E/C.12/RUS/CO/6 Equality between men and women 24. The Committee notes the adoption, in 2017, of the new National Strategy for Women 2017-2022. It remains, however, concerned about the persistence of the social perception of gender roles in the State party, whereby women continue to be underrepresented in senior and decision-making positions and concentrated in low-paid job sectors, leading to the perpetuation of the gender wage gap, to have a lesser role in political and public life, and to be perceived as the main caregivers in the family (art. 3). 25. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Ensure the allocation of adequate financial and human resources to fully implement the National Strategy for Women 2017-2022, and establish an effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure that the strategy is assessed against a clear set of indicators and has the desired impact; (b) Review all relevant legislation, regulations and policies with a view to eliminating any aspects of discrimination against women and take temporary special measures towards achieving their de facto equality; (c) Analyse the underlying causes of the underrepresentation of women in senior and decision-making positions and take appropriate measures to revise the social perception of gender roles, including those concerning employment and, to that end, promote training for women in non-traditional fields and in areas that will provide them with equal career opportunities; (d) Strengthen awareness-raising campaigns for both men and women about sharing responsibilities equally in the family and in society, and about reconciling work and family responsibilities; (e) Take into account its general comments No. 23 (2016) on the right to just and favourable conditions of work (para. 36), and No. 16 (2005) on the equal right of men and women to the enjoyment of all economic, social and cultural rights. Unemployment 26. While noting the information on the decrease in the general unemployment rate in recent years, the Committee expresses its concern about the high rates among youth and those living in rural areas. The Committee is also concerned that measures taken to address these situations proved not to be very successful (art. 6). 27. The Committee recommends that the State party take targeted measures to address unemployment more effectively, especially among youth and those living in rural areas. The Committee also recommends that the State party continue to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to increase employment opportunities in general and for specific groups and adopt other measures as necessary. The Committee refers the State party to its general comment No. 18 (2005) on the right to work. Women’s right to work 28. The Committee is concerned about the continued existence of the list of 456 banned professions for women, and about the lack of scientific or medical assessment of the real impact these professions may have on women’s reproductive health. The Committee is concerned that, in reality, these restrictions contribute to furthering inequalities between men and women. The Committee appreciates the information provided by the delegation that there is an ongoing discussion in the State party to review that list (art. 6). 29. The Committee reiterates its recommendation (see E/C.12/RUS/CO/5, para. 16) that the State party review the list of restricted occupations and sectors for women, and ensure that it covers only restrictions necessary for the protection of maternity and is based strictly on medical considerations (see general comment No. 23, paras. 17 and 47 (a)). 5