of regions there were now autonomous decision-making bodies, or regional governments, responsible for matters relating to health, employment, infrastructure and education. There were regional executive organs, regional presidents and regional assemblies. The representatives of mothers' clubs had seats as of right in the regional assemblies, and did not need to be elected. 21. Specific action had been taken in the area of labour legislation relevant to women, in order to take account of the current economic crisis. Over the past two years, the Government had been implementing a number of different programmes designed, among other things, to provide employment flexibly and rapidly. Firstly, there was the Temporary Income-Support Programme. Seventy-six per cent of the individuals receiving assistance under the Programme were women, mostly in slum areas. Secondly, there was the Direct-Support Programme, under which food was provided at nominal prices in "people's restaurants" staffed entirely by women. Also under that programme the Government provided premises and tools for workshops, in which, for example, mothers made handicrafts that they either sold themselves or that were marketed by a State enterprise specifically set up for that purpose. There were also semi-industrial workshops, in which women manufactured clothing. Thirdly, there was the Food Programme, which provided food to mothers at prices below market rates. 22. Lastly, he wished to emphasize that he recognized that it was most regrettable that, owing to budgetary constraints, the head of the Office for Women's Affairs of the Peruvian Diplomatic Corps had been unable to come to United Nations Headquarters to address the Committee herself. 23. The CHAIRPERSON said that, although she understood the problems that the Peruvian Government was facing, she felt it was precisely in such difficult times that the strength and skills of women were most needed. The report had been frank 
**Analysis**
The text focuses on the initiatives taken by the Peruvian Government to address the economic crisis and its impact on women, particularly in the areas of employment, education, and health. The measures described aim to provide support to women, including employment opportunities, food assistance, and access to education and healthcare. The text also highlights the importance of recognizing the role of women in times of crisis.

**Category**
Health, Education, Employment