Working Paper 2 / 2013

The Gender, Equality and Branch (GED) in the ILO Conditions of Work and Equality Department, is responsible for ILO’s programme in the field of non- , equality and diversity at the workplace. The Branch supports the Gender dimensions of national implementation of the ILO’s Policy on Gender Equality and Mainstreaming by offering advice to the tripartite constituents and ILO staff on measures to help ensure that employment policies policies, legislation, programmes and institutions are more gender-equitable. It promotes the application of ILO’s fundamental principles and rights at work together with the international labour standards relating to equality and non-discrimination, including in relation to and indigenous and tribal peoples. Such support includes activities for ratifying and implementing relevant labour standards, increasing the voice Kristine Goulding of women through measures such as encouraging frameworks for women in decision- making positions, promoting women’s economic , and paying attention to situations where workers of both sexes are particularly vulnerable in the labour market, including because of multiple grounds of discrimination.

GED keeps the Organization’s Governing Body and International Labour Conference appraised of contemporary gender issues in the world of work. It coordinates ILO’s global Gender Network, which comprises over 120 specialists and focal points in the field offices and at headquarters in Geneva. It carries out specific research, participatory gender audits (PGAs), technical cooperation projects, and knowledge sharing and awareness-raising activities to help strengthen the capacities of constituents, ILO staff and other stakeholders. GED also participates in United Nations inter-agency activities and other multilateral initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, people with and indigenous and tribal peoples. The Branch supports the elimination of workplace inequalities in “Delivering as One” initiatives at the country level and in United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks (UNDAFs).

In addition to the tripartite constituents, GED liaises with a wide range of civil society organizations, researchers, academic institutions and a broad array of actors committed to non-discrimination at work.

Gender, Employment Gender, Equality and Diversity Branch Working Conditions and Equality Department Equality and and Labour International Labour Office Diversity Branch Markets Branch 4, Route des Morillons 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland Tel. +41 22 799 6730 Conditions of Employment Fax +41 22 799 6388 Work and Equality Policy

[email protected] Department Department www.ilo.org/gender GED Working Paper 2/2013

Gender dimensions

of national

employment policies

A 24-country study

Kristine Goulding

Employment and Labour Markets Branch Gender, Equality and Diversity Branch Employment Policy Department Conditions of Work and Equality Department

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Copyright © International Labour Organization 2013 First published 2013

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