Hon Chair, allow me to take this opportunity to highlight that provinces will need to report against the implementation of international obligations in this regard, as well as against the agreed conclusions that came out of this 55th session. I am therefore confident that during these NCOP hearings provinces will be called to account on how they are faring with regard to increasing access for girls and women to education, training, science and technology, with a view to job creation and decent work. In this regard, the NCOP ought to obtain an indication of the progress made by women in access, use and ownership of information and communication technologies, ICTs.