Securing equality of opportunity for males and females

The principle of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women is widely accepted in most countries of the world. Yet in practice inequalities persist on a global basis. This challenge is complex. It comprises substantive issues of equity, respect for fundamental human rights, human resource development, women's contribution to national development and the standards and values of societies. Despite the fact that the issues are well-known and have been addressed in national and international circles for many years, progress towards equality has been slow.