never succeeded without women‟s exemplary participation. At independence Proclamation 1/1991, legally abolished all discriminations including that on the basis of sex and was reflected in the Transitional Codes. The PFDJ National Charter of 1994 also asserts its intrinsic relation with social justice and declares that „a society that does not respect the rights and equality of women cannot bet truly liberated”. The 1997 Constitution also recognized the heroic role of Eritrean women. Hence, it placed a strong importance to the equality and rights of women and prohibited all forms of discrimination. The above constitute the basic principles upon which the rights of Eritrean women are constituted. 297. Accordingly, the National Codes consign equality before the law and prohibit any form of discrimination based on sex, religion or any other creed. Women are accorded equal opportunities to that of men in all legal matters including civil matters. Women‟s equal rights is respected and protected in fulfilling contracts, administration of property, maintenance and inheritance of family property, etc. They freely appear in courts in person or through the services of the attorneys. The judicial system is also equally open for men and women to work at any capacity. Moreover, Land Tenure Proclamation No. 58/1994 abolished the traditional system and ensured land rights of women, the Labor Proclamation No.118/2001 provided legal protection of women in employment and the National Service Act No.82/1995 ensured the right of participation above 18 years of age regardless of sex. 298. On the other hand, the Macro Policy of the government underscored the development perspectives on gender issues. Under the mandate of the Government, the National Union of Eritrean Women (NUEW) also developed and implemented its own consecutive five year National Plans of Action since 1999. Accordingly, women equality and empowerment is mainstreamed in sector policies and programmes. Gender focal points also function in most Ministries and government agencies. NUEW is an effective network of women organizations within the country and in the Diaspora. The equal right and opportunity of women is now a reality in all aspects of development and is sanctioned by national law and women are both participants and beneficiaries in the development of the nation. Question of Nationality/Citizenship 299. The equal right of Eritrean women to acquire, change or retain their nationality is also respected legally and under the Citizenship Proclamation No. 21/1992. The Constitution under Article 3 on Citizenship also addressed the foundation for the right of citizenship. Hence, all traditional and customary laws are revoked and citizenship right to children born out of wedlock or from non-Eritrean father are respected and protected. The Citizenship Proclamation also asserts that, Eritrean citizenship can be acquired by birth, by naturalization, by adoption and by marriage and is equally applicable to men and women, without discrimination. Accordingly, women obtain national passport and personal identity card independently without the consent of their spouses. However, in case their children require passport for travel, the consent of both parents is enforced. The consent of his/her Page 75 of 100