(i) The conference delegates agreed to lobby Ministries of Education and school boards to introduce strong measures to ensure that high-school girls pursue math and science studies, and are counseled about careers requiring these subjects. (ii) Women must be involved in the decisions about curriculum changes, the introduction of computer hardware into schools and the development of suitable software programs to encourage girls' interest in micro technology and computer science from an early age. (iii) Statistics on the number of women math and science teachers and the number of girls in math and science courses should be available.
(i) The conference delegates demanded urgently further information on the possible radiation hazards of video display terminals (VDTs), since, at present, there is no conclusive scientific study in this area. (ii) All workers should become informed about the health dangers and the stresses of those jobs in the microtechnology industry which have already become "women's work," such as the operation of VDTs and assembly line work. (iii) A Charter of Rights related to micro technological change is proposed, which should include clauses about advance notice of such change and its step-by-step introduction, safeguards regarding deskilling and reductions in the size of the workforce, and provisions for both training and health safeguards.
(i) The conference delegates urge all women to find out what information is contained in their personal and security files, and to lobby for freedom of information and other protective legislation re: theft and/or sale of the information in data banks. (ii) Groups and individuals are urged to make full use of available data base facilities for the exchange of information relating to women's concerns and their employment needs.
Numerous other recommendations regarding actions to be taken by the organizing groups were endorsed by the conference delegates.
A coalition was formed from the conference, with the purposes of: (i) Establishing a National Micro technology Network with the task of exchanging information and lobbying for action; and (ii) Identifying urgent needs and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken. All women are urged to inquire from the local branch of the conference organizing groups how they may participate in this network. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please call: |
| Back | Contents | Next |