Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Zimbabwe (Ratification: 1999)

Article 1(1)(a) and (b) of the Convention. Grounds of discrimination. The Committee notes the communication from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), dated 21 September 2009, indicating that the Labour Act should prohibit discrimination on the grounds of social or economic status, marital status, sex, religion and national extraction. The Committee recalls that section 5(1) and (2) of the Labour Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, tribe, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed, gender, pregnancy, HIV/AIDS status and disability in all aspects of employment and occupation. Noting the Government’s indication that the Labour Act is in the process of amendment, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard, and hopes the Government will take the opportunity to ensure that at least all the grounds enumerated in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention are addressed in the legislation, thus necessitating the addition of the grounds of religion, national extraction and social origin. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate whether the grounds of social or economic status and marital status will also be included in the amended law as prohibited grounds of discrimination.

Articles 2 and 3. National policy to promote equality in employment and occupation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, as a result of the National Gender Policy, job advertisements now specifically encourage women to apply. Moreover, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development and non-governmental organizations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has carried out some sensitization activities on gender issues addressed to members of Parliament, academia and journalists, and it has finalized a needs assessment report on the participation of women in entrepreneurial activities. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated information on the measures taken to implement the national gender policy, including specific information on the results achieved. Please also provide information on any other measures taken or envisaged to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women in employment and occupation, including awareness-raising and promotional activities.

Articles 2 and 3(d). Application in the public service. Noting that the Government’s report does not contain any information on this point, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged to introduce non-discrimination provisions in accordance with the Convention. It also requests the Government to take proactive measures to ensure access of women to public service employment at all levels and to indicate the progress made in this regard.

Enforcement. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any cases concerning discrimination in employment and occupation that have been addressed by the competent administrative or judicial bodies.