E/C.12/HND/CO/2 received about the number of people working in the informal economy, who are thus not covered by labour legislation or the social protection system (arts. 6, 7 and 9). 28. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Intensify its efforts to bring down the high unemployment and underemployment rates by, for instance, designing a comprehensive employment policy that includes a plan of action with specific targets and is focused on the groups most vulnerable to unemployment and underemployment, such as young people, women and persons with disabilities; (b) Take all steps necessary to gradually regularize the informal sector of the economy, providing persons working in that sector with access to basic labour benefits, social protection and other rights recognized in the Covenant. Minimum wage 29. The Committee notes the progress achieved through social dialogue in determining the minimum wage, but is concerned that the minimum wage is not sufficient to ensure a decent standard of living for workers and their families. It is also concerned that a significant number of workers earn less than the minimum wage (art. 7). 30. The Committee urges the State party to take the necessary legislative and administrative measures to ensure that all workers receive a minimum wage sufficient to ensure decent living conditions for them and their families in accordance with article 7 (a) (ii) of the Covenant. Working conditions for women 31. The Committee finds it regrettable that women continue to be subjected to poor working conditions in some sectors, including unsuitable workplace conditions, low wages, negligible job security and risk of exploitation and violence (art. 7). 32. In the light of its general comment No. 23 (2016), on the right to just and favourable conditions of work, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Take the necessary measures to improve working conditions for women, in particular for those employed in the maquila sector and in domestic work, so that they may enjoy the same working conditions as other workers; (b) Strengthen the mandate and capacity of labour inspectors to enable them to effectively monitor the working conditions of women employed in the maquila sector and in domestic work; (c) Establish effective mechanisms for the reporting of abuse or exploitation, bearing in mind the vulnerable status of women employed in the maquila sector and in domestic work; (d) Ratify the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). Equal pay for work of equal value 33. The Committee notes with concern that article 44 of the Equal Opportunities for Women Act does not recognize the principle of equal pay for work of equal value. It is also concerned by the information received about the continued and significant disparity between women and men in this regard (art. 7). 34. The Committee recommends that the State party ensure equality between men and women as to equal remuneration for work of equal value, as set forth in article 7 (a) (i) of the Covenant, both in its legislation and, for example, by conducting GE.16-11828 7