Second World Conference on Women:

Introduction:

It held between 14 and 30 July 1980 in Copenhagen as the mid-decade assessment of

progress and failure in implementing the goals established by the World Plan of Action. There were 1500 delegates participated in this conference.

There were some barriers for women to exercise their rights like:

a)     Lack of sufficient involvement of men in improving women's role in the society.

b)     Insufficient political will.

c)      Lack of recognition of the value of women's contribution to the society.

d)     Lack of attention to the particular needs of women in planning.

e)     Shortage of women in decision-making process.

f)       Insufficient services such as co-operatives, day care center and credit facilities to support the role of women in national life.

g)     Overall lack of necessary financial resources.

h)     Lack of awareness among women about the opportunities available to them.

i)        Jobs which were available to women were insecure, low paid and sex-stereotyped

Official Conference:

There was 2 committee:

1. First Committee

It discussed the progress and obstacles in attaining the World Plan of Action and the proposal for the World Programme of Action.

2. Second Committee

It noted that without change in socio-economic systems, equality for women in regional systems were needed to be fully integrated to allow women's participation.

Key Outcomes:

1. Signing of CEDAW

2. Included the sections to create women's bureau or agencies, defined the roles of NGO and grass root organizations and established target issues like child care, rural women unemployment

3. The changes were devoted to ensure equal access to education, employment opportunities and adequate health care.