programmes such as the school-feeding programme and improved school environment for girls (provision of sanitary towels, separate toilets for boys and girls) have resulted in the achievement of gender parity in primary school enrolment and retention. 71. In order to reduce gender imbalance in access and enrolment in secondary education, in 2009, the Government adopted the universal Nine-years Basic Education (9YBE) programme and in 2012 extended it to twelve years basic education (12YBE), either as a mainstream secondary school education, in a teacher training college or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). 72. The establishment of these programmes at local level has improved school proximity and access, especially for girls, increasing girls’ access to both lower and upper secondary education .The number of girls in all levels of secondary school increased significantly compared to boys. This access to education and learning has improved women’s capacity to engage fully and contribute effectively to all aspects of national development. By 2014, the number of women in public tertiary institutions was 32.8%, compared to 54.3% in private schools and universities. 73. The growing number of public and private education institutions, including branches of international institutions and those from neighboring countries, has provided women and girls with increased chances of up-grading their skills and employment opportunities. Similar initiatives are found at institutions of higher learning where women in academia are accorded sandwich programmes to pursue Masters or PhD programmes. The Public Sector Capacity Building Secretariat (NCBS) organizes lifelong education and training for public servants, including women, in a well-coordinated and harmonized. 74. Under the leadership of the First Lady, some strategies to stimulate women and girls to attend and perform in science and technology have been initiated. They include awarding best performers in end of primary school examinations and providing scholarships to girls with excellent performance from poor families to improve access, retention and performance especially in science and technology. Mentorship Page 88 of 105