doi:10.7916/d8-c7w3-g795Oral history interview with Leticia Shahani, 1999Ramos-Shahani, Leticia Voral historiessound recordingssound recording - nonmusicalAmbassadors--PhilippinesWomen's rightsWomen political activistsCrime prevention--United NationsEconomistsHuman rights--Developing countriesFamines--IndiaPovertyRamos-Shahani, Leticia VUnited Nations Officials and employeesColumbia University Alumni and alumnaeUnited Nations HistoryCentre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs (United Nations)Young Women's Christian Association of the PhilippinesWorld Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women Nairobi, Kenya) (1985United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal JusticeBackground and childhood: born 1929, daughter of Narciso Ramos, pioneer of Philippine Foreign Service; education: Wellesley College, Columbia University, University of Paris, Ph.D.; career: United Nations [UN] Division of Human Rights, 1964-68, chair of Commission on the Status of Women, 1974, ambassador to Romania, 1975-8, assistant secretary-general for social development and humanitarian affairs, 1981-86, secretary general of the UN Congress on Crime Prevention and the Treatment of Offenders, Philippine Senate, undersecretary of foreign affairs, chair and commissioner of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, ambassador to Australia; themes: women's rights, women's activism, issues involving use of term "Zionism" at Nairobi conference, significance of Nairobi conference to advancement of women's rights, UN crime prevention efforts, organization of Young Women's Christian Association [YWCA] in the Philippines, conflict arising from involvement in Philippine politics while serving in the foreign service, relationship between UN and governments, family reminiscences, colleague reminiscences