Technical Guidance Note

Gender-responsive National Employment Policies: A path for gender equality

This Technical Guidance Note provides guidance to countries on how to develop and implement a gender-responsive National Employment Policy (NEP). NEPs are widely adopted in emerging and developing countries and bring together different policy areas and actors to address employment creation, work quality, and access to jobs.

Why it matters

Gender-responsive employment policies explicitly address gender inequalities through the creation of full, productive, and freely chosen employment for all, guided by ILO’s normative frameworks (Employment Policy Convention, 1964 – No. 122; Employment Policy Recommendation, 1984 – No. 169). Gender equality objectives help overcome structural challenges that hold women back in the labour market.

What does the publication do?

Maps and analyzes gender inequalities in employment within the current global context.
Builds a framework of essential components for gender-responsive employment and labour market policies to include in a NEP.
Identifies gaps and lessons learned from existing NEPs and develop strategies to overcome barriers.
Pinpoints key entry points and provide examples of good practices from selected countries.

Who it is for

Policymakers in the Ministries of Labour, Finance, Planning, Women’s and Gender Equality, etc.
Social partners, particularly those working on gender equality issues
Development partners and researchers focused on employment and gender equality

Background

This Technical Guidance Note is based on ILO’s experience supporting the design and implementation of gender-responsive NEPs, drawing on country-level lessons and international policy frameworks to guide inclusive employment strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are gender-responsive employment policies?
A: Policies that systematically integrate gender analysis and targeted measures to reduce inequalities in employment, earnings, and access to opportunities.

Q2: Why are these policies important?
A: They help close gender gaps, promote inclusive growth, and improve labour market outcomes for both women and men.

Q3: Which stakeholders should be involved?

A. Ministries of Labour, Finance, Planning, Women’s and Gender Equality, Social partners, Development partners and researchers all play a key role in design and implementation.

Q4: How can progress be monitored?
A: Through indicators on employment, earnings, sectoral and occupational segregation, and women’s and social partners meaningful participation in policy development.