Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Sao Tome and Principe (Ratification: 1982)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Legislation. The Committee recalls the need to take the necessary measures to guarantee equality of opportunity and treatment in accordance with the Convention. In this context, the Committee has been requesting the Government to ensure that the draft General Labour Act, which was under preparation, would include a prohibition of direct and indirect discrimination at all stages of the employment process and on all the grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. The Committee notes that a draft General Labour Act has been prepared and submitted to the International Labour Office for its comments. It further notes the Government’s indication that the National Institute for the Promotion of Gender Equality and Equity (INPG) has participated in the elaboration of the draft General Labour Act. The Committee trusts that progress will be made soon in the adoption of the draft General Labour Act and requests the Government to ensure that the new General Labour Act will expressly define and prohibit direct and indirect discrimination, covering at least all the grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention, and all workers and aspects of employment and occupation.

Articles 2 and 3. Equality of opportunity and treatment of men and women. Policies and institutions. The Committee previously noted that the Government had adopted a National Strategy for Gender Equality and Equity (2010), which also dealt with issues relating to women’s equality in the world of work. The Government had also indicated that participation of women in education and vocational training was included among its priorities. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the INPG has been established under the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any recent National Strategy for Gender Equality and Equity adopted or envisaged; and on the specific measures taken, including by the INPG, to promote equality between men and women in access to vocational training and employment in the private and public sectors, and the results obtained by such action. The Committee further requests the Government to collect and provide statistical information on the participation of men and women in vocational training and the labour market, indicating their levels of participation in the different sectors and occupations.

Article 3(b). Awareness raising. The Committee once again recalls the importance of educational programmes to raise awareness of the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. The Committee reiterates its requests to the Government to provide information on any action taken or envisaged to promote understanding and awareness of the principle of equality among workers and employers as well as society at large, including through cooperation with workers’ and employers’ organizations.