E/CN.4/2006/19 page 9 In case of government’s adversity to enacting affirmative-action measures, a cross- issues approach might more readily yield the desired results and partial realization of the Goals. Item 6 (b) Empowerment of women of African descent 33. Ms. Moroianu Zlatescu presented a working paper entitled “The empowerment of women of African descent”. The empowerment of women of African descent was to be examined within the larger context of equality and non-discrimination, in a zone comprising gender equality, the rights of persons belonging to a minority, equality of chances and treatment in terms of political rights. The promotion of participation of women of African descent in public life depended on their economic independence, their access to culture and education. 34. Ms Moroianu Zlatescu said that, although discrimination against women in general should be combated, that which is directed against women of African descent should be given greater attention in light of the multiple forms of discrimination from which they suffered. There was a need for additional affirmative action programmes in various areas, and in particular in the field of education, in order to increase opportunity for women. Increased efforts should be made to guarantee access to primary and secondary education; a “new education” implying the elaboration of pedagogical and social strategies targeted for disadvantaged segments of the population, should be formulated. Intercultural education should be included in school curricula. 35. Mr. Kasanda presented a paper entitled “Empowerment of women of African descent”. He submitted that Afro-descendants were too often at the very bottom of a complex social structure developed over several centuries which had given rise to multiracial and multi-ethnic societies marked by patterns of unequal economic and social relationships. Generally, women had great difficulty fully realizing their political, economic, social and cultural rights for various reasons. These included financial constraints, biased governance methods that tended to favour men over women gender stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes and practices. However, women of African descent faced additional burdens and barriers: multiple discrimination in employment; domestic work, in which many Afro-descendent wo men were engaged, was considered to have no market value; and the intersection of race and poverty, which could have a serious detrimental impact on their reproductive rights. 36. Mr. Kasanda discussed the meaning which could be attached to the term “empowerment” as related to that of “control”. He said that the ability of women of African descent to make their own decisions led to choices and the ability to influence public decisions. Once empowered, women could achieve the promise contained in the letter and spirit of article 3 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights relative to equality between men and women. Equality was not achieved merely by enacting laws and by adopting policies and practices that were gender- neutral; equality was achieved by paying attention to the effects that laws and practices might have on women. He also discussed the importance of data to measure achievements brought on by affirmative-action measures. He stressed the necessity of enhancing women’s economic autonomy as a tool of empowerment. He also highlighted the importance of education as a tool for empowering women. 37. Mr. Kasanda highlighted the importance of encouraging the full and equal participation of Afro-descendant women in decision- making and policy development. States should promote the advancement of women and adopt measures that enable Afro-descendant women to play an