Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Honduras (Ratification: 1960)

The Committee notes the Government's report.

1. With reference to its previous comments concerning section 79(a) of the Agricultural Reform Act (under which single women workers without family dependants may not be beneficiaries of the attribution of land, in contrast with single male agricultural workers without family dependants), the Committee notes with interest that the Women's Legislative Commission has submitted to Congress a proposal intended to amend this provision and section 84 of the Act along the lines suggested by the Committee. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain the text of the adopted amendments.

2. The Committee notes the statistics by sex concerning the courses provided and the participants (those who are registered and those who obtain qualifications) per year between 1984 and 1990 for the National Institute of Vocational Training (INFOP), in which it notes that the proportion of women who were registered and obtained qualifications over the past three years is very much lower than the number of men who were registered and obtained qualifications over the same period. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to promote the vocational training of women with a view to improving their opportunities in the labour market. In this connection, it draws attention to paragraphs 77-85 and 178-184 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation, which emphasise the role of vocational training and guidance in achieving equality in employment.

3. The Committee also hopes that the Government will supply information on any other positive measures taken to promote equality of opportunity and treatment with respect to employment and occupation in the private sector, including any measures taken in cooperation with workers' and employers' organisations.

4. The Committee notes the Government's statement in its report to the effect that no amendments have been made to the relevant legislation with a view to promoting equality of opportunity and treatment in the public sector. The Committee notes that it is not necessary to amend the legislation in order to pursue an active policy designed to encourage the participation of women in the public sector at all levels of responsibility. It draws the Government's attention to paragraphs 172-176 of its 1988 General Survey, which contain examples of measures which can be taken in this respect.

5. The Committee notes the Government's indication that there is a delay in supplying information on the percentages of men and women employed in the public sector, including public officials, and on the number of women holding positions of responsibility. The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply this information in its next report.