INSTRAW PUBLICATION, "AGEING IN A GENDERED WORLD: WOMEN"S ISSUES AND IDENTITIES", TO BE LAUNCHED AT HEADQUARTERS ON 14 MARCH

Press Release
WOM/1193

INSTRAW PUBLICATION, ‘AGEING IN A GENDERED WORLD: WOMEN’S ISSUES AND IDENTITIES’, TO BE LAUNCHED AT HEADQUARTERS ON 14 MARCH

SANTO DOMINGO, 10 March (INSTRAW) -- While populations are getting older, women live longer, they have fewer resources and they are expected to care for elderly relatives, as well as for young children. It is estimated that 50 per cent of those over 60 years and 65 per cent of those over 80 years are women. Furthermore, women's disadvantages in childhood and adulthood are aggravated ring old age.

Recognizing the need for further study and awareness raising on these issues, the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) has produced Ageing in a Gendered World: Women's Issues and Identities. Published in 1999, by INSTRAW with the support of United Nations publications, the book was conceived as part of the commemorative activities marking 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons and is a crucial lasting contribution to knowledge on the gender dimensions of ageing.

On 14 March 2000, a New York based international non-governmental organization, Global Action on Ageing will be hosting the launch of the book in Room 10-H (tenth floor) at 777 United Nations Plaza at 6 p.m. Among those present at the launch will be Ambassador Julia T. Alvarez, Alternate Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic Mission to the United Nations and one of the most active advocates of the issue of older person and, in particular, older women; Angela King, Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Gender Issues and on the Advancement of Women; and Eleni Stamiris, Director of INSTRAW. Also present will be some of the contributing authors.

With 19 articles on various issues related to ageing in 11 different countries (Australia, Canada, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States) and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as contributions from such distinguished experts as Antony de Bondo, Director of the United Nations International Institute on Ageing in Malta -- Ageing in a Gendered World: Women's Issues and Identities presents gender-focused cross-cultural experiences with regard to ageing and highlights policy implications of the disadvantages faced by women in old age. This book represents an invaluable step toward stimulating further thought, debate and research on the gender dimensions of ageing.

All media representatives are invited to attend the launch.

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