. ..~- 131. Some experts were of the 0p1nlon that reference to the Convention was not perceptible enough in the report. They asked whether sanctions and remedies were provided by law in case of a violation of constitutional or legislative provisions embodying the principles of equality and discrimination. The experts requested information on any cases brought before the courts. 132. As to women's participation in promoting peace and security, one member asked what had been the role of the Byelorussian SSR women in the Stockholm-Moscow-Minsk Peace March, and another member asked whether women were involved in the industrial production ot weapons, 1n the scientific research of nuclear and similar military applications, and what was the position of women in the armed forces. 133. Regarding the participation of women in the political life of the country, experts noted with satisfaction that women had the same political rights as ~en. However, more information was requested on the number of women in high-level political and administrative bodies, for example, how many were placed in high jUdicial positions, how many of the 5 million women in the country were members of the Communist Party, how many had the power of decision-making, and what role women played in the State Government. In that connection, it was pointed out that it would be helpful to hear what legislation women representatives had introduced and promoted. 134. Some experts noted the high proportion of women in the national economy and requested additional information in order to compare the situation with regard to men. They felt also that data were needed about those areas where women were predominant. 135. A question was asked as to how the principle of equal pay for equal work was applied, also, regarding labour patterns, since women seemed to be in the majority in certain sectors, comparative figures would be required by sex in all employment areas in order to have a more balanced idea on wage patterns and occupational indicators. There seemed to be a tendency, noted in other countries as well, to place women in what were called typical female jobs and there seemed to be no information on the Government's policy to correct that pattern or to encourage change. Referring to the provision of paid leave for training purposes, experts asked whether that possibility was also extended to men. ,Regarding additional maternity leave provided for working mothers, one expert said that in her country certain categories of women did not avail themselves of the possibility in order not to aelay their professional careers for too long and asked whether there were studies on that question in the Byelorussian SSR and what percentage took advantage of such leave. Concerning protective labour legislation, the experts requested details on the reported prohibition of work involVing hard or harmful conuitions, on the limits set and the areas involved. 136. A clarification was requested on the meaning of the term "spiritual production", and if there were other occupations besides farmers and workers. There was also no information in the report regarding appeals or recourse procedures for women who felt discriminated against and on the sanctions imposed in such cases. One expert asked what was the relevance of the reduction of the working week to women specifically. 137. 'The experts were impressed by the realizations of the Byelorussian SSR in the field of education which seemed to be a primary concern of the country. However, more data were required on the position of girls and women in the institutions of -22- i,'l ~