CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with interest the information contained in the Government's report.

1. The Committee notes the specific information supplied concerning the national legislation enacted to give effect to the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in the workplace, as well as the statistical data provided concerning the participation of women in the Italian labour market. The Committee notes from the report that, at the end of 1997, 22 per cent of workers in government administration were women. However, women in the national, local and regional government administrations remained underrepresented in positions of decision-making authority. In the light of the Government's statement that the influx of women into government departments in recent years has been in percentages above 50 per cent, the Committee requests the Government to supply information concerning the measures taken or envisaged to promote the presence of greater numbers of women in managerial and supervisory positions in the government administration. The Committee further requests the Government to provide more comprehensive statistical data in its next report showing the distribution of men and women in the various occupations and at the different ranks in the various government departments at the national, regional and local levels.

2. The Committee notes from the report that marked differences persist between the north and south of Italy with respect to the situation of women. The Committee would therefore be grateful if the Government would supply information on any measures taken or contemplated to: (1) promote greater participation of women in the labour market, particularly in managerial and supervisory positions and in non-traditional jobs and occupations; (2) secure their equal access to employment and vocational training; and (3) promote a change in traditional societal attitudes in southern Italy concerning the roles of men and women in respect of work and family responsibilities.

3. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied in the Government's report regarding its first equal opportunity policy, which targets women and is aimed at promoting their participation in the Italian labour market. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide information on all measures taken to promote the principle of equal opportunity in employment and occupation in respect of gender. Further, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on any measures taken or envisaged to secure application of the principles of equal opportunity and treatment and non-discrimination on all of the grounds set forth in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention.

4. The Committee notes from the Government's report that five draft laws are currently under consideration by the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, aimed at safeguarding the personal dignity of employees and protecting them from sexual harassment in the workplace. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide the text of the draft law(s) once adopted.

5. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether it has taken any measures to promote the application of the Convention on the grounds of race, national extraction, colour or religion.