fundamentals which had historically been built into Turkmen society. The Government created all conditions required for the free life and productive work of women so that they could receive education and rear their children at the level required today.

Furthermore, the Committee’s previous recommendations such as a consultative mechanism to ensure cooperation in preparing the report had been realised. In addition, a committee had been formed to ensure that the country’s international human rights obligations had been met and implemented and this included a wide spectrum of government and civil society representatives.

The constitutional provision which guaranteed the elimination of discrimination had also been amended to include issues raised by the Committee in previous recommendations. The country also reflected these provisions in their national law, such as legal protection forgender rights and the right to express them. Any gender-based violation of equality entailed prosecution.

Women were able to successfully combine family, social and business roles and were seen in elected and public offices with 25 per cent of the most senior roles in the country held by females. Women were also seen in the judiciary as judges, lawyers and barristers and as representatives at international levels. A high level of education and economic activity among women was seen in all spheres of the economy.

To address the challenges of educating for development and future economic success there had been a reform of the education policy; the amount of time spent in education had increased and new facilities had been provided. Learning materials were also improved and 40 per cent