Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

1. Further to its previous direct request, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the final analysis on the Four-Year Plan of Action to Establish Equality between Women and Men (1994-97) -- which was launched in accordance with section 17 of the Equal Status and Equal Rights of Women and Men Act 1991-- will take place in 1998. The Government is requested to furnish details on that evaluation and on any further measures taken in pursuance of the Plan.

2. In its previous comment, the Committee requested information on any measures taken to consolidate initiatives put forward in the three-year Nordic projects (1992-94) on gender and equal opportunities in teacher education under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers (the NORD-LILIA project). The Committee notes that although the proposal concerning the adoption of a comprehensive policy on gender equality in all teacher training in Iceland has not been implemented (mainly due to the independence of each educational institution), the Ministry of Education and Culture has given active support to the projects on gender equality carried out in individual schools. The Committee also notes with interest that, according to the Government, the results and proposals of the NORD-LILIA project have had an impact on teacher training in various ways, including the requirement for all students of the Teachers' University to register in a basic course, which includes gender equality as a main topic. In addition, the Committee notes that a book on gender equality is being drafted for both student teachers and active teachers in all Nordic countries. Please continue to provide information on any further measures to stimulate a greater respect for the principle of equality set out in the Convention, through educational programmes.

3. Referring to its previous comment concerning the inclusion of a new chapter on human rights in the Constitution in 1995, the Committee welcomes the Government's indication that English copies will be forwarded when available.