manner, conducive to realization of social justice, the achievement of gender equity, and fulfillment of the needs of women and their families.

　　　　We emphasize the need to generate public support among our constituents for mobilization and allocation of adequate domestic resources to support policies and programmes on Population and Development.




4. The Role of Parliamentarians in Population and Gender-Related Issues

　　　　We urge governments to integrate gender perspectives into their development strategies, policies, and programmes, giving attention to the importance of gender issues in both objectives and management. We believe this to be particularly important in relation to legislation on Population and Development.

　　　　We recommend and endorse enactment of legislation which will enable governments to formulate and implement policies and programmes to improve the legal, social, economic and political status of women and assure them full enjoyment of their rights.

　　　　Recognizing that such action will not be easy we offer our support and will endeavor to promote greater awareness of, positive attitudes towards, and under-standing of the complex inter-relationship between population, environmental conservation and sustainable development.

　　　　In the context of this effort, we commit ourselves to review and reevaluate women's involvement in politics in our respective countries. As representatives of the people and leaders of political life we accept our responsibility not only to advocate but also to act in our own sphere to build a more equitable society. In keeping with this, we will work to strengthen women's involvement in politics, particularly in decision making positions.

　　　　We recognize the need to develop and maintain good working relations with all who are active in promoting and implementing population, development, and gender-related programmes - the machinery of government, non-governmental organizations, women and men in the private sector.

　　　　In order to translate the action plans adopted at the major international conferences on the status of women into national legislation, we urge that appropriate re-search be carried out and that there be wide sharing of information and cooperation with technical experts in fields essential for addressing women's issues in the Asian region.

　　　　In this respect, we have a unique and important role. To fill this role effectively, we must develop networks among Parliamentarians at the national, regional