Gender

The primary goal of the ILO is to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. Thus, ILO considers gender equality as a key element in its vision of Decent Work for All Women and Men for social and institutional change to bring about equity and growth. The main focus or thematic areas of the ILO on gender equality coincide with the organization's four strategic goals, which are to: promote fundamental principles and rights at work; create greater employment and income opportunities for women and men; enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection; and strengthen social dialogue and tripartism.

The ILO's mandate on gender equality is to promote equality between all women and men in the world of work. This mandate is grounded in International Labour Conventions of particular relevance to gender equality - especially the four key equality Conventions. These are the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156) and the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 (No. 183). The mandate is also informed by Resolutions of the International Labour Conference - the highest level policy-making organ of the ILO - in 1975, 1985, 1991, 2004, and the 2009 Resolution on Gender Equality at the Heart of Decent Work.

In the Pacific Island Countries, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu have ratified the Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100) and the Discrimination Convention (No. 111). Across the region the situation for women and men varies according to national laws, local culture and customs, but the situation for women and men workers is closely linked to the overall challenges of unemployment, seasonal migration and environmental problems. Some of the overall trends are that predominantly the men go abroad as seasonal migrate workers or ship farers and provide the families with remittances, while the women stay behind to take care of the house, land and family. Women may face traditional barriers in accessing land, loans and credit facilities. Maternity leave systems are not well developed, and some places only accessible for public sector employees. Violence against women is a prominent problem in the region which influences women’s ability to work.

ILO Country Office for South Pacific Island Countries is committed to promoting gender equality in the world of work together with our tripartite constituents through The Pacific Action Plan on Decent Work (PAPDW) and The Decent Work Country Programmes.

For further information please contact:
Line Begby
Gender Specialist
ILO Country Office for South Pacific Island Countries
Tel: +679 3313410
Email