CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes the information provided in the National Gender Policy 2000-05, which states that lack of career guidance perpetuates women’s choices of traditional female professions; in addition, curricula in the institutions have not been made fully gender sensitive. The Committee also notes the commitment of the Government to improve women’s educational level and technical occupational training through the vocational training colleges under the Ministry. The Committee recalls that training is of fundamental importance in that it determines the actual possibilities of gaining access to employment and occupation; therefore, it urges the Government to take specific measures to enhance women’s participation in skill development and vocational training.

2. Noting the information provided in the Government’s report that the Employment Act was adopted after consultation with the social partners, the Committee would like to recall that the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation is aimed at an ongoing process in the course of which the national equality policy must continually be adjusted to the changes that it brings about in society. One of the underlying principles of such policy is that it has to be conceived and developed in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. Therefore, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the roles of employers’ and workers’ organizations in the implementation of the discrimination provisions in the new Employment Act and of the policy of equality of opportunity and treatment.

3. The Committee notes that the Government indicated that the report on the Law Reform Commission would be sent under separate cover through UNDP. The Committee notes that it has not yet been received and trusts that the Government will supply it within the next reporting period.