Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 31 May (BelTA) – Belarus has made considerable progress in securing the women’s rights on the labor market, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) Mikhail Orda said at a plenary session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva, BelTA learned from the FTUB press service.

The FTUB head stressed that Belarus makes it into the top 15 countries where female HDI equals or exceeds the male HDI. Besides, the country secures a 30% female representation in the authorities.

“Employment in women in Belarus is over 82%. Women make up only 35% among the unemployed. This is the result of the efforts to ensure gender equality in all the areas,” Mikhail Orda said.

Representatives of many countries praised Belarus’ positive experience in social security of women after giving birth. These include a long maternity leave and secure employment.

“Two years ago, a legislative decision was adopted to enable women receive training, retraining, enhancement of qualifications with the help of social insurance funds during their maternity leave," the FTUB chairman said.

The problem of ensuring gender equality in the labor market and the social protection of women remains acute worldwide. According to a study of the International Labor Organization (ILO), in many countries women are still engaged in unpaid or atypical labor. In their speeches the delegates of the 107^th session of the International Labor Conference noted that it is more difficult for a woman than a man to find a job. At the same time, women are paid 23% less than men at equal posts.

The major theme of the current conference “The Women at Work Initiative: The push for Equality” as outlined by ILO Director General Guy Ryder in his speech. This is one of initiatives through which the ILO will mark its 100 years. Its implementation is directly related to the achievement of social equality for all and securing sustainable development in the labor sector.