A/HRC/4/9/Add.2 page 17 71. Policy measures must take into account the different obstacles faced by girls, and the specific concerns of parents, for example in relation to situations where children must travel to schools in neighbouring localities. The persistence of rigidly defined traditional gender roles within Roma communities was highlighted as a factor seriously restricting access of Roma girls to full education possibilities. The high proportion of Roma girls leaving education at an early age requires focused attention. A system of “second chance schools” offers an opportunity for those who have become mothers at an early age, to continue education by accommodating childcare needs. The Independent Expert commends such initiatives as examples of “promising practice”. Government statistics also reveal a predominance of female students benefiting from a scholarship programme for Roma students. Roma scholarship programme 72. The Government’s Roma scholarship programme1 is highlighted by the Independent Expert as offering Roma students increased opportunities to progress within the education system by reducing the financial burden upon disadvantaged families. In the academic year 2005/06, 1,562 Roma received a scholarship. Moves in 2005 towards “post-financing” scholarships, requiring students to be reimbursed tuition fees at a later date, may restrict opportunities for many potential Roma students. Additionally examples were given of students excluded from their studies by administrative difficulties. With adequate safeguards and monitoring to protect against abuse by non-Roma, the scholarship system is considered an example of “good practice”. F. Employment 73. The Roma minority face widespread discrimination in employment contributing to disproportionately high unemployment rates. According to the Public Foundation for European Comparative Minority Research, in 2006 only 29 per cent of the male Roma population between 17 and 75 are employed. The European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC) highlights that 64 per cent of Roma interviewed stated that they had suffered direct racial discrimination in hiring procedures, and that Roma were eight times more likely to be unemployed than non-Roma. In some areas, near total exclusion of Roma from the labour market is partially attributable to a dramatic consequence of racial discrimination. Many Roma are compelled to find work in the grey economy, offering low wages, and no job security or related benefits in sectors including construction and forestry. Hungary’s recent economic growth has had no significant impact on Roma unemployment, due to widespread discrimination. 74. According to civil society analysis, while nearly all were employed during the communist era, from the late 1980s through the early 1990s, approximately 40 per cent of employed Roma lost their jobs, compared to approximately 10 per cent of the majority population. Post-communist reform resulted in privatization or decline of nationalized industries and subsequent job loss, most affecting low or unskilled workers and those facing discrimination. 1 The Public Foundation for Hungarian Gypsies gives scholarships for Roma pupils, based on ethnic criteria, and a separate programme of the Ministry of Education called Útravaló provides support to socially disadvantaged children and their mentors based on social criteria.