Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Mali (Ratification: 1964)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes that, in its 2019 report on the follow-up to the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 1995 (henceforth Beijing+25) to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the Government states that although there is no recent comprehensive study on gender-based violence in Mali, the State recognizes this country-wide phenomenon. Hence, in 2018, the Government implemented a national programme to combat gender-based violence to address the new institutional and operational challenges relating to the issues of various forms of violence affecting women, a situation which has been aggravated by the political and security situation ongoing since 2012. In addition, the Committee notes that the Government has recognized violence in schools as a factor in girls’ drop-out and failure rates at school. The Committee recalls that the labour legislation still does not include a provision prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace, despite its previous comments on the matter. It is bound to recall that sexual harassment compromises the integrity and well-being of workers and constitutes a serious form of discrimination based on sex, which violates human rights and must be addressed within the framework of the Convention. Article 1(1) of the Convention prohibits discrimination in employment and occupation based on, inter alia, sex. Given the gravity and serious repercussions of sexual harassment in the working environment, the Committee refers the Government to its general observation of 2002 on sexual harassment, in which it highlights the importance of taking effective measures to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment at work (see the General Survey on the fundamental Conventions, 2012, paragraph 789). The Committee requests the Government to take measures to include provisions in the Labour Code that clearly define and explicitly prohibit sexual harassment, both quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment in employment and occupation. In the meantime, it also requests it to: (i) adopt preventive measures, including initiatives to raise awareness among workers, employers and their respective organizations, as well as law enforcement agents and the general public of sexual harassment in employment and occupation and of the social stigmatization associated with this issue, by specifying the available procedures and remedies; (ii) provide information on the number of complaints of sexual harassment or cases of sexual harassment in employment and occupation that have been dealt with by the labour inspectorate, courts or other competent authority, the nature of the cases and their outcomes; and (iii) provide statistical information on the number of cases of sexual harassment committed against girls and women within education, and in employment and occupation.

Articles 1 and 5. Special protection measures. Restrictions on women’s employment. In its previous comment, the Committee requested the Government to take the necessary measures to undertake a review and a periodic revision of the list of types of work prohibited for women in general, as well as the list of types of work they can perform under certain conditions, pursuant to section L.189 of the Labour Code, in order to ensure that the protective measures for women are not discriminatory and do not go beyond the strict framework of maternity protection. The Government indicates in its report that Decree No. 96-178/P-RM of 13 June 1996, establishing the terms and application of certain provisions of the Labour Code - in this case section L.189 – is still under review. The Committee is bound to recall that maternity protection should enable women to fulfil their maternal role without being marginalized in the labour market. It emphasizes that a major shift over time has occurred from a purely protective approach concerning the employment of women to one based on promoting genuine equality between men and women and eliminating discriminatory law and practice. More generally, provisions relating to the protection of persons working under hazardous or difficult conditions should be aimed at protecting the health and safety of both men and women, while taking account of gender differences with regard to specific risks to their health (see 2012 General Survey, paragraphs 838–840). Recalling once again that women should have the right to freely exercise any job or occupation and noting that section L.189 of the Labour Code is still being revised, the Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in this regard and, in the meantime, of specific measures taken to revise the list of types of work prohibited for women and that of types of work they may perform under certain conditions, in the light of the principle of gender equality and of maternity protection in the strict sense.

With regard to the part of the Labour Code entitled “Women’s and children’s labour” (Title 4, Chapter 2, section L.178 to L.189), the Committee notes that the Government will examine the possibility, in a forthcoming revision of the Labour Code, of separating the provisions on maternity protection from those on child labour in order not to perpetuate stereotypes regarding the status of women in society, and in employment and occupation, and to prevent women and children from being placed on an equal footing.

Article 2. National policy on equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation. National gender policy. The Committee recalls that, in its previous comment, it requested the Government to provide detailed information on the effective establishment of the entities responsible for implementing the national gender policy (PNG-Mali), that is, a higher council, a permanent secretariat for monitoring implementation, sectoral committees for institutionalization and regional committees for monitoring gender issues; and on their specific activities for promoting equal opportunities for men and women in employment and education. With respect to the implementation of the PNG-Mali, the Government indicates that, given the political and security situation in the country and the withdrawal of technical and financial partners, the 2011–2013 action plan of PNG-Mali could not be carried out and was extended to 2016–2018. The evaluation of this action plan revealed weaknesses at the institutional and programmatic levels owing to a lack of adequate funding, but also made it possible to identify the existence of positive actions that take gender into account in service delivery and interventions. The Committee also notes that in its above-mentioned 2019 Beijing+25 report, the Government informed the CSW that the institutional bodies for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the PNG-Mali are still not operational. In the light of the foregoing, the Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that the institutional mechanisms for the guidance, advancement and monitoring of the implementation of the PNG-Mali benefit from the necessary human and financial resources to fulfil their mission to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women in access to occupational training, education, employment and particular occupations, as well as terms and conditions of employment. It requests the Government to keep it informed of all developments in this regard.

Articles 2 and 5. Promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women. Affirmative action for women. In its previous comment, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application of Act No. 2015-52 of 18 December 2015 instituting measures to promote gender in access to appointed and elected positions (a minimum of 30 per cent of either sex) and on its results in terms of the participation of women in appointed State positions. The Government indicates that, despite the adoption of the decree setting forth the terms of Act No. 052 of 18 December 2015, the implementation of that Act does not effectively address women’s participation in nominative and elective positions. With regard to women’s access to employment and particular occupations, including leadership positions, the Government merely states that the protection of women’s rights and their place in society is not subject to discrimination, since legislative and regulatory provisions are in place to that end. It states that women continue to have access to jobs in sectors traditionally reserved for men, such as the army, the Republican Guard, the gendarmerie and the police, although they are still under-represented in certain positions, such as diplomatic functions. The Committee notes that the Ministry for the Advancement of Women, Children and the Family launched an online platform on 8 March 2017, entitled the Programme for the recognition of women’s skills (PRECOFEM), which aims to identify, mobilize and value women’s skills, with a view to making tools available to public, private and political decision-makers to assist them in decision-making regarding nominations for appointed and elected positions. The platform publishes job offers for women in Mali and enables recruiters to post recruitment notices. Each month, it presents a woman by showing her career path and her professional commitment. It is also a tool for the recognition of enterprises and structures that have promoted women in particular. In this regard, the Committee notes the following statistical information provided by the Government: (1) in 2017, women accounted for 25 per cent of appointments (203 women out of a total of 785 appointments); and (2) as at May 2019, the Government comprised 11 women ministers out of 38 ministers, that is 34 per cent. The Committee notes that the Government has prepared a new ten-year development plan for the empowerment of women, children and the family (PDDAFEF 2020–2029) under which it has set up a new support programme for women’s empowerment in the development of the shea butter industry. With regard to rural women, it notes the adoption of Act No. 2017-001 of 11 April 2017 on land rights, which gives women’s and youth groups and associations located in the area concerned the opportunity to obtain at least 15 percent of the land developments of the State or territorial authorities (section 13), since in practice only 5 per cent of women are landowners; the Committee notes, however, that the implementing decree has not yet been adopted. To this end, it recalls that the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) for Mali notes that gender inequalities in agriculture have a significant negative impact on the living conditions of rural populations, particularly women, who work mainly in the informal economy, occupy unskilled and low-paid jobs, and are excluded from social protection. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its Beijing+25 report that women represent around 52 per cent of the rural population and 75 per cent of the agricultural labour force; that they contribute about 80 per cent of food production; and that they could contribute much more in terms of growth and development if they were not confronted with so many obstacles to empowerment in the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the specific measures taken or envisaged: (i) within the framework of the new ten-year development plan for the empowerment of women, children and the family (PDDAFEF 2020–2029); (ii) to improve access for women to employment and to particular occupations (particularly leadership positions); and (iii) within the framework of the new support programme for women’s empowerment in the development of the shea butter industry for rural women. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of the adoption of the implementing decree of Act No. 2017-001 of 11 April 2017 on land rights and to forward a copy as soon as it is enacted.

Access for girls and women to education and vocational training. In its previous request, the Committee requested the Government to take steps to improve the enrolment and retention of girls in school and to remove the obstacles that they face in this respect, particularly in the communities. It also requested the Government to introduce measures to encourage the access of girls to training, including in occupations traditionally pursued by boys, and to improve the literacy levels of women, particularly in rural areas. In this respect, the Government mentions several measures taken, in particular the incorporation of a module on gender equality into the initial student-teacher training programme and the opening of new general and technical schools and colleges. It also informs the Committee of the launch of the ten-year development programme for education and second-generation vocational training (PRODEC II), 2019–2028. The Committee notes that PRODEC II aims to, inter alia: (1) provide young persons who are not at school or have dropped out of school, and illiterate adults, with alternative forms of learning; (2) increase capacity from 78,845 to 100,000 places for learners in literacy centres as of 2020; (3) introduce incentives for girls in scientific subjects; (4) establish scholarships based on girls’ performance and parental income; and (5) implement a national policy for girls’ schooling (SCOFI), undertaken at the central level by the national directorate for basic education. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the impact of the PRODEC II on the enrolment and retention of girls in school, women’s literacy levels and the number of girls enrolled in scientific subjects or other subjects traditionally pursued by boys. The Committee also requests the Government to provide further information concerning the implementation of the SCOFI, including the results achieved in this regard.

General observation of 2018. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation on discrimination based on race, colour and national extraction which was adopted in 2018. In the general observation, the Committee notes with concern that discriminatory attitudes and stereotypes based on the race, colour or national extraction of men and women workers continue to hinder their participation in education, vocational training programmes and access to a wider range of employment opportunities, resulting in persisting occupational segregation and lower remuneration received for work of equal value. Furthermore, the Committee considers that it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling the obstacles and barriers faced by persons in employment and occupation because of their race, colour or national extraction, and to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for all. Such an approach should include the adoption of interlocking measures aimed at addressing gaps in education, training and skills, providing unbiased vocational guidance, recognizing and validating the qualifications obtained abroad, and valuing and recognizing traditional knowledge and skills that may be relevant both to accessing and advancing in employment and to engaging in an occupation. The Committee also recalls that, in order to be effective, these measures must include concrete steps, such as laws, policies, programmes, mechanisms and participatory processes, remedies designed to address prejudices and stereotypes and to promote mutual understanding and tolerance among all sections of the population.

The Committee draws the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2018 and requests the Government to provide information in response to the questions raised in that observation.

Enforcement. National Human Rights Committee (CNDH). The Committee recalls that one of the tasks of the CNDH is to ensure observance of the rights of vulnerable persons or groups, including women, senior citizens and persons living with HIV/AIDS (section 4 of the Act of 2016). As the Government has not replied to its previous question concerning the CNDH, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to indicate whether this body, which is responsible for human rights and equality issues, is authorized to receive and deal with complaints of discrimination based on the grounds covered by the Convention and set out in the Labour Code. It also requests the Government to provide information on any awareness-raising measures taken by the CNDH to combat discrimination and promote equality in employment and occupation.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Articles 1 and 5 of the Convention. Special protection measures. Restrictions on women’s employment. Night work of women. The Committee welcomes the provisions of Act No. 2017-021 of 12 June 2017 amending Act No. 92-020 of 23 September 1992 (the Labour Code), in particular section L.186 concerning night work of women. It notes that this prohibition is no longer applicable to work in family enterprises, to women occupying managerial or technical posts involving responsibility, or to women occupied in health and welfare services who usually do not perform manual work. However, the Committee observes that night work of women remains prohibited in principle and also observes that Decree No. 96-178/P-RM of 13 June 1996, which determines, inter alia, the list of types of work prohibited for women and those that they may perform under certain conditions pursuant to section L.189 of the Labour Code, has not yet been revised. The Committee also recalls that, in order to be compatible with the principle of equality, any protective measure applicable to women’s employment must be strictly proportional to the nature and scope of the protection sought and be limited to the protection of maternity. Protective measures based on stereotypes regarding the occupational aspirations and capabilities of women, their “suitability” for certain jobs or their role in society are contrary to the principle of equality of opportunity or treatment since they have the effect of excluding women from certain occupations. The Committee also recalls that provisions relating to the protection of persons working under hazardous or difficult conditions should be aimed at protecting the health and safety of both men and women at work, while taking account of gender differences with regard to specific risks for their health. Recalling that women should have the right to freely exercise any job or occupation and noting the Government’s indication that the revision of the Decree of 1996 can only occur after the revision of the Labour Code, the Committee asks the Government to take the necessary steps to review and revise the list of types of work prohibited for women in general or the performance of which is restricted, in the light of the principle of gender equality, strictly limiting protective measures to maternity protection and examining the possibility of adopting support measures – the improvement of occupational safety and health protection for men and women, adequate security and transportation, or social services or childcare facilities – to enable women to have the same opportunities as men for gaining access to the jobs, occupations or activities in question.

The Committee notes that the Government has not taken the opportunity provided by the revision of the Labour Code in 2017 to restructure the part devoted to “work of children and women” (Chapter 2, Title 4, sections L.178–L.189) by separating the provisions concerning child labour from those relating to maternity protection so as not to perpetuate stereotypes regarding the status of women in society and in employment and occupation. The Committee invites the Government to examine the possibility, during a forthcoming revision of the Labour Code, to separate the provisions relating to maternity protection from those respecting child labour so as to avoid putting women and children on the same footing.

Articles 2 and 5. Promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment for men and women. Affirmative action for women. The Committee welcomes the detailed statistics, disaggregated by sex, which have been provided by the Government. It notes that in 2015 the number of employment contracts (fixed term or indeterminate) concluded by women was very much lower than the number of contracts concluded by men (4,671 compared to 19,351, or barely 20 per cent) and that in the public service women account for only 30 per cent of staff (2014 figures) and there are very few women in the higher categories. The Committee also notes that, according to the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2016–18, decent work indicators show numerous inequalities between men and women in the world of work, including unemployment rates (11.4 per cent for women compared with 6.4 per cent for men) and underemployment rates related to hours of work (28.7 per cent for men compared with 37.1 per cent for women). The DWCP also indicates that gender inequalities in agriculture have a significant negative impact on the living conditions of rural populations. Moreover, the Committee notes that the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in its concluding observations, expresses concern at the fact that women, specifically in rural areas, mainly work in the informal economy in unskilled and poorly paid jobs, and are excluded from social protection (CEDAW/C/MLI/CO/6-7, 25 July 2016, paragraph 31). The Committee recalls that the Government adopted the National Gender Policy for Mali (PNG-Mali) (2009–18) and an initial action plan (2011–13) covering ten priority sectors including education, employment and vocational training. It notes the adoption of Decree No. 2014-0368/PM-RM of 27 May 2014 establishing the institutional mechanism directing, driving and monitoring implementation of the PNG-Mali, which provides for the setting up of four types of structures: a higher council, a permanent secretariat for monitoring implementation, sectoral committees for institutionalization and regional committees for monitoring gender issues. Noting that the Government’s report does not contain any information on the PNG-Mali, the Committee asks the Government to provide detailed information on the effective establishment of the entities responsible for implementing this policy and on their specific activities for promoting equal opportunities for men and women in employment and education.

Furthermore, the Committee notes the adoption of Act No. 2015-52 of 18 December 2015 instituting measures to promote gender in access to appointed and elected positions (a minimum of 30 per cent of either sex). It also notes the Government’s indications that in January 2012 a Women’s Autonomy and Child Development Support Fund (FAFE) was set up, for the purpose of financing programmes which promote economic opportunities for women. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the application of the Act of 2015 and on its results in terms of the participation of women in appointed and elected positions. The Committee also asks the Government to identify the steps taken to improve women’s access to employment and different occupations, including managerial posts, and to combat sexist stereotypes regarding women’s occupational aspirations and capabilities, particularly in rural areas.

Access for girls and women to education and vocational training. The Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government showing that boys outnumber girls in school, especially at secondary level. The Committee notes that CEDAW, while welcoming the positive measures adopted to increase the enrolment and retention of girls in school, expressed concern at the very low completion rate for girls in secondary education owing to, among other things, early and child marriage, early pregnancy, indirect school costs, child labour and a preference for sending boys to school, resulting in a very high illiteracy rate among women (CEDAW/C/MLI/CO/6-7, 25 July 2016, paragraph 29). The Committee once again asks the Government to take steps to improve the enrolment and retention of girls in school and to remove the obstacles that they face in this respect, particularly by adopting measures to raise awareness in families and to combat gender stereotypes in communities. The Committee also asks the Government to introduce measures to encourage the access of girls to training, including in occupations traditionally pursued by boys, and to improve the literacy levels of women, particularly in rural areas.

Body responsible for dealing with human rights and equality issues. The Committee notes the adoption of Act No. 2016-036 of 7 July 2016 establishing the National Human Rights Committee (CNDH), replacing the committee which had been set up in 2009, and Decree No. 2016-0853/P-RM of 8 November 2016 establishing the organization and operating procedures of the CNDH. Noting that one of the tasks of the CNDH is to ensure observance of the rights of vulnerable persons or groups, including women, senior citizens and persons living with HIV/AIDS (section 4 of the Act of 2016), the Committee asks the Government to indicate whether the CNDH is authorized to receive and deal with complaints of discrimination based on the grounds covered by the Convention and set out in the Labour Code in relation to employment and occupation. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on any awareness-raising measures taken by the CNDH to combat discrimination and promote equality in employment and occupation.

Labour inspection. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, at the workshop for the approval of the DWCP 2016–18, the capacities of labour inspectors have been reinforced regarding labour standards in general, and equality of opportunity and treatment in particular. In this regard, it notes that output 3.2.2 of the DWCP is to strengthen the labour administration and inspectorate, including in terms of non-discrimination between men and women in employment and occupation. Also referring to its comments on the application of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the steps taken to reinforce the labour inspectorate, in terms of resources allocated and training provided, and on the monitoring activities of labour inspectors in relation to discrimination and regarding equality of opportunity and treatment without distinction as to race, colour, religion, sex, political opinion, national extraction or social origin.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Articles 1 and 5 of the Convention. Changes in the legislation. Definition of discrimination. Grounds of discrimination covered. Exceptions. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 2017-021 of 12 June 2017 amending Act No. 92-020 of 23 September 1992 issuing the Labour Code, which introduces provisions relating to discrimination in employment and occupation into the Labour Code. New section L.4 contains a definition of discrimination which corresponds to that of the Convention, covers the seven grounds of discrimination listed by the Convention, adds invalidity, disability and HIV/AIDS, and establishes the possibility of exceptions in accordance with Articles 1(2) and 5 of the Convention (inherent requirements for a particular job and special measures). The Committee asks the Government to take the necessary steps to raise awareness among workers, employers and their respective organizations, labour inspectors and judges of the new provisions of section L.4 of the Labour Code relating to discrimination. It also asks the Government to provide information on the application of the provisions in practice, including the number of complaints made on this basis and the outcome thereof and the number and nature of cases of discrimination detected by the labour inspectorate.

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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Workers’ Unions of Mali (CSTM), received on 22 November 2013.

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. Promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women. The Committee welcomes the adoption of the National Gender Policy (PNG) (2009–18) and its first action plan (2011–13), which covers ten priority sectors, including justice, education, employment and vocational training. However, the Government indicates that, in view of the political context and the withdrawal of various technical and financial partners, it has not been possible to implement the action plan. The Committee notes that, according to the CSTM, which also refers to the adoption of the action plan of the PNG, the representation of women in decision-making bodies and the school attendance rate of women have fallen, which has resulted in a reduction in the income and employment rates of women. The detailed statistics provided by the Government in its report under the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), show that in 2011 only 28.38 per cent of positions in the public service were occupied by women (15.71 per cent for category A positions). Between 2008 and 2011, the number of women magistrates fell by half, dropping from 46 to 22 (372 to 304 for men), with the figures for women employees remaining identical for other posts with lower levels of responsibility. Only 9.2 per cent of commissioners and 8 per cent of police inspectors were women. In the private sector, between 2010 and 2012, of the 29,179 jobs created with fixed-term contracts, and the 24,015 jobs created with permanent contracts, only 15.9 per cent and 17.6 per cent, respectively, were held by women. The Committee notes that the action plan of the PNG provides for many actions for the purposes of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women, particularly in agriculture and the informal economy. Its objectives include improving the balance between women and men in employment in the private and public sectors, including positions of responsibility in the public service, and eliminating sexist stereotypes and promoting egalitarian models for the sharing of domestic responsibilities and tasks. The Committee further notes that the action plan provides for the adoption of legislation and regulations intended to penalize harassment in employment and occupation, as well as in education. The Committee encourages the Government to give effect to the PNG without further delay and requests it to provide information on the measures taken to improve the access of women to employment at all levels in the private and public sectors, including the measures taken to combat sexist stereotypes and sexual harassment at work, and their impact. Please continue to provide detailed statistics, disaggregated by sex, on employment in the private and public sectors.

Access of girls and women to education and vocational training. The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government in relation to the access of girls to education. It notes the statistics provided by the Government on school attendance rates and the distribution of graduates in 2012, which show that the school attendance rate of girls remains lower than that of boys, particularly in the second cycle, and that in 2012 women only represented 34.66 per cent of graduates in all subjects, with this rate being lower in technological and scientific subjects (medicine, engineering, etc.). The Committee notes that the first action plan of the PNG included among its objectives improving the access of girls to primary, secondary and technical education and their maintenance at school, as well as the access of women to literacy programmes. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information, including statistics, on the measures taken to improve the access of girls and women to all levels of education, including measures to promote the school attendance of girls and to keep them at school, as well as the measures taken to diversify training supply with a view to enabling them to have access to a broader range of jobs, including jobs traditionally occupied by men.

Article 5. Special measures. Restrictions on women’s employment. With regard to Decree No. 96-178/P-RM of 13 June 1996 containing provisions adopted under section L.189 of the Labour Code on women’s work, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the question of revising its provisions could be raised during the examination of the implementing texts of the Labour Code. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken with a view to revising the list of types of work prohibited for women, or the performance of which is restricted, in light of the principle of equality between men and women and to limit protective measures for women to maternity protection.

Labour inspection. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report under Convention No. 100 that, despite significant budgetary constraints, it is endeavouring to organize regular training for labour inspectors and controllers, and issues of equality in employment will be included in the training programmes. Recalling the possibility for the Government to have recourse to ILO technical assistance in this regard, the Committee requests the Government to intensify its efforts and to take measures for the training of labour inspectors with a view to improving their capacity to identify and address issues of discrimination, including wage discrimination, and to provide information on the measures adopted in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it duly notes its recommendations with regard to sexual harassment in the workplace and that it proposes to request technical assistance from the Office in order to enhance the capacity of labour inspectors to identify and address cases of sexual harassment. The Committee also notes that the formulation of the National Policy on Equality between Men and Women (PNEFH) was launched in June 2008 and is in the process of being finalized. Expressing the hope that the Government will be able to avail itself of technical assistance from the Office to train labour inspectors in issues related to sexual harassment, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the steps taken towards this end. The Committee also hopes that the Government will seize the opportunity provided by the formulation and implementation of the PNEFH to include measures aimed at protecting workers against sexual harassment at work, including awareness-raising and training measures. The Committee also encourages the Government to consider the possibility of including provisions in the labour legislation which define and prohibit sexual harassment and to make provision for appropriate avenues of redress.

Articles 2 and 3. Promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women. The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government’s report on the employment of women. It also notes, according to a study on the situation of women in Mali, published in September 2007 by the Ministry for the Advancement of Women, Children and the Family, that women remain segregated in the informal economy (particularly in the commercial and catering sectors) and in agriculture, that their work is poorly paid and extremely precarious and that it is often difficult for them to have access to credit and to the means of production, particularly in rural areas. According to the Government’s report, women accounted for 25.6 per cent of public service staff in 2007 and, according to the abovementioned study, women in the public service are concentrated in lower-ranking posts and are almost completely absent from managerial posts. The Government emphasizes in its report that the PNEFH is tackling the socio-cultural factors on which discrimination is based and recommending solutions for overcoming obstacles, and points out that a number of measures have already been taken, such as the establishment of support projects which have resulted in improved access to credit for women and in the establishment of centres for self-promotion. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of the PNEFH as regards employment and occupation, in both the public and private sectors, and in urban and rural areas. The Government is also requested to provide information on planned measures to counter stereotypical attitudes regarding the respective roles of men and women in society and sexist preconceptions regarding women’s capabilities in order to combat occupational segregation.

Women’s access to education and vocational training. The Committee notes that according the 2007 study, further training opportunities which are accessible for women, in both the public and private sectors, are virtually non existent and that, where they exist, the women workers concerned face constraints which prevent them from taking up such opportunities, particularly because of their family responsibilities and domestic tasks. The inadequacy of training for women and their low level of education hamper their full participation in economic activity and, in particular, their occupation of managerial posts. In this regard the Committee notes information on the measures taken by the Government to boost the school attendance rate for girls at the level of basic education, which increased from 33 per cent in 1995 to 73 per cent in 2008, and to remove obstacles to schooling for adolescents. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated, particularly as part of the National Training Policy referred to by the Government in its report and/or as part of the PNEFH, to continue to improve access for girls to all levels of education, particularly in rural areas, and enable them to remain in school, and also to increase the provision of vocational training intended especially to equip women for a wide variety of employment, including in those jobs traditionally done by men.

Article 5. Special measures. Restrictions on women’s employment. The Committee notes that Decree No. 96-178/P-RM of 13 June 1996 contains provisions adopted pursuant to section L.189 of the Labour Code on the work of women and establishes, inter alia, the list of types of work prohibited for women and work which they may perform under certain conditions. The Committee recalls that, in order to be compatible with the principle of equality, any protective measure applicable to women’s employment must be strictly proportional to the nature and scope of the protection sought and be limited to the protection of maternity. In addition, provisions relating to the protection of persons working under hazardous or difficult conditions should be aimed at protecting the health and safety of both men and women at work, while taking account of gender differences with regard to specific risks for their health. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated with a view to reviewing the list of activities pursuant to section L.189 of the Labour Code, prohibiting or limiting work that can be done by women in the light of the principle of gender equality and limiting such protection to maternity.

Application and access to justice. The Government is requested to supply information on any court decision issued in relation to equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation and also on any measures taken to facilitate the exercise by women of their rights vis-à-vis the competent judicial bodies (access to justice, enforcement of court decisions).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it duly notes its recommendations with regard to sexual harassment in the workplace and that it proposes to request technical assistance from the Office in order to enhance the capacity of labour inspectors to identify and address cases of sexual harassment. The Committee also notes that the formulation of the National Policy on Equality between Men and Women (PNEFH) was launched in June 2008 and is in the process of being finalized. Expressing the hope that the Government will be able to avail itself of technical assistance from the Office to train labour inspectors in issues related to sexual harassment, the Committee requests the Government to supply information on the steps taken towards this end. The Committee also hopes that the Government will seize the opportunity provided by the formulation and implementation of the PNEFH to include measures aimed at protecting workers against sexual harassment at work, including awareness-raising and training measures. The Committee also encourages the Government to consider the possibility of including provisions in the labour legislation which define and prohibit sexual harassment and to make provision for appropriate avenues of redress.

Articles 2 and 3. Promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women. The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government’s report on the employment of women. It also notes, according to a study on the situation of women in Mali, published in September 2007 by the Ministry for the Advancement of Women, Children and the Family, that women remain segregated in the informal economy (particularly in the commercial and catering sectors) and in agriculture, that their work is poorly paid and extremely precarious and that it is often difficult for them to have access to credit and to the means of production, particularly in rural areas. According to the Government’s report, women accounted for 25.6 per cent of public service staff in 2007 and, according to the abovementioned study, women in the public service are concentrated in lower-ranking posts and are almost completely absent from managerial posts. The Government emphasizes in its report that the PNEFH is tackling the socio-cultural factors on which discrimination is based and recommending solutions for overcoming obstacles, and points out that a number of measures have already been taken, such as the establishment of support projects which have resulted in improved access to credit for women and in the establishment of centres for self-promotion. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the implementation of the PNEFH as regards employment and occupation, in both the public and private sectors, and in urban and rural areas. The Government is also requested to provide information on planned measures to counter stereotypical attitudes regarding the respective roles of men and women in society and sexist preconceptions regarding women’s capabilities in order to combat occupational segregation.

Women’s access to education and vocational training. The Committee notes that according the 2007 study, further training opportunities which are accessible for women, in both the public and private sectors, are virtually non‑existent and that, where they exist, the women workers concerned face constraints which prevent them from taking up such opportunities, particularly because of their family responsibilities and domestic tasks. The inadequacy of training for women and their low level of education hamper their full participation in economic activity and, in particular, their occupation of managerial posts. In this regard the Committee notes information on the measures taken by the Government to boost the school attendance rate for girls at the level of basic education, which increased from 33 per cent in 1995 to 73 per cent in 2008, and to remove obstacles to schooling for adolescents. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated, particularly as part of the National Training Policy referred to by the Government in its report and/or as part of the PNEFH, to continue to improve access for girls to all levels of education, particularly in rural areas, and enable them to remain in school, and also to increase the provision of vocational training intended especially to equip women for a wide variety of employment, including in those jobs traditionally done by men.

Article 5. Special measures. Restrictions on women’s employment. The Committee notes that Decree No. 96-178/P-RM of 13 June 1996 contains provisions adopted pursuant to section L.189 of the Labour Code on the work of women and establishes, inter alia, the list of types of work prohibited for women and work which they may perform under certain conditions. The Committee recalls that, in order to be compatible with the principle of equality, any protective measure applicable to women’s employment must be strictly proportional to the nature and scope of the protection sought and be limited to the protection of maternity. In addition, provisions relating to the protection of persons working under hazardous or difficult conditions should be aimed at protecting the health and safety of both men and women at work, while taking account of gender differences with regard to specific risks for their health. The Committee therefore requests the Government to supply information on the measures taken or contemplated with a view to reviewing the list of activities pursuant to section L.189 of the Labour Code, prohibiting or limiting work that can be done by women in the light of the principle of gender equality and limiting such protection to maternity.

Application and access to justice. The Government is requested to supply information on any court decision issued in relation to equality of opportunity and treatment in employment and occupation and also on any measures taken to facilitate the exercise by women of their rights vis-à-vis the competent judicial bodies (access to justice, enforcement of court decisions).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the phenomenon of sexual harassment in the workplace has not yet been sufficiently understood in Mali. The Government also indicates that women working in the informal economy are often subject to violence, in particular sexual violence. Referring the Government to its 2002 general observation on sexual harassment, the Committee urges the Government to take appropriate measures to prevent and combat sexual harassment at work, including through public awareness raising campaigns and training programmes targeting labour inspectors to enhance their capacity to identify and address cases of sexual harassment in employment and occupation. Please indicate the number of sexual harassment cases identified by the labour inspectorate, and any sanctions imposed or remedies provided.

Articles 2 and 3. Promotion of equality of opportunity and treatment of women and men. The Committee notes that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in its 2006 concluding observations, expressed concern at the discrimination faced by women in employment, as reflected in hiring processes, the wage gap and occupational segregation (CEDAW/C/MLI
/CO/5/3, 3 February 2006, paragraph 29). It also highlighted the extreme vulnerability of female domestic workers. According to the Government, a study entitled “Strategic evaluation of challenges in the area of gender” undertaken by the World Bank in 2005 underlined that wide inequality between men and women in Mali results, inter alia, from a range of socio-cultural factors, the non-application of relevant legislation and the absence of a national gender strategy. The Committee notes that a number of measures are envisaged to address this situation, including the elaboration of a national gender policy. The Committee also notes that the Poverty Reduction Strategy 2007–11 focuses on the creation of sustainable employment and that the Strategy is linked to the Decent Work Country Programme (2006–09) which has the creation of decent employment for young women and men, including the promotion of gender equality, as one of its priority objectives. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in the elaboration of the national gender policy. Please also indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address socio-cultural factors resulting in discrimination against women in employment and occupation, and to strengthen compliance with the relevant legislation. In this regard, please provide information on the measures taken to raise awareness of the legislation, and indicate the number of discrimination cases addressed by the competent judicial and administrative authorities, the sanctions imposed and remedies provided.

Gender-based occupational segregation. The Committee notes that women are concentrated in certain sectors of the economy, such as trade, while they are under-represented in the textile industry and construction. It also notes that 43 per cent of women’s jobs were in the informal economy, and that this percentage was increasing. The proportion of women in the public sector increased from 19.41 per cent in 2006 to 26.45 per cent in 2007. However, women are under-represented in high ranking positions. As regards the private sector, according to a study carried out by the National Centre for the Documentation and Information on Women and Children (CNDIFE), 14 per cent of management posts in large enterprises are held by women. The Committee encourages the Government to take appropriate measures to promote women’s access to a broader range of jobs and occupations, in particular those that have traditionally been reserved for men, including through broadening the choice of training opportunities for women, and taking specific action to promote their access to management positions in the private and public sectors. The Committee also requests the Government to address the causes of the concentration of women in the informal economy. Please provide detailed information on the measures taken regarding these issues and their impact on women’s equality of opportunity and treatment, including statistical information on the distribution of men and women in the different economic sectors, and categories of employment and occupation.

Women’s access to education and training. The Committee notes from the report entitled “Situation of women/girls in higher education” prepared by the CNDIFE that the majority of women enrolled in university pursued studies in law or literature (in 2005–06, 26 per cent of all students in these disciplines were women), while they less often pursued studies in areas such as engineering or science. The Committee also notes that despite the efforts made to increase girls’ access to education, parity of the enrolment rates of girls and boys has not yet been achieved. According to the Government’s report, stereotypical views on the social role of women as mothers and spouses are at the root of this problem. The Committee requests the Government to continue to take steps to increase the enrolment rates of girls and to provide information on the measures taken and progress made in this regard. The Committee also requests the Government to take proactive measures to promote the access of women to higher education and vocational training, including through measures to combat gender-based stereotypes which continue to affect women’s participation in the economic life of the country.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. With reference to its general observation of 2002 on Convention No. 111, the Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted or envisaged to prohibit and combat sexual harassment in employment and occupation.

2. Article 2. Promotion of the national policy. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with interest the adoption of Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999 creating a National Bureau for the Promotion of Women. The Committee also noted with interest Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999 establishing an inter-ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family within the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, to study and advise on questions submitted to it by the Ministry and to monitor and evaluate the implementation by the various departments of the recommendations and measures taken in favour of women, children and the family. Moreover, the Committee noted with interest Decree No. 96-149/P-RM of 15 May 1996 establishing the National Advisory Commission on Human Rights. The Committee further noted that the Commission on the Promotion of Women has become the Ministry on the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities undertaken by these new bodies, including extracts from reports, studies or surveys, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in promoting the application of the Convention.

3. Article 3. Access of women to employment. The Committee notes from the report on “Equality of remuneration between men and women in the modern sector in Mali”, 2001, that women are poorly represented in remunerated employment, and they have high rates of participation in the informal economy and in agriculture. Women earn on average 15 per cent less than men in the private sector, and 30 per cent less in the public sector. Women are poorly represented in management positions (10 per cent in the public sector) due partly to lower education and partly to obstacles encountered in internal promotions. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures it intends to take in order to address these inequalities in practice.

4. Article 3. Access of women to education and vocational training. In its previous comments the Committee noted the low school attendance rate of girls in comparison with boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee also notes the concern expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in its concluding observations (02/11/99, D.7) about the scarce school attendance, particularly of girls. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of girls and women to education and training (particularly vocational training and university education).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. With reference to its general observation of 2002 on Convention No. 111, the Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted or envisaged to prohibit and combat sexual harassment in employment and occupation.

2. Article 2. Promotion of the national policy. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with interest the adoption of Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999 creating a National Bureau for the Promotion of Women. The Committee also noted with interest Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999 establishing an inter-ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family within the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, to study and advise on questions submitted to it by the Ministry and to monitor and evaluate the implementation by the various departments of the recommendations and measures taken in favour of women, children and the family. Moreover, the Committee noted with interest Decree No. 96-149/P-RM of 15 May 1996 establishing the National Advisory Commission on Human Rights. The Committee further noted that the Commission on the Promotion of Women has become the Ministry on the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities undertaken by these new bodies, including extracts from reports, studies or surveys, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in promoting the application of the Convention.

3. Article 3. Access of women to employment. The Committee notes from the report on “Equality of remuneration between men and women in the modern sector in Mali”, 2001, that women are poorly represented in remunerated employment, and they have high rates of participation in the informal economy and in agriculture. Women earn on average 15 per cent less than men in the private sector, and 30 per cent less in the public sector. Women are poorly represented in management positions (10 per cent in the public sector) due partly to lower education and partly to obstacles encountered in internal promotions. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures it intends to take in order to address these inequalities in practice.

4. Article 3. Access of women to education and vocational training. In its previous comments the Committee noted the low school attendance rate of girls in comparison with boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee also notes the concern expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in its concluding observations (02/11/99, D.7) about the scarce school attendance, particularly of girls. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of girls and women to education and training (particularly vocational training and university education).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the communication received by the Syndicat National des Conventionnaires du Service des Douanes (SYNACOD) dated 27 June 2005 concerning the application of Conventions Nos. 100 and 111, and the Government’s reply dated 27 September 2005. SYNACOD submits that the terms and conditions of employment of customs officers hired on a contract basis were less favourable than the terms and conditions granted to customs officers that are civil servants. The Committee recalls that Convention No. 111 is intended to provide protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, and that Convention No. 100 covers discrimination in respect of remuneration on the basis of sex. However, the two Conventions do not cover discrimination on the basis of employment status. The situation as described by SYNACOD therefore does not raise any particular issues under these Conventions.

2. In addition, the Committee recalls its direct requests concerning Conventions Nos. 100 and 111 adopted at its 2004 session (attached for ease of reference) and asks the Government to provide the information requested with its next report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention. Sexual harassment. With reference to its general observation of 2002 on Convention No. 111, the Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the measures adopted or envisaged to prohibit and combat sexual harassment in employment and occupation.

2. The Committee notes that the Government’s report is essentially the same as the previous report received in 2001 and that it contains no reply to its previous direct request. The Committee is therefore bound to reiterate its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee reminds the Government that in addition to any new information it may have on the general application of the Convention, it is to provide the specific information requested by the Committee. The Committee hopes that the next Government’s report will contain replies to its comments.

2. Article 2. Promotion of the national policy. In its previous comments, the Committee noted with interest the adoption of Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999 creating a National Bureau for the Promotion of Women. The Committee also noted with interest Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999 establishing an inter-ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family within the Ministry for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, to study and advise on questions submitted to it by the Ministry and to monitor and evaluate the implementation by the various departments of the recommendations and measures taken in favour of women, children and the family. Moreover, the Committee noted with interest Decree No. 96-149/P-RM of 15 May 1996 establishing the National Advisory Commission on Human Rights. The Committee further noted that the Commission on the Promotion of Women has become the Ministry on the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities undertaken by these new bodies, including extracts from reports, studies or surveys, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in promoting the application of the Convention.

3. Article 3. Access of women to employment. The Committee notes from the report on "Equality of remuneration between men and women in the modern sector in Mali", 2001, that women are poorly represented in remunerated employment, and they have high rates of participation in the informal economy and in agriculture. Women earn on average 15 per cent less than men in the private sector, and 30 per cent less in the public sector. Women are poorly represented in management positions (10 per cent in the public sector) due partly to lower education and partly to obstacles encountered in internal promotions. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures it intends to take in order to address these inequalities in practice.

4. Article 3. Access of women to education and vocational training. In its previous comments the Committee noted the low school attendance rate of girls in comparison with boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee also notes the concern expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in its concluding observations (02/11/99, D.7) about the scarce school attendance, particularly of girls. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of girls and women to education and training (particularly vocational training and university education).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

1. The Committee takes note of the Government’s report. It notes, however, that the report contains no reply to the Committee’s comments, nor any specific or practical information on the application of the Convention. The Committee reminds the Government that in addition to any new information it may have on the general application of the Convention, it is to provide the specific information requested by the Committee. The Committee hopes that the next Government’s report will contain replies to its comments.

2. In its previous comments the Committee noted with interest the adoption of Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999 creating a National Bureau for the Promotion of Women. The Committee also noted with interest Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999 establishing a consultative inter-ministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family within the Ministry for Women, Children and the Family, to study and advise on questions submitted to it by the Ministry and to monitor and evaluate the implementation by the various departments of the recommendations and measures taken in favour of women, children and the family. Moreover, the Committee noted with interest Decree No. 96-149/P-RM of 15 May 1996 establishing the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights. The Committee further noted that a Commission on the Promotion of Women has become the Ministry on the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family. The Committee once again asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities undertaken by these new bodies, including extracts from reports, studies or surveys, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in promoting application of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes from the report of the "Equality of remuneration between men and women in the modern sector in Mali", 2001, that women are poorly represented in remunerated employment, and they have high rates of participation within the informal economy and in agriculture. Women earn on average 15 per cent less than men in the private sector, and 30 per cent less in the public sector. Women are poorly represented in management positions (10 per cent in the public sector) due partly to a lower education and partly to obstacles encountered in internal promotions. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures it intends to take in order to address these inequalities in practice.

4. In its previous comments the Committee noted the low school attendance rate of girls in comparison with boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee also notes the concern expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in its Concluding Observation 02/11/99 (D.7) about the scarce school attendance, particularly of girls. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of girls and women to education and training (particularly vocational training and university education).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of Ordinance No. 99-009/P-RM of 1 April 1999 creating a National Bureau for the Promotion of Women which is responsible for, among others: (1) developing programmes and action plans for the promotion of women; (2) carrying out research in relation to the legal, social, economic and cultural status of women; (3) initiating action aimed at reducing the disparities between men and women; and (4) coordinating, supervising and monitoring gender mainstreaming in the design and implementation of the development policies. The Committee also notes with interest Decree No. 99-156/PM-RM of 16 June 1999 establishing a consultative interministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family within the Ministry for Women, Children and the Family, to study and advise on questions submitted to it by the Ministry and to monitor and evaluate the implementation by the various departments of the recommendations and measures taken in favour of women, children and the family. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information in future reports, including extracts from reports, studies or surveys carried out by the abovementioned bodies, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in promoting application of the Convention. Noting the Government's statement in its report that, in 1997, a Commission on the Promotion of Women has become the Ministry on the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on its activities and mandate as well as on its relationship with the above institutions. Further, the Committee reiterates its previous request for information regarding the implementation of the National Strategies for Action for the Promotion of Women, produced by the Commission for the Promotion of Women in 1994 (and attached to the 1995 government report).

2. With regard to Article 5 of the Convention, the Committee noted, in its previous direct request, the adoption of Decree No. 96-178/P-RM of 13 June 1996 implementing various provisions of the Labour Code and sections D.189-1, D.189-37 of the above Decree protecting women and children in the workplace. It had requested detailed information on the measures protecting women and children in the workplace and on the consultations held with the workers' and employers' organizations in this regard. While noting that the Government's report contains no reply to the Committee's request for information, the Committee nevertheless notes the Government's statement that the Ministry on the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family is contemplating conducting a study on the general situation of women which will respond to the questions raised by the Committee. It therefore hopes that the Government's next report will contain detailed information regarding this matter.

3. In its previous comments the Committee noted the low school attendance rate of girls in comparison with boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee notes that a 1996 report on the employment situation in Mali attached to the Government's report (Bilan de l'emploi, "Etude sur le secteur moderne, 1996") on the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), confirms this trend and indicates that women's participation in the labour market remains very low, constituting only 13.86 per cent in 1996. Moreover, unlike their male counterparts, women continue to face difficulties in accessing higher level posts even when they obtained a higher level of education. The Committee once again draws the Government's attention to paragraphs 166 to 169 of its 1988 General Survey on equality in employment and occupation, in which it describes the concept and content of positive measures or measures to correct de facto inequalities in training and employment and to promote the equality of opportunity and treatment of members of certain social groups subject to discrimination, particularly women. The Committee urges the Government to supply detailed information on the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of women to training (particularly vocational training and university education) and to employment in all sectors and occupations (including those in which men are predominant) at all levels of responsibility.

4. The Committee notes with interest Decree No. 96-149/P-RM of 15 May 1996 establishing the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights. The Commission's functions include, among others: (1) to promote human rights in Mali; (2) to undertake the necessary action in view of incorporating international human rights standards in the national legislation; and (3) to draw the attention of the Government on all possible decisions and action to promote and protect human rights. The Committee would be grateful if the Government could provide in its next report information on the activities undertaken by the Human Rights Commission to eliminate any discrimination based on all the grounds embodied in the Convention in the fields of access to training, access to employment and particular occupations, and on terms and conditions of employment.

5. With regard to the discrimination criteria set out in Article 1, paragraph (a), of the Convention, the Committee notes that the Government remains silent on discrimination on grounds other than sex. In view of the importance of combating discrimination in employment and occupation based on those other criteria, namely race, colour, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical application of the Convention, to ensure that no discrimination can take place based on these other grounds.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

1. The Committee notes the adoption of Decree No. 96-178/P-RM of 13 June 1996 implementing various provisions of the Labour Code and sections D.189-1 to D.189-37 of the above Decree protecting the employment of women and children. Under Article 5 of the Convention, the Government may determine as non-discriminatory any special measure designed to meet the particular requirements of persons who, for reasons such as sex, age, disability, family responsibilities or social or cultural status, are generally recognized to require special protection or assistance. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, in its next report, in respect of these measures and the consultations held with the representatives of workers' and employers' organizations in this regard, and the reasons why the Government deems it necessary to maintain the measures in question. The Government may wish to refer to paragraphs 139 to 156 of the General Report on equality in employment and occupation, in this respect.

2. The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be submitted to enable its examination by the Committee in its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in points 2 to 4 of its previous direct request, which read as follows:

(...)

2. The Committee notes from the paper describing the strategies for action for the promotion of women (attached to the report) that the measures envisaged in this context to give effect to the provisions of the Convention include: the development of a national education policy for women; the intensification of awareness campaigns to promote the access of girls and women to technical and vocational training; the revision of all specific codes with a view to repealing the discriminatory provisions that they contain; and the establishment of a committee for the elimination of discrimination against women. It would be grateful if the Government would provide detailed information in future reports, including extracts from periodical or ad hoc reports, studies and surveys carried out by these bodies, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in the implementation of the above action and any other measures to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of women and to eliminate any discriminatory practices against them in the fields of access to training, employment and particular occupations, and terms and conditions of employment.

3. Further to its previous comments concerning the technical support of the ILO in the implementation of a project to evaluate work by women and children, the Committee notes that the Government reiterates its request for this assistance and indicates that the initial project could be amended and reformulated. The Committee notes that contacts have been made with the Government by the Office with a view to determining in a detailed manner the real need for assistance in this field and the appropriate means of meeting them in the context of the general programme of practical activities that are currently being undertaken or are planned in the country. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of developments in the situation in this respect.

4. The Committee notes from the report of the Commissioner for the Promotion of Women that the school attendance rate of girls is still very low in comparison with that of boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee once again draws the Government's attention to paragraphs 166 to 169 of its 1988 General Survey on equality in employment and occupation, in which it describes the concept and content of positive measures or measures to make good de facto inequalities in training and employment and to promote the equality of opportunity and treatment of members of certain social groups suffering from discrimination, particularly women. The Committee once again requested detailed information on the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of women to training (particularly vocational training and university education) and to employment in all sectors and occupations (including those in which men are predominant) at all levels of responsibility.

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

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read, in part, as follows:

(...)

2. The Committee notes from the paper describing the strategies for action for the promotion of women (attached to the report) that the measures envisaged in this context to give effect to the provisions of the Convention include: the development of a national education policy for women; the intensification of awareness campaigns to promote the access of girls and women to technical and vocational training; the revision of all specific codes with a view to repealing the discriminatory provisions that they contain; and the establishment of a committee for the elimination of discrimination against women. It would be grateful if the Government would provide detailed information in future reports, including extracts from periodical or ad hoc reports, studies and surveys carried out by these bodies, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in the implementation of the above action and any other measures to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of women and to eliminate any discriminatory practices against them in the fields of access to training, employment and particular occupations, and terms and conditions of employment.

3. Further to its previous comments concerning the technical support of the ILO in the implementation of a project to evaluate work by women and children, the Committee notes that the Government reiterates its request for this assistance and indicates that the initial project could be amended and reformulated. The Committee notes that contacts have been made with the Government by the Office with a view to determining in a detailed manner the real need for assistance in this field and the appropriate means of meeting them in the context of the general programme of practical activities that are currently being undertaken or are planned in the country. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of developments in the situation in this respect.

4. The Committee notes from the report of the Commissioner for the Promotion of Women that the school attendance rate of girls is still very low in comparison with that of boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee once again draws the Government's attention to paragraphs 166 to 169 of its 1988 General Survey on equality in employment and occupation, in which it describes the concept and content of positive measures or measures to make good de facto inequalities in training and employment and to promote the equality of opportunity and treatment of members of certain social groups suffering from discrimination, particularly women. The Committee once again requests detailed information on the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of women to training (particularly vocational training and university education) and to employment in all sectors and occupations (including those in which men are predominant) at all levels of responsibility.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

1. The Committee notes that the Government reiterates its previous statement concerning its willingness to supply information, including statistics, on developments in the situation as regards the equal access of men and women to education, vocational training, employment and occupation. It adds, however, that such information is not available due to the lack of financing for the surveys needed to collect and analyse the data. The Committee notes the Government's request for ILO technical and material support to implement a project for the evaluation of work by women and children, of which it supplies the text.

The Committee notes that the essential purpose of the project is the protection of women and children against dangerous and unhealthy work and night work. It hopes that the results of the project, particularly the compilation of statistics will lead to a better knowledge of the situation for this Convention as regards the equal access of men and women to education, vocational training, employment and occupation, and equal treatment in respect of working conditions. In this connection, the Committee also hopes that the Government's contacts with the Office in the context of this project will provide an opportunity to emphasize the value of this study for the application of the Convention. In the meantime, it once again requests the Government to provide statistics in future reports on education and employment, disaggregated by sex, which are regularly compiled by the various competent ministries and institutions, such as the Ministries of Labour, the Public Service, National Education, Planning and the National Directorate of Statistics and Computerization. In particular, it once again hopes, as it has on many occasions, that it will be provided with recent statistical data on the participation rates of girls in the various branches of education and vocational training and on the percentage of women, as compared with men, employed at the various levels in the public service, as well as in public and private enterprises which employ a large number of women.

2. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the situation of women is no longer the responsibility of the Department of Health, Solidarity and the Elderly, but of the Commissariat for the Promotion of Women. The Committee once again requests the Government to supply with its next report detailed information (including copies of their constituent texts, extracts from annual or regular reports, relevant studies and surveys) relating to the objectives and activities undertaken by the various entities responsible for promoting women, and in particular the Commissariat for the Promotion of Women, with a view to promoting and encouraging the education and vocational training of women and facilitating their access to jobs where men predominate and to positions of responsibility.

3. The Committee notes that, according to the report, the National Manpower and Employment Office does not establish any preference based on sex in respect of recruitment or the financing of projects, and that in the former case the only criteria are the vocational skills of the applicant and the requirements of the enterprise and, in the latter, the feasibility of the project. The Committee refers to paragraphs 166 to 169 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation, in which it describes the concept and content of positive measures or measures to make good de facto inequalities in training and employment and to promote the equality of opportunity and treatment of members of social groups suffering from discrimination, and particularly women and disadvantaged ethnic groups. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on the positive measures which have been taken or are envisaged to facilitate and encourage the access of women and disadvantaged ethnic groups to training (particularly vocational training and university education) and to employment in all sectors and occupations and at all levels of responsibility.

4. Please supply the information requested under points III, IV and V of the report form on the effect given to the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the national strategies for action to promote women and the Decrees establishing and determining the functions of the bodies for the development, coordination and implementation of these strategies, namely Decree No. 93-119 of 4 May 1993 and Decree No. 93-302 of 27 August 1993 respecting the functions of the Commissioner for the Promotion of Women, as well as Decrees Nos. 93-301 and 93-303 of 27 August 1993 establishing respectively the Interministerial Committee for the Promotion of Women and the joint commission for the promotion of women composed of representatives of the Government, associations and NGOs.

2. The Committee notes from the paper describing the strategies for action for the promotion of women (attached to the report) that the measures envisaged in this context to give effect to the provisions of the Convention include: the development of a national education policy for women; the intensification of awareness campaigns to promote the access of girls and women to technical and vocational training; the revision of all specific codes with a view to repealing the discriminatory provisions that they contain; and the establishment of a committee for the elimination of discrimination against women. It would be grateful if the Government would provide detailed information in future reports, including extracts from periodical or ad hoc reports, studies and surveys carried out by these bodies, to enable it to ascertain the progress achieved in the implementation of the above action and any other measures to promote equality of opportunity and treatment of women and to eliminate any discriminatory practices against them in the fields of access to training, employment and particular occupations, and terms and conditions of employment.

3. Further to its previous comments concerning the technical support of the ILO in the implementation of a project to evaluate work by women and children, the Committee notes that the Government reiterates its request for this assistance and indicates that the initial project could be amended and reformulated. The Committee notes that contacts have been made with the Government by the Office with a view to determining in a detailed manner the real need for assistance in this field and the appropriate means of meeting them in the context of the general programme of practical activities that are currently being undertaken or are planned in the country. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep it informed of developments in the situation in this respect.

4. The Committee notes from the report of the Commissioner for the Promotion of Women that the school attendance rate of girls is still very low in comparison with that of boys and that the proportion of girls, which is already low during the first cycle, decreases with each level of education, declining from 36.53 per cent in the first cycle to 25.93 per cent at the secondary and technical levels and 13.72 per cent in higher education. The Committee once again draws the Government's attention to paragraphs 166 to 169 of its 1988 General Survey on equality in employment and occupation, in which it describes the concept and content of positive measures or measures to make good de facto inequalities in training and employment and to promote the equality of opportunity and treatment of members of certain social groups suffering from discrimination, particularly women. The Committee once again requests detailed information on the positive measures which have been taken, and the results obtained, to facilitate and encourage the access of women to training (particularly vocational training and university education) and to employment in all sectors and occupations (including those in which men are predominant) at all levels of responsibility.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report in answer to its previous comments. It notes that a new Labour Code was adopted on 23 September 1992 and that it contains no amendments to the former provisions that related to the Convention.

1. With reference to its previous comments on equality of access to education, vocational training and employment, the Committee notes the Government's indication that detailed information, including statistics, on developments in equal access to education and vocational training, equal access to employment and occupation and equal treatment in respect of working conditions, will be sent to the ILO as soon as is feasible, bearing in mind that the necessary surveys are often too costly for the budgets of the Employment and Labour Departments.

The Committee draws the Government's attention to paragraph 247 of its 1988 General Survey on Equality in Employment and Occupation in which it points out that the means available for compiling information on direct and indirect forms of discrimination must be improved if progress is to be made in the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of policies to achieve equality. It therefore hopes that the Government will endeavour, with the cooperation of employers' and workers' organizations, enterprises and any other appropriate bodies, and with technical assistance from the ILO if it so requests, to compile data, particularly statistics, enabling it to keep better informed of the training and employment situation. It again asks the Government with its next report to provide recent statistical data on the school attendance rates of the various population groups, particularly women, and their participation rate in vocational training courses and in employment.

2. It would also appreciate receiving information on the activities of the National Manpower and Employment Office and the results of its supervision of the application of the principle of non-discrimination in training and employment laid down in the national legislation and collective agreements.

3. As regards women more particularly, the Committee notes from the report that the Government is paying special attention to the education, training and employment of women and the least privileged sectors of society, witness the establishment of the Ministry of Solidarity. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee asks the Government to provide recent statistics showing the percentage of women, in relation to men, employed at the various levels of the public administration and in public and private enterprises employing a large of number of women. Please also provide information on the activities of the new Ministry of Solidarity, indicating the results obtained, aimed at encouraging education and vocational training for women and facilitating their access to jobs where men still dominate and to more positions of responsibility.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes that the Government's report generally describes the legislative and collective agreement framework for the principle of non-discrimination but contains no reply to its 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. As regards access to education and vocational training, the Committee notes the statement that the national education and training systems do not incorporate any discriminatory measure, since they are open to all without distinction under the legal texts that are applicable in this respect. The same applies to apprenticeship and to vocational rehabilitation and further training, by virtue of collective agreements. Supervision of activities in this area is provided by the National Labour and Employment Office. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any developments in this respect and in particular to indicate the measures that have been taken in practice, under the above legislation, to encourage access to education and vocational training without any discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will also be able to supply statistics on the school attendance rates of the various groups of the population, and on participation in vocational training courses and the outcome of the supervision carried out in this area by the National Labour and Employment Office.

2. As regards access to employment and to particular occupations, and equality of treatment as regards terms and conditions of employment, the Committee notes the indications in the report and has also examined the collective agreement for geological and hydro-geological mining societies and enterprises (which came into force on 24 May 1985), a copy of which was supplied by the Government. The Committee notes with interest that under section 1 of this agreement, no distinction is made between workers of either sex and that under section 8, the parties undertake not to take account, in employment relationships within the enterprise, of social and ethnic extraction, religious belief, political and philosophical opinion, and whether or not the person concerned belongs to a trade union. The Committee also notes the statement that the National Labour Office, which is responsible for placing workers, only takes into account the vocational skills of the persons concerned. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information (including statistics) on the effect given in practice to the national laws and collective agreements in this connection, and on the work of the above Office. It would also be grateful to be provided with information on how effect is given to the principle set out in the Convention as regards access to non-salaried jobs.

3. With particular reference to women, the Committee notes with interest that the school attendance rate of girls increased from 6.5 per cent in 1959-60 to 20 per cent in 1983-84 and that, in order to speed up the education and vocational training of women, special training schools for women were opened by the Government. The Committee also notes that the National Union of Women of Mali has set itself the objective of increasing the awareness of women in order to raise their participation in the economic life of the country and that, for this purpose, it has organized many seminars and workshops and that it is also working to increase the literacy of rural women.

The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any new positive step that is taken and on any progress that is achieved regarding the education and training of women, particularly for jobs which are not traditionally occupied by women, and on the access of women to employment. The Committee would also be grateful to be provided with recent statistics on the participation rate for women in the labour market (the number of women who are employed and their proportion in relation to men).

4. As regards women employed in the public administration, the Committee notes that they account for 20.2 per cent of all public officials, but that in the higher categories the ratio is only one woman to eight men. It also notes that data on the number of women occupying positions of responsibility will be supplied as soon as possible. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to endeavour to intensify the education and vocational training of women and by so doing to facilitate their access to employment and to positions of responsibility on an equal footing with men. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on any progress achieved in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to its 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. As regards access to education and vocational training, the Committee notes the statement that the national education and training systems do not incorporate any discriminatory measure, since they are open to all without distinction under the legal texts that are applicable in this respect. The same applies to apprenticeship and to vocational rehabilitation and further training, by virtue of collective agreements. Supervision of activities in this area is provided by the National Labour and Employment Office. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any developments in this respect and in particular to indicate the measures that have been taken in practice, under the above legislation, to encourage access to education and vocational training without any discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will also be able to supply statistics on the school attendance rates of the various groups of the population, and on participation in vocational training courses and the outcome of the supervision carried out in this area by the National Labour and Employment Office.

2. As regards access to employment and to particular occupations, and equality of treatment as regards terms and conditions of employment, the Committee notes the indications in the report and has also examined the collective agreement for geological and hydro-geological mining societies and enterprises (which came into force on 24 May 1985), a copy of which was supplied by the Government. The Committee notes with interest that under section 1 of this agreement, no distinction is made between workers of either sex and that under section 8, the parties undertake not to take account, in employment relationships within the enterprise, of social and ethnic extraction, religious belief, political and philosophical opinion, and whether or not the person concerned belongs to a trade union. The Committee also notes the statement that the National Labour Office, which is responsible for placing workers, only takes into account the vocational skills of the persons concerned. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information (including statistics) on the effect given in practice to the national laws and collective agreements in this connection, and on the work of the above Office. It would also be grateful to be provided with information on how effect is given to the principles set out in the Convention as regards access to non-salaried jobs.

3. With particular reference to women, the Committee notes with interest that the school attendance rate of girls increased from 6.5 per cent in 1959-60 to 20 per cent in 1983-84 and that, in order to speed up the education and vocational training of women, special training schools for women were opened by the Government. The Committee also notes that the National Union of Women of Mali has set itself the objective of increasing the awareness of women in order to raise their participation in the economic life of the country and that, for this purpose, it has organised many seminars and workshops and that it is also working to increase the literacy of rural women.

The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any new positive step that is taken and on any progress that is achieved regarding the education and training of women, particularly for jobs which are not traditionally occupied by women, and on the access of women to employment and to particular non-salaried occupations. The Committee would also be grateful to be provided with recent statistics on the participation rate for women in the labour market (the number of women who are employed and their proportion in relation to men).

4. As regards women employed in the public administration, the Committee notes that they account for 20.2 per cent of all public officials, but that in the higher categories there is only one woman for eight men. It also notes that data on the number of women occupying positions of responsibility will be supplied as soon as possible. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to endeavour to intensify the education and vocational training of women and by so doing to facilitate their access to employment and to positions of responsibility on an equal footing with men. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on any progress achieved in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no reply to its 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. As regards access to education and vocational training, the Committee notes the statement that the national education and training systems do not incorporate any discriminatory measure, since they are open to all without distinction under the legal texts that are applicable in this respect. The same applies to apprenticeship and to vocational rehabilitation and further training, by virtue of collective agreements. Supervision of activities in this area is provided by the National Labour and Employment Office. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any developments in this respect and in particular to indicate the measures that have been taken in practice, under the above legislation, to encourage access to education and vocational training without any discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will also be able to supply statistics on the school attendance rates of the various groups of the population, and on participation in vocational training courses and the outcome of the supervision carried out in this area by the National Labour and Employment Office.

2. As regards access to employment and to particular occupations, and equality of treatment as regards terms and conditions of employment, the Committee notes the indications in the report and has also examined the collective agreement for geological and hydro-geological mining societies and enterprises (which came into force on 24 May 1985), a copy of which was supplied by the Government. The Committee notes with interest that under section 1 of this agreement, no distinction is made between workers of either sex and that under section 8, the parties undertake not to take account, in employment relationships within the enterprise, of social and ethnic extraction, religious belief, political and philosophical opinion, and whether or not the person concerned belongs to a trade union. The Committee also notes the statement that the National Labour Office, which is responsible for placing workers, only takes into account the vocational skills of the persons concerned. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information (including statistics) on the effect given in practice to the national laws and collective agreements in this connection, and on the work of the above Office. It would also be grateful to be provided with information on how effect is given to the principles set out in the Convention as regards access to non-salaried jobs.

3. With particular reference to women, the Committee notes with interest that the school attendance rate of girls increased from 6.5 per cent in 1959-60 to 20 per cent in 1983-84 and that, in order to speed up the education and vocational training of women, special training schools for women were opened by the Government. The Committee also notes that the National Union of Women of Mali has set itself the objective of increasing the awareness of women in order to raise their participation in the economic life of the country and that, for this purpose, it has organised many seminars and workshops and that it is also working to increase the literacy of rural women.

The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any new positive step that is taken and on any progress that is achieved regarding the education and training of women, particularly for jobs which are not traditionally occupied by women, and on the access of women to employment and to particular non-salaried occupations. The Committee would also be grateful to be provided with recent statistics on the participation rate for women in the labour market (the number of women who are employed and their proportion in relation to men).

4. As regards women employed in the public administration, the Committee notes that they account for 20.2 per cent of all public officials, but that in the higher categories there is only one woman for eight men. It also notes that data on the number of women occupying positions of responsibility will be supplied as soon as possible. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to endeavour to intensify the education and vocational training of women and by so doing to facilitate their access to employment and to positions of responsibility on an equal footing with men. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on any progress achieved in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes with interest the detailed information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct requests.

1. As regards access to education and vocational training, the Committee notes the statement that the national education and training systems do not incorporate any discriminatory measure, since they are open to all without distinction under the legal texts that are applicable in this respect. The same applies to apprenticeship and to vocational rehabilitation and further training, by virtue of collective agreements. Supervision of activities in this area is provided by the National Labour and Employment Office. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any developments in this respect and in particular to indicate the measures that have been taken in practice, under the above legislation, to encourage access to education and vocational training without any discrimination on the grounds set out in the Convention. The Committee hopes that the Government will also be able to supply statistics on the school attendance rates of the various groups of the population, and on participation in vocational training courses and the outcome of the supervision carried out in this area by the National Labour and Employment Office.

2. As regards access to employment and to particular occupations, and equality of treatment as regards terms and conditions of employment, the Committee notes the indications in the report and has also examined the collective agreement for geological and hydro-geological mining societies and enterprises (which came into force on 24 May 1985), a copy of which was supplied by the Government. The Committee notes with interest that under section 1 of this agreement, no distinction is made between workers of either sex and that under section 8, the parties undertake not to take account, in employment relationships within the enterprise, of social and ethnic extraction, religious belief, political and philosophical opinion, and whether or not the person concerned belongs to a trade union. The Committee also notes the statement that the National Labour Office, which is responsible for placing workers, only takes into account the vocational skills of the persons concerned. The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information (including statistics) on the effect given in practice to the national laws and collective agreements in this connection, and on the work of the above Office. It would also be grateful to be provided with information on how effect is given to the principles set out in the Convention as regards access to non-salaried jobs.

3. With particular reference to women, the Committee notes with interest that the school attendance rate of girls increased from 6.5 per cent in 1959-60 to 20 per cent in 1983-84 and that, in order to speed up the education and vocational training of women, special training schools for women were opened by the Government. The Committee also notes that the National Union of Women of Mali has set itself the objective of increasing the awareness of women in order to raise their participation in the economic life of the country and that, for this purpose, it has organised many seminars and workshops and that it is also working to increase the literacy of rural women.

The Committee requests the Government to continue supplying information on any new positive step that is taken and on any progress that is achieved regarding the education and training of women, particularly for jobs which are not traditionally occupied by women, and on the access of women to employment and to particular non-salaried occupations. The Committee would also be grateful to be provided with recent statistics on the participation rate for women in the labour market (the number of women who are employed and their proportion in relation to men).

4. As regards women employed in the public administration, the Committee notes that they account for 20.2 per cent of all public officials, but that in the higher categories there is only one woman for eight men. It also notes that data on the number of women occupying positions of responsibility will be supplied as soon as possible. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to endeavour to intensify the education and vocational training of women and by so doing to facilitate their access to employment and to positions of responsibility on an equal footing with men. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on any progress achieved in this respect.