The Role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Promoting Women's Labour Rights Across Countries, with Particular Emphasis on the Iranian Legal System

Abstract

This article examines the role of international organizations in promoting women workers’ rights, with particular emphasis on the Iranian legal system. The central research question concerns the extent to which the normative and supervisory mechanisms of these organizations, particularly the International Labour Organization (ILO), have influenced the formation and development of legal rules governing women’s employment in different countries and the degree to which Iran’s legal system has aligned itself with these standards. To this end, using descriptive–analytical and comparative approaches, the article first explains the concepts of labour law, women workers’ rights, employment discrimination, and gender equality. It then examines the status of ILO conventions and recommendations and their relationship with human rights instruments, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Subsequently, the role of international organizations at the global level is analyzed in relation to three principal areas: standard-setting, supervision and follow-up, and influencing legislative and policy reforms. Finally, the Iranian legal system is evaluated in terms of the prohibition of discrimination, the protection of women workers, and accession to key ILO conventions. The findings indicate that although Iran has achieved a certain degree of normative convergence with international standards by recognizing principles such as the equality of women and men in the Constitution, equal remuneration for work of equal value under the Labour Law, and accession to conventions concerning non-discrimination and equal remuneration, substantial implementation gaps remain. These include the absence of comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace, the restrictive effects of certain family laws on women’s right to employment, the weakness of supervisory institutions and independent labour organizations, and cultural and structural barriers within the labour market. Drawing on the capacities of Islamic jurisprudence, the Iranian Constitution, and ILO standards, the article concludes by proposing legislative reforms, the strengthening of implementing institutions, and measures to enhance the legal and social status of women workers.