Abstract:
This article investigates the phenomenon of gender equality in employment in the BRICS
countries where it is one of the factors hampering the economic development and basic human rights. The authors examine the international obligations of these states under
the human rights treaties of the United Nations Organization (UNO) and the International
Labour Organization (ILO), compare the national anti-discriminatory norms with the
international standards (ILO Conventions and the Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination Against Women) and evaluate the observations of the relevant
international bodies recently adopted in respect of the BRICS states. In particular, the
activities of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and the
ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations are
reviewed. In the paragraphs that follow, the national legislation and case-laws are examined.
Furthermore, the reasons for the persistent gender stereotypes in the labor market, as well
as the general attitude toward women’s roles in society in each country are reviewed. The
authors identify the obstacles to achieving true gender equality in the workplace and
formulate recommendations for improving protections against discrimination of women
in employment as well as ensuring equal access to employment and promotion.
