Discipline: Feminism
The development of the women's movement in the last quarter-century is greatly intertwined with activities of the United Nations. From the UN Decade for Women (UNDW), which began in 1975, the women's movement has gained momentum and has become a truly vibrant and global force. Fuelling these developments is the complimentary relationship between the UN and the international women's movement. Organized women have initiated activities, lobbied for legal mechanisms, and influenced UN processes. However, the flow of energy has not been a one-way street. The UN, for its part, has played a definitive role in expanding the depth and breadth of participation of women by providing the venue for the movement's global expression.