Forward and Backward in Beijing, Introduction

The Platform of Action suscribed in Beijing revolves around 12 areas or spheres of especial concern regardindg the situation of women. Each advances a diagnosis, sets the main goals, and urges lines of action. The document reflects the most serious problems women face in the world , including points of concern of both developed and undeveloped nations. The preliminary discussion showed the progress made in the studies concerning women´s problems and the advances reached in matters of organization professionalism and influence of Non Governmental Organizations (ONG). It also made evident the notorious and significant growth of very conservative movements wich had a great influence in the Beijing Conference and, unfortunately, contributed to the distortion, through the media, of the conclusions adopted in the Fourth World Conference on Women