FG urges women to seek legal redress against discrimination in workplace

FG urges women to seek legal redress against discrimination in workplace

NEWS DIGEST -The Federal Government has advised women to seek redress against discrimination in the workplace.

Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment said this while addressing the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland with the theme of the conference is “A Future with decent work.’’

He said the promotion of youth, women employment and enhancement of the status of women at work has been a big challenge in the society over the last decade.

According to him, the most effective method of eliminating gender inequality from the workplace lies in vigorous opposition to employers’ discriminatory conducts, policies and harassment in all forms wherever and whenever they occur.

“Women who fall victims to these abuses are encouraged to oppose such through legal actions and reporting to labour inspectors,’’ he said.

He said a lot needs to be done in terms of putting in place appropriate legislation, policies and practices to deal with the gender gaps that inhibit greater participation of women in the labour force.

He also said the infusion into labour inspection Guide, law and Code of practice, with severe sanction and serious punitive measures are prescribed as future deterrent.

He however said the Nigerian government was committed to the promotion of youth and women employment and enhancement of the status of women at work.

“For a country where women constitute 49. 4 per cent of the total population of over 190 million, it is therefore imperative that the issues which hinder increased and effective women participation in the labour force be properly addressed, ‘’he said.
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He said to address the issue of gender inequality and youth unemployment, the government drew up and has been implementing an Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

Ngige also said Nigeria has also initiated a School –to-Work (N-Power) programme, designed to empower young women and men with skills to facilitate their entry into labour market.

The programme has an initial two years’ span.

The minister, however, noted that Nigeria government have taken some specific measures to address inequality and has recorded some successes.

He said some of the successes reordered includes the principle of equal pay for equal work for all, without discrimination on account of sex is enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

He also said that employers of labour in both the public and private sector are by regulations requested to provide work place crèches for nursing mothers for ease at work place.

He also said in the public service, Nigeria recently increased the period for maternity leave from 12 to 16 weeks to allow enough recuperation time for both baby and mother in terms of breast feeding.

He noted in addition all disciplinary proceedings against any female staff which might have been taken during period of her maternity leave shall be put in abeyance till the expiration of the leave.

“Employers of labour are also barred from removal of women from work due to their marital or maternity status.

“Illegal labour migration, contract staffing and labour casualisation which affects most women, are being reformed through policies and regulations at nation and bilateral and multilateral levels.

He called for technical assistance from the ILO in the area of gender audits.

The Federal Government has advised women to seek redress against discrimination in the workplace.

Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment said this while addressing the 107th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland with the theme of the conference is “A Future with decent work.’’

He said the promotion of youth, women employment and enhancement of the status of women at work has been a big challenge in the society over the last decade.

According to him, the most effective method of eliminating gender inequality from the workplace lies in vigorous opposition to employers’ discriminatory conducts, policies and harassment in all forms wherever and whenever they occur.

“Women who fall victims to these abuses are encouraged to oppose such through legal actions and reporting to labour inspectors,’’ he said.

He said a lot needs to be done in terms of putting in place appropriate legislation, policies and practices to deal with the gender gaps that inhibit greater participation of women in the labour force.

He also said the infusion into labour inspection Guide, law and Code of practice, with severe sanction and serious punitive measures are prescribed as future deterrent.

He however said the Nigerian government was committed to the promotion of youth and women employment and enhancement of the status of women at work.

“For a country where women constitute 49. 4 per cent of the total population of over 190 million, it is therefore imperative that the issues which hinder increased and effective women participation in the labour force be properly addressed, ‘’he said.
.
He said to address the issue of gender inequality and youth unemployment, the government drew up and has been implementing an Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

Ngige also said Nigeria has also initiated a School –to-Work (N-Power) programme, designed to empower young women and men with skills to facilitate their entry into labour market.

The programme has an initial two years’ span.

The minister, however, noted that Nigeria government have taken some specific measures to address inequality and has recorded some successes.

He said some of the successes reordered includes the principle of equal pay for equal work for all, without discrimination on account of sex is enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

He also said that employers of labour in both the public and private sector are by regulations requested to provide work place crèches for nursing mothers for ease at work place.

He also said in the public service, Nigeria recently increased the period for maternity leave from 12 to 16 weeks to allow enough recuperation time for both baby and mother in terms of breast feeding.

He noted in addition all disciplinary proceedings against any female staff which might have been taken during period of her maternity leave shall be put in abeyance till the expiration of the leave.

“Employers of labour are also barred from removal of women from work due to their marital or maternity status.

“Illegal labour migration, contract staffing and labour casualisation which affects most women, are being reformed through policies and regulations at nation and bilateral and multilateral levels.

He called for technical assistance from the ILO in the area of gender audits.