Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes with interest the adoption on 30 May 2000 of the Act on equality between men and women (Act No. 388 of 2000), as amended by Act No. 396 of 6 June 2002. It notes that the purpose of the Act is to promote gender equality and to combat direct and indirect sex discrimination, and sexual harassment. It notes that section 2(1) of the Act states that every employer, authority or organization shall treat men and women equally in the public administration and in occupation and general activities. The Committee notes the establishment of the Danish Equal Opportunities Board, and the Equal Opportunities Knowledge Centre, in which the principal labour market organizations are represented. The Danish Equal Opportunities Board is competent to examine complaints under this Act, as well as complaints concerning discrimination made under: the Act on equal remuneration for men and women (Act No. 983 of 20 November 2001); the Act on equal treatment between men and women as regards access to employment and maternity leave (Act No. 895 of 10 October 2001); and the Act on equal treatment between men and women in relation to occupational social security schemes (Act No. 775 of 29 August 2001).

The Committee welcomes these initiatives to improve the legislative, administrative and enforcement framework to combat gender discrimination and promote gender equality and requests the Government to provide information on the impact of these initiatives to improve the position of women in the labour market and eliminate discrimination. It looks forward to receiving information on similar measures taken to address ethnic and racial discrimination

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