Impact of the World Social Situation on Women

The failure to raise levels of living in most of the developing countries has a particular impact on women. Half of the world population continues to live at abysmally low levels, often below the subsistence standards of advanced countries. The lagging sectors in development are, particu larly, food, housing, and employment. In general, women bear a greater share of the malnutrition problem, and also carry a heavy load in supplementing the family income of irregularly employed husbands. At the same time, they must maintain their family responsibilities. The situation in health, both the achievements and the remaining problems, is outlined in some detail, with special reference to its impact on women. The major social trends, particularly population growth and redistribution, the social revolution in the develop ing countries, and their relationships to the advancement of women, are briefly sketched. Finally, the role which women are playing and may play in development work at the local and national levels, both in voluntary and in professional activities, is given some attention.