Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Barbados (Ratification: 1974)

1. Referring to its observation on the Convention, the Committee recalls that measures which the Government intended to implement to achieve non-discrimination against women included, inter alia, the broadening of school curricula to reduce the distinction between boys' and girls' subjects, and the extending of vocational guidance facilities with the object of ending discrimination against girls at all levels of the educational system. The Committee notes the indications in the Government's report that there is no distinction in school subjects in relation to boys and girls nor are there restrictions or discrimination of any kind against girls at all levels nor discrimination in the education system. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on steps that have been taken to achieve the goal indicated in its report for the period ending 30 June 1976 regarding the broadening of school curricula and the extension of vocational guidance facilities.

2. The Government previously referred to the intended inclusion in public contracts of a clause prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that there has been no progress in relation to the inclusion in public contracts of a clause prohibiting discrimination on grounds of sex, but that the matter will be given early consideration. The Committee looks forward to learning of action in this field.

3. The Government previously indicated its intention to remove over a wide range of the law all existing discriminatory rules and provisions. The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that there has been no further progress on this matter but that an examination of the matter is continuing. The Committee hopes that the Government will supply full information on the measures taken, in conformity with Article 3(c) of the Convention.

4. The Committee notes from the Government's report that the report of the National Commission on the Status of Women has been forwarded under separate cover. This document has, however, not been available to the Committee for examination. Recalling the Government's statement that the National Commission was to be empowered, amongst other things, to investigate all complaints of discrimination against women, the Committee requests the Government to include in its next report full information on the activities of the National Commission, including any reports produced by this body.

5. The Committee noted in its last comment the Government's indication in its report on Convention No. 100 that male and female labourers employed in agriculture perform different work and accordingly receive different rates of pay. The Committee notes the Government's statement in its report that there is no sex discrimination in the sugar industry and that male and female workers in the sugar industry are paid equal wages for work of equal value. The Committee directs the Government to its comments regarding application of Convention No. 100. It requests the Government to indicate any measures taken or contemplated to promote equality of access to jobs and work tasks in agriculture.