A better road ahead.

The roles of women in the Eastern Mediterranean region tend to be determined by strong local traditions. In most of the countries concerned traditional family life makes a clear separation between the parts played by women and men. Men dominate the "public" sphere; women assume full responsibility for the home domain. The 130 million women of this region are active and industrious but largely illiterate. They live in many instances beyond the reach of either governmental or nongovernmental services intended for their well being and development. Weakened by repeated pregnancies and endemic diseases and sometimes by harmful traditional practices the women of the region present a health profile that is on the whole poor. In most countries of the region the percentages of women included in the labor force are among the lowest in the world. Yet "nonsalaried" women -- peasants or housewives -- carry huge responsibilities which may prevent them from spending time on health promotion and family care. Their heavy workload does not count as "employment and they are not covered by protective legislation. In practice only a small percentage of women claim their political rights. The natural leadership potential of women which could be developed and deployed along lines compatible with local tradition has not yet been recognized. A "womens dimension" has now been added to all World Health Organization (WHO) programs and projects in the Eastern Mediterranean Region in conformity with resolutions passed during the UN Decade for Women. Maternal and child health and family health head the list of programs bearing directly on womens health. Family health projects aim to improve womens "reproductive health." Looking to the future the progressive increase in school enrollment among the younger female generation and the gradual improvement in socioeconomic conditions taking place in many Member States of the region are expected to augment the status and well-being of women in their own right as well as the part played by women in health and development.