E/CN.4/2006/19 page 18 82. States, the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations should support the efforts of people of African descent at the local level in developing strategies to build and implement their vision for achieving sustainable development, which will contribute to reversing the effects of discrimination. In this connection, States are urged to adopt and implement the positive measures necessary for securing equal access of people of African descent to opportunities that will contribute to poverty reduction and lead to the empowerment of communities. 83. In the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, States, in cooperation with civil society, should ensure that people of African descent are empowered to participate and contribute effectively in planning, designing, monitoring and evaluating strategies that may have a greater impact in improving their lives. 84. The impact of the implementation of Millennium Development Goals on people of African descent should be assessed and reported in country progress reports and other relevant reports by States and the United Nations system. 85. States, the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations should analyse disaggregated data on people of African descent in partnership with such people, with a view to better understanding the causes underpinning their lack of equal access to opportunities, and the good practices that can help overcome the obstacles to their empowerment. 86. In defining their strategies toward reaching the Millennium Development Goals, States should consider establishing targets to reduce existing racial inequalities affecting the empowerment of people of African descent (b) Empowerment of women of African descent 87. The Working Group urges States to collect data disaggregated by race and sex in order to develop reliable economic, social and cultural evaluations on issues that specifically affect women of African descent, in order to formulate and implement programmes to combat gender and racial discrimination and assess progress made in this regard. 88. States should adopt special measures such as positive action, preferential treatment or quota systems to address the multiple and aggravated forms of discrimination, disadvantages, obstacles and difficulties faced by women of African descent and advance women's integration in fields such as education, economics and politics. 89. States should integrate a gender perspective into all relevant programmes and activities against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 90. States, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector should consult and involve women of African descent, through a participatory and inclusive approach, in the processes and decisions related to the elaboration and implementation of programmes and plans aimed at their social development.