Algeria-27th Session May 2017-Gender equality

Para 12) (c) The Ordinance on the Organic Act on the Electoral System regulates the electoral process and introduces substantial innovations, including: … • Gender parity and a higher quota for young people on electoral lists Para 100) Schooling is the basis of civic education (Constitution, art. 65 (4)). The curricula at all three levels of education promote a culture of equality between girls and boys from the earliest age and instil in students the principles of human rights, civic values and an attitude of openness to the outside world. Students in Algeria participated in the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) World’s Largest Lesson in 2019. Para 104) … Equality of men and women before the law and non-discrimination are fundamental principles of the Algerian State. Para 105) Equal opportunities are guaranteed through national legislation. The law protects women’s rights in the labour market (equal pay and access to employment, right to training and promotion, social security, retirement, etc.) and provides for positive discrimination in relation to childbirth (maternity leave), breastfeeding (paid absences) and night work for certain professions. Para 106) The Government’s action plan prioritizes measures to strengthen the economic integration of women, including housewives, particularly in rural and remote areas, as a driver of their empowerment. Para 107) Measures have been taken to promote education and training opportunities for women. As a result of these measures, Algeria now has one of the highest proportions of women graduates in the world at 48.5 per cent, coming out on top of a global ranking presented in a 2018 report of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Para 108) Under the policy on the protection of vulnerable women, pregnant unmarried women (i.e. single mothers) benefit from the same care and services as other beneficiaries. Para 109) … All programmes encouraging entrepreneurship and income-generating activities are accessible to women without any discrimination, thus promoting their participation in national economic development. Para 110) The Government’s action plan for 2021 is aimed at simplifying and streamlining procedures in all economic sectors. Para 111) National and local bodies and organizations working directly or indirectly to boost entrepreneurship and economic activities are engaged in a continuing process intended to simplify procedures through the decentralized granting of loans. Para 112) In early 2021, Algeria launched a sectoral programme to promote the socioeconomic integration of rural women and housewives through various processes and measures providing financial and logistical support and assistance.