After two years of intensive work the Gender Working Group presented their findings to the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD). Geoffrey Oldham, chair of the Gender Working Group described how the conclusions were reached through a consultative and participatory process involving the delegates and women experts who were appointed as equal members of the Working Group. He explained that the delegates learned a great deal about the gender specific nature of science and technology programmes and how women are excluded from science education, technical training and scientific careers, especially decision and policy making positions. Dr. Oldham elaborated on the specific recommendations to national governments and UN Agencies on how to promote gender equity in science and technology. After this presentation the chair opened the floor for questions and remarks. The Working Group members, including two of their women advisers, Dr. Shirley Malcolm (AAAS) and Dr. Farkhonda Hassan (TWOWS), and Ilse Marks, representing UNIFEM which led the review of the UN system, were available to answer questions.
Although two years earlier the Commission reluctantly accepted gender as one of the topics that the commission would address, the report was received very well. Many delegates congratulated the Gender Working Group for its excellent work and stated that their government endorses the Declaration of Intent. Different delegates elaborated on how their countries seek to promote women's participation in science and technology. Many commissioners praised the timeliness of this report as input into the Fourth World Conference on Women.
The second session of the UNCSTD marked an important milestone on the road to women's full and equitable participation in science and technology. However, crucial next steps need to be taken by national governments and UN Agencies to implement the policy recommendations.