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The Committee notes the reports of the Government and draws the Government’s attention to the following points.

1. Further to its previous request concerning the amendment of the Penal Code to make racial discrimination a criminal offence, the Committee hopes that the Government will submit a copy of the amendment with its next report.

2. The Committee notes from the report that the revision of the Labour Code is still ongoing. The Committee once again highlights the importance it places on including the prohibited grounds for discrimination of colour and national extraction in the revised draft Labour Code. In this regard it notes the Government’s statement that the comments of the Committee are being taken into consideration in this process. The Committee looks forward to receiving information on the adoption of any amendments to the Code.

3. The Government’s attention is drawn to the fact that the Committee considers it of importance that the national policy to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation is followed through by the Government with the adoption and implementation of the necessary policies and measures. Noting that the Government had previously referred to a framework policy document on employment and educational training and national action plans for employment, the Committee would like to reiterate its request for copies of these documents, as they relate to the Convention.

4. With regard to education and training of women and girls and the participation of women in government employment and the private sector, the Committee notes from the Government’s report under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW/C/BFA/2 3 of 25 February 1998) that women still have few opportunities to be recruited in the private sector, in which the percentage of women is currently 18 per cent. A similar percentage of public sector employees are women, working predominantly as secretaries, teachers and nurses. The Government is once again requested to supply full information on the measures taken with regard to improving women’s educational attainment and changing socio-cultural traditions that hinder equal treatment and opportunities of women in employment and occupation. As previously stated, the Committee would particularly appreciate receiving information on the impact of such measures on women’s participation in vocational and university training, as well as concerning their promotion in managerial and supervisory positions, both in the private and public sector. The Committee also requests information on progress made in regard to the elaboration of the Act on vocational guidance and vocational training. Noting that legislation had been enacted in 1998 to ensure equal access to employment without distinction in the public sector, the Committee asks the Government to submit a copy of that legislation and to provide indications as to its practical application and impact on the representation of women in the public sector.

5. The Committee notes from the Government’s CEDAW report that 90.1 per cent of the female working population was engaged in agriculture, stock raising and fishing, and 6.7 per cent in business and sales (as of 1995). Noting the stated commitment of the Government to elaborate adequate legislation to promote the development of rural women, the Committee would appreciate receiving information on the status of the legislative project and on other measures taken to promote the economic development of women, including thorough training and support for income generating activities such as small businesses.