As reported at the 55th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, which ended in New York last week, many women remain in feminised sectors of the economy. There is a need to intensify efforts to increase the number of women in economic sectors such as science, engineering and technology, as highlighted by the theme of International Women's Day this year and also by the UN session on the Commission on the Status of Women. At this UN session, South Africa was commended for the work it has done in education, health and social development - particularly programmes for girls in education in which we have reached more than parity, including at a tertiary level - the Techno Girls programme, and the girls and boys education movement. South Africa was also commended for programmes on HIV and Aids and social security, particularly concerning single women and children.