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The Committee notes the report, containing information in reply to its previous direct request.

1. The Committee notes with interest that the Government has continued to improve the educational system, inter alia, through increasing the number of educational establishments, training and recruitment of teachers and the creation of an assistance fund for the enrolment of girls. It notes that further progress has been made in respect to the enrolment rate of girls in schools which reached 83.2 per cent in 1999-2000. According to the Government, girls participate in primary education to the same extent as boys, while at the secondary level 41 per cent of the pupils are girls. In technical and vocational schools the share of female students is currently at one-third. It also notes that in 2001, the adult illiteracy rate (persons over 15 years of age) was at 69.3 per cent for women and at 48.9 per cent for men. The Committee notes that the Government has continued to take promotional measures to encourage the equal participation of girls in education and training, including in scientific and technical fields, and that it will concentrate its activities in areas where tradition continues to have a unfavourable impact on the educational opportunities of girls. In this context, the Committee also notes the adoption of a new Personal Status Code and the Act concerning compulsory basic education which in the Government’s view will be important instruments to promote women’s emancipation and the enjoyment of their human rights. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on the participation of girls and boys in primary and secondary education, but also at the university level of education, as well as on the enrolment of girls in education and training concerning occupations not traditionally considered as being for women.

2. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the reform of the centres for the promotion of women (CPF) previously referred to by the Government, and on the activities of the various bodies and institutions involved in promoting equality of women and men in employment and occupation, such as the State Secretariat on the Status of Women and the Human Rights Commission.

3. Please provide information on the manner in which the Government is cooperating with the organizations of workers and employers to improve the application of the Convention.