Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Ecuador (Ratification: 1962)

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the detailed information in the Government's report regarding the rate of participation of women in employment during 1991-94. It notes that the number of women employed in the rural sector remains relatively low as compared to that of women in domestic service which is quite high. The Committee recalls the Government's explanation in its previous report that the participation of women in agricultural work is considered as domestic work and may therefore have been included within this category. The Committee requests clarification on this point, and also requests the Government to keep it informed of the rate of women active in the labour market.

2. The Committee notes the information regarding the projects implemented under the National Rural Development Plan (PRONADER) including the number of women participating in agricultural projects. It notes that PRONADER plans to increase the number of women working in the agricultural, forestry and road sectors and requests the Government to provide further information in this regard in its next report.

3. The Committee notes the Government's statement that it is making efforts, in particular through the National Directorate for Women (DINAMU), to eliminate discrimination in employment and occupation on the basis of sex. However, it again draws the attention of the Government to Article 2 of the Convention which stipulates that the national policy designed to promote equality of opportunity and treatment must be declared and pursued in order to eliminate discrimination in employment and occupation on all of the grounds listed therein. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on any measures that have been adopted to ensure the effective promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment regardless of race, religion, political opinion or social origin, and on the results obtained, with particular regard to: (a) access to employment and particular occupations; and (b) terms and conditions of employment.