United Nations Collection
Women’s Museum of California Library and Archives
United Nations and International Women’s Year
1967-1995
Collection Overview
Title: United Nations and International Women’s Year
Accession Number: AC-002
Prepared by: Lacey Medina
Head Archivist: Julia Friedman
Date Acquired: Unknown
Date processed: August 8, 2018
Location: Women’s Museum of California, San Diego, CA
Language: Collection material is in English
Extent: 5 boxes and print by artist Viola Burley issued in 1975 to commemorate International Women’s Year and United Nations Decade for Women, this print was donated by Ann Clark in 2015
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions: Open to research
Use Restrictions: None
Subjects/Names
United Nations
International Women’s Year
SDSU
National Women’s Conference
United Nations Decade for Women
Mexico City 1975
Houston 1977
Copenhagen 1980
Nairobi 1985
Women and Development
The Tribune: A Woman & Development Quarterly Newsletter
United Nations Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
UNESCO
INSTRAW
UNHCR
UNIDO
UNIFEM
UNICEF
UNA-USA San Diego
Dr. Nona Cannon
Subject/Topical
Women
United Nations
Form/Genre
Correspondence
Newsletters
Publications
Newspapers
Official Reports
Booklets
Forum Reports
Pamphlets
Needlepoint Items
Art print
Historical Note
After several years of battling a great amount of inequality and prejudice in the workplace, education, and political rights, global recognition of equal rights for women was achieved with International Women’s Year. The Women’s Year was designated in 1975 by the United Nations General Assembly to address and hopefully combat for women’s rights around the world and to prevent society from further allowing these issues to go unnoticed and ignored. Women and global leaders from around the world gathered for the first time in Mexico City in 1975 and engaged in an open dialogue on the need to develop a course of action for the advancement of women. This conference was widely covered by TV reporters and journalists and marked the beginning of International Women’s Year and the United Nations’ work towards the advancement of women. The International Women’s Year conference acted as a movement which opened up the worldwide dialogue between countries, men and women, as well as leaders and civilians to eradicate the injustices women faced and act as a time to dedicate efforts to generate solutions and plans of action to do so. Many conferences, meetings, publications, organizations, and groups were created following the beginning of International Women’s Year and a long partnership between the United Nations and women leaders began.[1]
Brief History of the United Nations and its Programs and Organizations
In 1942, the name “United Nations” was coined by the United States’ President Franklin D. Roosevelt and first used in the “Declaration by United Nations” during the Second World War. Then in 1945, the international organization was founded in San Francisco, CA, as representatives from 50 countries met to draw up the United Nations Charter.[2] The purposes of the United Nations are to maintain international peace and security, to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect, to achieve international co-operation in solving international problems, and to be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of these common ends.[3]
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO’s programs contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.[4]
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, during the aftermath of WWII, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes.[5] In the 1960s, with the decolonization of Africa, UNHCR helped the uprooted refugees over the following two decades, as well as uprooted refugees in Asia and Latin America.[6]
The United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), has been the leading research organization in the development of gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Institute’s work has produced gender disaggregated data and research results that have served to better inform the design of programs and to strengthen capacities to address gender issues. INSTRAW was established in 1979 upon recommendation of the World Conference of International Women’s Year 1975 through the United Nations. The organization's main focus is the advancement of women through research and training.[7]
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), is an agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development to reduce poverty, to create inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability.[8]
The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), provides financial and technical assistance to innovative programs to promote women’s human rights, political participation, and economic security. Since 1976, it has supported women’s empowerment and gender equality and has links with various women’s organizations throughout the world. UNIFEM was originally part of the United Nations Development Group but has now been taken over by UN Women.[9]
Founded in 1946 to help the children affected by World War II, the International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was formed. This organization was created to help with child health and to distribute aid to all children without discrimination. In 1967, UNICEF’s efforts expanded to that of family planning; family planning serves to offer support within the context of maternal and child health, extending services to both woman and child.[10]
United Nations Decade for Women began in 1976 with the goal of promoting equal rights and opportunities for women around the world. The United Nations Decade for Women included three major conferences for women; Mexico City in 1975, Copenhagen in 1980, and Nairobi in 1985. These conferences were held to discuss issues such as equal pay, violence against women, and basic human rights. This observed decade for women helped establish the legitimacy of women’s issues and their roles as workers inside and out of the home.[11]
Established in 1946, the United Nations Association San Diego (UNA-USA San Diego) is focused on advocacy efforts and education through public events and collaborations. It serves as a resource for the residents of San Diego on global issues addressed by the United Nations and its agencies. UNA-USA San Diego, helps to connect people, ideas, and resources to promote and support the UN’s work.[12]
Summary of the Collection
The United Nations and International Women’s Year consists of five boxes divided into eight series’ and a commemorative print for International Women’s Year and United Nations Decade for Women. The collection contains materials providing information on International Women’s Year and the United Nations Decade for Women and conferences held regarding women’s issues and the United Nations international work for the advancement of women. Consisting of publications, correspondences, forums, lectures, pamphlets, booklets, essays, course material, visual charts, plans of action, declarations, and outlines of workshops and other various organized events, this collection provides extensive information on women’s movements and the beginning of equality for women on a global sphere. The collection also contains the correspondences of Nona Cannon, PhD., and her efforts, involvement, and participation in various United Nations events as well as implementing the first women’s studies course at San Diego State University. Located at the end of the fifth box in this collection is a commemorative print by artist Viola Burley created in honor of International Women’s Year and United Nations Decade for Women.
Container List: Box and Folder Material
Box 1
Series 1: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Conference
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 1: International Women’s Year Prep
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 2: International Women’s Year Prep Newsletter
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 3: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Historical Context
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 4: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Roster
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 5: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Speeches & Seminar Notes
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 6: Mexico City 1975 - Conference Booklets (1 of 3)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 7: Mexico City 1975 - Conference Booklets (2 of 3)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 8: Mexico City 1975 - Conference Booklets (3 of 3)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 9: Mexico City 1975 - Conference Pamphlets (1 of 2)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 10: Mexico City 1975 - Conference Pamphlets (2 of 2)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 11: International Women’s Year Mexico City US Delegation
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 12: Mexico City 1975 - United Nations Economic & Social Council
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 13: Publications Relating to International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 14: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Articles (1 of 5)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 15: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Articles (2 of 5)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 16: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Articles (3 of 5)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 17: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Articles (4 of 5)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 18: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Articles (5 of 5)
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 19: International Women’s Year Mexico City Buletin Especial
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 20: International Women’s Year Mexico City SDSU Course
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 21: International Women’s Year Mexico City SDSU Student Reports
Series 1: Box 1: Folder 22: International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Ephemera
Box 2
Series 2: National Women’s Conference Houston 1977
Box 2: Series 2: Folder 23: National Women’s Conference - Houston 1977 Delegates
Box 2: Series 2: Folder 24: National Women’s Conference - Houston Publications
Box 2: Series 2: Folder 25: First National Women’s Conference “Spirit of Houston” Official Report
Box 2: Series 2: Folder 26: Houston Conference 1977 Souvenir
Series 3: National Women’s Conference Copenhagen 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 27: Planning for United Nations Decade for Women - Copenhagen 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 28: Copenhagen 1980 Conference Report
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 29: Copenhagen 1980 Conference Notes & Presentations
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 30: Copenhagen 1980 - United Nations Agenda & Journal
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 31: Official Program, Events, and Material from Copenhagen 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 32: Press Releases/Newsletters Copenhagen Conference 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 33: Announcements/Newsletters Copenhagen Conference 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 34: Newsletters/Scholarships Copenhagen Conference 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 35: Flyers & Literature Copenhagen Conference 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 36: Newspaper Clippings - Copenhagen Conference 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 37: Forum 80 - Copenhagen Conference - Issues July 14-24 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 38: United Nations Association of San Diego - Copenhagen Prep
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 39: United Nations Association of San Diego - Copenhagen News Release
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 40: World Conference of the UN Decade for Women 1980
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 41: Copenhagen Conference 1980 - Ephemera etc.
Box 2: Series 3: Folder 42: Post Copenhagen Conference 1980 Material
Series 4: National Women’s Conference Nairobi 1985
Box 2: Series 4: Folder 43: United Nations Report - Nairobi Conference 1985
Box 2: Series 4: Folder 44: Delegate Speeches & Statements - Nairobi Conference 1985
Box 2: Series 4: Folder 45: Nairobi Conference 1985 - Activities & Workshop Programs
Box 2: Series 4: Folder 46: United Nations Economic & Social Information 1985
Box 2: Series 4: Folder 47: International Women’s Filmforum Nairobi July 10-19 1985
Box 3
Series 4: National Women’s Conference Nairobi 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 48: Strategies for Advancement of Women Nairobi Conference 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 49: World Conference Review & Recognition of Achievements of United Nations Decade for Women 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 50: World Conference Review & Recognition of Achievements of United Nations Decade for Women 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 51: World Conference Review & Appraise of Achievements of United Decade for Women 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 52: United Nations Decade for Women Conference and NGO Forum - Nairobi Conference 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 53: Various Publications on Nairobi Conference 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 54: Decade News & Decade Note Publications - Nairobi Conference 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 55: Photocopies of Articles Regarding Nairobi Conference 1985
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 56: Nairobi Conference Articles - Newspaper Clippings (All California Newspapers)
Box 3: Series 4: Folder 57: Summary of Nairobi Conference & Information Kit for NGOS 1976-1985
Series 5: Additional Conferences, Meetings, and Committees
Box 3: Series 5: Folder 58: San Francisco International Women’s Year Conference 1975
Box 3: Series 5: Folder 59: International Women’s Year - Long Beach 1975
Box 3: Series 5: Folder 60: California State Meeting - International Women’s Year 1977
Box 3: Series 5: Folder 61: United Nations Decade for Women Steering Committee 1980
Box 3: Series 5: Folder 62: International Women’s Decade & Beyond 1984
Box 3: Series 5: Folder 63: Beijing Women’s Conference 1995
Box 3: Series 5: Folder 64: Beijing Women’s Conference - NGO Forum 1995
Series 6: Women and Development
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 65: Women & Development Programmes
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 66: Women & Development - Seminars & Conferences
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 67: Women & Development - Development Forum
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 68: Women & Development - Resources
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 69: Women & Development Articles
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 70: The Tribune: A Woman & Development Quarterly Newsletter 1-17 (1 of 4)
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 71: The Tribune: A Woman & Development Quarterly Newsletter 18-28 (2 of 4)
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 72: The Tribune: A Woman & Development Quarterly Newsletter 29-38 (3 of 4)
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 73: The Tribune: A Woman & Development Quarterly Newsletter 39-49 (4 of 4)
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 74: Women & Development Invisible Farmers Publication
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 75: Integration of Women & Development
Box 3: Series 6: Folder 76: Women & Development Pakistan
Box 4
Series 7: United Nations Programs and Organizations
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 77: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 78: UNESCO Co-Action Plan
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 79: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Women’s Education in Upper Volta
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 80: United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 81: International Associations of Women Immigrants
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 82: DAWN Publication: Third World Women’s Perspectives
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 83: ISIS International Publication - Women’s Journal
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 84: United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW)
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 85: INSTRAW News 1984-1991
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 86: INSTRAW Reports
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 87: INSTRAW Women & Water Supply and Sanitation
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 88: INSTRAW Programme of Activities 1984-1985
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 89: American Association of University Women Educational Foundation
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 90: United Nations Institute for Training & Research Publications
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 91: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 92: United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 93: Development Projects for Women: OXFAM America’s Program in India & Bangladesh
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 94: International Labour Organization
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 95: United Nations Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 96: United Nations Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 97: United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women 1975 Publication
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 98: United Nations Status of Women: A Selected Bibliography
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 99: United Nations Commission on the Statues of Women Reports 1980-1982
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 100: Publications on the Statues of Women
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 101: International Council of Women
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 102: United Nations Decade for Women 1976-1985
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 103: United Nations Decade for Women World Plan of Action 1976-1985
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 104: US Contribution to the UN Decade for Women - Hearing
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 105: Voluntary Fund for the United Nations Decade for Women
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 106: Voluntary Fund for the United Nations Decade for Women Announcements
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 107: United Nations Women’s Guild - 23rd Issue 1982
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 108: Women’s Action Organization: A Profile of Women in AID 1985
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 109: Various Women’s Organizations & Publications
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 110: United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 111: UNICEF News - Issues 103,104,106,108,117
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 112: United Nations Human Settlements Programme Notes & News
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 113: Amnesty International
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 114: World Health Organization (WHO) Publications
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 115: A Guide to Community Revolving Loan Funds
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 116: Trickle Up Program, Inc.
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 117: United Nations Press Release & Articles
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 118: United Nations Association of San Diego County Newsletters
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 119: San Diego County United Nations Association Coordinating Committee
Box 4: Series 7: Folder 120: California Council for the Humanities in Public Policy Grant Application
Box 5
Series 8: Women’s Work and the United Nations
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 121: United Nations Decade for Women 1976-1985 Bulletin 5-11 & Other Articles
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 122: United Nations Decade for Women Notes and Literature
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 123: United Nations Decade for Women Pamphlets & Reports
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 124: Women in Development: Agriculture & On Women and Food
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 125: Women & Agriculture
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 126: United Nations Environment Programme
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 127: Women & the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade Publication
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 128: Organizations & Publications Fighting World Hunger
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 129: World Food Programme Efforts
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 130: Women & World Hunger Conference 1983/1984
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 131: The Women and Food Information Network
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 132: Women and Food-Cycle Technologies
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 133: “Communicating Across Cultures Woman to Woman” Publication and Articles on Women & Education
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 134: Women & Education in Japan 1975/1977
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 135: Literacy for Women: A Development Priority - United Nations
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 136: The New International Economic Order - United Nations
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 137: Female Sexual Slavery & Economic Exploitation: Consultation Report
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 138: Women & the Media
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 139: Publications on Women & Appropriate Technology
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 140: Women, Work, and Opportunities for Professional Women
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 141: United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women - Sponsored Activities
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 142: Women & Poverty
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 143: Women & World Peace
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 144: Office of Women’s Affairs: Australia
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 145: World Bill of Rights for Women 1981
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 146: International Association for Religious Freedom - Women & Religion
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 147: Work of United Nations & Women in International Affairs
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 148: Sterling Educational Films: Women & Film
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 149: Women & Industrialization in Developing Countries
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 150: VIVENCIA! Organization Flyers
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 151: VAL-KILL Organization
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 152: Americas Magazine March-April 1983
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 153: Norwegian Women Unite to Fight Against Pornography
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 154: United Nations Portraits of Women
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 155: United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service - Geneva
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 156: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 157: “Equality is the Goal” by Elisabet Sandberg
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 158: United Nations Association San Diego County - Dr. Nona Cannon Correspondence
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 159: Dr. Nona Cannon Correspondences
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 160: Frances Wood Correspondences
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 161: United Nations Representatives
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 162: Women’s Congress
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 163: Special Issue Magazines Year of International Women’s Year
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 164: International Women’s Year and United Nations Work for Women
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 165: Assorted Ephemera
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 166: Assorted Publications & Documents on Women’s Issues
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 167: Women’s International Network - Press Releases Women’s Issues
Box 5: Series 8: Folder 168: Commemorative Print 1975 for International Women’s Year and United Nations Decade of Women
Scope and Contents of the Materials
Series 1: Box 1
Series 1 contains pamphlets, reports, announcements, newsletters, and other documents regarding the International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Conference held at the National Medical Center in Mexico City. The goal of this conference was to promote equality between men and women, integrate women into social and economic development efforts of nations and to recognize women’s increasing contribution to strengthening world peace. The conference also marked 30 years of United Nations’ efforts on behalf of women’s rights.
Series 1 also contains an introduction to the goals of the “World Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Women’s Year” to be implemented by the United Nations as well as the development of International Women’s Decade to be held from 1975-1985. International Women’s Year Mexico City 1975 Conference also led to the first SDSU course started by Dr. Nona Cannon to discuss the conference as well as for students to connect personally with women involved in the conference and United Nations, course description and pamphlets are included. Documentation of goals of the State Meetings and the National Women’s Conference (as mandated by Public Law 94-167) also included. Included in Series 1 is a list of the National Women’s Conference (1976) and mini-conferences/regional conferences held in each of the 50 states including Puerto Rico and District of Columbia during that year. Please note: This series contains a commemorative needlepoint item in honor of the Mexico City conference.
Series 2: Box 2
Series 2 contains an in-depth outline of the “Plan of Action” discussed at the Houston Conference in 1977. Please note: This series contains a commemorative needlepoint item in honor of the Houston conference
Series 3: Box 2
Series 3 contains a journal as well as copies of seminars and lectures given at the conference, a detailed timeline of the history of the United Nations Decade for Women, with dates and events included. Also included is documentation of the conferences focus; issues of apartheid, rural women, and effects of science and technology on women, as well as documents on the discussion on the need of implementation on a regional, national, and local level, the goals of the United Nations Decade for Women.
Series 3 also contains copies of the lectures and seminars given at the conference and evidence of UNESCO joining forces with women at the Copenhagen conference to promote women in three major areas; education, research and workshops, and communication and media.
Series 4: Box 2
Series 4 contains correspondences regarding the issue of non-governmental organizations and its impact on the attendees of the Nairobi 1985 Conference and their lack of proper lodging. Included is an NGO Forum booklet as well. Documents regarding the development of strategies to help with the advancement of women as well as the development of low-cost and effective program strategies for women are included with this series as well.
Series 4 also contains an outline of the “Forward Looking Strategies” which discussed several topics such as; trade restrictions, economic sanctions and the adverse effect on developing nations, and the need for women to have access to new technology. It also called for national statistics to be reported in terms of gender; for data based on women’s issues to be developed and used as a basis for policy formulation, and for an international information network on women to be created. “Forward Looking Strategies” also addressed the need for the elimination of colonialism, racism, apartheid, aggression, and foreign occupation, and reiterated concerns expressed throughout the decade regarding the need for women to participate in efforts to promote peace.
Series 4 contains an outline of the conference’s strategies to improve the status of women over the next 15 years; constitutional and legal, equality in social participation, and equality in political participation. Newspaper clippings of articles concerning the Nairobi conference can be found along with publications by Decade News and Decade Note concerning the proceedings of the conference.
Series 5: Box 3
Series 5 contains a report on all of the workshops held at the San Francisco Conference, workshops held during conference were: menopause and the physical and mental health of older women/aging, family planning, questionable surgery for women, women as health care providers, childbearing, women and energy, domestic relations, women as environmental health professionals, self-employed women, work-related benefits, occupational safety and health, changing roles/changing worklife patterns/changing families/changing women, federal civil rights employment legislation and enforcement, women with special priorities and needs, positive programs to reduce occupational segregation, access to education and educational equity, women, education and work and the role of community colleges, community action and the local school system, women and education in the developing world, and lastly educational equity.
Series 5 contains the Beijing Women’s Conference 1995, which was held on the United Nations 50th Anniversary and was the Fourth World Conference on Women.
Series 6: Box 3
Series 6 contains issues 1-49 of The Tribune: A Women and Development Quarterly Newsletter, each issue addresses topics such as; women and housing, participatory training, women and media, women and economics, women and water, women and law, women and money, women and technology, women and marketing, women and peace.
Series 6 also contains a Co-operation for Development booklet, a guide for non-governmental organizations as well as a development forum, a Women and Development Invisible Farmers publication, and pamphlets regarding the integration of women and development.
Series 7: Box 4
Series 7 contains the plans of UNESCO as an organization and its work for the advancement of women. Included is the “Medium Term Plan” as well as the “Second Medium Term Plan” which consists of nine programs and subprograms devoted specifically to the advancement of women. Contains an outline of UNESCO’s activities for the advancement of women and its partnership with International Women’s Year 1975.
Series 7 also contains publications by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its goal to protect refugees and promote durable solutions to their problems as well as to extend international protection to refugees who do not have the protection of their former home country. UNHCR held 30 meetings dealing mainly with the status of women, human rights, and refugees, and proclaimed a 14-article “Declaration on the Participation of Women in Promoting International Peace and Co-Operation”.
Series 7 also contains a list of international associations of women immigrants including; RIFF!; a federation of 23 local associations of immigrant women, politically and religiously neutral non-profit organization, with objectives such as to assist immigrant women by educating and informing immigrant women and by lobbying and influencing decision makers and organizations on issues focusing on immigrant women. Included is the multilingual publication Immigrant Women published by RIFF! six times a year.
Series 7 also contains an issue of DAWN: Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era. Pamphlets on the organization ISIS International, a resource and documentation centre in the international women’s movement and a publication outlining its topics of discussion from 1976-1979. Contains results of the United Nations’ compilations of social indicators on the situation of women which were prepared in response to recommendations of the World Conference of the International Women’s Year, studies presented follow up and elaborate on earlier working papers issued by the United Nations Secretariat, which provides an overview of sex biases in statistics. Contains the following INSTRAW reports; Integration of Women into Development Planning, National Machineries for the Advancement of Women: Selected Case Studies, and Improving Statistics and Indicators on the Situation of Women. Contains a program list of INSTRAW activities between 1984-85 which includes; statistics on women, incorporation of women, role of women in international water supply, role of women in international economics, role of women in industrial development, role of women in sources of energy, assessment of the employment of women, and possibilities of future programme development.
Series 7 also contains various publications on the status of women; Looking to the Future by Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs University of Minnesota, Women’s Status and Birth Control (1984) by The Humanist, A Crucial New Direction for International Family Planning, Seneca Falls, About Women (1979) by Los Angeles Times, Equal Time (1984), and five publications by the Ad Hoc Group on equal rights for women. This series contains a 1980 People Wall Chart visually addressing prominent issues in women’s studies and advancement such as marriage age, contraception, life expectancy, and illiteracy.
Series 7 also contains information on the International Women’s Year Tribune Project and “Women and the World at Work: a NATO Symposium” with a list of topics suggested to be discussed regarding social, cultural, and political issues, economic factors, effects on women’s physical and mental health, and philosophical and psychological issues. Also contains various publications; The One World of Working Women (1978) by US Department of Labor, The Status of the Unmarried Mother: Law and Practice (1971) by United Nations, Not Enough Progress Newsletter No. 2 (1980) by Women Publication, and Thinking Globally, Acting Loyally (1981) by Window on the World. An outline of the 5-Year Minimum is included and broken down into types of action needed; political, educational, employment, health, the family, population, and housing. This series contains issues on the media, international action, and research all regarding women’s issues. This series also contains the projects and programs supported in 1979 by the Voluntary Fund for the United Nations Decade for Women, as well as projects supported in 1980.
Series 7 also contains information on the Women’s Action Organization, a voluntary organization founded to improve the career opportunities and status of all categories of women stateside and abroad. The organization's main goal is to have women represented equitably in all systems, in all occupational categories, and at all grade levels. Series contains four publications by UNICEF News; Development begins with women, children on the move, health for some or health for all?, and technology: appropriate for what? And for whom? Also contains two issues of World Health magazine (1980). Also contains a printed guide to “Community Revolving Loan Funds”. Included is introduction material to the Trickle Up Program, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to creating new opportunities for employment and economic and social well-being among the low-income populations of the world.
Series 8: Box 5
Series 8 contains the various correspondences of the United Nations Association of San Diego County’s Dr. Nona Cannon. Nona Cannon, PhD., is a faculty co-founder of the Women’s Studies Department at San Diego State University (1969) and worked for the United Nations regarding women’s equality.
Series 8 also contains a special 10th Anniversary Issue of Peace & Freedom Vol. 45 No. 6 & 7 Sep/Oct. 1985. This series also contains Decade Up Date No. 1 March 1984, from Dr. Nona Cannon’s personal collection along with an issue of The Rural Sociologist V. 1 No. 6 Nov. 1981. This publication deals with rural sociology, farm women, and other rural issues.
Series 8 also contains documents discussing the role of third world women in agriculture. An issue of The Missing Half (1975) publication by Woman. An outline of the United Nations Environment Programme. Booklets on the “International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade” addressing topics such as; women’s involvement viewed in a broader context, how women have been and could be involved in the various stages of a water/sanitation project cycle, and other special issues.
Series 8 also contains the Food Aid and the Role of Women in Development publication by World Food Programme. This program took the opportunity offered by International Women’s Year 1975 to scrutinize its activities to see how far they meet the needs of women in the countries it assists, and how food aid might be better used for improving women’s status and increasing contribution to development.
Series 8 also contains the booklet Communicating Across Cultures: Woman to Woman: Scripts, Program Ideas and Resources for use by Community Groups by Lynne Gallaher. This publication addresses the women’s world, ideas for small group programs, workshops on issues and regions, and additional scripts.
Series 8 also contains pamphlets and publications regarding women and education in Japan during 1975-1977. The Social Education Bureau Ministry of Education Japan produced documents on various women’s issues such as; trends in women’s lives (women and family life, women and employment, women and social activities) and women and education today (school education and non-formal education).
Series 8 also contains information regarding the issue of literacy for women, how literacy enables women and statistics on these issues. This series contains a pamphlet outlining the media guidelines for women and the media. Also included are publications on women and appropriate technology; appropriate technology and development (historical perspective, definition of appropriate technology, appropriate technology in practice, implication of appropriate technology), women and technology (a myriad of tasks, the forgotten workers), appropriate technology for African women (how appropriate technology can help women, labour-saving devices, income-generating activities, home improvements), and current programs in Africa (economic commission for Africa, UNICEF, other international agencies, and African institutions).
Series 8 also contains information on women, work, and opportunities for professional women; Women at Work by International Labour Organization Geneva, Switzerland, The Search for a New Economic Order, Women and the World of Work a NATO symposium Lisbon, Portugal (1980). This series also contains documents addressing the issue of women in poverty.
Series 8 also contains documents from the Office of Women’s Affairs Australia addressing the government’s commitment to a policy of complete equality of opportunity, freedom from discrimination and equal status for women. Series contains a report to the Commonwealth Government by the National Women’s Advisory Council (1979). This report covers issues such as; education and language training, employment, child care, health, migrant services units, and multiculturalism. Series also contains documents by the International Association for Religious Freedom, a world community of religions, interreligious, intercultural and interracial in composition and vision. This organization encompasses 45 member groups in 20 countries speaking 15 languages and represents faith traditions from all continents.
Series 8 also contains a report on Women and Industrialization in Developing Countries (1981) and analysis of the papers presented at the Preparatory Meeting. Also included is material on Vivencia!; where people meet, relax, exchange information and ideas, make professional contacts, share skills and interests, make professional contacts, investigate books, periodicals, United Nations documents and other materials related to the advancement of women and the organizing of ad hoc gatherings and discussions around ideas of mutual concern and interest.
Series 8 also contains information regarding the Val-Kill Organization; a non-profit organization which initiated the idea of acquiring Val-Kill in an effort to bring to life the spirit of the Val-Kill historical site through programs, conferences, studies and lectures inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s work and values, her quest for peace and justice, her belief in human dignity and in personal responsibility for the well-being of others.
Series 8 also contains material regarding Norwegian women’s fight against pornography with detailed publications on why women are against pornography, and the main goals of Norwegian women regarding the education of pornography.
Series 8 also contains a published view by Hikka Pietila, Secretary General Finnish United Nations Association on what the United Nations means to women. Pietila addresses human rights for women, definition of concepts, International Women’s Year and the United Nations Decade for Women, world conferences, and the United Nations Development Decades. This series also contains a report by Sami Elisabet Sandberg titled Equality is the Goal. This report addresses topics such as; employment, economic aspects, education, health, housing and residential environment, the family and the law, children, and women’s influences in the community.
[1] “International Women’s Year 1975,” https://history.libraries.wsu.edu/fall2015/2015/10/03/international-womens-year-1975/
[2] “History of the United Nations,” http://www.un.org/en/sections/history/history-united-nations/index.html
[3] “Charter of the United Nations,” http://www.un.org/en/charter-united-nations/index.html
[4] “UNESCO in brief,” https://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco
[5] “History of UNHCR,” http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/history-of-unhcr.html
[6] “History of UNHCR,” http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/history-of-unhcr.html
[7] “INSTRAW,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_International_Research_and_Training_Institute_for_the_Advancement_of_Women
[8] “UNIDO in brief,” https://www.unido.org/who-we-are/unido-brief
[9] “UNIFEM,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Development_Fund_for_Women
[10] “Learning from experience 1946-1979,” https://wcmsprod.unicef.org/stories/learning-experience-1946-1979
[11] “United Nations Decade for Women,” https://www.britannica.com/topic/United-Nations-Decade-for-Women
[12] “About Us,” http://unasd.org/about-us/what-we-do/