Appropriate Policy for Gender Equality in Employment: Insights from the ILO Interdepartmental Project on Equality for Women in Employment*

Abstract

Using insights from the recent ILO Interdepartmental Project on Equality for Women in Employment, the article portrays gender inequality in the work situation as a complex issue requiring a number of interlinked strategies within a comprehensive proactive policy framework for its effective tackling. Interventions are required in: legal framework and enforcement; labour market, training and the general macro and micro-economic context; working conditions and reconciliation of work and family responsibilities; social security coverage; women's representation in decision-making; women's mobilization and participation in workers' and employers' organizations; and roles and concerted action by governments, employers, workers' organizations and other relevant bodies of civil society. Relevant statistical measurement instruments, concepts and up-to-date sex-disaggregated data are necessary for accurate assessment and monitoring. The creation of a supportive legislative framework, for example, involves reflecting gender equality in labour laws as well as in family and marriage, inheritance, contract, property ownership, national constitution and customary laws since the latter also influence women's economic situation and in some situations are even more important than the former.