This document reports on a symposium held to analyze major obstacles hampering the equality of educational opportunity for girls and women and to exchange experiences and information on efforts to remove such obstacles and improve access. The welcoming speech by K. Savolainen is outlined, and other proceedings are briefly discussed. The summary of trends, experiences, information, and views expressed during the symposium highlights these areas: women's progress and remaining problems; traditional ideologies that portray women as inferior; the negative consequences of war, racism, and economic crises; illiteracy and lack of skills training as obstacles to women's educational and employment opportunities; family responsibilities; regression in women's interest in academic education; concentration of women in traditionally female jobs; the need to consider any specific educational strategy within its economic, political, and cultural context; the importance of nonformal education; the need for research, exchange of information, and communication; and the need for women's active participation in decision making. Based upon their conclusions, a list of suggestions are made for the Director General of UNESCO. An agenda and an annotated agenda which enlarges upon the symposium's five main discussion points are appended. (YLB)