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

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Article 1(1) of the Convention. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on any steps taken or envisaged to prevent and address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and occupation, including legislative and awareness-raising measures. The Government replies that: (1) the Laws of Guyana do not expressly proscribe discrimination in employment and occupation on the basis of sexual orientation and or gender identity; (2) nevertheless there is no policy in the public sector discriminating against persons on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; and (3) the Ministry of Labour is not in the possession of any complaints from persons alleging discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and or gender identity in employment in the public or private sector. The Committee notes, however, that the Government states that it is actively considering amending the Prevention of Discrimination Act to add sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited grounds of discrimination, and that in 2021 the Ministry of Labour collaborated with the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Guyana to raise awareness on the issue of stigma and discrimination in the workplace. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on: (i) the progress achieved in amending the Prevention of Discrimination Act to add sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited grounds of discrimination; and (ii) any activities undertaken in collaboration with SASOD Guyana or other entities to raise awareness on the issue of stigma and discrimination in the workplace.

Articles 1 and 2. Equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the government on: (1) the obstacles that hinder women’s access to, and advancement in, employment and occupation; (2) the awareness-raising measures to combat any gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes that assume that the burden of domestic and caring responsibilities must be borne by women; and (3) the status of the National Gender and Social Inclusion Policy and the activities of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC). The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it aims to provide training to participants so that they can have accredited certificates, which will improve their employability or help them start their businesses, thus gaining economic benefits along with boosting their self-confidence and individuality. The Government continues to launch initiatives and social development programs such as the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which is tasked with awarding 20.000 scholarships by 2025 – in 2021, 6000 scholarships have already been awarded (69 per cent women and 31 per cent men). Additionally, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security launched its Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) in May 2021, opened to women all across Guyana and available both online and in person. In August 2021, the business incubator located at the Guyana Women's Leadership Institute was launched to assist women in the registration of their businesses, finding funding, and developing networks as well as assist in the marketing of their businesses. The Small Business Bureau has trained 1646 female entrepreneurs between 2017 and 2020, of which 36 per cent were from the hinterland regions, 723 female entrepreneurs received grants and 88 received loans. The Committee observes the government statement that women account for a large percentage of the workforce in the following occupations: judges, magistrates, attorneys-at-law, permanent secretaries, teachers and nurses. The Committee notes the measures taken in favour of women to access to, and advance in, employment and occupation. Concerning the measures to combat gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes, the Committee notes that the Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB) conducted awareness and sensitization sessions in a bid to change the perception of the roles of women and increasing respect for women and addressing the issue of toxic masculinity, with 450 rural men being engaged. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its 2020 report under the national-level review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995 (Beijing +25 national report), indicating that it had developed a national strategy or action plan for gender equality that was called the National Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy (NGESIP) foreseen to cover the period 2018-2023 but that it was still seeking funds for its full implementation (Beijing +25 national report, pages 38-39). In its report to the Committee, the Government states that the policy is currently under review by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and will be approved and adopted by the Cabinet. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on: (i) the impact of the measures taken to develop women’s employability; (ii) the content of the awareness and sensitization sessions to combat any gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes that hinder women’s access to the labour market and on the impact of these sessions; and (iii) the adoption and implementation of the National Gender and Social Inclusion Policy.

Finally, concerning the activities of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) and the GAB, the Committee notes that the WGEC is tasked with supporting the application of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goal No. 5: “Gender Equality”. The Committee also notes the WGEC 2017-2018 annual report, which indicates a wider vision, mission and mandate, listing 14 points of action. In addition, the Committee notes the activities realized by the GAB between August 2020 and 2021, in particular: (1) training of seven Regional Gender Affairs Committee (RGAC), on Gender Mainstreaming, planning, and the concept of Gender and Development (105 persons); (2) Conflict Resolution and Mediation training for members of the Support and Heal Network and Staff of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (68 persons); (3) design and distribution of 3000 brochures on the CEDAW at a glance and Sexual Harassment; (4) Train-The-Trainers Workshop for 70 Senior Community Policing Officers in collaboration with the National Community Policing Group to conduct training in areas of Masculinity, Conflict Resolution and Anger Management; (5) The Men's Virtual Hangout which is an initiative to create spaces for men to share their perspectives on issues that affect them and learning from each other’s (354 men); (6) creation of 5 Regional Men’s Groups that will work in collaboration with the Ministry to address issues affecting men in the Regions in order to engage men as partners for Gender Equality and address Masculinity; and (7) reconstitution of the Inter-Ministry Gender Focal Point Committee (IMC), which aims to mainstream gender in all Government Agencies and to serve as the coordinating committee for the implementation of the CEDAW. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the impact of these measures, in particular updated statistics on the situation of men and women in different occupations, including at the decision-making level, and in all sectors of the economy.

Indigenous peoples. In response to the Committee previous request to the Government to provide information on the development and results of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, the Government notes that this programme has been ended and that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has re-established the Community Support Officers (CSO) Programme. The CSO programme aims to help young Amerindians in several villages and communities in creating job opportunities, building capacity and in strengthening their interests and skills. Areas of training include, inter alia, information and communication technology, installation and maintenance of solar panels, training and licensing of drivers. Currently, the CSO programme has hired 2039 Community Service Officers, of which 69 per cent are women. Several government agencies offer other training opportunities to Amerindian communities, including the Board of Industrial Training, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development, NAREI, etc. Areas of training include agriculture, information & communication technology, entrepreneurship, gender and personal empowerment, capacity-building and technical and vocational training. Traditional activities are also encouraged, and training is provided in shade farming. The GOAL Scholarship programme awarded 782 scholarships to persons from the hinterland regions and women represented 75, 73, 70 and 71 per cent of the awardees from regions number 1, 7, 8 and 9 respectively. Additionally, 1112 Amerindians benefited from scholarships for secondary schools and technical training between 2015 and 2020. Finally, persons in the hinterland regions have access to the Government’s Medex (in Guyana, “Medex” are mid-level managers, responsible for the maternal and child health aspect of health care in their respective region or sub-district. In some areas, they are also responsible for chronic Non-Communicable Disease clinics especially where there is no doctor), nursing and teachers’ training programmes, and the Police Force recruited 43 Amerindians, of which 23 per cent are female officers. The Committee notes this information. In the absence of information on these points, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide: (i) any available information, disaggregated by sex, on the situation of persons from indigenous peoples in employment and occupation, including in entrepreneurship and traditional activities; and (ii) detailed information on the activities carried out by the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission, and their impact in the fields of education, training, employment and occupation.

Enforcement and statistics. Previously the Committee asked the Government: (1) to provide information on the enforcement of the legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention, (2) to ensure effective access to and the functioning of the enforcement mechanisms dealing with complaints of discrimination; and (3) to ensure that it is in a position to collect and compile statistical data, disaggregated by sex, on the participation of men and women, as well as the different ethnic groups, in the various sectors and occupations. The Committee notes that in its reply the Government merely lists the existing enforcement entities (Ethnic Relations Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indigenous Peoples Commission) and the legal framework in place (Constitution, 1980; Equal Rights Act, 1990; Prevention of Discrimination Act, 1997). As regard the Committee’s request for data on the participation of men and women, as well as the different ethnic groups, in the various sectors and occupations, the Government states that it will take steps to improve data collection and that the country does not collect data on ethnicity.

In this regard, the Committee refers to its 2018 general observation pointing out that, in countries where legislation and procedures do not allow for the collection and publication of employment statistics disaggregated by ethnic origin, qualitative research on the nature and extent of labour inequalities, including its underlying causes, is a crucial tool. In addition to any statistical data, the Committee asks the Government to provide: (i) copies of any specific surveys, studies or research undertaken to determine the nature, extent and causes of discrimination in the public and private sectors, where available; (ii) the number, nature and outcomes of cases of discrimination in employment and occupation examined by the labour inspectorate, the courts or the equality bodies such as the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, and the Indigenous Peoples Commission; and (iii) information on the specific measures taken to raise awareness among social partners of the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The Committee also asks the Government to strengthen the enforcement of its non-discrimination and equality legal framework by ensuring effective access to remedies for victims and sufficient resources and adequate training for relevant institutions.

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Article 1(1)(a). Multiple discrimination, including discrimination based on race. Persons of African descent, in particular women. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on: (1) the steps taken in practice to address discrimination faced by persons of African Descent, in particular women and girls, with respect to access to and advancement in education and employment and occupation; and (2) the situation of men and women of African descent in employment and occupation, in particular in rural areas. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which is a constitutional body, was re-established on 22 February 2018 with the swearing in of ten new Commissioners. According to the 2020 ERC report, from the 164 complaints received, although 8 of those were submitted by women of African descent, none of those complaints dealt with racism in the workplace or unequal advancement in education. Moreover, the Government states that the ERC has not received complaints from men and women of African descent resident in the rural areas in relation to discrimination in employment or advancement in education. The Committee notes however that, according to the Government, these complaints related to hateful remarks made by persons of other ethnic origins that seek to incite hostility or ill will against women of African descent. None of these complaints were forwarded to the Ministry of Labour. In that regard, the Committee wishes to point out that “hateful remarks made by persons of other ethnic origins that seek to incite hostility or ill will against women of African descent” could in certain circumstances amount to racial discrimination or harassment, and that it has the potential to create tensions in the workplace. It recalls that, in its general observation on discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction adopted in 2018, the Committee indicated that “racial harassment occurs where a person is subject to physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct or other conduct based on race which undermines their dignity or which creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating working environment for the recipient. Moreover, the intersection of factors such as race, religion, gender or disability increases the risk of harassment, particularly in respect of young women from an ethnic or racial minority”.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that, in its view, the legal framework adequately supports protection for persons of African descent from discrimination including women and girls, as it gives victims of such discrimination a right to seek redress in courts. The Committee observes however that, in its 2020 report on the national-level review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995 (Beijing +25 national report), the Government indicates that: (1) “There is a wide perception that the legal system is a bottleneck, is ineffective in protecting the rights of the population in general, and specifically in protecting women’s and girls’ rights against discrimination and violence. Enforcement appears to be weak, particularly in relation to discrimination and gender-based violence offences”; (2) “The [United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)] and other consulted sources noted that women’s ability to exercise their rights and to bring cases before the courts is greatly limited by the absence of permanent magistrates’ courts in all regions and the lack of knowledge and awareness of the anti-discrimination laws among the population at large and the women themselves, particularly in the rural and hinterland areas”; and (3) “In many cases concerning women and gender related issues, officials tend to base their judgments on their own gender-biased beliefs and not on the existing legal provisions. Another great limitation, particularly for the poorest of the population, is the absence of free public legal assistance. So far, the less-resourced people, and particularly women, are limited to seeking legal advice from non-governmental organisations, such as The Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, which provides free or subsidized legal advice and representation to people who cannot afford to pay for an attorney” (Beijing+25 report, page 7). In this regard, the Committee wishes to recall that it is an obligation for member States to make the provisions of a ratified Convention effective in law and in practice. It is therefore necessary, though not sufficient in itself, for the provisions of the national law to be in conformity with the requirements of the Convention. Certain forms of discrimination based on race, national or social origin, sex-based occupational segregation and sexual harassment are not, on the whole, caused by an intention to discriminate or by legislative provisions or regulations, but are rather the result of behaviour, attitudes or an expression of prejudice, in respect of which positive measures should be adopted. In light of the challenges mentioned above, the Committee urges the government to take steps: (i) to carry out awareness-raising activities for workers, employers and their organizations, labour inspectors, judges and society in general, in order to combat gender stereotypes and occupational gender segregation; (ii) to enhance the capacity of the competent authorities, including judges, labour inspectors and other public officials, to identify and address cases of discrimination and to secure compliance with the provisions of the applicable labour law; (iii) to examine whether the applicable substantive and procedural provisions allow claims to be brought successfully in practice; (iv) to ensure that victims of discrimination based on race, colour or national extraction, in particular women of African descent, have Bottom of Form

effective access to legal assistance; (v) to consider promoting the development of workplace policies or race relations awareness training sessions to prevent racial and ethnic harassment; and (vi) to provide information on any court or administrative decisions regarding discrimination based on race, colour, national extraction and gender.

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

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken in the framework of the five year Strategic Plan of the Women and Gender Equality Commission of the National Assembly to promote gender equality in employment and occupation, including vocational training, and to enhance women’s access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and decision-making positions in both the private and public sectors. The Committee notes that, in its ninth periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (2018), the Government provided detailed information on the situation of women, but the information provided did not contain answers to the questions raised by the Committee of Experts. According to the Government’s report to the CEDAW, “it is estimated that women’s share of the workforce is 34.6 per cent and that 65.4 per cent of these women are not engaged in the formal economy. The national census (2012) noted that the majority of these women (48.6 per cent) are engaged in unpaid work (home duties), while others pursue educational advancement (8.0 per cent) and the remainder (7.1 per cent) are women retirees. The Government adds that, according to the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey (2010), mentioned in the Government’s report to the CEDAW, women are under-represented in the top management of private sector firms with a mere 17 per cent as managers. However, female participation in ownership of private firms is significantly higher with 58 per cent (CEDAW/C/GUY/9, 10 July 2018, paragraph 89). The Government’s report to the CEDAW further indicates that women in unionized agricultural production comprise 20 per cent of the workforce. It adds that temporary special measures have been implemented to address discrimination against women in the fields of microcredit, as well as education and training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication in the above report that “gender parity has been achieved in primary education at the national level”. However, the report adds that, despite significant progress in the promotion of women in traditionally male dominated sectors (engineering, electrical and construction), the overall enrolment in technical and vocational education and training in 2011–14 for women was 38 per cent compared to 62 per cent for males. The Committee notes that, according to the report to the CEDAW, “consistent efforts have been made to reverse and eliminate the persistence of gender stereotyping, negative cultural attitudes and other discriminatory practices” (CEDAW/C/GUY/9, paragraphs 48, 78 and 91). The Committee further notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report on Guyana (Gender at work in the Caribbean) that the Ministry of Social Protection also collaborates with international agencies to execute projects that can assist women in vulnerable situations to address systematic barriers to their participation and performance in the labour force and their ability to carry out caring work, particularly in relation to poverty and HIV stigma and discrimination. The Government also has instituted several training programmes with job skills for women, with a focus on single parents, who often face special difficulties in accessing the labour market and finding jobs. The Committee asks the Government to continue taking active steps to remove obstacles that hinder women’s access to, and advancement in, employment and occupation, including awareness-raising measures to combat any gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes that assume that the burden of domestic and caring responsibilities must be borne by women. The Committee asks the Government to clarify the status of the National Gender and Social Inclusion Policy and, if adopted, to provide specific information on the steps taken in practice to implement it, and particularly details on the results achieved in employment and occupation. The Government is also asked to provide information on the activities of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC), including the results achieved in the framework of the above-mentioned five-year Strategic Plan, and on the activities of the Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB).

Article 1(1)(a). Multiple discrimination, including discrimination based on race. Persons of African descent, in particular women. The Committee notes from the Report of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent following its mission to Guyana (from 2 to 6 October 2017) that the Government has not developed a specific national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or other forms of intolerance. It further notes the indication that “Afro-Guyanese women often face inequalities and multiple forms of discrimination on the grounds of their race, colour, gender and religious belief” and that, although the participation of women in the labour force is rising, women are also increasingly concentrated in low-paying jobs. The Committee notes the concern expressed by the Working Group at the high drop-out rates of girls (A/HRC/39/69/Add.1, 13 August 2018, paragraphs 30–31). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken in practice to address discrimination faced by persons of African Descent, in particular women and girls, with respect to access to and advancement in education and employment and occupation. The Government is also asked to provide any available information on the situation of men and women of African descent in employment and occupation, in particular in rural areas.

Indigenous peoples. The Committee notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report mentioned above that the original peoples (Amerindians) represent 10.5 per cent of the population. The Committee notes from the website of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs that, over the past three years, 2.3 billion Guyanese dollars (GYD) have been devoted to hinterland youth empowerment, which has resulted in the establishment of 2,054 successful businesses. The youths were trained under the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, which succeeded the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP), that targeted approximately 4,000 youths in the 215 indigenous villages and communities across the country. The Committee asks the Government to continue taking steps promoting a wide range of training and employment opportunities for members of indigenous peoples and to provide information on the development and results of the HEYS programme. The Committee also asks the Government to provide any available information, disaggregated by sex, on the situation of persons from indigenous peoples in employment and occupation, including in entrepreneurship and traditional activities. The Government is asked once again to provide detailed information on the activities carried out by the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission and their impact in the fields of education, training, employment and occupation.

General observation of 2018. With regard to the above issues, and in more general terms, the Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation on discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction which was adopted in 2018. In the general observation, the Committee noted with concern that discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes based on the race, colour or national extraction of men and women workers continues to hinder their participation in education, vocational training programmes and access to a wider range of employment opportunities, resulting in persisting occupational segregation and lower remuneration received for work of equal value. Furthermore, the Committee considered that it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling the obstacles and barriers faced by persons in employment and occupation because of their race, colour or national extraction, and to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for all. Such an approach should include the adoption of interlocking measures aimed at addressing gaps in education, training and skills, providing unbiased vocational guidance, recognizing and validating the qualifications obtained abroad, and valuing and recognizing traditional knowledge and skills that may be relevant both to accessing and advancing in employment and to engaging in an occupation. The Committee also recalls that, in order to be effective, these measures must include concrete steps, such as laws, policies, programmes, mechanisms and participatory processes, remedies designed to address prejudices and stereotypes and to promote mutual understanding and tolerance among all sections of the population. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2018 and requests the Government to provide information in response to the questions raised in that observation.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Committee also notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report that “there are no laws relating to gender identity” although “there are substantial reports of discrimination against transgender persons and other members of the LGBTI community with regard to accessing employment opportunities”. In this regard, the Committee further notes from the report of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent that “civil society entities reported that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and sex workers was widely prevalent”. Transgender Guyanese persons in particular are criminalized and stigmatized, and subjected to discrimination because they are more visible than other members of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community (A/HRC/39/69/Add.1, 13 August 2018, paragraph 33). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any steps taken or envisaged to prevent and address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and occupation, including legislative and awareness-raising measures.

Enforcement and statistics. The Committee notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report that “it has been reported that the laws to prevent discrimination are not effectively enforced”. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the data requested are not available. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the enforcement of the legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention and to take active steps to ensure effective access to and the functioning of the enforcement mechanisms dealing with complaints of discrimination. The Government is also asked to take the necessary steps to ensure that it is in a position to collect and compile statistical data, disaggregated by sex, on the participation of men and women, as well as the different ethnic groups, in the various sectors and occupations.

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

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report does not contain information in reply to its previous comments.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women. In its previous comments, the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken in the framework of the five year Strategic Plan of the Women and Gender Equality Commission of the National Assembly to promote gender equality in employment and occupation, including vocational training, and to enhance women’s access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and decision-making positions in both the private and public sectors. The Committee notes that, in its ninth periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (2018), the Government provided detailed information on the situation of women, but the information provided did not contain answers to the questions raised by the Committee of Experts. According to the Government’s report to the CEDAW, “it is estimated that women’s share of the workforce is 34.6 per cent and that 65.4 per cent of these women are not engaged in the formal economy. The national census (2012) noted that the majority of these women (48.6 per cent) are engaged in unpaid work (home duties), while others pursue educational advancement (8.0 per cent) and the remainder (7.1 per cent) are women retirees. The Government adds that, according to the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey (2010), mentioned in the Government’s report to the CEDAW, women are under-represented in the top management of private sector firms with a mere 17 per cent as managers. However, female participation in ownership of private firms is significantly higher with 58 per cent (CEDAW/C/GUY/9, 10 July 2018, paragraph 89). The Government’s report to the CEDAW further indicates that women in unionized agricultural production comprise 20 per cent of the workforce. It adds that temporary special measures have been implemented to address discrimination against women in the fields of microcredit, as well as education and training. The Committee welcomes the Government’s indication in the above report that “gender parity has been achieved in primary education at the national level”. However, the report adds that, despite significant progress in the promotion of women in traditionally male dominated sectors (engineering, electrical and construction), the overall enrolment in technical and vocational education and training in 2011–14 for women was 38 per cent compared to 62 per cent for males. The Committee notes that, according to the report to the CEDAW, “consistent efforts have been made to reverse and eliminate the persistence of gender stereotyping, negative cultural attitudes and other discriminatory practices” (CEDAW/C/GUY/9, paragraphs 48, 78 and 91). The Committee further notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report on Guyana (Gender at work in the Caribbean) that the Ministry of Social Protection also collaborates with international agencies to execute projects that can assist women in vulnerable situations to address systematic barriers to their participation and performance in the labour force and their ability to carry out caring work, particularly in relation to poverty and HIV stigma and discrimination. The Government also has instituted several training programmes with job skills for women, with a focus on single parents, who often face special difficulties in accessing the labour market and finding jobs. The Committee asks the Government to continue taking active steps to remove obstacles that hinder women’s access to, and advancement in, employment and occupation, including awareness-raising measures to combat any gender stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes that assume that the burden of domestic and caring responsibilities must be borne by women. The Committee asks the Government to clarify the status of the National Gender and Social Inclusion Policy and, if adopted, to provide specific information on the steps taken in practice to implement it, and particularly details on the results achieved in employment and occupation. The Government is also asked to provide information on the activities of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC), including the results achieved in the framework of the above-mentioned five-year Strategic Plan, and on the activities of the Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB).

Article 1(1)(a). Multiple discrimination, including discrimination based on race. Persons of African descent, in particular women. The Committee notes from the Report of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent following its mission to Guyana (from 2 to 6 October 2017) that the Government has not developed a specific national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia or other forms of intolerance. It further notes the indication that “Afro-Guyanese women often face inequalities and multiple forms of discrimination on the grounds of their race, colour, gender and religious belief” and that, although the participation of women in the labour force is rising, women are also increasingly concentrated in low-paying jobs. The Committee notes the concern expressed by the Working Group at the high drop-out rates of girls (A/HRC/39/69/Add.1, 13 August 2018, paragraphs 30 31). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken in practice to address discrimination faced by persons of African Descent, in particular women and girls, with respect to access to and advancement in education and employment and occupation. The Government is also asked to provide any available information on the situation of men and women of African descent in employment and occupation, in particular in rural areas.

Indigenous peoples. The Committee notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report mentioned above that the original peoples (Amerindians) represent 10.5 per cent of the population. The Committee notes from the website of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs that, over the past three years, 2.3 billion Guyanese dollars (GYD) have been devoted to hinterland youth empowerment, which has resulted in the establishment of 2,054 successful businesses. The youths were trained under the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, which succeeded the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP), that targeted approximately 4,000 youths in the 215 indigenous villages and communities across the country. The Committee asks the Government to continue taking steps promoting a wide range of training and employment opportunities for members of indigenous peoples and to provide information on the development and results of the HEYS programme. The Committee also asks the Government to provide any available information, disaggregated by sex, on the situation of persons from indigenous peoples in employment and occupation, including in entrepreneurship and traditional activities. The Government is asked once again to provide detailed information on the activities carried out by the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission and their impact in the fields of education, training, employment and occupation.

General observation of 2018. With regard to the above issues, and in more general terms, the Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation on discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction which was adopted in 2018. In the general observation, the Committee noted with concern that discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes based on the race, colour or national extraction of men and women workers continues to hinder their participation in education, vocational training programmes and access to a wider range of employment opportunities, resulting in persisting occupational segregation and lower remuneration received for work of equal value. Furthermore, the Committee considered that it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling the obstacles and barriers faced by persons in employment and occupation because of their race, colour or national extraction, and to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for all. Such an approach should include the adoption of interlocking measures aimed at addressing gaps in education, training and skills, providing unbiased vocational guidance, recognizing and validating the qualifications obtained abroad, and valuing and recognizing traditional knowledge and skills that may be relevant both to accessing and advancing in employment and to engaging in an occupation. The Committee also recalls that, in order to be effective, these measures must include concrete steps, such as laws, policies, programmes, mechanisms and participatory processes, remedies designed to address prejudices and stereotypes and to promote mutual understanding and tolerance among all sections of the population. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2018 and requests the Government to provide information in response to the questions raised in that observation.

Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Committee also notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report that “there are no laws relating to gender identity” although “there are substantial reports of discrimination against transgender persons and other members of the LGBTI community with regard to accessing employment opportunities”. In this regard, the Committee further notes from the report of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent that “civil society entities reported that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and sex workers was widely prevalent”. Transgender Guyanese persons in particular are criminalized and stigmatized, and subjected to discrimination because they are more visible than other members of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community (A/HRC/39/69/Add.1, 13 August 2018, paragraph 33). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on any steps taken or envisaged to prevent and address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and occupation, including legislative and awareness-raising measures.

Enforcement and statistics. The Committee notes from the ILO 2018 Country Report that “it has been reported that the laws to prevent discrimination are not effectively enforced”. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the data requested are not available. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the enforcement of the legislation prohibiting discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention and to take active steps to ensure effective access to and the functioning of the enforcement mechanisms dealing with complaints of discrimination. The Government is also asked to take the necessary steps to ensure that it is in a position to collect and compile statistical data, disaggregated by sex, on the participation of men and women, as well as the different ethnic groups, in the various sectors and occupations.

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The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains very little information in reply to its previous comments despite the training activities on report writing carried out by the Office in the country. The Committee notes, however, that the report submitted by the Government in June 2014 to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on the “Way to Beijing +20” (ECLAC report of June 2014) contains relevant information on the implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to make every effort to provide specific information in its next report on the implementation of the Convention and in particular concerning the issues addressed below.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity for men and women. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which women predominate in the health, education, legal and public service sectors. The Committee further notes that, according to the ECLAC report, the Government acknowledges that, although university enrolment is higher among women, they are more affected by unemployment than men and their representation in the private sector is still weak. The Government further indicates in this respect that measures have been adopted to improve access to education and training for women and that their participation has significantly increased in non-traditional sectors such as agricultural production, mining and private security. The Government refers to various specific training programmes, such as those organized by the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute and the Board of Industrial Training. The Committee notes in particular the Single Parent Assistance Programme (SPAP) which has already benefited 1,106 parents, 400 of whom are mothers. The report also refers to other microcredit programmes to integrate women in the labour market, as well as programmes to ensure equitable access to land. The Committee further notes from the ECLAC report that the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) of the National Assembly in 2013 developed a five-year strategic plan in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that will provide guidance for the execution of the WGEC mandate. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken in the framework of the five-year strategic plan of the WGEC to promote gender equality in employment and occupation, including vocational training, and to enhance women’s access to all jobs, including those in non traditional areas and decision-making positions in both the private and public sectors. Please also provide information on the activities carried out in this respect by the Women’s Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Labour.

Indigenous peoples. The Committee notes from the ECLAC report that the Government has adopted various measures to improve school participation in the hinterland areas and in the Amerindian communities. The Government has also developed the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) in four geographical regions where Amerindians reside, in the framework of which training has already been provided to 198 Amerindians on computer skills and solar panel installation and maintenance. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs initiated the National Hinterland Secure Livelihoods Programme in 15 Amerindian villages to advance economic development through micro-enterprises. The Committee further notes the information concerning the improvement of representation of Amerindians in governmental institutions. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on all measures adopted to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation, and on the concrete impact of these measures on the participation of indigenous peoples in the widest range of economic activities and work. Please provide information on the activities carried out by the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission.

Article 2. National policy on equality. The Committee previously noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission. The Government however provides no specific details on the measures adopted by these commissions for the implementation of a national policy on equality. The Committee highlights that proactive measures are required to address the underlying causes of discrimination and de facto inequalities in order to achieve effective results (General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 856). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to implement the national policy that covers all the grounds of discrimination set out in Article 1(1)(a) and to indicate the manner in which the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Ethnic Relations Commission, as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations, contribute to the implementation of this national policy for the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Article 3(f). Results. Statistical information. The Committee notes from the ECLAC report that insufficient sex-disaggregated data remains a major challenge, as no national indicators for the monitoring of progress on gender equality have yet been established, although the Government is committed to implementing a data collection system. The Committee recalls that appropriate data and statistics are crucial in determining the nature, extent and causes of discrimination, with a view to setting priorities and designing appropriate measures, monitoring and evaluating the impact of such measures, and making any necessary adjustments (see the 2012 General Survey, paragraph 891). The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position in the near future to provide statistical data, disaggregated by sex, on the participation of men and women, as well as the different ethnic groups, in the various sectors and occupations.

Enforcement. The Committee notes the information provided in the ECLAC report related to the existing constitutional and statutory mechanisms for complaints and redress, which include the Public Service Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Ombudsman. The Government indicates in the ECLAC report that, given the topography of the country, law enforcement services have been limited in some areas. The Government also refers in this report to workshops organized by the WGEC on sexual harassment in the workplace and access to justice. The Committee requests the Government to indicate: the specific functions of these mechanisms, as well as the Human Rights Commission, in the enforcement of legislation prohibiting discrimination, including sexual harassment; and the effectiveness of these mechanisms in dealing with complaints of discrimination; and how workers, including those in rural and remote areas, have access to them. Please also indicate whether any cases alleging discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention have been brought to the courts or to administrative authorities.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It expresses concern in this respect. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains very little information in reply to its previous comments despite the training activities on report writing carried out by the Office in the country. The Committee notes, however, that the report submitted by the Government in June 2014 to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on the “Way to Beijing +20” (ECLAC report of June 2014) contains relevant information on the implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to make every effort to provide specific information in its next report on the implementation of the Convention and in particular concerning the issues addressed below.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity for men and women. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which women predominate in the health, education, legal and public service sectors. The Committee further notes that, according to the ECLAC report, the Government acknowledges that, although university enrolment is higher among women, they are more affected by unemployment than men and their representation in the private sector is still weak. The Government further indicates in this respect that measures have been adopted to improve access to education and training for women and that their participation has significantly increased in non-traditional sectors such as agricultural production, mining and private security. The Government refers to various specific training programmes, such as those organized by the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute and the Board of Industrial Training. The Committee notes in particular the Single Parent Assistance Programme (SPAP) which has already benefited 1,106 parents, 400 of whom are mothers. The report also refers to other microcredit programmes to integrate women in the labour market, as well as programmes to ensure equitable access to land. The Committee further notes from the ECLAC report that the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) of the National Assembly in 2013 developed a five-year strategic plan in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that will provide guidance for the execution of the WGEC mandate. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken in the framework of the five-year strategic plan of the WGEC to promote gender equality in employment and occupation, including vocational training, and to enhance women’s access to all jobs, including those in non traditional areas and decision-making positions in both the private and public sectors. Please also provide information on the activities carried out in this respect by the Women’s Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Labour.

Indigenous peoples. The Committee notes from the ECLAC report that the Government has adopted various measures to improve school participation in the hinterland areas and in the Amerindian communities. The Government has also developed the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) in four geographical regions where Amerindians reside, in the framework of which training has already been provided to 198 Amerindians on computer skills and solar panel installation and maintenance. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs initiated the National Hinterland Secure Livelihoods Programme in 15 Amerindian villages to advance economic development through micro-enterprises. The Committee further notes the information concerning the improvement of representation of Amerindians in governmental institutions. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on all measures adopted to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation, and on the concrete impact of these measures on the participation of indigenous peoples in the widest range of economic activities and work. Please provide information on the activities carried out by the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission.

Article 2. National policy on equality. The Committee previously noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission. The Government however provides no specific details on the measures adopted by these commissions for the implementation of a national policy on equality. The Committee highlights that proactive measures are required to address the underlying causes of discrimination and de facto inequalities in order to achieve effective results (General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 856). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to implement the national policy that covers all the grounds of discrimination set out in Article 1(1)(a) and to indicate the manner in which the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Ethnic Relations Commission, as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations, contribute to the implementation of this national policy for the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Article 3(f). Results. Statistical information. The Committee notes from the ECLAC report that insufficient sex-disaggregated data remains a major challenge, as no national indicators for the monitoring of progress on gender equality have yet been established, although the Government is committed to implementing a data collection system. The Committee recalls that appropriate data and statistics are crucial in determining the nature, extent and causes of discrimination, with a view to setting priorities and designing appropriate measures, monitoring and evaluating the impact of such measures, and making any necessary adjustments (see the 2012 General Survey, paragraph 891). The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position in the near future to provide statistical data, disaggregated by sex, on the participation of men and women, as well as the different ethnic groups, in the various sectors and occupations.

Enforcement. The Committee notes the information provided in the ECLAC report related to the existing constitutional and statutory mechanisms for complaints and redress, which include the Public Service Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Ombudsman. The Government indicates in the ECLAC report that, given the topography of the country, law enforcement services have been limited in some areas. The Government also refers in this report to workshops organized by the WGEC on sexual harassment in the workplace and access to justice. The Committee requests the Government to indicate: the specific functions of these mechanisms, as well as the Human Rights Commission, in the enforcement of legislation prohibiting discrimination, including sexual harassment; and the effectiveness of these mechanisms in dealing with complaints of discrimination; and how workers, including those in rural and remote areas, have access to them. Please also indicate whether any cases alleging discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention have been brought to the courts or to administrative authorities.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains very little information in reply to its previous comments despite the training activities on report writing carried out by the Office in the country. The Committee notes, however, that the report submitted by the Government in June 2014 to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on the “Way to Beijing +20” (ECLAC report of June 2014) contains relevant information on the implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to make every effort to provide specific information in its next report on the implementation of the Convention and in particular concerning the issues addressed below.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Equality of opportunity for men and women. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government according to which women predominate in the health, education, legal and public service sectors. The Committee further notes that, according to the ECLAC report, the Government acknowledges that, although university enrolment is higher among women, they are more affected by unemployment than men and their representation in the private sector is still weak. The Government further indicates in this respect that measures have been adopted to improve access to education and training for women and that their participation has significantly increased in non-traditional sectors such as agricultural production, mining and private security. The Government refers to various specific training programmes, such as those organized by the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute and the Board of Industrial Training. The Committee notes in particular the Single Parent Assistance Programme (SPAP) which has already benefited 1,106 parents, 400 of whom are mothers. The report also refers to other microcredit programmes to integrate women in the labour market, as well as programmes to ensure equitable access to land. The Committee further notes from the ECLAC report that the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) of the National Assembly in 2013 developed a five-year strategic plan in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that will provide guidance for the execution of the WGEC mandate. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken in the framework of the five-year strategic plan of the WGEC to promote gender equality in employment and occupation, including vocational training, and to enhance women’s access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and decision-making positions in both the private and public sectors. Please also provide information on the activities carried out in this respect by the Women’s Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Labour.

Indigenous peoples. The Committee notes from the ECLAC report that the Government has adopted various measures to improve school participation in the hinterland areas and in the Amerindian communities. The Government has also developed the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) in four geographical regions where Amerindians reside, in the framework of which training has already been provided to 198 Amerindians on computer skills and solar panel installation and maintenance. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs initiated the National Hinterland Secure Livelihoods Programme in 15 Amerindian villages to advance economic development through micro-enterprises. The Committee further notes the information concerning the improvement of representation of Amerindians in governmental institutions. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on all measures adopted to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation, and on the concrete impact of these measures on the participation of indigenous peoples in the widest range of economic activities and work. Please provide information on the activities carried out by the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission.

Article 2. National policy on equality. The Committee previously noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission. The Government however provides no specific details on the measures adopted by these commissions for the implementation of a national policy on equality. The Committee highlights that proactive measures are required to address the underlying causes of discrimination and de facto inequalities in order to achieve effective results (General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 856). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to implement the national policy that covers all the grounds of discrimination set out in Article 1(1)(a) and to indicate the manner in which the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Ethnic Relations Commission, as well as employers’ and workers’ organizations, contribute to the implementation of this national policy for the promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Article 3(f). Results. Statistical information. The Committee notes from the ECLAC report that insufficient sex-disaggregated data remains a major challenge, as no national indicators for the monitoring of progress on gender equality have yet been established, although the Government is committed to implementing a data collection system. The Committee recalls that appropriate data and statistics are crucial in determining the nature, extent and causes of discrimination, with a view to setting priorities and designing appropriate measures, monitoring and evaluating the impact of such measures, and making any necessary adjustments (see the 2012 General Survey, paragraph 891). The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position in the near future to provide statistical data, disaggregated by sex, on the participation of men and women, as well as the different ethnic groups, in the various sectors and occupations.

Enforcement. The Committee notes the information provided in the ECLAC report related to the existing constitutional and statutory mechanisms for complaints and redress, which include the Public Service Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the Ethnic Relations Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission and the Ombudsman. The Government indicates in the ECLAC report that, given the topography of the country, law enforcement services have been limited in some areas. The Government also refers in this report to workshops organized by the WGEC on sexual harassment in the workplace and access to justice. The Committee requests the Government to indicate: the specific functions of these mechanisms, as well as the Human Rights Commission, in the enforcement of legislation prohibiting discrimination, including sexual harassment; and the effectiveness of these mechanisms in dealing with complaints of discrimination; and how workers, including those in rural and remote areas, have access to them. Please also indicate whether any cases alleging discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention have been brought to the courts or to administrative authorities.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Cooperation with national institutions to promote the observance of the national policy on equality. The Committee had previously noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the latter which commenced its work in 2005. In the absence of any information in the Government’s report on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out and any obstacles they face to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved part to seek redress.

The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000–04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005–07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

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

Repetition

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)) 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.

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:

• (i) 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;
• (ii) 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;
• (iii) 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; and
• (iv) 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 points 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.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Cooperation with national institutions to promote the observance of the national policy on equality. The Committee had previously noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the latter which commenced its work in 2005. In the absence of any information in the Government’s report on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out and any obstacles they face to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved part to seek redress.

The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000–04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005–07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

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

Repetition

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)) 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.

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:

• (i) 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;
• (ii) 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;
• (iii) 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; and
• (iv) 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 points 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.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Cooperation with national institutions to promote the observance of the national policy on equality. The Committee had previously noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the latter which commenced its work in 2005. In the absence of any information in the Government’s report on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out and any obstacles they face to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved part to seek redress.

The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000–04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005–07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

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

Repetition

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)) 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.

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:

• (i) 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;
• (ii) 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;
• (iii) 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; and
• (iv) 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 points 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.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Cooperation with national institutions to promote the observance of the national policy on equality. The Committee had previously noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the latter which commenced its work in 2005. In the absence of any information in the Government’s report on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out and any obstacles they face to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved part to seek redress.

The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000–04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005–07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

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

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)) 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.

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; and

(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 points 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.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Cooperation with national institutions to promote the observance of the national policy on equality. In its previous observation, the Committee noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the latter which commenced its work in 2005. In the absence of any information in the Government’s report on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out and any obstacles they face to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved part to seek redress.

The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000–04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005–07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

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

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.

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.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Cooperation with national institutions to promote the observance of the national policy on equality. In its previous observation, the Committee noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the latter which commenced its work in 2005. In the absence of any information in the Government’s report on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out and any obstacles they face to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved part to seek redress.

The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000–04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005–07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

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.

CMNT_TITLE

1. Cooperation with national institutions to promote the observance of the national policy on equality. In its previous observation, the Committee noted the legislation establishing the Human Rights Commission, the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission, the latter which commenced its work in 2005. In the absence of any information in the Government’s report on this matter, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out and any obstacles they face to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

2. The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

1. Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved part to seek redress. […]

2. The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000–04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005–07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

[…]

4. Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

5. Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

6. Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

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.

CMNT_TITLE

1. Discrimination based on sex. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there has been no recourse to the courts regarding sexual harassment. Noting that the absence of complaints does not indicate, per se, the absence of sexual harassment, the Committee encourages the Government to increase public awareness regarding sexual harassment, and of the procedures and mechanisms available for an aggrieved party to seek redress. Concerning the effective implementation of legislation prohibiting employment discrimination based on sex more generally, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide more detailed information on the effectiveness of the existing complaints procedures, including on measures taken or envisaged to prevent delays in litigating complaints. Please also indicate whether any cases alleging sex discrimination have been brought to the courts, and the outcome thereof.

2. The Committee notes the various activities and programmes implemented under the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women 2000-04, including the establishment of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, the Gender Sensitive Initiatives of the Ministry of Education, and the training and outreach programmes. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to promote gender equality in employment and occupation in the context of the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women 2005‑07, including any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, including those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. Again noting the high level of educational achievement of girls, the Committee requests the Government to report how this translates into labour market outcomes for women.

3. Noting that the Women and Gender Equality Commission commenced its work in 2005, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the progress of and challenges facing this Commission, as well as regarding any activities carried out to promote gender equality in employment and occupation.

4. Discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Ethnic Relations Commission conducted various public information and outreach activities, as well as training activities and workshops. The Committee also notes that the Commission investigated 13 individual complaints of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, one of which resulted in public hearings being held and a decision being rendered. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken by the Ethnic Relations Commission to promote equal opportunities of all ethnic groups in employment and occupation, including any cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations in this regard. Please continue to provide information on the number and outcome of complaints concerning employment discrimination dealt with by the Commission.

5. Equality of opportunity and treatment of indigenous peoples. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women from indigenous communities in employment and occupation. Please include information on any results achieved in promoting balanced representation in vocational training and in the widest range of economic activities and work.

6. Statistical information. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistics on the participation of men and women and the different ethnic groups in the labour market, including the results of the Guyana Labour Market Study conducted in 2005.

CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes with interest the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 3) Act, 2001, which provides for the establishment of several commissions for the promotion and enhancement of fundamental human rights and the rule of law, including the Human Rights Commission, the Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission. The Committee notes that these Commissions have broad mandates to promote and protect fundamental human rights, through, inter alia, monitoring and reviewing existing and proposed legislation, educating the public, research, investigation of complaints, mediation and conciliation, and cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report information on the establishment and functioning in practice of these Commissions, including information on any activities carried out to promote equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation.

2. In addition, the Committee recalls that the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions’ (ICFTU) communication of 30 October 2003, was forwarded to the Government on 13 January 2004 and again on 1 June 2006. The communication raises a number of issues relating to gender equality in employment, including 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 for dealing with complaints of discrimination. The Committee requests the Government to provide full information on the measures taken or envisaged to promote gender equality in employment and occupation, including any specific action taken to promote the access of Amerindian women to work and employment. It also requests the Government to indicate the number of complaints received by the Commissions mentioned above concerning discrimination based on sex and indigenous origin or identity.

The Committee is raising related and other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It recalls the communication of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) of 30 October 2003, which raises a number of issues relating to gender equality in employment, including the low representation of women in traditionally male dominated areas of work and particularly the weak labour force participation of Amerindian women. The Committee hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain a reply to the comments made by the ICFTU, and full information on the matters raised in the Committee’s previous direct requests, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that sexual harassment has been legally prohibited in Guyana. It requests the Government to supply in next year’s report information relating to the implementation of the law prohibiting sexual harassment, including any judicial decisions.

2. The Committee notes the Government’s response to its previous direct request concerning difficulties faced by women in seeking judicial remedies for discrimination in employment and requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the effectiveness of the complaint procedure on discrimination in employment and occupation, especially on measures to prevent delays in litigation in civil cases.

3. The Committee notes from the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women, 2000-04, the various objectives to be achieved, such as promoting leadership, education and vocational training of women. The Government is requested to provide information on the measures taken and achievements made in the implementation of the Plan during the past three years. Please also provide information on any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, even those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. In this regard the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the high level of educational achievements of girls and hopes the Government will be able to report how that has been transposed into the labour market.

4. The Committee requests the Government to supply information concerning the progress in the adoption of Bill No. 6 of 2001 for the establishment of constitutional commissions, including a women and gender equality commission.

5. The Committee notes with interest from the Government’s report that an Ethnic Relations Commission has been established to address racial or ethnic discrimination and to promote equality in employment. The Government is requested to provide detailed information on the activities of that Commission and the manner in which it promotes application of the Convention.

6. Further to previous comments, the Committee notes the information on indigenous persons’ entrance into skills-training programmes, the University of Guyana, and their recruitment into areas such as teaching, police and community work. Please continue to provide such information along with measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women indigenous persons in employment and occupation.

7. The Committee notes the statistics provided and hopes the Government will continue to provide statistics on the labour market in addition to educational institution data.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes the communication of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) of 30 October 2003 concerning the application of the Convention. The Committee will address the issues raised along with the reply of the Government in its future session.

1. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report that sexual harassment has been legally prohibited in Guyana. It requests the Government to supply in next year’s report information relating to the implementation of the law prohibiting sexual harassment, including any judicial decisions.

2. The Committee notes the Government’s response to its previous direct request concerning difficulties faced by women in seeking judicial remedies for discrimination in employment and requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the effectiveness of the complaint procedure on discrimination in employment and occupation, especially on measures to prevent delays in litigation in civil cases.

3. The Committee notes from the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women, 2000-04, the various objectives to be achieved, such as promoting leadership, education and vocational training of women. The Government is requested to provide information on the measures taken and achievements made in the implementation of the Plan during the past three years. Please also provide information on any sensitization campaigns or promotional measures taken to enhance understanding of the importance of allowing men and women access to all jobs, even those in non-traditional areas and those in decision-making in both the private and the public sectors. In this regard the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the high level of educational achievements of girls and hopes the Government will be able to report how that has been transposed into the labour market.

4. The Committee requests the Government to supply information concerning the progress in the adoption of Bill No. 6 of 2001 for the establishment of constitutional commissions, including a women and gender equality commission.

5. The Committee notes with interest from the Government’s report that an Ethnic Relations Commission has been established to address racial or ethnic discrimination and to promote equality in employment. The Government is requested to provide detailed information on the activities of that Commission and the manner in which it promotes application of the Convention.

6. Further to previous comments, the Committee notes the information on indigenous persons’ entrance into skills-training programmes, the University of Guyana, and their recruitment into areas such as teaching, police and community work. Please continue to provide such information along with measures taken to promote equal opportunity and treatment of men and women indigenous persons in employment and occupation.

7. The Committee notes the statistics provided and hopes the Government will continue to provide statistics on the labour market in addition to educational institution data.

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The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report.

1. The Committee notes the Government’s statement, in response to its previous request, that there is no conflict between the Equal Rights Act, No. 19, 1990, and the Prevention of Discrimination Act, No. 26, 1997, and that the latter, which fully incorporates the provisions of the Convention, expands some of the rights set out in the 1990 Act to give them greater force. The Committee appreciates this position but draws attention to section 28 in the 1997 Act, which states that the latter Act shall not derogate from the former. It hopes that section 28 of the 1997 Act will be amended in future to clarify that the more recent Act takes precedence over the former Act. In the meantime the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply copies of any administrative or judicial rulings applying Act No. 26 of 1997.

2. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that appropriate action to remedy any complaint of discrimination may be instituted by the Chief Labour Officer. It also notes that two complaints were submitted on equality issues and positively resolved. The Committee also notes from the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of 31 July 2001 the concern that women do not seek legal redress when they suffer discrimination in employment because they are deterred by the delays in litigation caused by the enormous backlog of civil cases and that prosecution by the Chief Labour Officer does not appear to provide effective remedies. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the effectiveness of the complaint procedures on discrimination in employment and occupation, including information on any action initiated by the Chief Labour Officer on such questions.

3. The Committee notes from the concluding observations of CEDAW (UN document A/56/38, paragraph 149) the adoption of the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women, 2000-04, to promote gender equality. Furthermore, it notes that the National Resource and Documentation Centre is responsible for the collection and dissemination of materials and information on women and gender issues. The Committee requests the Government to supply with its next report a copy of the Guyana National Plan of Action for Women, 2000-04, and information on its implementation. It also asks the Government to report on the progress in the adoption of Bill No. 6 of 2001 to provide for the establishment of constitutional commissions, including a women and gender equality commission.

4. The Committee notes that in 1999 and 2000 the Women’s Affairs Bureau granted $30,000 to women’s committees in regions 1 to 10 for projects in support of women. It recalls that the Bureau was engaged in the implementation of projects which focus in particular on the acquisition of skills, education and entrepreneurship training for women. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the impact of the Bureau’s projects in reducing discrimination, promoting equality between men and women in employment and in addressing the gender-specific division of labour and the provision of childcare facilities, both of which affect women’s participation in the labour force. The Committee also asks the Government to provide more detailed information on the activities and projects related to employment and occupation carried out by the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, that was established in 1998.

5. With respect to the information supplied by the Government concerning the training projects, the Committee reiterates its view that the statistics reflect a large degree of occupational segregation on the basis of sex. The Government states that greater equality in participation in training programmes can only be achieved when more women are willing to be trained in traditionally male dominated areas. The Committee therefore asks the Government to provide information on the action that has been taken to overcome traditional attitudes concerning the role of women in the labour force, and to overcome any barriers in male dominated areas to the access of women to those areas including positions of responsibility. It further asks the Government to provide information with its next report, including statistical data, on the number of men and women trainees in the training courses organized under the auspices of the Board of Industrial Training, as well as the new training programme referred to by the Government, with an indication of the types of training and the subjects of the courses followed by women, and also by indigenous peoples (both men and women).

6. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in reply to its previous request that there is full participation by indigenous peoples in training courses and it refers to seven persons being trained. The Committee asks the Government to supply information on the total numbers of indigenous persons trained in order to enable it to evaluate the level of participation of indigenous peoples in training courses. With regard to the low participation levels of Amerindian women workers, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the measures that have been taken in practice to improve their participation in education, training and employment, particularly in rural areas. The Committee also again asks the Government to supply specific information on the practical implementation of the strategies to improve the situation of Amerindian women that are set forth in paragraph 2.9 of page 61 of the Beijing Report, including: increased post-primary education within communities; the establishment of mechanisms to support existing economic activities; and the introduction of a system of regulation and monitoring of extractive industries in relation to conditions of employment.

7. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on measures taken in practice to address racial or ethnic discrimination in employment and to promote equal opportunity and treatment on the grounds of race, colour, and national extraction.

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1.  Further to its observation, the Committee notes that section 28 of the Prevention of Discrimination Act No. 26 of 1997 stipulates that the Act shall not derogate from the provisions of the Equal Rights Act of 1990. Since Act No. 26 fully incorporates the provisions of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to resolve any conflict between the two Acts in a manner that would ensure that Act No. 26 would pre-empt the Equal Rights Act.

2.  The Government is requested to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to promote and supervise the application of the new Act as it relates to access to employment, access to vocational training, and conditions of work, including activities undertaken by the Chief Labour Officer. Please also supply information on court decisions based on the provisions of both Act No. 26 of 1997 and the Equal Rights Act of 1990.

3.  The Committee notes that the under-representation of women in public life and economic life and their under-representation in many of the political, administrative, and economic higher decision-making echelons, as well as their over-representation in lower, non-managerial positions in Guyanese society is mentioned in several different reports and documents, including Guyana’s report to the UN Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing (Beijing report, page 9, paragraph 2), the Government’s second periodic report on the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (CCPR/C/GUY/99/2), the concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee (CCPR/C/79/Add. 121), and the concluding observations of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (A/50/38, at paragraphs 616-626 and A/49/38, at paragraphs 88-125, respectively). The Committee also notes that, according to the Beijing report, where women are represented in managerial positions, they are primarily concentrated in lower and mid-level management positions. The Committee expresses its concern over this situation, and urges the Government to take measures to promote women’s access to higher-level managerial positions. The Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding measures taken or envisaged in this regard and to continue providing detailed statistics on the participation of women in public and economic life in Guyana, and to include in these statistics their representation in higher, mid-level, and low-level positions.

4.  The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its last report on the statistics regarding the number of apprentices certified as skilled artisans by trade discipline during 1997 and 1998, the statistics on trainees from the IDB-funded training project who commenced training in January 1997 and were certified as semi-skilled artisans, and the statistics on the number of persons trained in mechanical/electrical-related skills in each region. The Committee notes that these statistics reflect a large degree of occupational segregation on the basis of gender. The Committee urges the Government to adopt measures to ensure greater equality with regard to participation in these programmes and requests the Government to continue providing statistics on the number and gender of persons participating in and completing these programmes.

5.  According to the report, the Women’s Affairs Bureau is engaged in the implementation of projects directly targeting women, in particular the acquisition of skills and education and entrepreneurship training. The Committee requests that the Government provide information on the implementation of such projects, as well as information on projects and programmes addressing the gender-specific division of labour and providing childcare facilities, both of which affect women’s participation in the labour force.

6.  According to the Government’s initial report on the implementation of the UN International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (E/1990/5/Add. 27), indigenous peoples in Guyana suffer high rates of unemployment, and those who live in more remote areas suffer greater disadvantage because of their location. The Beijing report states that, while the average monthly income per household in Guyana as reported by the HIES was Guyana $26,298, estimates of income in Amerindian indigenous communities range from $3,000 per household to approximately $10,500 (Beijing report, at paragraph 5, page 51). Also, according to the abovementioned report, indigenous peoples in remote areas of the country are disadvantaged in terms of equal access to education, partly due to the fact that the difficult terrain affects easy access to school for the children of those rural communities. Where possible, Amerindian teachers in indigenous communities adopt a bilingual approach to education, but it is difficult to attract teachers to these less accessible locations. Noting that Amerindians are less likely than other Guyanese to have received schooling (Beijing report, at paragraph 7, page 52) and that lack of access to quality education directly affects employment opportunities, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on programmes undertaken or envisaged to improve access to and the level of education for Amerindian peoples, including information on how the Distance Education Programme for teachers in remote areas will address the educational needs of Amerindians in these areas. The Committee also requests that the Government provide information on the involvement of indigenous peoples in existing training and education programmes, as well as statistics on the participation of indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups in vocational education and training programmes and agricultural education and training programmes.

7.   Amerindian women tend to work mainly in jobs that are related to agriculture, forestry, and fishery (63.4 per cent), while their low representation in clerical jobs (1.9 per cent) conforms to the general trend of a low proportion of these women in salaried work (Beijing report, at paragraph 4.1, page 50). The Beijing report states that it is two times as likely for Amerindian women to have had no schooling than for other women in Guyana (paragraph 7, page 52). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the education and employment figures and statistics for Amerindian women, and to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to address educational inequalities and the severe under-representation of Amerindian women in salaried work. The Committee requests specific information on the practical implementation of the strategies for improving the situation of Amerindian women that are set forth in paragraph 2.9 of page 61 of the Beijing report, including increased post-primary education within communities; the establishment of mechanisms to support existing economic activities; and the introduction of a system of regulation and monitoring of extractive industries in relation to conditions of employment.

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The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the Prevention of Discrimination Act, No. 26 of 1997, which applies to both the public and private sectors. The Committee notes that section 4(2) of the Act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, religion, colour, ethnic origin, belonging to indigenous peoples, national extraction, social origin, economic status, political opinion, disability, having family responsibilities, pregnancy, marital status and age in all matters related to employment. The Committee notes in particular that the Act covers both direct and indirect discrimination on the basis of the abovementioned grounds (section 4(3)) and considers sexual harassment to constitute unlawful discrimination based on sex (section 8). Furthermore, the Act also prohibits discrimination on the part of partnerships, trade unions, and employment agencies (Part V), as well as discrimination with regards to goods and services.

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

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The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its report and attached documentation.

1. With respect to its previous direct request concerning the measures being taken to improve women's economic status, the Committee notes that the Women's Affairs Bureau conducted a small business training programme in 1996 in which 218 women received training on a range of subjects related to managing their own businesses. According to the report, courses to train women to become involved in decision-making and in domestic work have also been organized; and 2,000 young men and women will receive technical and vocational training in a programme conducted by the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP). The Committee also notes that there has been an increase in the number of persons benefiting from public assistance, of whom the majority are women in single-headed households. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the measures being taken to increase women's access to productive employment through these various initiatives. In this regard, the Committee has also noted from the report prepared by the Women's Affairs Bureau for the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) that for the majority of women, gender-stereotyped training has confined job access to low-income areas and served largely to reinforce women's impoverishment. It is encouraging to note, in this connection, that the Board of Industrial Training has placed particular emphasis on bringing the maximum number of young women into the programme and, indeed, trained 17 women (along with 127 men) in traditional "male" trades in 1996. On the broader question of changing the gender-specialization in education and training, the Committee asks the Government to indicate what progress has been made in implementing the relevant future strategies outlined in the Beijing report, including those measures listed to establish women's rights on the public agenda (paragraph 2.3) and those concerning access to education (paragraph 2.6).

2. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, in 1996, 225 Amerindians received education under the Hinterland Scholarship Programme. The Committee has noted the concern expressed over the situation of the Amerindian peoples, particularly women and girls, in the reports provided by the Government. In this regard, the above-mentioned report prepared by the Women's Affairs Bureau states that "The institutionalization of special laws and provisions relating to Amerindians, including the Amerindian Act, serves to deny Amerindians the level of rights provided other citizens. Further, despite centuries of existence as an indigenous people, Amerindians do not possess inalienable rights to the lands they occupy and some communities do not possess land titles of any kind. In terms of recent developments, the impact of the Structural Adjustment Programme has been especially severe on Amerindian populations given their relatively small numbers, marginalization, poverty, and the high cost of transport to their small, scattered settlements in the hinterland." The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the action being taken to implement the specific measures set out in paragraph 2.9 of the Beijing report which concern improving access to education and increasing support for the existing Amerindian economic activities. Noting, moreover, that these measures are linked with action, as determined by the Amerindian communities, in relation to land titles, the Amerindian Act and other laws and provisions, the Committee would be grateful for information on any initiatives taken in this regard.

3. The Committee notes with interest that the National Commission of Women was established in December 1996 to advise the Government and make recommendations on matters of interest to women. The Committee also notes that the Social Sub-committee of the National Tripartite Committee, which is headed by the Minister responsible for women's affairs, constantly brings to the forefront issues pertaining to women in society. Please provide information in future reports on the work undertaken both by the National Commission of Women and the Social Sub-committee. Please also indicate the precise role taken by the Ministry of Labour's recently created Discrimination Desk in securing observance of the principles of the Convention.

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1. Further to its previous comments concerning the employment of women, the Committee notes that, according to the report, women predominate in jobs in the catering industry, retail trade, garment industry, and in the social and health sectors, and that they are employed at all levels. The Committee also notes the figures provided concerning the numbers of women and men registered as unemployed and the numbers placed in employment during 1994. On the question of women's educational and job opportunities, the Committee has noted from the Government's last report on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) that women still tend to be assigned to lower- and middle-level jobs and that only a small percentage acquire upper-level responsibilities and status (UN document, CEDAW/C/5/Add.63, 1990). In paragraph 161 of that report, the Government states its concern to take measures to mobilize the productive capacity of women and asserts, in this connection, the importance of having a cultural, social and political environment that is conducive to the development of a high level of instrumental competence among women. The Committee hopes that, in its next report, the Government will provide more detailed information on the actual measures being taken to develop comprehensive and coordinated strategies that aim at creating an environment conducive to improving women's economic status.

2. Having noted that, as a matter of policy, women are encouraged to undertake technical and vocational training, the Committee requests the Government to provide material to illustrate the concrete changes being brought about as a result of this policy.

3. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that under the Amerindian Scholarship Programme, 315 students attended secondary schools in 1994. It also notes the figures provided concerning the number of students receiving tertiary education under the programme. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply, in its next report, any documents that evaluate the current employment situation of the Amerindians. Please also supply copies of the Amerindian Act, Chapter 29:01, as amended, and any other relevant legislation in force pertaining specifically to the Amerindian peoples.

4. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures proposed or initiated by the National Tripartite Committee, or by its Social Sub-Committee, relevant to the application of the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide details on the measures taken by the Women's Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for women, such as the educational programmes to sensitize women to their rights, referred to in the report. In this regard, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of any relevant studies, including one entitled "Women in Guyana", undertaken by the EEC and others, published in 1991.

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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's reports.

1. Referring to its previous comments concerning the employment of women, the Committee notes that, as of 1993, 16,980 women were employed in the public sector and that 60,732 were employed in the private sector. The Committee also notes that, according to the Government, there have been no reports of discrimination in employment and training on the basis of sex and that the number of women in employment has increased tremendously over recent years in traditional and non-traditional occupations and industries. In order to gain an appreciation both of the extent to which women have entered the labour force and of their employment status, the Committee hopes that the Government will supply, with its next report, more detailed information to illustrate women's participation in employment relative to that of men, together with information on the types of jobs women tend to perform (the sectors in which they predominate, the level of the posts they hold and the nature of their employment contracts). In addition, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any positive measures taken or envisaged to facilitate and improve training and employment for women, and the results obtained.

2. Referring to paragraph 3 of its previous direct requests, the Committee hopes that the Government will supply with its next report, information on the progress achieved through the Amerindian Scholarship Programme - which is reportedly continuing - and to supply copies of any official documents relating to the programme. Once again, the Committee hopes that the Government will also supply the text of any legislation in force concerning the protection, welfare and progress of the Amerindians.

3. For a number of years, the Government has indicated that there have been no reported cases of discrimination in employment. The Committee refers to paragraph 240 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation, which indicates that, paradoxically, the existence of problems only becomes more obvious once rigorous action has been taken to implement the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment set out in the Convention. Accordingly, the Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the particular measures taken to cooperate with employers' and workers' organizations and other appropriate bodies in promoting the acceptance and observance of the national policy on equality in employment. Information is also requested about the educational programmes undertaken to inform people about their rights under the Convention and under the national legislation designed to apply the principle of equality.

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The Committee notes with interest that the Equal Rights Act 1990 (Act No. 19 of 1990), which provides for the enforcement of the equality principle enshrined in Article 2 of the Convention, makes illegal all forms of discrimination against women or men on the basis of their sex or marital status and amends a wide range of legislation so as to accord women equal rights with men.

In this regard, the Committee recalls that in its previous comments, it had referred to section 22 of the Public Officers (Insurance) Act, 1902 (Cap. 27:01), which excluded female public officers from the Act (which made provision for the widows and orphans of public officers by requiring such officers to insure their own lives). The Committee notes with interest that the Equal Rights Act inserts in section 22 a clause providing that no male officer who is not already insured under the Act will be required to be so insured from the date of commencement of the Equal Rights Act; and that it amends the Public Officers Widows Act, 1920 (Cap. 27:02) by introducing into the legislation, gender-neutral terminology so as to entitle both male and female spouses of deceased public officers or pensioners to receive the financial benefits laid down in the Act.

The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on other points.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report and particularly the Equal Rights Act of 31 December 1990.

1. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, following the adoption of the Equal Rights Act of 1990, the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act (Chapter 99:01) has been amended to exclude all references to women and that the Public Officers' Insurance Act which excludes women officers from its scope is in the process of being examined with a view to amendment. The Committee asks the Government to provide the amended texts of the two above Acts as soon as possible.

2. The Committee notes the Government's indications that all aspects of education and vocational training are open to women and that the Equal Rights Act of 1990 makes the necessary provision for this. It also notes that no data is available at present on the number of women employed in the public and private sectors. The Committee points out that the Government's obligations under the Convention do not stop at the adoption of laws or regulations prohibiting discrimination or providing for equality, but also imply the adoption and pursuit of a national policy that includes positive measures to promote equality of opportunity and treatment particularly in respect of training and employment. The Committee refers to paragraph 247 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation, in which it indicates that improvement in the means available for compiling information on direct or indirect discrimination based, for example, on race, colour or sex is indispensable if progress is to be made in the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality. It again asks the Government to endeavour to compile data, particularly statistics, that will improve awareness of the situation of women in employment, and to provide in its future reports the information requested on the number of women employed in the public and private sectors and on the positive measures taken or contemplated to facilitate training and employment for women and on the results obtained.

3. The Committee notes that the report does not answer the questions raised in paragraph 3 of its previous direct request which read as follows:

The Committee notes with interest the information on the number of scholarships awarded to Amerindian students during the period from 1962 to 1989. It requests the Government to continue to inform it of the progress that is achieved through the implementation of this scholarship programme and to supply copies with its next report of any official document relating to the programme. The Committee also hopes that the Government will not fail to supply the text of the laws in force concerning the protection, welfare and progress of the Amerindians.

The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to provide the information requested on this point in its next report.

4. The Committee notes from the Government's report that no judgements have been handed down by the Appellate Tribunal concerning questions of discrimination in employment. It would be grateful if the Government would provide, in its future reports, copies of any judgements concerning discrimination in employment that may have been handed down in the meantime by this Tribunal or the labour tribunals, together with information on cases of non-observance of the principle laid down in the Convention recorded by labour inspectors and the measures taken to ensure application and promotion of this principle.

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With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report and particularly the Equal Rights Act of 31 December 1990.

1. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, following the adoption of the Equal Rights Act of 1990, the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act (Chapter 99:01) has been amended to exclude all references to women and that the Public Officers' Insurance Act which excludes women officers from its scope is in the process of being examined with a view to amendment. The Committee asks the Government to provide the amended texts of the two above Acts as soon as possible.

2. The Committee notes the Government's indications that all aspects of education and vocational training are open to women and that the Equal Rights Act of 1990 makes the necessary provision for this. It also notes that no data is available at present on the number of women employed in the public and private sectors. The Committee points out that the Government's obligations under the Convention do not stop at the adoption of laws or regulations prohibiting discrimination or providing for equality, but also imply the adoption and pursuit of a national policy that includes positive measures to promote equality of opportunity and treatment particularly in respect of training and employment. The Committee refers to paragraph 247 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation, in which it indicates that improvement in the means available for compiling information on direct or indirect discrimination based, for example, on race, colour or sex is indispensable if progress is to be made in the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of equality. It again asks the Government to endeavour to compile data, particularly statistics, that will improve awareness of the situation of women in employment, and to provide in its future reports the information requested on the number of women employed in the public and private sectors and on the positive measures taken or contemplated to facilitate training and employment for women and on the results obtained.

3. The Committee notes that the report does not answer the questions raised in paragraph 3 of its previous direct request which read as follows:

The Committee notes with interest the information on the number of scholarships awarded to Amerindian students during the period from 1962 to 1989. It requests the Government to continue to inform it of the progress that is achieved through the implementation of this scholarship programme and to supply copies with its next report of any official document relating to the programme. The Committee also hopes that the Government will not fail to supply the text of the laws in force concerning the protection, welfare and progress of the Amerindians.

The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to provide the information requested on this point in its next report.

4. The Committee notes from the Government's report that no judgements have been handed down by the Appellate Tribunal concerning questions of discrimination in employment. It would be grateful if the Government would provide, in its future reports, copies of any judgements concerning discrimination in employment that may have been handed down in the meantime by this Tribunal or the labour tribunals, together with information on cases of non-observance of the principle laid down in the Convention recorded by labour inspectors and the measures taken to ensure application and promotion of this principle.

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Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report and particularly the Public Service Rules (1987 edition).

1. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the Equal Rights Bill was submitted to the National Assembly on 19 March 1990 with a view to giving effect to article 29 of the Constitution which provides for equal rights and opportunities for men and women. The Government indicates that, if this Bill is adopted, other Acts will be amended. The Committee requests the Government to supply the text of the Act as soon as it has been adopted and to inform it of the amendments made as a result to legislation and regulations. The Committee in particular wishes to point out in this respect the need to amend section 22 of the Public Officers Insurance Act (Cap. 27:10) which excludes female officers from its scope.

2. The Committee once again hopes that the Government, in relation to the equality provided for in article 29, paragraph 2, of the Constitution, will be able to take the necessary measures to facilitate the access of women to education and vocational training, particularly in trades which are not traditionally exercised by women and, at the same time, to promote equality of opportunity for women in employment. The Committee also hopes that the next report will contain information on any positive measures that have been taken to this end, along with statistical data on the number of women employed in both the private and the public sectors (including the public administration).

3. The Committee notes with interest the information on the number of scholarships awarded to Amerindian students during the period from 1962 to January 1989. It requests the Government to continue informing it of the progress that is achieved through the implementation of this scholarship programme and to supply copies with its next report of any official document relating to the programme. The Committee also hopes that the Government will not fail to supply the text of the laws in force concerning the protection, welfare and progress of the Amerindians.

4. The Committee notes Act No. 17 of 1984 respecting the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and requests the Government to supply with its next report a copy of the judgements handed down by the above Tribunal concerning questions of discrimination.

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The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its report, in reply to its previous comments.

1. In these comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide a copy of the provisions that abolished all forms of discrimination against women in the public service, namely: (a) the Civil Service Rules of 1976; (b) Public Service Ministry Circular No. 38/76 of 16 July 1976 respecting the recruitment of married women in the administrative and clerical grades of the public service; (c) Public Service Ministry Circular No. 1/73 of 12 February 1973 abolishing all forms of discrimination against women in the public service. The Committee notes that these texts have not been transmitted but that efforts are being made to provide them shortly. It hopes that they will be forwarded with the next report.

2. With regard to section 22 of the Public Officers (Insurance) Act (Cap. 27:10) which excludes female officers from the scope of the Act, the Government states that no measure is contemplated to amend this section as the Committee had suggested, but that conformity with the Convention will continue to be the practice. The Committee recalls, in this connection that, under Article 3(c) of the Convention, each Member for which the Convention is in force must, by methods appropriate to national conditions and practice, repeal any statutory provisions and modify any administrative instructions or practices which are incompatible with the policy of non-discrimination on grounds, inter alia, of sex. The Committee therefore hopes that the Government will do everything possible to repeal or amend this section of the Public Officers (Insurance) Act in order to bring the legislation into line with national practice and with the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to report on progress made to this end.

3. The Committee has already pointed out in previous comments that article 29, subsection 2, of the 1980 Constitution provides for equality between men and women in access to academic, vocational and professional training and for equal opportunities in employment, remuneration and promotion. The Committee notes, however, from the indications contained in the Government's report, that no particular plan or procedure has been adopted to ensure that, in practice, men and women enjoy equal opportunities and treatment in respect of training and employment. It also notes that no statistics are yet available on the participation of women in the various training courses and branches of activity. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to take the necessary measures to facilitate the access of women to education and vocational training, particularly in trades which are not traditionally exercised by women and, at the same time, promote equality of opportunity for women in employment. The Committee also hopes that the next report will contain information on any positive measures taken to this end, along with statistical data on the number of women employed in both private and public sectors (including the public administration).

4. The Committee also notes with interest the information supplied by the Government on the Hinterland Scholarship Programme for the training of Amerindians. The objectives of the Programme are to facilitate the access of Amerindian communities to formal and informal education at both secondary and tertiary levels, and to provide the skills necessary for self-maintenance of their communities. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed of the results of this Programme, and to provide copies with its next report of the official documents concerning the Programme (such as reports of the Ministry of Regional Development, the number of students, etc.). The Committee also hopes that the Government will not fail to provide the text of the laws in force concerning the protection, welfare and progress of the Amerindians.

5. With regard to the full text of Act No. 14 of 1984 to set up the Public Service Appelate Tribunal with competence to hear appeals on appointments, promotions and disciplinary measures, the Government indicates that it has been sent; however, it has not been received by the Office. The Committee therefore repeats its request to the Government to supply a new copy of the text with its next report, along with copies of the judgements handed down by the above Tribunal concerning questions of discrimination.