independence, women could not achieve equality. Governments must eliminate all discrimination against women and, at the same time, set up an infrastructure to improve the economic status of women. Her delegation therefore supported the recommendations aimed at integrating that infrastructure in national and international development strategies. I ... I A/C.3/40/SR. 24 English Page 13 (Mrs. warzazi, Morocco) 56. She noted that although women in developing countries formed a major component of the fundamental development sectors, particularly that of agriculture, their ~rk had never been given the value it deserved. Moreover women's participation in toose activities did not normally figure in the established statistics, thereby rendering their important contribution invisible. The vital role of rural women in ~tin America, Asia and Africa had never been recogized, because it was always the image of men which persisted, leading them to reap the benefits of the work done by ~men as well as any assistance or credit extended for the promotion of agricultural production. That naturally led to a reinforcement of the inferior status of women and to the maintenance of preferential treatment for male children. Moreover, men were placed in decision-making and management positions, while women were required to do back-breaking, badly paid work. The gulf separating the two explained why many developing countries had not attained the goal of self-sufficiency in food, agriculture and rural development. Her delegation therefore welcomed the measures elaborated by the Nairobi Conference aimed at ensuring rural women access to land, capital, technology and other productive resources. 57. The education of women was more than vital for the elimination of the gap between the sexes. The importance of education and training, and the crucial role ot the mass media in the elimination of disparities and prejudices affecting women and their effective participation in development, could not be overemphasized. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of empowering women in developing countries, particularly in rural areas, to achieve economic development and equality. It highlights the lack of recognition of women's contributions to agriculture and the importance of education and training for their participation in development. The text also touches on the need for access to resources such as land, capital, and technology.

**Category**
Education, Employment