In general, the particular importance of the education of women and girls is seen in the correlation between a mother’s level of education and her family’s quality of life, including family health, livelihood security and children’s educational levels. For example, in Table 1 the data from Argentina very clearly highlight the link between women’s educational levels and infant mortality rates. Simply put, women need knowledge to operate with confidence in these rapidly changing times. In the Pacific, the endurance of the customary ways means that educational programmes must also teach women about alternatives which will help preserve the considerable autonomy and flexibility of role women enjoyed in the customary systems.