In April 2012 the ILO published the “Maternity Protection Resource Package. From Aspiration to Reality for All”, which results from its collaboration with the ILO International Training Centre, UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA, UN Women and IBFAN-GIFA.
There are two versions, a long and a short one that are both available at the ILO Conditions of Work and Employment Branch website (http://www.ilo.org/travail)
Quoting from the Introduction: “The Package can be used by governments, trade unions, employers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), researchers and practitioners, United Nations (UN) officials and others. The information is intended to be accessible to a non-technical audience, with resources for further technical information noted at the end of each module. Numerous examples of actions in improving maternity protection at work in all types of economic activities around the world are highlighted throughout the Package, for guidance and inspiration. The message of the Package is that the aspiration of maternity protection at work for all is both desirable and possible. Even in the most challenging situations, commitment and the will to act can bring about results and benefits, contributing to equitable economic growth, social cohesion and Decent Work for all women and men.”
The Package is divided into 3 parts:
Part 1. Maternity protection at work: The basics provides a general overview of what maternity protection is (Module 1), whom it should cover (Module 2), why it is important (Module 3), who are the main actors in developing and delivering maternity protection at work (Module 4) and the key related international frameworks(Module 5).
Part 2. Maternity protection at work in depth: The core elements reviews in detail all of its main components: maternity leave (Module 6), cash and medical benefits (Module 7), health protection at the workplace (Module 8), employment protection and non-discrimination (Module 9), and breastfeeding and employment (Module 10). The Package also includes one module related to coping with childcare after return to work (Module 11).
Part 3. Taking action on maternity protection at work, with guidance and tools to: assess national laws (Module 12) and practices (Module 13) concerning maternity protection at work; identify needs and opportunities, plan and carry out awareness-raising and advocacy (Module 14), and develop the capacity to strengthen and extend maternity protection at work (Module 15). The last module includes two Annexes with sample training programmes and fund raising tools.
For more information please contact the TRAVAIL Department of ILO (piper@ilo.org) or IBFAN-GIFA (elaine.cote@gifa.org).