E/2005/43 E/C.19/2005/9 107. At the same time, the Forum expresses concern that indigenous women continue to be one of the most marginalized groups in many countries, being victims of serious acts of discrimination and flagrant violations of their fundamental human rights. In addition, globalization presents new challenges and problems for indigenous women in many parts of the world. 108. The Forum recommends to the United Nations system and States to implement the recommendations on indigenous women made in the report on its third session in the development of programmes focused on the goals of the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People4 guaranteeing the involvement of indigenous women. 109. The Forum is pleased to take note of the goals accomplished until now by the Task Force on Indigenous Women, reported to the United Nations Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender Equality at its annual session in February 2005. 110. The Forum recognizes that: (a) Gender equality has a central role in development policy with a focus on poverty reduction, human rights and the Millennium Development Goals, in particular economic, social, sexual and reproductive health and rights, including good governance and democratic institutions, and to the creation of a world where people live free from fear and want, in dignity and peace; (b) The elimination of gender disparity in primary and secondary education requires an improvement in access, continuity, quality, and management of women’s education at all levels with cultural relevance. Recommendations to Member States Participation 111. Improve and increase indigenous women’s economic and social conditions through: (a) (b) crafts; Expansion of employment opportunities; Promotion of the professionalization of their traditional skills, arts and (c) Access to resources, including microcredit, new technologies and agricultural input; (d) Support the regional meetings of indigenous women and organize training on international, regional and national mechanisms. 112. Adopt measures that ensure the full and effective participation of indigenous women in implementation, follow-up work and monitoring of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Millennium Development Goals. 113. Ensure that indigenous women’s expertise is reflected in all national and international development strategies and that indigenous women, in consultation with their communities and organizations, are part of the formulation and __________________ 4 18 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2004, Supplement No. 23 (E/2004/43E/C.19/2004/23), paras. 3, 5, 13 (a) and (d), 14 (d), 31, 42 (c), 43 (a) and (b), 46, 63, 65, 87, 89 (a), (b), (g), (i) and (j).