4, comments were requested on the activities of the Government 50. On article to ensure a higher percentage of women in political life. With reference to the measures for the protection of maternity, the comment was made that the mandatory maternity leave of five months seemed to be too long) it was asked whether women were informed about such legislative provisions. Members asked whether the temporary special measures were limited to employment and the protection of maternity, and how effective they were, and whether there was an intention to strengthen the social infrastructure. 5, the research promoted by the National Commission aimed 51. Under article at revealing the sexist linguistic forms in the Italian language was commended. However, it was asked whether the 10 steps described in the report to abolish sexist language and stereotyping in the media had been implemented8 which obstacles and difficulties had to be overcome in the processj and how A copy of the text of the parliamentary bill progress was being monitored. preventing the use of the female body in advertising was requested, and it was asked whether the advertising industry objected to that law. As regards the which was targeted at women, it was inEormation manual on women’s rights, tasked whether a similar publication targeted at men was envisaged, It was asked whether, in addition to the male cultural resistance to equality, women especially in southern Italy, had built up a resistance to themselves, equality. It was asked further whether studies had been made on the amount of time spent by women and by men on domestic tasks; and whether sufficient day-care centres for children , and provisions for old and ill people, were available. 52. On article 6, members requested that statistics referring to the prostitution of women and information on the prostitution of minors and on any social, preventive and rehabilitation measures be provided. In addition, information was requested on the relationship between human immune deficiency virus-infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV infection/AIDS) and prostitution. .. 7, members wanted to know about the targets that had been set 53. On article for women in politics and the steps being taken to reach them. The lack of interest of women in active politics and the low number of women candidates was noted and it was asked whether the reasons were being investigated. Members asked whether any measures were being taken to increase women's interest in politics and whether there was a connection between the family -burdens and the scarcity of child-care facilities and women’s lack of interest in political life. Members inquired how dynamic the feminist movement was, whether it received adequate financial support and to what extent women were members of trade unions. 54. On article 8, it was asked whether there were article 55. Referring to questions of nationality, applied to the personal relationship of the parties nationality of the father was given preference over mother. any women ambassadors. 9, it was asked which law in a marriage and why the the nationality of the in terms of article 10, were 56. More statistical data on education, required, and it was asked which positive steps had been undertaken to encourage young girls to enter training programmes. -14-

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