ILO calls for secured working atmosphere for women

New Delhi, May 18: Director General of International Labour Organisation (

) Guy Ryder today expressed concern over recent cases of crime against

and stressed on the need to ensure a climate where women can work with respect, security and equality.

"Sadly, recent crimes against women have renewed our awareness of the need to act and to ensure that women in India and everywhere else are able to live and work in conditions of respect, security and equality."

"I think women need to participate more in work," he told at the concluding function of the Indian Labour Conference here.

Ryder, who also met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later in the day, said the recent industrial accident in Dhaka, Bangladesh where 1,100 workers died in a building collapse, was a matter of concern and ILO was "taking action" to prevent such incidences from happening again.

Touching on the issue of "unacceptable" form of work, he said that he looks forward to the day when India ratifies ILO conventions of banning worst form of child labour.

"ILO looks forward, I would say with impatience to the day I can come and celebrate with you India's ratification of convention 138 on minimum age of employment and convention 182 on the worst form of child labour. I hope that day is not far away," he said.

The Union Cabinet has already approved the child labour amendment act for tabling in Parliament.

He said ILO is looking at India for a constructive partnership as India is playing a new and key role at international stage.

Your growing economic strength is matched by your growing influence ion the international arena. I am committed to strengthening the partnership between India and ILO," he said.

PTI