ABSTRACT
Women in much of the world lack support for fundamental functions of a human life. They are less well nourished and healthy than men and more vulnerable to physical violence and sexual abuse. They are much less likely than men to be literate, and still less likely to have preprofessional or technical education. Should they attempt to enter the workplace they face greater obstacles, including intimidation from family or spouse, sex discrimination in hiring, and sexual harassment in the workplace-all frequently without effective legal recourse. Similar obstacles often impede their effective participation in political life. In many nations women are not full equals under the law: they do not have the same property rights as men; the rights to make a contract; or the rights of association, mobility, and religious liberty.2
