consultations took place at sub regional, regional and national levels, involving 195,475 participants (with 10.2% men participants). The meetings targeted women cadres, workers, house wives, students, civil servants, members of the army and administrators. On the other hand, 1309 political seminars and consultations involving similar targets of 254,619 participants (with 18.2% men) took place. NUEW has also conducts sensitization programs within the community and women to tackle gender stereotyped roles. Above all this has targeted the myths and proverbs that play a major psychological role in directing and shaping the current stereotyped roles of women. This has changed the traditional role of women and promoted their equal status in the Eritrean society paving the way for the notion of equal access and opportunity in life. In spite of the significant improvement, there is no complacency, and more needs to be done for fundamental change in the society. 322. The contemporary laws, proclamations and regulations and all administrative measures of the government have thus played a decisive role in changing the stereotype roles of women. Concrete actions have been taken in the education system, work places, cultural life, media activities, etc. As has been demonstrated earlier, the role of men in the struggle for women equality is also gaining momentum. NUEW has organized Friends of NUEW (73% are male) throughout the country. The Committees work, to strengthen women‟s organizational capacity, economic empowerment, advocacy, mobilization against VAW and promotion of girl‟s education. NUEW also works in coordination and cooperation with all government sectors. It mobilizes extensive support of the general population, including community and religious leaders as well as other national associations. Partnership with international organizations is also promoted on the basis of mutual respect and national ownership. 323. The Government of Eritrea, has shown commitment and political will to achieve concrete equality measures and eradicate existing discrimination. It considers the equal participation of women and their full integration in nation building as decisive. However, even if legislation provides for equal rights and opportunities, attitudes and cultural practices still constitute major obstacles which influence possibilities of change and rendering it slow. It is also understandable that achieving women‟s rights is not an exclusive task of women or their organizations, but a responsibility of all adherents of the fundamental rights of human beings. Hence the total mobilization of the whole society will be strengthened for further achievements. Strengthening the institutional capacity of NUEW is also a major target. F. The Right and Development of Children (i) Children and the Future 324. The population categories of primary concern in this report are Children as a whole and with more focus on orphans and Vulnerable Children. This includes children affected by HIV/AIDS, vulnerable and street children, children in contact with the law, those with disabilities, and victims of human made and natural disasters. The Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare (MoLHW) has been striving to attain its comprehensive mission by Page 82 of 100