77.2 Decade for Women
Whereas, The provisional agenda in the World Conference IWY, Mexico City, June 19 to July 2, 1975, underlined the status of women in society, actual, potential and ideal, and the obstacles to be overcome in attaining equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities;
Whereas, The 22 governments and 22 non-governmental agencies participating in the World Conference agreed in principle to the adoption of the World Plan of Action during the proclaimed United Nations Decade for Women, with the Canadian Government as a strong proponent;
Whereas, A Decade for Women program 1976-1986, designed to continue the work done by International Women’s Year and to provide guidance and goals to work toward, was adopted by the Twenty-sixth Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women which met in Geneva in September, 1976 and included two Canadian delegates;
Whereas, This United Nations Commission will proceed with the Decade for Women Program in two stages, with the first stage concluding in 1980 with a World Conference review;
Whereas, It is manifest that action at the national level is crucial in developing criteria for achievement of specified goals and targets within the Decade;
Whereas, Recognizing that women, as a major group, are affected by all societal decisions, it is the immediate task of government departments to provide the impact of existing and proposed programs in Canada which will identify a broad assessment of policies as the basis for choice among alternative types of reforms; and,
Whereas, The vital link between research and policy lies within the channels of mass communication, and it is within the power of government to develop a communications strategy to increase and improve participation of women in the economic life of this country; therefore,
RESOLVED, That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
1. Establish and communicate a target outline, both for the Decade and for the half decade World Conference in 1980;
2. Draw on women as individuals or as groups in the policy formulations; and,
3. Draw on resources and expertise available within non-governmental agencies as a constant monitor of programs under consideration to ensure an efficient medium in meeting established objectives.