Head of the Parliament was a woman, as was her Deputy. That proved that the public had particular trust and confidence in the abilities of women to hold high public office.

The President was initiating reform in education, a delegate explained. The positive changes in the educational system began with new statistical figures. By the end of 2011 the number of girls enrolled in primary level school was 49.1 per cent of the total numbers of pupils, while around 33 per cent of girls were enrolled at secondary school. Vocational training schools had 51.2 per cent girls enrolled, while 41.3 per cent of students at professional schools were girls. It was compulsory for children to attend school from seven to 17 years of age – 10 years of schoolinglinked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 2012 had an intake of over 50 per cent of girls to its first year. There was a new trend of girls embarking on tertiary education.

Protections for women in the workforce laid out in the Labour Code included restrictions for women from working in hazardous, harmful or arduous conditions. Women with children up to three years of age were restricted from working at night or during holidays, and could not be sent out of their duty station unless they agreed in writing. However, the Government was currently considering reform to the Labour Code, particularly the provisions on shift work for women.

Women’s health was a priority and was not seen solely in reproductive terms, a delegate said. With help from the