Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Guyana (Ratification: 1975)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

1. The Committee recalls its previous observation in which it noted the communication from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU, now International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)), of 30 October 2003 pointing to the low representation of women in traditionally male-dominated areas of work, the weak labour force participation of Amerindian women, and the lack of effective procedures dealing with complaints of discrimination. The Committee notes the Government’s reply that more and more women are undergoing training and are entering areas of work that had previously been dominated by men. Women are now engaged in technical fields including working as electricians, mechanics and masons, and they make up a large percentage of employees of security firms. Women also represent the largest portion of graduates of the University of Guyana. The Government refers in this regard to statistics showing the number of women in areas of study that were traditionally male. However, these statistics were not attached to the Government’s report. The Government concludes that persons are free to choose whatever field of occupation they desire and that the various branches of education are accessible to all.

2. The Committee notes the developments on women’s employment and training mentioned by the Government but wishes to point out that without reliable statistics disaggregated by sex or any other information on the participation of women, as compared to men, in a wide range of occupations and vocational training courses, it is difficult for the Committee to assess whether progress has been made in achieving the objectives of the Convention. The Committee recalls that while some women may in theory be free to choose the occupations or training courses they desire, discrimination often flows from social stereotypes that deem certain types of work as suitable for men or for women. As a result, persons may apply for jobs based on work deemed to be suitable for them, rather than on actual ability and interest. Such stereotypes channel women and men into different education and training and subsequently into different jobs and career tracks which may not be in keeping with their ability or interest. Lastly, the Committee recalls the importance of effective complaints procedures to enforce legislation on non-discrimination and equality in employment and occupation. The Committee, therefore, requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the following points:

(a)   statistical data disaggregated by sex on the participation of men and women, including Amerindian women, in the various occupations and sectors of the economy as well as their participation in vocational training courses;

(b)    the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that policies and plans under its control are not reinforcing stereotypes on the roles of men and women in employment and occupation;

(c)    the measures taken or envisaged, including in the area of vocational training and education, to encourage women to consider a wider choice of trades and occupations;

(d)   the measures taken to ensure that the existing complaints procedures allow for effective implementation of the legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment, including on the measures taken or envisaged to prevent delays in litigating complaints. Please also indicate whether any cases alleging discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention have been brought to the courts, and the outcome thereof.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.