One of the challenges of Gender in the 21st Century has been
the debate over the issue of women and work. The Centre
for Gender and Development Studies has contributed to
this debate through research, publication and the teaching
of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
An important gap that needs to be addressed, especially
in the context of globalisation, is the development
of policy to ensure consistency with international labour
standards. The paper examines Conventions adopted by
the International Labour Organisation, a tripartite
organisation that has addressed the needs of governments,
private sector and trade unions. In examining a vision
for the 21st Century as it relates to Caribbean women
workers, the paper seeks to 'push the boundaries' by
arguing an expansion of policies to provide greater
protection for women workers as well as encouraging
Caribbean countries to increase the rate of their ratification
of ILO Conventions. The paper therefore links the region
to the international struggle for the adoption, use
and application of international standards.
The paper examines the range and scope of work done
by Caribbean women workers and challenges posed by women's
need to balance their productive and reproductive roles.
It also examines Key ILO Conventions developed to protect
the rights of women workers; Caribbean countries' ratification
of the main ILO; Conventions, and Policy implications
of a select number of ILO.
|