Question

Within the ILO context, what is a key aim of the women's empowerment perspective?

• A. To exclusively focus on women's health and reproductive rights.
• B. To promote the equal position of women in the world of work.
• C. To encourage women to take on leadership roles in international organizations.
• D. To facilitate women's migration to developed countries for better opportunities.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To promote the equal position of women in the world of work.

The Significance of Women's Empowerment in the World of Work within the ILO Framework

• Core Objective: The primary goal of integrating a women's empowerment perspective within the International Labour Organization (ILO) is to ensure and actively promote the equal standing and opportunities for women across all aspects of the labor market.
• Addressing Inequalities: This perspective seeks to dismantle systemic barriers and discriminatory practices that have historically marginalized women in employment, wages, career progression, and access to leadership roles.
• Economic and Social Development: Empowering women in the workplace is recognized not just as a matter of gender equality but also as a crucial driver for broader economic growth, poverty reduction, and overall social development. An inclusive workforce is a more productive and innovative workforce.
• Decent Work Agenda: The ILO's 'Decent Work Agenda' inherently includes the principle of gender equality. Women's empowerment is central to achieving this agenda, ensuring that all workers, regardless of gender, have access to safe, secure, and fairly compensated employment.
• International Labour Standards: Key ILO conventions, such as the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111), are foundational in promoting the equal position of women and eliminating discrimination.
• Policy Implications: For competitive exams, understanding this aim is crucial. It implies that policies and programs should focus on equal pay, access to training and skills development, protection against harassment and violence at work, and support for work-life balance, all geared towards achieving parity between men and women in employment.
• Kerala Model Context: While the question is framed within the ILO context, the principle of women's empowerment is also a significant aspect of development models like the Kerala Model, which emphasizes high human development indicators, including significant achievements in women's education and health, though challenges in full labor market participation and equality persist.