I-vi.2 Positive actions in favour of equality at work between men and women
3.6.2.I-vi.2 Positive actions in favour of equality at work between men and women (Azioni positive per la realizzazione della parità uomo-donna nel lavoro)
3.6.2.1. Aim
To promote the employment of women and to achieve substantial equality at work between men and women, and at the same time to adopt measures called "positive actions" with the aim of removing obstacles which stand in the way of equal opportunity.
In particular, these positive actions aim to:
- eliminate inequalities in school education and vocational training, the access to employment and career advancement;
- eliminate conditions and factors relating to the organisation and division of tasks which adversely affect women in the areas of training, career advancement and economic treatment;
- promote the integration of women into activities and sectors where they are under-represented, in particular hi-tech jobs and areas of responsibility;
- promote the balance between family and professional responsibilities and a better division of these between the sexes.
3.6.2.2. Legal basis
- Law 903 of 9.12.1977;
- Law 125 of 10.4.1991;
- Article 16, Law 451/94, on the basis of which the principles of direct and indirect non-discrimination in accordance with Law 125/91 must be respected in work-cum-training projects (cf. Chapter III, I-vi.6).
3.6.2.3. Contents
Positive actions can be promoted by the National Committee set up under the above-mentioned Law (cf. Institutional support), local advisors and companies entrusted with equality, public and private employers, centres for vocational training and national or regional trade union organisa-tions.
Companies, public profit-making institutions, trade union associations and centres for vocational training which adopt projects for positive action can request either through the Ministry of Labour or through access to Community funding, the total or partial funding of financial costs relating to the realisation of these projects (projects which are agreed by employers and trade union organisa-tions have priority). The National Committee has to be consulted in both cases.
The administrations of the state, the regions, local authorities and public profit-making institutions must adopt positive action projects within a period of one year of the Law coming into effect.
3.6.2.4. Financial resources
An amount of ITL 9,000 million per year, charged to the state budget, has been allocated for financing positive actions.
3.6.2.5. Institutional support
The National Committee for the application of the principles of equality of treatment and opportunity between male and female workers was set up by the Ministry of Labour with the aim of eliminating sexual discrimination.
This Committee consists, besides the Minister of Labour, of five representatives from trade union organisations, five from employers' organisations, eleven representatives from women's associations and movements and the advisor entrusted with equality in the Central Employment Commission.
The Committee carries out various tasks with a view to achieving equality between men and women, in particular:
- formulating proposals aimed at improving the current legislation;
- informing and being aware of public opinion;
- promoting the adoption of positive actions by the bodies already mentioned by expressing its view on the financing of the projects presented and by checking their realisation and their results;
- promoting an adequate representation of women in competent public bodies in the field of labour and vocational training.
3.6.2.6. Duration
Unlimited.
3.6.2.7. Effects
In 1995, 65 projects were approved and financed with a total of ITL 8,548,500,000. In 1996 there were 53 projects and financing of ITL 7,903,000,000. The bodies who had projects approved included public offices, large and small firms, cooperatives, educational centres, youth information centres, women's organisations, etc.
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