In many countries, laws providing for equal rights in employment have not brought about the substantial changes expected. Frequently the laws are not applied in a satisfactory manner and are not sufficiently known by the persons concerned. Their effectiveness may also be impaired by the existence of provisions in labour or social security legislation or in other laws, which either directly or indirectly put women at a disadvantage as compared with men in the field of employment.
ILO assists its constituents to improve the role of legislation in promoting equality of rights in employment. Assistance is also provided to identify provisions in national legislation that hinder equality between men and women in employment.