|
Short Summary |
This document, first presented at a regional
conference in 2004, will serve as the region's contribution to the
forty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women in March
2005. This study assesses the fulfilment of the commitments enshrined
in regional and international commitments, including the Platform
for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995).
The analysis begins with an overview of the progress made towards
gender equity in the region. Particular attention is given to the
social and economic relationships that result in, for example, women's
unequal access to, use and control of productive resources. This makes
it even harder for women to enter the labour market and earn income.
It is noted that the unequal distribution of power and the various
obstacles to women's active participation in decision-making processes
at the household, community and societal levels are basic factors
that limit women's ability to exercise their rights and citizenship.
Lessons learned include the recognition that there is no single model
that will serve the needs of all, but rather the need to look at the
factors which, under certain conditions, may promote the achievement
of equality. |
View
PostScript Document (pdf) 
