response. On the other hand, since the value of housework was sometimes underestimated by the public, in future the Federal Statistical Office would reflect the economic value of such work in its figures. In recent years, the Federal Government had taken major steps to upgrade the importance attached to housework and care of the family particularly by: taking account of periods of time devoted to raising children, also in the case of housewives, in a number of areas relating to social security and also in connection with the Employment Promotion Act; and taking account of home nursing in the Health Reform Act. 130. In conclusion, in connection with article 16 of the Convention, she wished to respond to the questions concerning marriage and the family. In Germany both divorced women and widows were able to retain pension rights acquired during marriage. Of the three matrimonial property regimes available, the statutory property regime of accrued gains was the one most frequently chosen. When a marriage came to an end as a result of either divorce or death of a spouse, property acquired in the course of the marriage was divided. Normally no problems arose in that connection. 131. Lastly, there were no official statistics on choice of a surname. On the basis of a survey conducted by the Federal Association of German Registrars in September 1988, it had been concluded that depending on the size of the city, town or municipality in question, from 1.5 to 5 per cent of all married couples had availed themselves of the opportunity provided by the law since 1976 to choose the woman's maiden name as the surname to be used by both husband and wife. Such instances were found more frequently in large cities than in rural areas. 132. Ms. Evatt resumed the Chair. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic value of housework and care of the family, as well as the rights of divorced women and widows in Germany. It also touches on the topic of surname choice for married couples. These topics are all related to social issues and family life, rather than economic development or industry.

**Category**
Employment, Education