The conference theme centers on the reality that investing in women’s status globally is important not only for women themselves but is critical to the economic and social well-being of entire communities, institutions, and nations. For example, improving women’s economic opportunities promotes community health; women’s equality in the labor force leads to better business outcomes; and advancing women’s leadership holds the possibility to transform public policy at local, national, and global levels. IWPR invites policymakers, advocates, researchers, and practitioners from academia, labor unions, business, government, non-profits and NGOs, and the media to our international conference to share information and discuss policy strategy that can be used to improve the programs and policies around the world that protect and promote women and girls.

The conference will be held in conjunction with a meeting of the Research Network on Gender, Politics, and the State (RNGS). For more information on RNGS, visit their website at http://libarts.wsu.edu/polisci/rngs.

►Conference Topics:

• Business, Employment, Education, & the Economy;
• Health, Human Security, and Women’s Rights;
• Poverty and Income Security;
• Women’s Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Social Change; and
• Family, Culture, and Population.

Participants should note that the International Association for Feminist Economics (IAFFE) will be hosting its 14th Annual Conference on Feminist Economics in Washington, DC from June 17-19, 2005, at the George Washington University. See www.iaffe.org for more information. A discount of $25 off the registration fee will be available to individuals who register for both conferences. Please plan to attend both!