272. In response to a question article 14, the representative could be owned by women. on a woman's right to own stated that all property, farm land, under including farm land, 213. On article 16, she said that partners living together had to support each but not as far as taxation, was concerned. other a6 far a6 Social Security, The allocation of maintenance upon separation depended on the amount6 the couples had earned and the length of time for which they had been married. Maintenance was allocated for 10 years8 previously it had corresponded to the length of the marriage, which had reflected the greater economic dependence of women. Upon a couple'6 separation, some pension rights, such a6 those under personal pension schemes, were shared, while others, Such a6 employment pensions, were usually maintained by the contributor. 274. She said that it was possible that the number of de facto unions had increased. The normal pattern, however, was for partners to live together 6nd then marry immediately before or after the birth of the first child for reasons of custody and their concern to provide the children with role model6 for both sexes by having both parent6 Share the responsibility of the family. She said that the family unit remained stable as there had been little change Care of the children was a priority issue for parents in the divorce rate. who were striving to increase the time they could spend with their children and improve their standard of living. The GoverMl0nt'S priorities were aimed at improving conditions for children. 275. Members commented that much of the progress had taken place in the public sector and asked if as many efforts were being made in the private sector. The representative replied that emphabis had been placed on the public sector and progress had been significant, lt was easier to develop legislation in the public sector because of the influence of the female members of the Folk&zing and the fact that many women were employed in the public sector. The Government hoped that the private sector would follow the example that had been set by the public sector. 276. Member6 congratulated the Government on their achievement6 and on the preparation of the seaond periodic report while noting that effort6 were still needed to remove gender-segregation from the labour market and to enable women to combine their work and family life. 277. In accordance with a decision of the pre-session working group (see chap. II, sect. G), the Committee considered both the Second and third pericdic report6 of Portugal '(CEDAWX1131Add.22 and Corr.1 and CEDAW/C/lB/Add.3) at it6 183rd meeting, on 29 January (see CEDAW/C/SR,lBB). 278. The representative of Portugal stated that the legislation of Portugal was generally egalitarian, and in many respects advanced, and therefore attention should be given to the de facto situation of women. She pointed to positive indicators characterising the situation of women during the reporting period. In 1989, women had constituted 42 per cent of the labour force and over 50 per cent of those attending school, In 1988187, 58 per cent of the graduate6 of secondary school and 53 per cent of university graauatee had been women. In those professions that had been open to women only after the -55-