Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

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

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of a new Constitution in March 2013, which introduces a range of provisions relevant to the Convention. In particular, the Committee notes the provisions regarding equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women (articles 17(1)(a), 56(2) and 80(1)), measures for the equal representation of women and men in governmental bodies (articles 17(1)(b) and 124(1)(b)), positive measures to address past gender discrimination and imbalances (article 17(2)), affirmative action programmes for youth, and vocational guidance, education and training of persons with disabilities (articles 20(1)(c) and 24(2)(c)), the prohibition of direct and indirect discrimination and the expanded list of prohibited grounds of discrimination (article 56(3)), as well as the positive duty on the State to promote equality and protect or advance those who have been disadvantaged by unfair discrimination (article 56(6)). The Committee also notes that under article 85(1)(a), any person is entitled to approach a court alleging that a fundamental right or freedom enshrined in Chapter 4 has been, is being or is likely to be infringed, and the court may grant appropriate relief. The new Constitution also provides for the establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (article 245), which has advisory and promotional functions regarding gender equality and can receive and investigate complaints concerning gender discrimination. The Committee notes that the Bill providing for the Commission’s establishment has been submitted to Parliament. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the legislative and policy changes relating to equality of opportunity and treatment between women and men in employment and occupation resulting from the new Constitution. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in establishing the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, as well as on the activities of the Commission once it has been established.

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