Some participants believed that women should try to maintain their "feminine qualities" while struggling to become involved in decision making. Dr.Meguro asked us to define what "feminine characteristics" are, and whether these qualities were imposed on us by men. For example, there is a commonly held belief that men see things in "black and white" terms while women tend to see issues in "gray". And indeed, this ability to see the "grey" is considered to be a feminine characteristic. Once women recognize that we do have different perceptions, etc, and that they are valid, we will be able to use them to create a bond between us.

There was a good deal of discussion about the question of women needing and wanting male approval before participating in decision making forums. Dr. Meguro asked us to decide if we, as women, should depend on male approval. She gave the example of Arabian women believing that they had all the rights they wanted or needed. Even though many of us believe the situation of Arabian women is very poor vis a vis equality, they believe they are happy in their role because their men tell them so. Many are content with non-participation in decision making forums and do not strive for equality in decision making.

Dr. Meguro asked us to consider the role of formal and informal education in helping women to access equality in decision making forums. She pointed out that in Japan, higher education can be an obstacle for women's participation in the workplace. As well, there is an age limit after which people cannot go to school. She felt the consensus of the conference was that education should be open to people of all ages.

The question of whether education was a mechanism to help people with their individual development or whether it should help people become more "politically conscious" was raised. For example, in Kenya, women have to learn to read and write before they can be involved in society thus for them literacy and political consciousness could go hand in hand.

The fact was identified that in most countries where there were Women's Bureaus, women's problems were addressed only by these women's bureaus and not by men. We were asked to comment on this as well as to discuss and decide what we thought the ultimate level of women's involvement should be in the decision making process.

In the concluding discussions that ensued following Dr. Meguro's suggestion, it was agreed by all the delegates that women indeed take a minority role in the decision making processes at all levels, formal, semiformal and informal, regardless of what country is being examined. However, resolution of this problem was viewed from diverse perspectives.

Some of the delegates felt that power could and should be accessed by getting the "ears" of the people in power. An example given by a Japanese woman suggested that governments were influenced by women lobbyists. However, this was countered by another who argued that governments need to perceive the "larger climate" to be in favor of a change before they are influenced by lobbyists.

Others suggested that exerting energy at the semi-formal or informal levels of decision making had not proven useful as methods of influence. They felt that the crucial area for women's involvement should be in the public service at the policy level. That is, to be involved in decisions around resource allocation; to be able to ask and decide who benefits? and who pays?

It was agreed that the above was the best recourse because the present reality effectively prohibits women's inroads into political life can be cited but it was felt that "the time is not yet right" and too much energy spent here would be spent in vain.