effective in helping women understand the link between their rights and other aspects of their lives and in demonstrating that cost-effective institutions can be created to help women obtain those rights. I. Insufficient use of mass media to promote women’s positive contributions to society 51. The world is undergoing a communications revolution in which new images and ideas reach into the far corners of the world. New technologies offer the promise of greater interaction among people. These technologies are powerful tools that can be used either for social progress or to reinforce stereotypes. 52. In many countries, the public image of women is changing because of the positive images of women being projected. There are also increasing numbers of women involved in the communications media. 53. On the whole, however, the mass media in most countries still rely on stereotyped images of women and do not provide an accurate picture of women’s roles and value in a changing world, but reinforce outdated perceptions of women’s roles. Whether public or private, the mass media are still controlled primarily by men and reflect, in many ways, their values and perceptions. These include images of violence and dominance, which have an impact on viewers young and old. 54. Experience in some countries in which efforts have been made to portray women’s contributions accurately shows that the mass media can be a significant force for reinforcing change and promoting equality. The possibilities of using communications technology to link women nationally and internationally have been demonstrated in a number of pilot efforts. J. Lack of adequate recognition and support for women’s contribution to managing natural resources and safeguarding the environment 55. Managing natural resources and safeguarding the environment are the responsibilities of everyone, and the consequences of environmental degradation affect everyone as well. Women’s deep concern for the quality and sustainability of the natural systems that sustain life is an intimate part of women’s lives. This concern takes root in their daily reality, their experience as persons primarily responsible for obtaining fuel and water in much of the world and their role in managing the consumption patterns of the household. It also takes root in their concern for the future generations they bear. 56. The preparations for the United Nations Development showed that women were concerned experiences that could help develop national policies. This has been reflected in Agenda Conference on Environment and with the environment and had unique and international programmes and 21. 57. However, women have been largely absent from decision-making about the environment. The enthusiasm and experience brought by women has not been applied to environmental decision-making and management. 58. In a world of accelerating resource depletion which results in diminished agricultural production, desertification and dislocation, the expertise and knowledge of all is required. Despite the close interaction between the -39-