension Conference. It is disappointing that the United Nations has never come close to reflecting the ideals of equality of women and men contained in its Charter. Since its inception, the Organization has consistently failed to draw from and fully utilize the talents of women. It must lead by example. The New Zealand Government calls on the Organization to account for its lack of progress in dealing with the serious under-representation of women in the Secretariat, particularly at the senior level. Urgent and practical steps must be taken. Reliable data and statistics are required to give a complete picture of the world's women. Soundly based research and the capacity for gender analysis should be integrated into all aspects of United Nations activities. (more Conference on Women - 8 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 MIET SMET, Minister of Employment and Labour in charge of equal opportunity among men and women of Belgium: Inequality between men and women remains great, despite numerous efforts to correct the situation. Of importance was women's control of fertility and access to family planning services. It is important to stress the empowerment of women, the fact that women's rights are human rights, and to reject all violence against women. The elimination of all forms of discrimination against women must be given priority. Women's rights are violated daily. They are paid less for their work. They are victims of violence. Information on the rape, stoning of women, incest and trafficking in women has prompted a strong negative reaction. However, the struggle remains inadequate. Every physical wound suffered by any woman is a denial of dignity for every woman. The role of the media in implementing the programme of action is a new and delicate subject. During the Conference, women's issues will be in the headlines; however, women's issues must also remain a matter of concern after the Conference. The plight of women living under extreme poverty must be given special attention. Political representation remains limited in Belgium. No one can claim that a parliament truly represents its population if women are not fairly represented among its members. In Belgium, there is also a significant salary gap between men and women. Reconciling work and the family is the joint responsibility of both partners. European employers should conclude an agreement on parental leave as soon as possible. The achievement of equality between men and women is a global political commitment. A revolution of thought about equality is meaningless if it is not put into effect. Belgium will develop a programme of action which will take account of the conclusions reached in Beijing. RUTH CARDOSO, First Lady of Brazil: On the horizon is a democracy that recognizes the differences between the sexes and yet guarantees them equal rights. Women's struggle for equality is not a struggle for their benefit only. The relationship between women's autonomy and the improvement in life quality is unequivocal. In Brazil, important victories have been won but there is still a long way to go. The struggle against poverty is essential in the fight for equality, development and peace. Brazil has set up a "Communidad Solidaria", which works with the National Council of Women's Rights, to define and guarantee that gender be considered when facing the problems of poverty and equality. Regarding the prevention of violence against women, the role of the media is important. Public opinion campaigns depicting violence as unacceptable are being undertaken and should continue until the ease with which violence had been accepted is overcome. The resources of modern information technology offer unexploited possibilities for the rapid dissemination of information and learning and is a strategic instrument for defending equality, development and peace. The difficulties over the draft platform of action should be overcome for the sake of the common objective. (more Conference on Women - 9 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 SILVIA HERNANDEZ, Minister for Tourism of Mexico: Much has changed for women in the last 20 years. The basic challenges have to elucidate and include schooling, training, health and work for women; access to political decisions and the elimination of violence. Mexico's delegation includes two women who have governed states, the first female leader of Mexico's governing party, an opposition women presidential candidate, university professors and female parliamentarians and social leaders. Such a delegation would have been unthinkable 20 years ago. However, there are many tasks to accomplish. When my 10 year-old daughter asks why 12 year- old girls from Tarahumaras have children, why Muslim women are raped in Bosnia or Tutsi women massacred in Rwanda, I find it difficult to answer. I tell her it will be up to her generation to solve the terrible paradox of a technological era offering undreamed of possibilities, while co-existing with the enormous cultural backwardness of women who remain trapped in discrimination, prejudice and barbarism. Mexico is committed to advancing the draft platform of action and will design, in conjunction with women's organizations, a national programme that will pledge resources and the political will to promote the advancement of women. Latin America is still fighting for the basics. Keeping girls in schools is the first step in their comprehensive development. Couples have the inalienable right to decide on the number and spacing of their children. Throughout the world, women are subject to multiple forms of violence. Some are reported in the press, others remain hidden. In the wealthiest homes and the humblest dwellings violence towards wives, daughters and female employees makes no cultural or economic distinctions, but finds its cruelest expression in poverty. Clear sanctions and punishments must be established to end such violence, and women must be provided with the mechanisms to denounce it and defend themselves. SRIMANI ATHULATHMUDALI, Minister of Transport, Environment and Women's Affairs of Sri Lanka: There is a need to take stock of what has been accomplished since the 1985 Nairobi Conference. It is necessary to understand that the roles played by women vary in different cultures. It should not be forgotten that the mother remains the most respected member in the institution of the family. The 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka recognizes gender equality and freedom from discrimination. A women's affairs bureau was established in 1983. A Charter of Women's Rights has been established and a committee established to oversee its implementation. At the level of university graduation in Sri Lanka, 43 per cent are women. Sri Lanka, in 1960, elected the first woman Prime Minister. Sri Lanka has a woman as executive president, prime minister and also as cabinet minster. (more Conference on Women - 10 - Press Release WOM/BEI/172nd Meeting (AM) 5 September 1995 An imbalance exists in accounting for the contribution of women to the economy through their family-based activities. In many instances, laws and regulations -- such as marriage and divorce laws -- are outdated. Such laws give women an unequal position vis-a-vis men. Much of the efforts of women's groups should aim at promoting employment. Women constitute a high percentage of the world's rural poor. The laws must afford meaningful protection to women against exploitation and violence. Offering legal literacy to women must be given high priority. Special programmes must be developed to offer women access to technology which can make their lives easier. * *** *