centres had been set up specifically for female returnees, which were financed by the Federal Government or by the Lander and which operated in co-operation with the equal-rights offices, the trade unions, business associations and entities responsible for implementing educational measures; thirdly, special transitional measures were taken for the benefit of female returnees in the context of pilot projects for the establishment of employment exchanges that would function as focal points in all the Lander; lastly, in addition, under the Employment Promotion Act, female returnees could avail themselves of retraining opportunities. Such retraining was provided, in co-operation with the employment exchanges, by trade union training facilities or by means of commercial training in the private sector. 117. Once again in connection with the implementation of article 11, she wished to discuss the issue of female unemployment. Despite all efforts in the area of the procurement of employment, counselling and numerous training measures, for many years now the level of unemployment among women had been two percentage points higher than that of men. Unquestionably, a contributing factor was that each year approximately 320,000 women re-entered the labour market, following a period in I. •. :ULR&t®& .SSSUJA- . E! ., \ / CEDAW/C/SR.l57 English Page 20 (Mrs. Lehr, Federal Republic of Germany) which they had not been gainfully employed. Another significant factor was that over 200,000 unemployed women were seeking part-time employment only, whereas, as at December 1989, only approximately 27,000 part-time jobs had been available. In view of that unfavourable situation, a greater supply of part-time positions would have the effect of relieving pressure on the labour market, almost exclusively to the benefit of women. 118. She would now comment, in connection with article 11 of the Convention, on the 
**Analysis**
The text discusses various measures taken by the Federal Government and Lander to address the issue of female returnees and unemployment, including the establishment of employment exchanges, retraining opportunities, and the provision of part-time jobs. It highlights the challenges faced by women re-entering the labor market, such as the lack of part-time positions and the need for greater supply of part-time jobs to alleviate pressure on the labor market.

**Category**
Employment