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Article 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 10/2008 on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men, which shows a number of improvements in relation to the law previously in force. It notes, in particular, the introduction of a number of definitions, particularly of the concepts of “direct discrimination” and “indirect discrimination”; the establishment of a Centre for Gender Equality with extended powers; the possibility of imposing fines in cases of non-compliance with the now binding decisions of the Complaints Committee on Gender Equality; the possibility for employees to discuss their wage conditions with a third party, in the context of measures aimed at reducing wage inequalities; the emphasis on efforts aimed at ensuring equal representation of men and women in managerial roles; and the strengthening of obligations on enterprises employing more than 25 persons to formulate and implement a gender equality action plan. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved regarding equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women in employment and occupation in the context of implementation of the new legislation, and also on the impact of any other measures adopted in this sphere.

With regard to the definition of indirect discrimination laid down in section 2(2) of Act No. 10/2008 and the exceptions it provides for, the Committee requests the Government to supply further information on cases in which such exceptions may be “appropriate, necessary or justifiable in terms of impartial considerations independent of gender”. The Committee also requests the Government to state the manner in which it is ensured that these exceptions are limited to the inherent requirements of a particular job.

The Committee refers to its previous comment, in which it asked the Government to provide information on the conclusions of the external audit of the 2004 action plan to promote gender equality. It notes the Government’s statement that the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Security presented a report on the current situation and recent developments in gender equality at the gender equality forum held in January 2009. However, the Committee notes that this report appears to have been prepared by government departments and therefore does not constitute an external audit. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the external audit has been finalized and, if so, to provide detailed information on this subject, including, if possible, a copy of the conclusions of the audit. Moreover, it is the Committee’s understanding that a new four-year action plan ended in May 2008 and it requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of its implementation.

The Committee also notes the information supplied by the Government concerning the adoption of the gender equality plan within the national police. It notes that in 2008 the Confederation of Icelandic Employers (SA) and the Icelandic Confederation of Labour (ASI) concluded a protocol to the collective agreements in force, which aims at promoting gender equality in the labour market and contains three main components: the establishment of a system of certification for enterprises, a statistical study concerning gender inequalities in relation to wages, and the preparation of information documents. It also notes the setting up of a joint committee responsible for the implementation of this protocol. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the results achieved further to the implementation of this protocol.

Employment of women. The Committee notes that, according to the conclusions adopted in November 2008 by the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR), the employment rate in Iceland increased from 82.3 per cent in 2004 to 84.6 per cent in 2006, while the employment rate for women increased from 78.8 per cent to 80.8 per cent over the same period, both rates being significantly higher than the EU-15 average. According to the ECSR, a budget of 17 million Iceland kronur (approximately €143,000) has been allocated to various projects for the promotion of women’s employment. The Committee further notes that, according to the analytical report accompanying the Commission Opinion on Iceland’s application for membership of the European Union (SEC(2010)153 of 24 February 2010), the increase in the unemployment rate in the country since the start of the financial crisis in autumn 2008 is having a greater impact on men than on women since it particularly affects the construction industry. The Committee requests the Government to supply up-to-date statistical data on trends in the general employment rate and the respective employment rates for men and women, as well as all available information on the consequences of the current economic crisis in this sphere. Also noting the Government’s statement that the project for the evaluation of the operation of employment centres, to which it referred in its previous report, has not yet been completed, it requests the Government to supply information on the results of this evaluation, once they are available.

Occupational segregation of men and women. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that minor changes have been recorded between 2005 and 2007 concerning the percentages of men and women in various occupations, with men, however, still occupying 70 per cent of managerial posts in 2007. It notes that an education project on gender equality was conducted in nursery and primary schools between September 2008 and May 2009, and sought to challenge pupils’ ideas of the respective roles of men and women, including in employment. In this regard, the Committee refers to the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in which the Government was called upon to take proactive and sustained measures to eliminate stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men, particularly through awareness-raising and education campaigns directed at men and women and also at the media, to conduct research on the impact of these stereotypes and to evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken in this regard in order to identify any shortcomings and carry out the necessary adjustments (CEDAW/C/ICE/CO/6, 18 July 2008). The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken to combat the occupational segregation of men and women in the labour market.

Equality of opportunity and treatment without distinction as to race, colour or national extraction. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the statement in the Government’s report concerning the adoption in 2007 of the Act on the rights and obligations, including with respect to remuneration, of foreign companies that post workers temporarily to Iceland. The Committee requests the Government to send a copy of this new legislation.

Furthermore, it is the Committee’s understanding that the national commission, which reviewed the Act of 2000 on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men leading to the adoption of the abovementioned Act of 2008, considered the question of the possible adoption of a law with a broader scope, covering grounds of discrimination other than sex. According to the report entitled Multidimensional discrimination policies in the Nordic countries – An overview, published in 2008 by the Nordic Council of Ministers for Gender Equality, this option was, however, rejected on the grounds that numerous issues still needed resolving in the area of gender equality before the scope of the law could be extended in this way. In this regard the Committee refers to the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), in which CERD urged the Government to consider adopting comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation addressing all manifestations of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all spheres of life and providing, inter alia, for effective remedies in civil and administrative proceedings (CERD/C/ISL/CO/19-20, 25 March 2010). In this regard the Committee also notes that, in November 2008, the European Committee of Social Rights reiterated its previous conclusions to the effect that the situation in Iceland is not in conformity with Article 1(2) of the European Social Charter, inasmuch as there is no specific law in Iceland prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of the criteria listed by the Charter other than sex (namely, race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and political opinions); all that the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act contain, are general provisions and it is unclear whether they could offer adequate protection to the victims of discrimination in employment.

In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, a working party established by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Security published a report in January 2009 on the application of Council Directive 2000/43/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin and of Council Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation. It notes that, according to the Government’s report, this working party has recommended the drafting of legislation concerning discrimination in the public and private employment markets, the launch of research projects in Icelandic universities on the discrimination criteria addressed by these Directives, and the addition of a new member to the Centre for Gender Equality, who would be responsible for providing assistance for persons who consider themselves victims of discrimination based on any of these criteria and for supervising the implementation of this future legislation against discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the follow-up to the recommendations of the working party established by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Security.

Finally, the Committee notes the human rights policy adopted by the city of Reykjavik in May 2006, which contains a section devoted to the city as employer and aims, in particular, to combat discrimination on the basis of origin, colour, nationality or culture. It requests the Government to send any available information on the results achieved by the implementation of this policy. It also requests the Government to supply, if applicable, information on any other similar initiatives that have been adopted.

Parts III and IV of the report form. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that, during the reporting period, the Supreme Court did not issue any judgments relating to the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men. It further notes that the Complaints Committee on Gender Equality issued rulings in 15 cases, three concerning equal pay, one concerning a dismissal, one relating to parental leave, two concerning severance pay, and eight concerning the recruitment of employees. It notes that the Complaints Committee did not find any violation of the law in the dismissal case and established the existence of a violation in just one of the eight cases relating to recruitment. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on any court decision relating to the application of the Convention, and also on the results of the work of the Complaints Committee on Gender Equality. With reference to its previous comment, the Committee also requests the Government to supply information on the action taken by the labour inspection services to ensure the application of the Convention and on the results thereof.

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Article 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women. The Committee recalls its previous comments on the 2004 Action Plan to promote gender equality which provides for an external evaluation of the results achieved two years after its adoption. In that regard, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that in March 2007 the Minister of Social Affairs presented to Parliament a report describing the status of the various projects implemented under the Action Plan and the results thereof. The Committee also notes that the Ministry is currently drafting a project aimed at assessing whether men and women benefit equally from the services for the unemployed provided by job centres. Furthermore, in 2006 a survey was carried out to examine the factors affecting the wages and career advancement of men and women. This survey indicated, among other things, that in 1994, after childbirth, women’s interest in promotions and management positions decreased while men’s interest increased. However, this attitude has changed, and in 2006 no difference was found between men’s and women’s interest. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the findings of the external evaluation regarding the Action Plan to promote gender equality as well as on the results of the project intended to assess the functioning of job centres. The Committee also asks the Government to continue to provide information on studies, surveys and projects concerning equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women, and the measures taken to follow-up on the respective findings and recommendations.

With regard to occupational sex segregation in the labour market, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Icelandic job market continues to be both horizontally and vertically segregated. The Committee notes, however, that initiatives are being taken by a number of Ministries with a view to addressing the problem, including at the level of education and supporting women’s entrepreneurship. The Committee also notes a multi-stakeholder initiative, including the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, involving the publishing of an Equality Indicator. A report was also commissioned by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to evaluate to what extent the various measures taken by the Government to support businesses had benefited women. The Report which was published in 2005 shows that while women were more likely to apply for business grants and loans, men were more likely to receive funding and, further, they usually received higher amounts. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the various initiatives taken to address occupational sex segregation in the public and private sectors, and to indicate the results achieved.

Equality of opportunity and treatment irrespective of race, colour and national extraction. The Committee recalls its previous comments regarding the condition of foreign workers and its request for information on the measures taken to protect them from discrimination in employment and occupation on the basis of race, colour or national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that a new law on temporary work agencies was adopted in 2005 requiring temporary work agencies to pay their workers at least the minimum legal wage as well as to provide the Directorate of Labour with information about the workers hired through the agency. The Committee also notes that in 2007 a draft law was prepared regarding the rights and obligations of foreign companies which send employees on a temporary basis to Iceland, particularly with regard to the remuneration to be paid to these employees. The purpose of this law is to ensure compliance with regulations and collective agreements for the benefit of the employees who come to the country on a temporary assignment. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on further developments concerning the adoption of the draft law on foreign companies. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and treatment, irrespective of race, colour or national extraction. Please also indicate whether any cases regarding ethnic discrimination in employment and occupation have been brought before the courts or other competent authorities.

Parts IV and V of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the activities carried out by the Labour Inspectorate to monitor compliance with the principles of the Convention and their findings. Please also continue to supply information regarding judicial decisions relevant to the application of the Convention.

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1. Article 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ministry of Social Affairs submitted a report to Parliament in April 2004, in accordance with section 9 of the Act on the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men (No. 96/2000). Subsequently, Parliament adopted a resolution regarding a new action plan, which provides for an external evaluation two years, then four years after its adoption. The plan includes a project to assess the impact of the Maternity/Paternity and Parental Leave Act. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures contained in the action plan which relate to the application of the Convention and to keep the Committee informed of the action taken under it with a view to promoting and ensuring equality of opportunity of men and women in employment and occupation, including relevant results of the planned evaluations referred to above.

2. With regard to the position of men and women in the labour market, the Committee notes from statistical information published by Statistic Iceland for 2004 that some 30 per cent of all managers and legislators are female, while men and women are equally distributed in the occupational group of professionals. Women also are underrepresented among craft and related trade workers (23 per cent), while the female ratio among clerks is 87 per cent. The Committee also notes the Government’s view that, compared to the high female labour market participation, the rate of women business owners is too low (18 per cent). Please provide information on the measures taken to address occupational segregation based on sex (horizontal and vertical), and continue to provide information on the efforts made to increase the number of female business owners and entrepreneurs.

3. Equality of opportunity and treatment irrispective of race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the report submitted by the Government under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination that the proportion of foreign nationals and Icelandic nationals born abroad has increased in recent years, but that this trend has slowed over the last four years. In 2003, this category included 10,180 persons, 3.5 per cent of the population. While some 70 per cent of these persons were from European countries, 17 per cent were from Asia (CERD/C/476/Add.5, 8 October 2004). Noting the recommendation by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to strengthen safeguards so that foreign workers are protected from discrimination (CERD/C/ISL/CO/18, 1 November 2005, paragraph 13), the Committee asks the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to protect foreign workers from discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of race, colour or national extraction.

4. Parts IV and V of the report form. The Committee thanks the Government for providing summaries of court cases concerning discrimination and equality and invites the Government to continue to share such information, as well as information on activities, reports or relevant decisions of other relevant bodies, such as the bodies established under the Act No. 96/2000.

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1. Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes the Government’s response to the Committee’s 2002 general observation regarding sexual harassment in the working environment, in particular the Government indicates that the formal studies on sexual harassment in 1998 demonstrated that 36 per cent of the participants in the study had been victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, 93 per cent of whom were women. In response to these findings, the Gender Equality Act was amended to include article 17, which prohibits sexual harassment in, inter alia, the workplace. The Committee notes the Government’s information that no cases under the new provisions have yet been concluded, but that one complaint is currently before the Gender Equality Complaints Committee and one case was brought in the criminal jurisdiction under the Penal Code. The Committee asks that the Government provide in future reports information on the practical application of the new provisions.

2. Article 1. Application in law. In relation to its previous request that the Government provide information on the manner in which discrimination on the grounds listed in the Convention other than sex is prohibited and equality promoted, the Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication that extensive amendments were made in 1995 to the human rights provisions of the Constitution Act 97/1995. In particular, the Committee observes the addition of article 65, which provides that all persons will be equal before the law and enjoy human rights without regard to sex, religion, opinion, national origin, race, colour, financial status, parentage and other status. With respect to the judgements referred to by the Government in its report as evidencing the broadening of the constitutional protection of the various rights guaranteed in the international human rights Conventions, the Committee asks the Government to provide details of the relevant judgements in its next report. The Committee furthermore asks the Government to provide a copy of the legislative amendments to the Constitution Act.

3. Article 2. Implementation of national policy on equality. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Centre for Gender Equality has begun preparation for a new action plan for the years 2004-08. This will follow the 1998-2003 Action Plan (originally the 1998-2001 Action Plan, extended to 2003 in 2001). The purpose of the action plans is to emphasize mainstreaming ideology and methods involving ministries in the work of equality and non-discrimination. The overall effects of the revised 1998-2003 Action Plan included that the proportion of women in the police force rose from 4.3 per cent in 1996 to 8.02 per cent in 2001. In 1997, the number of women graduating from the Police Training College was 7.14 per cent, which increased to 16.13 per cent in 2001. The number of women prison guards increased from 7.7 per cent in 1996 to 15.6 per cent in 2001. The Committee notes also the general and ministry-specific projects to be implemented under the final two years of the revised 1998-2003 Action Plan. The Committee requests that the Government to provide details of the specific action plans initiated and the practical effects. In this respect, the Committee observes also that projects have been undertaken by the Gender Equality Council to equalize the status and rights of women and men, referred to in the Government’s first report under the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156), and asks that the Government provide details of these projects in its next report.

4. Article 3(b). Education and training. The Committee notes the various measures taken in conformity with the Gender Equality Act 96/2000, which specifies that education on equality issues is to be provided at all levels of schooling by emphasizing the equal preparation of women and men for active participation in society, family life and the labour market. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide details of these measures.

The Committee notes the international projects for training of trainers undertaken by the Women’s Education Centre in Akureyri and the associated establishment of four more centres in rural Iceland. The Committee notes with interest that, five years after the implementation of the Women’s Education Centre projects, employment among the sample group of women had risen from 16 per cent to 55 per cent. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue providing information on the results of the projects undertaken by the Women’s Education Centre and similar centres.

5. Part III of the report form. Enforcement. Regarding the information provided by the Government relating to decisions of courts or tribunals on the application of the principle of the Convention, the Committee notes the five judgements of the Supreme Court concerning the Equality Act, including one in the area of employment. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue providing details of relevant judicial and administrative findings in this respect.

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1. The Committee observes from the statistics included in the publication "Iceland in figures 2001-02" and the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Iceland that the unemployment rate for women in the year 2000 was 2.9 per cent, and for men 1.8 per cent, and that these figures have been progressively dropping since 1995. The Committee also notes that only 3.7 per cent of the total of employed women are senior officials or managers, while this figure is of 8.6 per cent in the case of working men. The statistics also show that 84.7 per cent of the working women concentrate in services activities, where 24.6 per cent are employed in health services and social work, and 14.3 per cent in wholesale and retail trade.

2. The Committee also notes the information provided on the results obtained by the Four-Year Plan of Action to establish equality between women and men for the period 1998-2001, regarding the different projects undertaken by each ministry. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the implementation of these projects and the new legislation and on new action plans adopted.

3. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the manner in which discrimination on the grounds listed in the Convention other than sex is prohibited and equality is promoted in practice and the results achieved.

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The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 96/2000 on the equal status and equal rights of men and women, which extends the existing prohibition of sex-based discrimination and promotes gender equality in all spheres of society. It further notes the establishment of a new administrative and implementing structure, including the Equal Status Bureau responsible for the administration and monitoring of the implementation of the Act; the Equal Status Council responsible for making systematic efforts to equalize the status of women and men in the labour market; the Complaints Committee on Equal Status; and the equal status committees appointed by the local authorities. It also notes the provisions in the law on gender mainstreaming, equal pay for work of equal value, harmonization of occupational and family obligations, sexual harassment, shifting burden of proof from plaintiffs in cases of alleged discrimination, advertisements and education on equality issues. The Committee also notes the adoption of Act No. 95/2000 on maternity/paternity leave and parental leave and Act No. 27/2000 on the prohibition of redundancies due to family responsibilities. The Committee welcomes these legislative and administrative initiatives and requests the Government to provide information in future on their implementation and their impact in improving access to jobs, decision-making posts and conditions of work for both men and women in all regions of the country on the basis of equality.

The Committee is raising other points in a request directly addressed to the Government.

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The Committee notes the Government's report and the attached annexes, with particular reference to the copy of the chapter on human rights incorporated into the Constitution of Iceland in 1995 and the copy of the national report presented by the Government at the Beijing Conference in 1995.

1. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information provided by the Government concerning the final assessment of the Four-Year Plan of Action to Establish Equality between Women and Men (1994-97), launched in accordance with section 17 of the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men Act, 1991. The Committee notes that in the meantime another Plan of Action has been adopted (1998-2001) and it requests the Government to keep it informed of the projects developed under this second Plan and the results obtained with regard to the access of women to vocational training, employment and conditions of employment. It would also be grateful to be provided with information on the results achieved by certain projects launched under the previous Plan and which are still under way, such as: those designed to improve the status and number of women working in the criminal police; the project to encourage women to follow vocational training with a view to working in industry; the project to carry out a study and organize a conference on sexual harassment; and the project under which a post of counsellor was created for matters relating to equality between the sexes in the northern region, where the unemployment rate of women is particularly high.

2. The Committee notes that many initiatives have been taken by the Government to facilitate and promote respect for the principle of equality between the sexes in education. In this respect, noting that section 29 of the Compulsory School Act No. 66/1995 states that the aim of study and methods of work in compulsory school shall be to prevent discrimination on grounds of origin, gender, residence, class, religion or disability, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the manner in which section 29 is applied in practice. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the follow-up to the report presented in 1998 by the Minister of Education advocating the implementation of a "new school policy", of which one of the objectives would be to prepare students (boys as well as girls) to participate fully in the political, social and economic life of the country.

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1. Further to its previous direct request, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the final analysis on the Four-Year Plan of Action to Establish Equality between Women and Men (1994-97) -- which was launched in accordance with section 17 of the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men Act 1991-- will take place in 1998. The Government is requested to furnish details on that evaluation and on any further measures taken in pursuance of the Plan.

2. In its previous comment, the Committee requested information on any measures taken to consolidate initiatives put forward in the three-year Nordic projects (1992-94) on gender and equal opportunities in teacher education under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers (the NORD-LILIA project). The Committee notes that although the proposal concerning the adoption of a comprehensive policy on gender equality in all teacher training in Iceland has not been implemented (mainly due to the independence of each educational institution), the Ministry of Education and Culture has given active support to the projects on gender equality carried out in individual schools. The Committee also notes with interest that, according to the Government, the results and proposals of the NORD-LILIA project have had an impact on teacher training in various ways, including the requirement for all students of the Teachers' University to register in a basic course, which includes gender equality as a main topic. In addition, the Committee notes that a book on gender equality is being drafted for both student teachers and active teachers in all Nordic countries. Please continue to provide information on any further measures to stimulate a greater respect for the principle of equality set out in the Convention, through educational programmes.

3. Referring to its previous comment concerning the inclusion of a new chapter on human rights in the Constitution in 1995, the Committee welcomes the Government's indication that English copies will be forwarded when available.

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1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report concerning the Four-Year Plan of Action to Establish Equality between Women and Men (1994-97), which was launched in accordance with section 17 of the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men Act 1991. In the Government's summary of progress made by various ministries in implementing individual projects under the Plan, the Committee notes that a number of initiatives have been commenced, or are being planned, which are of direct relevance to the application of the Convention, including programmes to train women for jobs in the fish-processing industry, studies on traditional women's occupations and on sexual harassment, measures to improve the position of women in the State Criminal Investigation Police and the implementation of gender equality in the personnel policies of some authorities, such as the Posts and Telecommunications Administration. The Committee requests the Government to furnish the assessment report of the Equal Status Council on the implementation of the Plan during its first two years, together with the report required to be made by the Minister of Social Affairs under section 17 of the Act and the report by the Job Assessment Committee, which are due to be presented to Parliament in 1996.

2. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the final report of the three-year Nordic projects (1992-94) on gender and equal opportunities in teacher education carried out under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers (the NORD-LILIA project). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate any measures taken to consolidate this initiative, such as through drawing up action plans for gender equality in all teacher training in Iceland, as is discussed on page 75 of the report.

3. The Committee notes from the report submitted by Iceland on its application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (United Nations document CERD/C.299/Add.4 of 29 April 1996) that a revision of the Constitution's human rights provisions in order to expand upon, and phrase them more clearly, entered into force after being accepted in June 1995. The Committee requests the Government to provide copies of the constitutional amendments.

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The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government in its report, in particular on Parliament's adoption in May 1993 of the Four-Year Plan of Action for Measures to Establish Equality between Women and Men for the period 1993-97, the measures taken to overcome occupational segregation of women and men and the measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment between the sexes in rural areas.

1. As regards the implementation in practice of the Equal Status of Women and Men Act No. 28/1991 in government ministries and state institutions, the Committee notes that, within the framework of the above-mentioned Four-Year Plan of Action, individual ministries are responsible for the implementation of specific activities within their mandate, such as the recruitment of more women as criminal investigators within the Ministry of Justice. The Committee also notes the appointment of the first Sexual Equality Officer in Iceland as a result of a plan of action for sexual equality adopted by a local authority. Noting that the 1991 Act specifies that the results of plans of action were to be assessed after two years (in Spring 1995) by the Office of the Equal Status Council, the Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of that evaluation, once completed, as well as any details on further measures taken in accordance with the Act to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment.

2. The Committee notes the information on the Nordic NORD-LILIA project designed to better equip teachers to address the different needs of the sexes. Noting that the project was to end in late 1994, the Committee requests the Government to supply, with its next report, a copy of any evaluation made of this project's results.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. As regards the implementation in practice of the Equal Status of Women and Men Act No. 28/1991 in government ministries and state institutions, the Committee notes that, within the framework of the above-mentioned Four-Year Plan of Action, individual ministries are responsible for the implementation of specific activities within their mandate, such as the recruitment of more women as criminal investigators within the Ministry of Justice. The Committee also notes the appointment of the first Sexual Equality Officer in Iceland as a result of a plan of action for sexual equality adopted by a local authority. Noting that the 1991 Act specifies that the results of plans of action were to be assessed after two years (in Spring 1995) by the Office of the Equal Status Council, the Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of that evaluation, once completed, as well as any details on further measures taken in accordance with the Act to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment.

2. The Committee notes the information on the Nordic NORD-LILIA project designed to better equip teachers to address the different needs of the sexes. Noting that the project was to end in late 1994, the Committee requests the Government to supply, with its next report, a copy of any evaluation made of this project's results.

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The Committee notes with interest the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request, in particular the detailed description of the results achieved by the first and second Four-Year Plan of Action, the increased participation of women in various public posts and bodies, the measures taken to promote workforce equality through, inter alia, the Act concerning day care for children, No. 47/1991, and proposals for flexible working time for workers with family responsibilities, proposals concerning non-discriminatory job advertising, and the supervision of the equality legislation through the complaints procedure of the Equal Status Council.

1. The Committee notes from the Equal Status Council's interim report (September 1991) on public sector equal opportunity programmes that employment equality between the sexes has been prevented to a large extent by circumstances claimed to be beyond the control of government ministries and state institutions such as traditional education and occupational choices. It also notes the Government's view that personnel policies within these institutions might also be a factor. Noting that the Nordic Equal Pay Project (1991-94) is also examining gender-based differences in opportunity from the equal pay aspect and that many studies were undertaken in this connection during the first Four-Year Plan of Action, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken by the various equality bodies to overcome occupational segregation of women and men, using, for example, tripartite cooperation and educational programmes in accordance with Article 3(a) and (b) of the Convention. For example, what was the outcome of the report sponsored by the Equal Status Council on the education choices of men and women?

2. As regards equal employment opportunities for women in rural areas, the Committee notes that, according to statistics in the Government's report, unemployment of rural women is more than double than that of men in rural areas and that, in response to this, the Government is allocating grants specifically for the promotion of women's employment in these areas, took part in a 1990 conference on their situation and held two conferences on employment initiatives for such women in 1992. It requests the Government to continue to inform it of measures taken for the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment between the sexes in rural areas.

3. The Committee notes the adoption of Act No. 19/1992 relating to vocational education. It requests the Government, in its next report, to supply information on the implementation of the Act in practice. It also asks for information on the impact of the NORDLILA project designed to address the different needs of the sexes in teacher training.

4. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government regarding the implementation in practice of section 3 of the Equal Status Act No. 28/1991, concerning affirmative action to improve the status of women, in particular the inclusion of this concept in the promotional material and reports associated with the introduction, in government ministries and state institutions, of four-yearly equal opportunity programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information in its next report on the practical application of this section of the Act, for example by supplying the impact studies to be carried out on the equal opportunity programmes in force in 42 state institutions, and by reporting on the use of such programmes by local governments. In the private sector, the Committee notes that, as far as the Equal Status Council is aware, no private enterprises have such equal opportunity programmes; it accordingly asks to be informed, in future reports, of any developments in this connection.

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The Committee notes the detailed information and statistics provided by the Government in response to its previous observation concerning the practical application of the Act on Equal Status and Equal Rights for Women and Men, No. 28 of 1991, as well as the explanations on the Government's second Four-Year Plan of Action on Measures to Achieve Equality between the Sexes (1991-94).

The Committee is addressing a direct request to the Government on, inter alia, the findings of the Equal Status Council's interim report on the equal opportunity programmes of government ministries and state institutions (which reveal that equality in employment between the sexes has been prevented to a large extent by circumstances claimed to be beyond the control of the institutions such as women's and men's traditional educational and occupational choices).

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Further to its observation the Committee notes the detailed information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct requests; it also takes note of the documentation furnished with the Government's report under Convention No. 100.

1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of an Action Plan for Nordic Cooperation on Equality between Women and Men 1989-93, which focuses on working conditions and education among other subjects. It also notes that the Nordic Council of Ministers will focus on the two themes: women's role in economic development; and women's and men's opportunities in combining family life with a job outside the home. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the progress of these projects within the field of the Convention.

2. With reference to its previous direct request concerning the National Economic Institute's investigation into wage differences between women and men, the Committee notes from the information in the Government's report that the study revealed that, in recent years there has been little change in the occupational distribution of men and women; occupations are characterised as either "male" or "female" with women forming a significant majority of the workforce in many services, while management positions are usually filled by men. The Committee requests the Government to indicate what measures the Government intends to take to address the discriminatory effects which can result from occupational segregation, both vertically within occupations and horizontally between different occupations and the impact of any such initiatives. In this connection, it would be grateful if the Government supplied additional information on the surveys carried out regularly by the Equal Status Council on the role of women in managerial positions and positions of responsibility. Other aspects of the investigation are taken up in the the Committee's comments on Convention No. 100.

3. Further to its previous comments the Committee requests the Government to provide an account of the results achieved by the implementation of the first Four-Year Plan of Action.

4. The Committee notes with interest that special plans of action to increase women's participation on committees, boards and councils were initiated in government ministries and public bodies in 1989 and that a progress report will be prepared on the results of these plans. It hopes the Government will forward information on the results achieved when it becomes available.

5. The Committee takes note of the information gathered recently on the employment opportunities for women in rural areas and the role of women in agriculture, and hopes the Government will keep it informed of the implementation of the proposals elaborated as a follow-up to these studies and on whether women's employment prospects have actually improved as a result.

6. The Committee notes with interest the measures indicated by the Government concerning educational and vocational instruction and counselling in respect of equality between women and men. It hopes the Government will continue to keep it informed of the measures taken in these areas including information on experimental programmes, counselling services, curriculum reviews and course offerings, and the impact such initiatives have on the attitudes and behaviour of young persons entering the labour market. In this connection, the Committee notes the Bryt project and hopes the Government will take its findings into consideration in the formulation of future plans, policies and programmes in the fields of education and vocational training.

7. The Committee notes the information on the need and strategies for the development of an increased number of day care centres in Iceland as well as the other proposals made by the interdepartmental committee on family matters. It requests the Government to keep it informed of the measures taken to reach the goals set out by the Committee and on their impact on promoting equality between women and men in the workplace.

8. Further to its previous comments concerning complaints received by the Equal Status Council, the Committee notes from the information received that the majority of cases deal with complaints regarding the appointment of a male applicant over a female applicant to a managerial position, and advertisements depicting women in a derogatory or humiliating way. The Committee hopes the Government will take into consideration this information in the formulation of future measures to promote equality and that it will continue to provide such information in future reports.

9. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the cooperation between employers' and workers' organisations and the Equal Status Council to promote equality between women and men in employment.

10. The Committee again requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken or contemplated pursuant to section 3 of the new Act on Equal Status (also section 5 of the former Act) to improve the status of women for the purpose of promoting equality.

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The Committee has noted over many years the measures taken by Iceland since 1976 when the first law on equality between women and men was adopted in that country.

1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Act on the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men, No. 28 of 1991, which: divides the functions of the Equal Status Council into a special Complaints Committee responsible for matters of equality and leaves the Equal Status Council with, inter alia, the task of promoting the aims of the Act, developing policy and serving as an advisory body; reverses the burden of proof in cases presented to the Complaints Committee by requiring an employer to prove that sex was not a factor in a matter regarding the alleged infringement of a right under the Act; requires the Minister of Social Affairs to present to the Parliament a motion for a parliamentary resolution on a Four-Year Programme on Matters of Equality; provides for the appointment, in local government areas of more than 500 inhabitants, of Equal Status Committees which shall be responsible for matters of equality within their areas in accordance with the Act; and delineates more clearly the responsibilities and relations between the Ministry of Social Affairs, Equal Status Council and local equal status committees.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the practical implementation of the Act, and in particular on the activities of the Complaints Committee of the Equal Status Council and the local government Equal Status Committees.

2. The Committee also notes with interest the adoption of the Government's second Four-Year Plan of Action on Measures to Achieve Equality between the Sexes (1991-94). Recognising the Government's obligation to take the initiative and set an example, the plan places emphasis on the responsibilities of ministers and ministries to strive, each in their own field, towards achieving equality in the status of women and men. The Committee notes that the proposals made under the plan to the relevant ministries concern: measures to promote equal status between men and women at all levels of the education system, wage terms between men and women, the improvement of the position of women in the labour market and in rural areas and various social rights. Among these proposals, the Committee notes with interest the proposals on the establishment of a working group on the position of men in a changed society with more of an equal distribution of tasks and division of family responsibilities (2.1); vocational training legislation (2.7); special courses for women employed by the State (3.1); women employed in industry (7.1, 7.2); women in agriculture (8.1, 8.2); the establishment of a working group on sexual equality in the schools (9.3), as well as the position of women in particular industries such as banking.

The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the progress made in the implementation of the Plan and, in particular, on the proposals highlighted above.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Acts Nos. 57 and 59 of 1987 increasing protection for women in the event of pregnancy and maternity.

2. In its previous direct request the Committee noted that under section 22 of the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men Act (No. 65 of 1985) the Minister of Social Affairs is required to submit to the Government and the Parliament a four-year plan of action; and that proposals for that plan were then under discussion within the Government. The Committee notes with interest the Government's statement that the plan of action adopted by the Government was submitted to the Althingi in autumn 1986 and that it established objectives in four areas. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the results achieved in each of the four areas of the four-year plan and, in particular:

(a) in the area of employment and wages, the results of the National Economic Institute's investigation into wage differences between women and men, a description of measures taken to adopt flexible working hours in state institutions, and concerning the training courses set up for women wishing to start their own businesses;

(b) in the area of education, results of educational efforts outlined in the report to diversify women's employment participation through encouraging women to make varied educational choices;

(c) in the area of management positions and responsibility, results of efforts by the State and local authorities to equalise the ratio of women to men on public committees, councils and boards under section 12 of the Act and efforts by ministries to give women in government service more opportunities to hold management positions;

(d) in the area of social issues, results of efforts to guarantee spouses working in the home the same rights as those on the labour market, extend maternity leave benefits, establish continuous school hours and increase access to day-care centres and school day-care facilities.

3. The Committee notes that the policy statement and action programme of the Government that came into office in 1987 (a) establishes as a policy that women's financial situations and children's conditions will be improved and women's influence in public life will be increased, (b) mentions a special effort to establish equality of wages between the sexes, (c) discusses reappraisal of jobs held by women in public service and the wage policy of the State as party to wage agreements, (d) examines possible ways to give parents the opportunity to take unpaid leave of absence for the care of children under special circumstances, and (e) emphasises working in accord with the Government's four-year plan of action. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on developments in these areas.

4. With respect to section 3 of the Act under which specific temporary measures intended to improve the status of women for the purpose of establishing equal rights and equal status are deemed not contrary to the law, the Committee notes from the report that this provision has not been applied, but that there is increasing support for the view that affirmative measures are required in order to improve the position of women. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in future reports on the practical application of section 3 of the Act. The Committee also notes the statement that the Act is now being revised, and requests the Government to indicate what progress has been achieved in this respect.

5. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report concerning on the one hand the findings and conclusions of the report for the delegation at the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women, and, on the other hand, the activities of the Equal Status Council. It notes with interest, in particular, the measures taken for the implementation of sections 8 and 10 of the Act concerning education, and that a working group has been established by the Ministry of Education to propose measures to improve equality of opportunity for boys and girls in education. Please indicate what measures have been taken as a result.

6. The Committee also notes the information provided on the situation as regards the employment of women. It hopes that the Government will include information in its next report on the results in Iceland of the four-year experimental programme on women's equality sponsored by the Nordic Ministerial Committee (scheduled to be completed in 1989), and particularly whether special equality advisers will be recruited.

7. As concerns the summary of complaints dealt with by the Equal Status Council, the Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide such information in its future reports, indicating whether the complaints indicate any trends in regard to the equality of women in employment.

8. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its report on efforts (particularly in publication and training activities) by the Equal Status Council to promote good co-operation between employers' and workers' organisations so as to achieve the aims and purposes of section 9 of Act No. 65, which provides that employers shall endeavour to promote a more equal status between the sexes within the enterprise and to prevent sex-segregated occupations. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on these activities in its future reports.

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1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Acts Nos. 57 and 59 of 1987 increasing protection for women in the event of pregnancy and maternity.

2. In its previous direct request the Committee noted that under section 22 of the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men Act (No. 65 of 1985) the Minister of Social Affairs is required to submit to the Government and the Parliament a four-year plan of action; and that proposals for that plan were then under discussion within the Government. The Committee notes with interest the Government's statement that the plan of action adopted by the Government was submitted to the Althingi in autumn 1986 and that it established objectives in four areas. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the results achieved in each of the four areas of the four-year plan and, in particular:

(a)in the area of employment and wages, the results of the National Economic Institute's investigation into wage differences between women and men, a description of measures taken to adopt flexible working hours in state institutions, and concerning the training courses set up for women wishing to start their own businesses;

(b)in the area of education, results of educational efforts outlined in the report to diversify women's employment participation through encouraging women to make varied educational choices;

(c)in the area of management positions and responsibility, results of efforts by the State and local authorities to equalise the ratio of women to men on public committees, councils and boards under section 12 of the Act and efforts by ministries to give women in government service more opportunities to hold management positions;

(d)in the area of social issues, results of efforts to guarantee spouses working in the home the same rights as those on the labour market, extend maternity leave benefits, establish continuous school hours and increase access to day-care centres and school day-care facilities.

3. The Committee notes that the policy statement and action programme of the Government that came into office in 1987 (a) establishes as a policy that women's financial situations and children's conditions will be improved and women's influence in public life will be increased, (b) mentions a special effort to establish equality of wages between the sexes, (c) discusses reappraisal of jobs held by women in public service and the wage policy of the State as party to wage agreements, (d) examines possible ways to give parents the opportunity to take unpaid leave of absence for the care of children under special circumstances, and (e) emphasises working in accord with the Government's four-year plan of action. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on developments in these areas.

4. With respect to section 3 of the Act under which specific temporary measures intended to improve the status of women for the purpose of establishing equal rights and equal status are deemed not contrary to the law, the Committee notes from the report that this provision has not been applied, but that there is increasing support for the view that affirmative measures are required in order to improve the position of women. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in future reports on the practical application of section 3 of the Act. The Committee also notes the statement that the Act is now being revised, and requests the Government to indicate what progress has been achieved in this respect.

5. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report concerning on the one hand the findings and conclusions of the report for the delegation at the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Nations Decade for Women, and, on the other hand, the activities of the Equal Status Council. It notes with interest, in particular, the measures taken for the implementation of sections 8 and 10 of the Act concerning education, and that a working group has been established by the Ministry of Education to propose measures to improve equality of opportunity for boys and girls in education. Please indicate what measures have been taken as a result.

6. The Committee also notes the information provided on the situation as regards the employment of women. It hopes that the Government will include information in its next report on the results in Iceland of the four-year experimental programme on women's equality sponsored by the Nordic Ministerial Committee (scheduled to be completed in 1989), and particularly whether special equality advisers will be recruited.

7. As concerns the summary of complaints dealt with by the Equal Status Council, the Committee hopes that the Government will continue to provide such information in its future reports, indicating whether the complaints indicate any trends in regard to the equality of women in employment.

8. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its report on efforts (particularly in publication and training activities) by the Equal Status Council to promote good co-operation between employers' and workers' organisations so as to achieve the aims and purposes