Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Gabon (Ratification: 1961)

The Committee notes the Government’s report, including the information provided in reply to its previous comments.

1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government with regard to sexual harassment. It notes particularly that sexual harassment is prohibited under section 8 of the Labour Code, which generally prohibits sex discrimination. Complaints can be made to the labour inspector or the courts. The Committee also notes with interest that unions, women’s associations and other NGOs are undertaking awareness activities on the issue.

2. The Committee notes with interest that the Government has taken certain measures to promote the employment of women in jobs and occupations traditionally not held by women, such as technical and industrial jobs, as well as managerial posts and positions of responsibility. The Committee notes in particular that beginning in 2000 the Ministry of Family Affairs, the Protection of Children and the Promotion of Women is implementing gender awareness-raising measures. The Committee also notes the information that young women were encouraged to enrol for technical studies in several universities and schools. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on its efforts to promote women’s participation in education and employment. Noting that a census will be held in 2003, the Government is asked to provide statistical information on women and girls in education and on the participation of women in all areas of economic activity in the private and public sectors, as well as in management jobs or other positions of responsibility. Please also provide further information on the activities of the Ministry referred to above with regard to the promotion of gender equality.

3. The Committee recalls that since 1995 it has been requesting the Government to provide information on the extent of the participation of women in the various courses provided by training, further training and retraining institutions covered by sections 98-103 of the 1994 Labour Code. The Committee notes once more that the Government has no information in this regard at its disposal. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific difficulties in obtaining such information and hopes that it will take the necessary measures in this regard, including through a request for technical assistance to the ILO.

4. With reference to its previous comments on this issue of the "gabonization" of employment, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether it has knowledge of any cases where this policy has led to discrimination on the grounds of national extraction which is prohibited under the Convention (e.g., non-hiring or termination of employment of citizens of Gabon of foreign origin or birth which were believed to be non-citizens).