This applies to women with higher education working within higher education institutions as much as to those working outside such institutions. The contribution of educated women to society is not just for today. They have an important impact on the achievements of the next generation. A study of a cohort of British children born in 1958 showed that mothers' educational levels were positively related to the educational achievements of children, especially the girls. It is important that in whatever sphere women choose to work, their potential is developed equally with that of all the work-force.
Women can also bring particular skills and attitudes to the work -place.
The World Conference on Higher Education is considering the radical changes needed to make higher education and its institutions more relevant to the 21st century. Effecting change must include changing directions in leadership and leadership attitudes in these institutions. The position of both students and the local community as important stakeholders in all higher educational institutions needs greater recognition. Whilst it is difficult to generalise about attributes that women bring to employment it seems generally accepted that women's work may be characterised by broader, more personnel related leadership styles, strong commitment to teaching, and commitment to the needs of their job rather than to their own career enhancement. The younger generation of women may be rejecting these skills as they learn to compete in the masculine market place.