Discuss the role of women in development. Using relevant examples, explain what obstacles they need to overcome, and describe what the international community is doing to help them.

What will be an ideal response?

The ideal answer should include:
1. Discuss women's role in development. For instance, economic development in poor countries is closely tied to the status of women in those societies; women are key to efforts to improve the lot of children and reduce birthrates; and women are central to providing the basic needs of people (e.g., nutrition, education, health care, and shelter) in poor countries.
2. Explain some of the obstacles women face. For example, students might argue that women hold inferior social status to men in the countries of the South. When food is in short supply, men and boys often eat first, with women and girls getting what is left.
3. Discuss what is being done to help them. Students might mention that states and international agencies have begun to pay attention to ending discrimination in schooling, ensuring women's access to health care and birth control, educating mothers about prenatal and child health, and generally raising women's status in society (allowing them a greater voice in decisions).
4. Offer a concise summary and effective conclusion.