ICWES-IV, Cracow, Poland, September 8–13, 1975

This chapter concerns ICWES-IV, held in Cracow, Poland, in September 1975. The organizers were The Central Technical Organization and The National Council of Polish Women, and the conference chair was Izabela Zachwatowicz. The main themes of the conference were “New Techniques in the Service of Mankind” and “Contemporary Sociological Problems of Women Engineers and Scientists.” This conference presented some unique aspects: it was held in a country considered “behind the Iron Curtain;” contributions in four languages were accepted (English, French, Russian, and Polish), and several of the local participants had received a first degree at university level between the end of WWII and 1960, an exceptional situation compared to the “Western world.” Recurrent topics on basic human needs were still present. A specific attention was given to computer-based information systems. Many authors mentioned the need for the creation of international bodies to reach international collaboration and to set up universal standards. Regarding women’s role in S&T, three official aims of ICWES were put forward and adopted at the ICWES-IV delegates meeting (Business Meeting), as reported by Elizabeth Laverick in 1996. They are: bring together professional women engineers and scientists worldwide, encourage the use of technology for the betterment of life, and consider how to increase the participation of women. Testimonials are included in this chapter.