The discrimination against the women and the youths is one of the factors that are impediments in the world wide efforts to alleviate poverty which affects 50% of the world population.

HIV-AIDS and other such deceases are the causes of deaths among women in the 15-44 age groups. Half the number of victims of HIV is women. 530,000 women die every year due to curable decease related to pregnancy.

One among every three women is affected by sexual or physical abuse in his or her life time. 40% -70% of the women, who are victims of homicide, in Israel, South Africa and America are victims in the hands of their husbands.

Two third of the illiterates in the world are women. In south Asia, only 69% of the girls and in the southern region of Africa only 49% of the girls have completed their primary education. A bulk of refugees is women and children. It is expected that the population in poor countries will double by 2050.

The UN report that reveals such striking figures indicates that priority must be given to women and youths in all projects designed for poverty alleviation and that more investment must be ensured for their welfare.

That is the essence of the message by the UN.

An English translation of the Editorial in Thinakkural, a Tamil daily based in Colombo

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