The observatory shall ensure that equality between men and women is adequately expressed in decisions taken in the political, social and economic environments. The intended purpose is for Côte d’Ivoire to comply with its international commitments and also to contribute to the reduction of disparities between men and women and to promote women’s empowerment. This commendable decision has a catalytic effect to promote gender at the same time as other preceding decisions such as the institutionalisation of the National Women’s Council, the establishment of a list of female competencies, the opening of entrance competition for young girls into the Preparatory Technical Military Preparatory Academy (EMPT), the establishment by the first lady, Mrs Dominique Ouattara, of a Support Fund for Women of Côte d’Ivoire in order to assist the most deprived women and the opening of the competitive entrance examinations for women to the Gendarmerie College. Recommendation XVI. Provide adequate budgetary resources for the implementation of the National Plan of Action on Resolution 1325 of the United Nations Security Council On this score, the budget of the national plan of action indicates a financing need of 3.694.400.000 CFA francs. Recommendation XVII. Continue to take all the necessary measures to strengthen the protection of older persons as well as persons with disabilities , especially, through the development of a National Plan of Action for the protection of the rights of vulnerable people; Law 98-594 of 10 November 1988 referred to as the framework law for persons with disabilities recognizes equality of opportunities and treatment for persons with disabilities, in particular with regard to training and employment. It also gives an important role to employers’ organizations and workers in the area of vocational reintegration of persons with disabilities. Cote d’Ivoire also ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 10 January, 2014 after signing it on 7 June, 2007 Following the ratification, the Head of State decided to increase the number of job openings for people with disabilities from 94 to 300 in the public sector as a special dispensation for people with disabilities. Meanwhile, the government has encouraged employers to recruit persons with disabilities. With regard to the public sector, the government has since 14 January 2015 revised upwards the number of job openings for the physically-challenged from 94 to 300. As far as older persons are concerned, Article 6 of the Constitution stipulates that:”The State shall ensure the protection of children, older persons and persons with disabilities”. In compliance with this provision, the 24th Edition of the International Day for Older Persons was celebrated in Kong (north of the country) from 21-25 October 2014; this event was attended by high-ranking government officials. In the line up of activities, the government has always reaffirmed its commitment to protect and promote the rights of older persons by engaging them to play their roles in our African society and to educate the youth on the gains made by our country during its long period of peace and stability. Concerning prevention activities and promotion of the health of older persons for a healthy aging, the Ministry responsible for Older Persons, through its Social Protection Office, regularly conducts media campaigns (television, radio, newspapers and posters ) focused on the provision of nutritional advice and counselling on the benefits of engaging in physical exercises and sporting activities for older persons through awareness raising campaigns and public lectures. 17