A/RES/57/177 Aware that in order to ensure full equality between women and men it is essential to recognize the differential impact of ageing on women and men and to integrate a gender perspective into all policies, programmes and legislation, Aware also that women constitute the majority of older populations in all regions of the world and represent an important human resource whose contribution to society has not been fully recognized, Recognizing the increasing role of older women in taking the responsibility of providing care and assistance to those infected and affected by the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in various regions of the world, particularly in developing countries, Affirming the dual challenges of ageing and disability, and affirming also that older persons have specific health needs and that, owing to the increase in life expectancy and the growing number of older women, their health concerns require particular attention and further research, Aware that few statistics are available on the situation of older women, and recognizing the importance of data, including data disaggregated by age and sex, as an essential element of planning and policy evaluations, Recognizing that women of all ages, in particular older women, continue to suffer from discrimination and lack of opportunities, including educational opportunities, Emphasizing that Governments bear the primary responsibility for creating an enabling environment for the economic and social development of their citizens, and noting with appreciation the valuable contributions of civil society, including nongovernmental organizations, in calling attention to the specific needs of older women, 1. Takes note of the report of the Second World Assembly on Ageing, held at Madrid from 8 to 12 April 2002, 4 and the report of the Secretary-General on the follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing, 5 and calls for efforts to implement the global action plan aimed at meeting the challenges of the world’s ageing population, in particular with regard to older women; 2. Stresses the importance of mainstreaming a gender perspective, while continuing to take into account the needs of older women, in policy and planning processes at all levels; 3. Also stresses the need to eliminate discrimination on the basis of gender and age and ensure equal rights and their full enjoyment for women of all ages; 4. Urges Governments and regional and international organizations, including the United Nations system in cooperation with civil society, including non-governmental organizations, where appropriate, to promote programmes for healthy active ageing that stress the independence, equality, participation and security of older women and to undertake gender-specific research and programmes to address their needs; 5. Emphasizes the need for Governments and regional and international organizations, including the United Nations system and the international financial _______________ 5 2 A/57/93.