Eight women will represent Education International at the 51^st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, from 26 February to 9 March 2007. They will work to strengthen political accountability and commitment to eliminating all forms of discrimination against women. Deputy General Secretary Janet Eastman, who will lead EI’s delegation, asserts that "[v]iolence against women is both a cause and a consequence of discrimination against women." She stated that success of goals to eliminate discrimination and promote women’s rights depended on ensuring that laws are non-discriminatory and changing stereotypical conceptions of gender.  Eastman stated that teacher’s unions worldwide are willing to assist in these changes.   

EI urged governments to pursue educational goals, namely Education for All and Millennium Development Goals, with an eight-point list of recommendations.  The list focuses on guaranteeing girls’ fundamental rights to education, implementing international conventions prohibiting child labor, and combating violence.  Eastman affirmed EI’s commitment to achieving quality public education for all:  "If governments everywhere implemented these measures, they would have a significant and positive impact on the lives of women and girls worldwide."

Compiled from: http://www.wunrn.com

For more information, see:  http://www.ei-ie.org/en/index.php