Women's empowerment as a poverty eradication tool was discussed by top UN officials at the 51st session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

Despite several promising steps, including increased provision of microcredit and the accession of several States to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), "challenges remain," Rachel N. Mayanja, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Gender Issues and the Advancement of Women, said at a meeting yesterday.

"Continued discrimination against the girl child, violence against girls and women, and low representation of women in decision-making" still pose major problems, Ms. Mayanja said.

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For more information on CSW, click here.

For more information on poverty eradication and women, check out the Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO).