While the Constitution stipulates that women and men have equal political, economic, and social rights, and while many women have access to opportunities in education, business, and government, in practice women still encounter significant societal discrimination. Traditional beliefs concerning the division of labor between men and women leave women with much of the hard work in agriculture, with most child-rearing responsibilities, and with less access to education and to professions. According to a 1991 study, female literacy is approximately 62 percent, while male literacy is approximately 85 percent. Children A number of government and donor-funded programs were established to improve conditions for children, notably an ongoing malaria control project and purchase of school and medical equipment. There has been improvement in maternity and infant care, in nutrition, and in access to basic health services, especially in urban areas.
Education is compulsory through sixth grade, irrespective of the age of the student.
The law does not mandate access to buildings, transportation, or services for persons with disabilities. There are no reports of discrimination against the disabled. Section 6 Worker Rights a. The Constitution provides for freedom of association and the right to strike. Public sector employees still make up the great majority of wage earners.