Women workers: international issues

Disparities in women's working conditions, health care, and general treatment between developed and developing countries will continue to grow unless the status of women in developing countries receives priority attention. Government attempts in Third-World countries to improve the status of women are hampered by socioeconomic factors, explosive population growth, and a deepening world economic crisis. Health care in the developing world is almost nonexistent. In developing countries, health care facilities are not within walking distance of 85% of the population. Women not only are subject to many of the same health problems as men, but also face discrimination on the basis of sex, lower socioeconomic status and the physical demands of childbearing and family care. Improvement in women's health and status is basic to the development of society. Developing countries cannot achieve their economic goals unless they recognize that the health of all citizens is of primary importance and that women must be permitted to be part of the development process equally with men.