ILO decent work for women

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The gender employment gap is still large in the Middle East and North Africa. Only one of the four of woman participates in economic life in Tunisia and Egypt even though representation of young women in higher education is relatively high. Low female employment rate has a negative effect on economic growth. ILO's project aims at supporting women to better participate in labour markets and social dialogue in Tunisia and Egypt, and enhancing their position to defend their rights with regards to international labour standards. In addition, the project aims at capacity building for civil service and labour market institutions on gender issues. Finland has funded the project in 2012-2016 (2,5 MEUR). The project has proceeded well: 430 officials and members of employers' and workers' organisations have been trained on women rights and gender equality, and the skills of 1200 disadvantages women have been enhanced. In addition, the national knowledge base on gender-sensitive issues is improved and tripartite recommendations for reform of the policy and legislative environment concerning women's rights and gender equality in the labour market are formulated. Finland's contribution is EUR 622 023.