which had been in existence only since 1986 and whose purpose was to promote the achievement of equality, was fully involved in the process of formulating objectives for the Federal Government and always participated in projects, planning and the preparation of legislation. 60. Where women's policy was concerned, the Ministry for Youth, Family Affairs, Women and Health had some very special areas of competence, which were described in the Federal Republic's report (CEDAW/C/5/Add.59, para. 52). For example, the Ministry had, firstly, the right to take initiatives, which meant that it could introduce bills even in the areas of competence of other ministries. Secondly, representatives of the Ministry were entitled to speak in the Bundestag (Lower House of Parliament) and the Bundesrat (Upper House of Parliament), as well as in the committees of those two bodies, in addition to any minister responsible for dealing with any particular issue. Thirdly, the Ministry had the right to call for the postponement of discussion of an issue, which meant that in the Cabinet (Ministerrat) it could call for the deletion of an item if it had not been sufficiently involved in the relevant preparations. Fourthly, all Cabinet proposals, particularly any bills, must indicate whether there were likely to be any implications where women's policy was concerned. 61. The Ministry also had its own separate legislative responsibilities in the area of women's policy, for example, in the case of the Maternity Protection Act and general measures for achieving equal rights. 62. When it was a question of the protection of women at their place of work, which fell within the area of competence of the Federal Minister of Labour, the Ministry for Youth, Family Affairs, Women and Health was involved in order to ensure that women's specific concerns were taken into account. I, • • CEDAW/C/SR.l57 English Page 10 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the role and responsibilities of the Ministry for Youth, Family Affairs, Women and Health in the Federal Republic, focusing on its involvement in formulating objectives, participating in projects, and preparing legislation, particularly in the area of women's policy. The text highlights the Ministry's specific competencies, such as introducing bills, speaking in parliament, and calling for postponement of discussions. This suggests that the category should be related to governance, policy-making, and social issues.

**Category**
Health, Employment