 How
far have women come since 1970 when the
last volume of IFBPW history was published?
Each one of us, no doubt, has a different
answer to this question, depending on where
we live, what we do, and the education we
received. There are an infinite number of
variables. However, most of us would agree
that women have come a long way and are
continuing to assert themselves more confidently
in all sectors of society. At
the time of writing this epilogue in 1995,
women have access to previously unattainable
positions and, indeed, we hear of more and
more women who have managed to penetrate
traditionally male-dominated domains. Furthermore,
they have shown other women that it is possible
to be successful without sacrificing their
identities in an attempt to emulate their
male counterparts.
Empowerment
brings with it the possibility of financial
independence and the first step towards
freedom of choice for many women and the
start of real equality between the sexes.
This
book concludes with a report on the NGO
Forum and United Nations Fourth World Conference
on Women (1995 : Beijing) which promises
fresh hopes for the advancement of women
everywhere in the twenty-first century.
As they have done over these many years,
our members will continue to transform these
hopes into reality so that future members
and women in general will be able to benefit
from their efforts.
By
the time the next volume of IFBPW's history
is written, we will no longer refer to problems
like violence, health education, equal pay
and equal opportunities as women's issues
but as matters for the attention of society
in general: women and men will work together
in partnership to create a better world
for future generations.
Livia
Ricci, IFBPW President
December 1995
Verona, Italy
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