campaigns, the publication of leaflets, posters, special programmes in the mass media, the organization of workshops, and training - all heavily attended by non-governmental organizations. In some countries, national preparations consisted of activities centred on such issues as violence against women, decision-making, women and the mass media, the role of women in development and the plight of rural women. 9. Some representatives addressed the lack of resources, which might prevent some countries and non-governmental organizations from participating in the preparatory activities and the Conference itself. Thus, assistance should be provided by donor countries and international institutions, including the United Nations system. 10. Many reports were given on regional and subregional preparatory activities. All of the regional commissions urged their respective Governments to accelerate the preparation of national reports and to participate actively in the regional preparatory meetings. Delegations and the representatives of the United Nations system cited some of the specific regional concerns that would be highlighted at those meetings, such as the empowerment of women, democratization, the role of women in development, education and health, poverty, and the situation of rural women. Draft Platform for Action 11. Many representatives welcomed the draft Platform for Action. It incorporated most of the suggestions put forward by the Inter-sessional Working Group and constituted a solid basis for further work. Many representatives reiterated that the Platform for Action should set clear priorities and be concise, action-oriented, imaginative and written in language easily understandable by women at the grass-roots level in every part of the world. It should clearly identify action at the national, regional and international levels that would lead to commitments to take the necessary measures and establish accountability for implementation. 12. According to many representatives, the Platform for Action should reflect universal problems without ignoring differing circumstances in different countries. It was important to deal appropriately in the Platform with the specific needs of certain groups of women. Mention was made, in particular, of rural women and elderly women, and of the concerns of refugee, displaced and migrant women. The need to take a life-cycle approach throughout was stressed. The importance of providing equal opportunities for women with disabilities was also mentioned. 13. Many representatives stated that the linkage between the status of women, population and environment, as clearly acknowledged in Agenda 21, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, the expected outcome of the International Conference on Population and Development and the World Summit for Social Development, and the plans for the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations should form part of the Platform for Action. 14. One representative recalled the five forward-looking goals adopted by the Commission on the Status of Women at its thirty-seventh session, which were meant as slogans with a kind of conceptual framework for a new century and a new concept of women and their roles as citizens in society. Another representative suggested linking the Platform for Action - in particular, its strategies and actions - to domestic political realities. The best practical examples of successful programmes should be presented in the Platform. -85-