A/HRC/27/7 Fifth National Plan reinforced prevention, and enhanced awareness-raising activities with a focus on the most vulnerable victims, including elderly persons and women in rural areas. 29. With regard to gender equality, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 62 per cent of posts in the Portuguese civil service were occupied by women. Women occupied 38 per cent of high-ranking positions and 58 per cent of middle-ranking positions. A Council of Ministers resolution issued in 2012 required all State-owned companies to approve and implement an equality plan. The Framework Law for Regulatory Entities of 2013 provided that the position of Chairperson of the Board of Directors of such entities should be occupied by men and women in rotation, and required a minimum of 33 per cent female or male representation on such boards. 30. Wage discrimination based on gender was prohibited in Portugal. The average wage gap between men and women in Portugal, according to Eurostat, was 15.7 per cent in 2012, below the European Union average. A recent report commissioned by the Government on women in the labour market would be discussed with social partners. In March 2013, a Council of Ministers resolution had been issued, requiring the preparation of reports on pay disparities between men and women, in addition to action to combat those disparities. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 31. During the interactive dialogue, 74 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 32. The Czech Republic commended the efforts of Portugal to improve the access of Roma to education through the National Strategy for the Integration of Roma Communities, and drew attention to the challenges involved in addressing the underlying social factors and ensuring the full cooperation of all stakeholders. 33. Ecuador commended the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. It appreciated the priority given by Portugal in recent years to action against gender-based violence, human trafficking and female genital mutilation, in addition to action for the integration of Roma communities and in support of migrants, persons with disabilities and older persons. 34. Italy commended the action taken by Portugal to prevent trafficking in human beings and violence against women. It noted that the adoption of rigorous budgetary measures in response to the economic crisis might have undermined the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by the most vulnerable children and women. 35. Finland asked about measures taken to minimize the impact of austerity policies on the Roma community. Noting treaty body recommendations that greater attention should be paid to the tendency not to report domestic violence owing to traditional attitudes, it asked for further information on measures to investigate cases of domestic violence effectively and the impact thereof on women belonging to minority groups. 36. France welcomed the ratification by Portugal of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It commended the action being taken to counter racism and to address prison overcrowding. Since domestic violence persisted despite the measures introduced by the Government, France asked whether any additional measures were envisaged to tackle the problem. 37. Germany praised Portugal for the situation of human rights in the country and welcomed, in particular, the recently initiated judicial reform. It requested further information on the impact of the National Strategy for the Integration of Roma 6