How do you think policy making on decent work can promote the incorporation of a gender based analysis and international education approach?
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
The social, cultural, economic, political and ecological development of Jamaica and other Caribbean countries are highly contingent on the promotion of gender equity and internationalization of education as crucial precursors to achieving decent work. Quality education and decent work are the cornerstones of national and regional development (Abdullahi et al, 2022). According to the International Labour Organization, decent work is one that is productive, delivers a fair income, safe working conditions, social protection and dialogue for workers and prospects for personal development and social integration (Gomez, 2023). Consequently, this literature review on gender, international education and decent work conducted by ISATS Jamaica is significant because recent regional reports have shown that while there are differences in the enrollment rate of men and women of different age groups and social classes, there is less men enrollment in tertiary education in the Caribbean. On the other hand, there is a disproportionate level of unemployment and occupational sex segregation in labour markets with respect to women’s participation.
Most women have lower paying jobs and earn less than men in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries (CAPRI, 2023). There are also several other barriers to achieving decent work, locally and regionally such as growing levels of informality, unemployment, under employment, poor working conditions, inadequate social services provision and restrained rights to social dialogue between employers, workers, trade unions, civil society organizations and government (ILO, 2024). This literature review study is also significant because Jamaica is the first country in the Latin America and Caribbean region to designate a social dialogue institution (Labour Advisory Council) as a national unique focal point on labour or industrial relations matters (ILO, 2024).
As a leading travel services and cultural exchange programs agency, International Student Affairs and Travel Services (ISATS) Jamaica is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive professional culture while amplifying its research, policy advocacy and monitoring and evaluation efforts to not only promote overall organizational success and program improvement but to also ensure that its overseas cultural exchange and international education programs advance the ideas and aspirations of its young people (students, recent graduates and experienced professionals) through decent work opportunities.
Gender is a complex and multifaceted subject. It involves a wide range of social, cultural, biological and personal factors that can differ greatly across time, societies and individual experiences. Given the complexities of thinking on gender and the associated changing language (e.g.: cis gender, trans gender, non-binary), it’s crucial to approach gender with an open mind and a willingness to learn, listen and adapt. Policy making, social justice efforts and even personal understanding of gender require a thoughtful, inclusive and intersectional approach that acknowledges and respects the diverse experiences and identities of individuals.
Policy making is more inclusive (arguably better) if it intentionally integrates these perspectives into the design, implementation and evaluation of labour policies. For example, by identifying gender inequities policymakers can use gender-based analysis to identify how existing work structures, wages and working conditions disproportionately affect all people - women, gender minorities and men. This can include addressing wage gaps, occupational segregation, unpaid care work and lack of access to leadership roles.
Policies can then be crafted to ensure that all workers have equal access to decent work, fair wages, social protections and opportunities for advancement. This should include social factors that improve societal wellbeing and think coherently about equal, sustainable futures for all – i.e.: paid family leave, flexible working hours, access to childcare and other services that can directly impact particularly parents’ participation in the workforce.
International Education in Labour Policy
International education can foster collaboration and advocacy among scholars, activists and policymakers across borders. This is building a global movement that at root promotes gender equality in the workplace and should support policies that are informed by both local contexts and global standards. However, it should be noted with caution that education, in its current forms, does not always promote equality. In fact, education itself is not inherently equitable. What constitutes 'education' often reflects dominant cultural values and systems, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not address the diverse needs of all learners. Therefore, education systems should be adaptable and culturally responsive, ensuring they are inclusive and relevant to the varied backgrounds, experiences and needs of different communities. Similarly, notions of equality must be achieved by promoting an inclusive understanding the diversity of global gender expression and norms. This knowledge can help policymakers design culturally sensitive, globally informed policies that represent the truth of diversity and work for all gender identities, especially in cross-border or multicultural workforces.
Other points to note:
1) as international migration grows, integrating gender analysis into labour migration policies is developing in importance. By promoting these insights, policymakers can ensure migrant workers have the skills and certifications needed to access decent work opportunities abroad, while safeguarding against exploitation.
2) It is also important to account for the intersectionality of gender with other factors like ethnicity, class, disability and age as these different social factors may produce unique challenges in accessing work. An educational approach brings attention to these diverse experiences and offer deeper insights into how other countries address these multiple layers of discrimination.
In my opinion, policy making on decent work in India promotes the incorporation of a gender-based analysis and international education approach through several key strategies including intersectionality, cultural sensitivity, International Education including Global Citizenship, Gender base equality for fair wages with social protection, and social dialogue. Many such movements are present in this country at the level of governance and community.
Policymaking on decent work can effectively promote gender-based analysis and an international education approach through the following strategies:
1. Gender-Based Analysis (GBA):
2. International Education Approach:
Examples of Policy Actions:
Imagine a small island nation in the Caribbean, where the government has just embarked on a mission to reform its labor policies. The goal is not just to enhance economic productivity but to foster an environment of decent work, where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have access to fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement. As the policymakers sit down to craft new laws and regulations, a crucial question arises: How can we ensure that these policies also promote gender equality and address the challenges faced by women and marginalized groups in the workforce?
In this context, the government recognizes that simply promoting decent work isn't enough; the policies must also account for the diverse needs of different demographic groups, especially through a gender-based analysis (GBA) lens. This is where the intersection of gender equality and international education comes into play.
The Power of Gender-Based Analysis in Policy Making
Gender-based analysis is a critical tool in understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals based on their gender. Policymakers understand that men and women, and people of various gender identities, experience the labor market differently due to societal structures, cultural expectations, and systemic inequalities. In the small island nation, women often face discrimination in hiring practices, lower wages, and limited opportunities for leadership roles. These challenges are further compounded for women from marginalized communities, such as Indigenous or rural populations.
By incorporating a gender-based analysis into the policy-making process, the government ensures that the specific barriers faced by women and gender minorities are explicitly addressed. For example, the government might find that women in the tourism and agriculture industries—two major sectors on the island—are overrepresented in low-paying, part-time, and insecure jobs. Through GBA, policymakers identify how training programs, workplace safety standards, and wage policies can be adjusted to create a more inclusive and equitable labor market.
Incorporating International Education into the Framework
Now, let’s add another layer to this policy-making process: international education. The role of international education is crucial because it provides students and workers with the global competencies needed to thrive in a competitive and interconnected world. For women in this Caribbean nation, access to international education opportunities is an avenue for expanding their professional horizons, enhancing their employability, and breaking through the glass ceiling of their local labor market.
For example, the government decides to partner with universities and educational institutions abroad to offer scholarship programs specifically for women from rural communities, enabling them to gain skills in areas like information technology, international business, and sustainable development. These international education opportunities are designed with a gender lens—ensuring that women who are often underrepresented in these fields have the necessary resources, mentorship, and guidance to succeed.
In addition, through international education exchanges, students and professionals alike can share knowledge and best practices related to gender equality in the workplace. For instance, a policy dialogue on decent work in the global context might be held at an international conference, where representatives from the Caribbean share their experiences of implementing gender-responsive labor policies, while learning from countries with similar socio-economic contexts.
A Holistic Policy Approach: Gender-Based Analysis Meets International Education
The vision of decent work can be truly realized when gender-based analysis and international education are seamlessly integrated into policy-making. In this scenario, the policymakers, having conducted a thorough GBA, outline key provisions in the new labor policies:
Equal Pay for Equal Work: Policymakers mandate transparent wage structures that ensure men and women, regardless of their nationality or background, are paid equally for equivalent work. Additionally, international education scholarships are tied to workforce demands, encouraging women to pursue fields traditionally dominated by men, such as engineering or technology.
Inclusive Labor Rights: The policies ensure that international education institutions and foreign companies operating on the island adhere to the same labor standards, including gender-sensitive practices. For example, foreign institutions might be required to implement gender-sensitive curricula or offer mentorship programs for female students entering male-dominated industries.
Workplace Flexibility: Recognizing that women, particularly those with caregiving responsibilities, need more flexible working arrangements, the policies promote telecommuting, part-time work, and job-sharing. International labor standards that have been successful in other parts of the world are adopted to ensure these provisions are feasible.
Capacity Building and Training: The policies include international partnerships that focus on building the capacity of local institutions to provide training programs in gender-sensitive leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital skills. These training programs are made available to both men and women, but with targeted outreach to female students and professionals, ensuring they gain the skills needed to excel in international markets.
The Impact and Long-Term Benefits
As the years go by, the effects of these gender-responsive labor policies become visible. Women who once felt excluded from economic opportunities are now thriving in sectors they had never imagined entering. The Caribbean nation becomes known not just for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, but also as a progressive hub where women have access to decent work, equal pay, and professional development.
International education, aligned with gender-responsive policies, empowers women to pursue careers that were once out of reach, whether in multinational corporations, government positions, or entrepreneurial ventures. Men, too, benefit from these policies, as the entire workforce becomes more diverse, equitable, and productive.
Conclusion
Incorporating gender-based analysis into policy making on decent work, alongside an international education approach, creates a more holistic and inclusive framework that benefits everyone. This narrative reflects the belief that through strategic policy integration, women and marginalized groups can gain the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in the global economy. As we’ve seen in the Caribbean context, the integration of these strategies not only enhances gender equality but also contributes to sustainable economic development and global cooperation.
References