National Preventive Mechanism to employment, women would only receive about half as much work (and pay). In addition, the work assigned is often cleaning and polishing, which is perceived to be discriminatory. Few leisure time activities The NPM’s observations showed that there are in fact large differences, primarily in leisure time activities. Thus, in almost all institutions male inmates can choose among several types of sports activities, while females are generally only offered participation in handicraft or cooking courses. Lower employment rate The data on the individual fields of activity and the work operations are not yet available. However, the figures already reported and the commissions’ visits show significant discrimination against females. In Klagenfurt, only about 20% of imprisoned women have work, which is considered high (!) for a regional prison. The Federal Ministry of Justice rejects the allegation that the prison administration does not take the specific needs of menstruating or menopausal women adequately into account. An adequate supply of hygienic articles is allegedly provided. The department showers can also be used several times a day. Lack of specially trained personnel Unfortunately, there are no special qualifications for prison guards, who serve in female prisons or in the mother and child departments. Therefore, the NPM has made the Federal Ministry of Justice aware of the Bangkok Rules (Principle 29 – 35), which state that personnel must receive special training for the special needs of female prisons and especially for children in prison. The Ministry noted that the Bangkok Rules were not binding, but announced it would consider the development of a female-specific training module. No preventive gynaecological examx On the other hand, preventive gynaecological exams requested by the NPM were again rejected – with reference to the lack of a statutory right to such examinations. The current investigation is not yet completed. The NPM will also pay more attention to the situation of women in prison in the coming year. ¾¾ The expansion of employment opportunities for females must be accelerated. ¾¾ In particular, females should not be financially disadvantaged by the lack of employment opportunities. ¾¾ Females should have equal access to leisure time activities. ¾¾ Preventive examinations are part of standard medical care. 146