measures hadtobeimplemented orstrengthened toimprove thesituation ofrural women. Special emphasis wasplaced ontheprovision ofmaternal andchildhealth, familyplanning, literacy andadulteducation, withaviewtoreleasing women's energyforproductive workandtotraining womentoperform tasksforhigherlevels ofproductivity andincome. 9.Inordertospreadawareness oftheneedsandpriorities ofruralwomenamong planners anddecision-makers andtoincrease theeffectiveness ofself-help initiatives, manyspeakers acknowledged theneedforstrengthening women's national machineries, voluntary associations, co-operatives andthelike.Special tribute waspaidbyseveral government representatives totheworkofthenon-governmental organizations. Theirrepresentativeness, commitment andflexibility were considered particularly usefulinpromoting theadvancement ofwomeninrural areas. Also,national andinternational organizations werecalled upontoprovide, interalia,technical assistance andfunding forruraldevelopment projects beneficial towomen.