Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Togo (Ratification: 1983)

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Discrimination on the basis of sex. The Committee recalls that it welcomed the adoption in July 2012 of the new Personal and Family Code, which repealed a number of provisions that were discriminatory towards women. However, the Committee stressed the fact that some discriminatory provisions remained, including those connected with the status of “head of the family” (benefiting the husband) and asked the Government to take the necessary steps to repeal them. The Committee recalls that in practice the concept of “head of the family” to the benefit of the husband has the effect of perpetuating negative stereotypes regarding the role of women in the family and, more generally, in society, which tends to perpetuate and reinforce inequalities in vocational guidance and training and in employment. The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Act No. 2014-019 of 17 November 2014, which has amended the Personal and Family Code and, in particular, abolished the status of “head of the family” by making both spouses jointly responsible for the family (new section 99) and abolished discriminatory provisions towards women with regard to inheritance. Noting that there have been plans since December 2018 for the Ministry of Social Action, Promotion of Women and Literacy to organize meetings to publicize the new Personal and Family Code, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any specific activities undertaken to raise awareness of its provisions and on its application in practice. The Committee also requests the Government to take steps to combat sexist stereotypes regarding the aspirations, preferences and occupational capabilities of women and their role in the family and society in general.

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