Feature articles

2013

Solar home systems: Lighting the way to a greener world of work in Bangladesh

25 June 2013

While the national grid reaches many areas of Bangladesh, most of the country’s 142 million inhabitants live in rural areas and 70 per cent of them are not connected. Most rely on kerosene fuelled lamps for lighting and petrol or diesel-fired generators for other power needs. Solar power is increasingly seen as a convenient, affordable and environmentally friendly alternative for many in Bangladesh.
A new path out of adversity

14 June 2013

The ILO’s infrastructure project on the Irrawaddy delta in Myanmar, not only re-established access to villages devastated by cyclone Nargis in 2008 but also gave rise to a bustling community life.
From classroom to college – A champion for child workers

12 June 2013

When Farzana Hassan began teaching a handful of child labourers at an ILO project in Pakistan, she never imagined that, years later, she would have turned her classroom into a fully-fledged college for girls.
Hidden in Plain Sight. Say NO to Child labour in Domestic Work!

12 June 2013

Opinion editorial by Maurizio Bussi, Director, ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific on the occasion of World Day against Child Labour
Helping women to help themselves escape poverty in Myanmar

10 June 2013

A non-profit organization set up in response to the devastation caused by cyclone Nargis employs women to run small businesses that benefit poor communities.
"No" to child labour in domestic work

31 May 2013

The 2013 World Day against Child Labour (marked on June 12) is focusing on child labour in domestic work. Millions of children globally work as domestic labourers, mostly girls under 18. They are deprived of education, and endure harsh working conditions that leave them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. However, an innovative ILO project in Indonesia aims to bring about a lasting end to this abuse.
Creating sustainable livelihoods while saving a precious eco-system

29 May 2013

The ILO is working with local communities on the Indonesian island of Borneo on a green jobs programme that is helping to rehabilitate a partly-destroyed peat swamp forest.
Keeping SCORE with Better Work Indonesia; how one factory improved its production

24 May 2013

Partnering with SCORE, Better Work Indonesia is able to offer companies tried and tested training methods to improve workplace conditions.
© ILO 2013

Lifting the barrier of intellectual disabilities

13 May 2013

There are almost 200 million persons with intellectual disabilities in the world. For many of them, finding a stable job represents a major challenge. In Li’s case, a little help has made a big difference.
A smart way to prevent bonded labour

03 May 2013

A young couple and their new baby are the first beneficiaries of a national health insurance scheme which now extends to migrant brick kiln workers at risk of bondage, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
For a brighter future we must have social justice

01 May 2013

International Workers’ Day may trace its origin to the late nineteenth century but the values and ideals that underpin it are as relevant in 2013 as they have ever been. While the day originated to mark the labour traditions of Western Europe and North America, the sense of injustice and opportunity that inspired it are just as present in Southeast Asia today. These issues are at the very core of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) mandate and are central to its work in this region.
Migrating safely to Korea

30 April 2013

Sakulta Kaewdang, a young Thai mother, is working happily in a small apparel factory in the Republic of Korea. A bilateral recruitment programme called the Employment Permit System has allowed her and thousands of other migrant workers from throughout the region to migrate and work safely.
© ILO/Hoa Tran 2013

Fighting a slow and invisible killer

23 April 2013

Rock quarries are among the most dangerous workplaces in Viet Nam. The International Labour Organization (ILO) is helping enhance self-inspection and training on occupational safety and health (OSH) to try to make work in the quarries healthier and safer.
Back to life after the great East Japan earthquake

01 April 2013

Residents of a city devastated by the 2011 tsunami pick up the pieces, showing just how crucial jobs are in times of disaster-recovery.
© Sarah-Jane Saltmarsh / ILO 2013

Removing the barriers to inclusion

28 March 2013

People with disabilities are overturning negative attitudes and stereotypes, with help from an ILO vocational training project in Bangladesh.
Afghan women unleashing their business potential

01 March 2013

How entrepreneurship enabled an Afghan woman to create a successful company and help other women do the same.
PESO starter kit: Guide to understanding the Public Employment Service Office

28 January 2013

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO), is a non-free charging multi-service provider established and accredited pursuant to Republic Act 8759, otherwise know as the PESO Act of 1999.
Labour market-responsive technical vocational skills training programme for the disadvantaged youth

28 January 2013

The labour market-responsive technical vocational skills training programme aims to increase access to decent work of young women and men.
Entrepreneurship training programme for the disadvantaged youth

28 January 2013

The entrepreneurship training programme for the disadvantaged youth aims to promote entrepreneurship as a career option, a priority to address youth employment challenge.
Capacity building programme on Local Economic Development to promote youth employment

28 January 2013

Existing policies and programmes on youth employment are implemented in a fragmented manner or have minimal impact on their target group.