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“If the current national statistical system allows conducting of gender analysis of
data on political
representation, economic pro-activeness and employment, income capacity of
population, then
obtaining reliable data on displays of indirect discrimination in the labour market,
intra-family
distribution of power and resources, family violence or illegal labour migration will be
possible
through conducting special studies,” the report continues. The absence of such data
complicates
the country’s ability to monitor regularly gender indicators and to assess the
progress toward
gender equality. To counter this obstacle, countries have integrated gender issues
into other
programmes such as education and health care. Among other benefits, such
mainstreaming
helps create gender awareness in a broader swath of data-collection efforts.
Indeed, integration of gender equality issues with a diverse range of other national
priorities is
a recurrent theme in many of the Country Reports. In education, lessons on gender
equality in
primary school and higher levels can introduce students to current ideas of equality
between
the sexes. Improved health outcomes can often hinge on the empowerment of
women to
take better care of themselves and their children. Economic growth can be boosted
by more
effectively adding the muscles and minds of women to a country’s stock of assets.
The Central
African Republic, working to lift itself from a post-crisis environment, notes in its
Country Report,
“With the many problems facing women in the Central African Republic, their
resolution requires
all actors (the government, civil society, the private sector and communities) to show
ingenuity
and creativity to meet the challenge of equality and harmony. The contribution of
women in
development is crucial for sustainable development in Central Africa.”