August 2005

1. The new era of textile trade Taking stock in the post-MFA environment

   01 August 2005

   In the six months since the quota system held over from the Multifibre Agreement (MFA) expired, much public debate has taken place over the social, economic, and employment impact of this new state of play in the textile sector. Will the new paradigm mean more or less jobs for workers in the developing, transition, and developed countries? The ILO will take on this issue in October 2005 when tripartite delegates meet to discuss the future and work toward a fair globalization.

2. The burden of gold Child labour in small-scale mines and quarries

   01 August 2005

   This year's World Day Against Child Labour focused the world's attention on the plight of child labourers in small-scale mines and quarries. The ILO estimates that about one million children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in small-scale mining and quarrying activities worldwide. These children toil under dangerous conditions and go without access to schools, health clinics, and other basic necessities. Pilot programmes are underway with the help of the ILO and its partners to eradicate the need for child labour by building sustainable communities and offering the opportunity for a better future.

3. Microfinance in south-eastern Europe: How small business helps to create jobs

   01 August 2005

   Experience in Western countries shows that microfinance can be a useful tool in the fight against unemployment, by helping people start their own viable small businesses. An ILO project is now bringing these successful experiences to three countries in south-eastern Europe, helping to introduce microfinance as a tool in active labour market policy. The effort is particularly timely, as 2005 has been designated the "International Year of Microcredit" by the United Nations.

4. Girl-combatants: Women warriors fight their way back into Liberian society

   01 August 2005

   For thousands of women during Liberia's savage civil war, taking up arms was a case of kill or be killed. Now that the war is over, fear and uncertainty still stalk some of the women fighters. Their experiences have helped the ILO develop gender-sensitive policies and programmes that may help reintegrate them into society. ILO consultant Irma Specht reports.

5. Education for HIV/AIDS prevention at work in the Russian North

   01 August 2005

   Today, 1 385 people are registered with the Oblast Center for Preventing and Combating AIDS. In the northern Russian city of Murmansk, 1 out of every 100 men is HIV-positive, as is 1 out of every 200 women, aged 20 to 29. In December 2004, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and US Department of Labour launched a programme to bring education on HIV/AIDS prevention to the workplace.

6. New ILO Report: A global alliance against forced labour

   01 August 2005

   Is forced labour a thing of the past? A major new ILO study, A global alliance against forced labour, reveals that not only is it a present-day issue, but it is also one of the most hidden problems of our era. The ILO estimates that 12.3 million people worldwide, half of them children, are trapped in forced labour. The study challenges conventional views about the issue and serves as a worldwide call to action against forced labour.

7. Modern daddy: Norway's progressive policy on paternity leave

   01 August 2005

   After a baby is born, Mom is entitled to maternity leave, but what about Dad? Shouldn't he have some time off to adjust, too? Norway tops the European league table of family-friendly nations as far as new dads are concerned, and the government is now proposing to extend the "daddy quota" from four to five weeks, for exclusive use by the father.

April 2005

1. After the Tsunami: In the wake of the disaster, ILO helps rebuild lives and livelihoods

   01 April 2005

   The massive earthquake and Tsunami that hit Asia last December left hundreds of thousands dead. What's more, an estimated 4 million people in India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Somalia and Thailand faced the loss of their livelihoods and the risk of sinking deeper into poverty. The ILO has launched a number of programmes to help people rebuild their livelihoods.

2. Tanzania: A life-cycle approach to gender equality and decent work

   01 April 2005

   The Government of Tanzania, in partnership with the ILO, is seeking to alleviate poverty through education and training for poor women and children, as well as promoting gender equality. This article explains how ILO projects have contributed to change the lives of poor women and their families in the country

3. Checking your pay online Feeling underpaid? Check "Wage Indicator"!

   01 April 2005

   If one thing is certain, few people feel overpaid for their work. But many of us worry that we may be earning less than the next person. Usually, this is privileged information. Now, a new on-line service, "Wage Indicator on-line" is changing that. Journalist Andrew Bibby explains how www.wageindicator.org offers new transparency to the age-old question of who earns what.