Based on the positive results of the implementation of the pilot phase of the Plan of Action More and Better Jobs for Women in Mexico, its action has been extended and replicated to other 4 Mexican States (Chiapas, Veracruz, Yucatan and Chihuahua) so that it could benefit a larger number of women. The main aim of the second phase is to bring together the national effort in favour of Mexican women workers and the cooperation and technical expertise of the ILO, whose collaboration will contribute to the strengthening of the institutional action of the productive sectors, of the social partners and of the three governmental orders so to foster equality of opportunity, improve social conditions and recognise the professional and human potential of women.

Along the same lines of Phase One, the project has two main components:

• Enhancing the income earning opportunities for women informal sector, through an integrated approach of micro entrepreneurship support, group organization, facilitated access to resources and service facilities, with a gender focus. Almost 1000 women in the states of Yucatan, Veracruz and Chiapas are currently benefiting directly from project interventions. Marketing courses are being delivered and market channels identified in cooperation with the State's Governments and the private sector. Special events and fairs are being organised in each of the project site to inform about the outcomes and developments, as well as to allow women entrepreneurs to share their experience and have access to new market opportunities for their products.
  
  
• Improving the working conditions and organizational capacities of women workers in "maquila" industry, through training in labour rights, occupational safety and health, organisational and negotiation skills, as well as self esteem, domestic violence, sexual and reproductive rights, etc. States of Chihuahua and Yucatan. Specific needs of women workers are being assessed and tailored made training designed to respond to those needs. Smaller groups of women workers are undergoing intensive training as "promoters", so that they can assist others and sustain in the future project achievements. A guide on productivity, quality control and gender equality is being adapted and applied to 4 industries with the participation of some 140 workers. Special events for sharing and disseminating experiences and lessons learned are being organised for the beginning of 2005.
  

Gender awareness courses and events have been directed to all project counterparts, so to enhance their sense of ownership and to contribute to the sustainability of the project itself.

For further information please contact:

Maria Gallotti, Employment Policies and Advisory Services Unit (EMP/POL), ILO Geneva

Email: gallotti@ilo.org

Or: ILO Office in Mexico, email: MEXICO@oit.org.mx web site : www.oit.org.mx