CEDAW/C/1997/3/Add.3
English
Page 8
(b) Creation of a centre for initiatives to combat post-war
marginalization and exclusion. Some of the consequences and post-war trauma are
already discernible in the high rate of family violence and desertion,
prostitution, etc., and have confirmed the need to create an observation
mechanism capable of sounding the alarm and explaining the situation to the
public authorities and of raising awareness among the various socio-professional
circles concerned (doctors, educators, judges, etc.);
(c) Strengthening of the role of women in the process of peace and
democracy and of their participation in the economic and social life of Bosnia
and Herzegovina. This programme is proposed on the basis of a broader
understanding of the mandate entrusted to the secretariat by the General
Conference and the Executive Board, but also in response to the reality on the
ground and to requests from women's groups. Bosnian women's mobilization
against the effects of the systematic use of violence against women, and their
front-line position, have made them aware of the need to strengthen women's
participation in current decision-making for the restoration of socio-political
and cultural links in the region. Women are faced with two difficulties: to
preserve their gains and secure a place for themselves in the new democratic
institutions (political, economic, media and international), and to combat the
sequels of the war (poverty, marginalization and exclusion). They also wish to
uphold and 'impose' their views, which are rooted in the conviction that they
belong to a 'single' community and are not diverse components of an
intercultural community. a/
III.
A.
UNESCO ACTIVITIES TO PUBLICIZE THE WORK OF CEDAW
Dissemination of the CEDAW/UNESCO Manifesto:
a Gender-inclusive Culture through Education
Towards
9.
Mention must be made here of UNESCO's efforts to apply the philosophy and
content of the Manifesto which was included for the most part in its report to
the fifteenth session of CEDAW. In this text CEDAW and UNESCO reaffirm their
belief in the universal value of education for a world culture of gender
equality and in the determining role of education for women. They urge the
international community to recognize education as a fundamental right. The
World Education Report 1995, a biannual UNESCO publication, has as its central
theme the education of women and girls and stresses the access of women to
scientific and technical education. The World Science Report 1995, published
annually by UNESCO, devoted a whole chapter to women's place in science and
technology. These sectors are given priority in the Manifesto Towards a
Gender-inclusive Culture. They are included in several special projects
established by UNESCO in its 1996-1997 programme. (For greater detail see
section IV below.)
B.
Participation of the President of CEDAW in UNESCO
activities: International Women's Day: 4 March 1996
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