Nurses, nursing and women

WHO's project on women as providers of health care, in which many countries, agencies and individuals have been involved in various capacities, has given birth to a book entitled "Women as Providers of Health Care". While presenting an objective picture of the situation of women who dispense health care--formally or informally, within the family and community--around the world, the book tries to stimulate thought on the subject of women's contribution to health and how it can be enhanced. The chapter on "Nursing and the condition of women", condensed below, identifies some of the major issues hindering nursing education and practice. It is intended to lead to a better and broader understanding of the problems faced by women as health care providers.