"Today a country, a continent and the entire world are united in grief as we mourn the passing of Nelson Mandela, a truly exceptional human being. Personally, and on behalf of the ILO, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and my deepest sympathies to the people and the Government of South Africa," said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.

The polarization of the workforce and the decline of the permanent employment contract are two of the rising trends that could destabilize the world of work, explains Roy Chacko, ILO Senior Advisor at the ILO Bureau for Employers' Activities.

Nupur Howlader is Bangladesh's only nationally-qualified female welder. An ILO-EU skills training programme has given her the chance to both earn a better living and challenge gender stereotypes.

The National Social Security Committee has unveiled a proposed social security scheme covering pensions, as well as maternity and employment injury benefits. The scheme - to be financed by both employers and workers - was produced with support from the ILO.

Kenya needs to adopt a coherent national employment strategy to achieve a more equitable economic growth, says the ILO.