A few representatives mentioned improvements in the areas of education and health. Many representatives referred to persistent discrimination against women and their lack of access to proper nutrition, clean drinking water, health, education, social support services and decent housing. Many representatives referred to women’s insufficient access to productive resources such as land, capital and technology. 17. Some representatives stressed the negative impact of the continuing recession in many economies on women. Some representatives referred to the increasing burden of debt and its adverse effects on women and overall national development programmes. It was stated that structural adjustment programmes had negatively affected the quality of life of women, particularly rural women. A few representatives mentioned the widening North-South gap and the extremely disadvantageous position of the least developed countries. One representative provided information on the main priorities for women in the least developed countries established at the meeting on women in development in the least developed countries, held in Niger in 1995. 18. Many representatives referred to education as a critical factor for the advancement of women, emphasizing the importance of education for girls. 19. Some representatives emphasized the importance of the family and the role of women as pillars of the family. One representative expressed concern that while achieving equality between men and women was essential, it should not deprive women of their femininity and their role as mothers. It was maintained that both men and women should be treated equally, with dignity as human beings and that the contribution of social reproduction to development should be duly recognized. 20. A few representatives stressed the importance of women’s reproductive rights; they referred to their activities and the measures taken to improve women’s reproductive health. Some representatives mentioned the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS as a grave threat to women’s health. 21. It was emphasized that sex-based discrimination was closely linked to culture and tradition. Reference was made to fundamentalist movements, religious extremism and ethnic fanaticism, which were said to adversely affect women’s status in society. Another representative voiced concern about the "negative side of culture", which was often used to legitimize oppression of women in the family and society. It was suggested that that issue should be given due attention in the context of national and international programmes. One representative referred to cultures and the rights of indigenous people and the difficulty of integrating them. 22. Many representatives referred to the adverse effects of the lack of peace and security on women, particularly in situations of civil strife and armed conflict. In that context, the waste of resources due to increased military spending was emphasized. One representative referred to the holistic approach to security, taking into account basic developmental needs, as well as the need for political security, including respect for human rights. A few representatives stressed that women should unite more effectively and put a stop to ongoing wars, the production and development of weapons, arms trafficking and mindless destruction. 23. Many representatives commented on the violation of international legal, humanitarian and ethical standards, which adversely affected refugee and displaced women in situations of armed conflict. A few referred to rape being -37-