The MINISTER OF WOMEN, YOUTH, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: Chairperson, the 55th session of the Commission on the Status of Women focused on important issues of gender equality and women's empowerment. The priority theme was: Women's access to and participation in education, training, science and technology and the transition to full employment and decent work. The subthemes were on the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl-child, which was the agreed conclusion from the 55th session held in 2007.