Research on role of women

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32838, 11 February 1972, Page 5

Research on role of women

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Feb. 10.

Key areas of research on the role of women in national development should be identified, a meeting of the National Development Council was told yesterday.

Responsibility for this research should be allocated to the appropriate bodies. Mrs R. K. Dell, chairman of the sub-committee on tire role of women, said the implementation of relevant National Development Council recommendations needed continuing review. The council resolved that the sub-committee meet every six months, and empowered it to co-opt representatives from related fields. The Advisory Council on Educational Planning was to be invited to comment on the assessment of individual aptitudes in women and girls, the guidance of pupils in courses, and vocational education. Mrs Dell said that further study was needed on the success of measures now under action to develop the potential of women. She cited as examples the industrial training schemes of the Vocational Training Council, the review of vocational guidance and counselling services in schools, the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into equal pay, and of the Committee of Inquiry into the educational requirements of pre-school children.

The Advisory Council on Educational Planning earlier i reported to the National Development Council on the use of existing education facilities by girls and women. Particular reference was made to educational planning, and to the total economic and social contribution of women to society. The sub-committee on the role of women said it appeared from this report that more girls were taking better advantage of their opportunities for education by widening the range of subjects studied, and by longer attendance at school. The report, however, was slanted more towards those of average or above-average ability. The sub-committee felt that all girls and women should have sufficient opportunity to develop their full potential. It said that the advisors council could examine the educational motivation of those in the lowerattainment groups. More attention could be paid to linking education with work, to education for family life, and to women’s participation in adult education programmes.