The UNESCO Long-Range Program for the Advancement of Women

Abstract

In 1966, the United Nations Educational, Scien tific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proposed to member states a long-range program for the advancement of women. Even if it was a new priority activity in the general plan of the Organization, it corresponded to the ethical position of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and it had been prepared through normative dispositions and recommendations endorsed by an ever growing number of member states. The importance of the economic and social role of women in the development of states which are indus trialized, or on the way to becoming industrialized, is gen erally recognized. Such development will take place with their full and complete participation or it will not take place at all. Women constitute a valuable reservoir of talent and energy, and UNESCO, by teaching adults to read and write, by educating children of both sexes, and by providing adoles cents with a varied scientific and technological knowledge, is attempting to give women the possibility of playing in their society the very role which is considered their birthright in the Charter of the United Nations. This activity was begun in a biennial program by UNESCO; it is an integral part of the Decade of Development; it is stimulating enthusiasm; and it calls upon the good will of the responsible organs of the states and of nongovernmental organizations.