E/C.12/RUS/CO/6
Equality between men and women
24.
The Committee notes the adoption, in 2017, of the new National Strategy for
Women 2017-2022. It remains, however, concerned about the persistence of the social
perception of gender roles in the State party, whereby women continue to be
underrepresented in senior and decision-making positions and concentrated in low-paid job
sectors, leading to the perpetuation of the gender wage gap, to have a lesser role in political
and public life, and to be perceived as the main caregivers in the family (art. 3).
25.
The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a)
Ensure the allocation of adequate financial and human resources to fully
implement the National Strategy for Women 2017-2022, and establish an effective
monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure that the strategy is assessed against a
clear set of indicators and has the desired impact;
(b)
Review all relevant legislation, regulations and policies with a view to
eliminating any aspects of discrimination against women and take temporary special
measures towards achieving their de facto equality;
(c)
Analyse the underlying causes of the underrepresentation of women in
senior and decision-making positions and take appropriate measures to revise the
social perception of gender roles, including those concerning employment and, to that
end, promote training for women in non-traditional fields and in areas that will
provide them with equal career opportunities;
(d)
Strengthen awareness-raising campaigns for both men and women about
sharing responsibilities equally in the family and in society, and about reconciling
work and family responsibilities;
(e)
Take into account its general comments No. 23 (2016) on the right to just
and favourable conditions of work (para. 36), and No. 16 (2005) on the equal right of
men and women to the enjoyment of all economic, social and cultural rights.
Unemployment
26.
While noting the information on the decrease in the general unemployment rate in
recent years, the Committee expresses its concern about the high rates among youth and
those living in rural areas. The Committee is also concerned that measures taken to address
these situations proved not to be very successful (art. 6).
27.
The Committee recommends that the State party take targeted measures to
address unemployment more effectively, especially among youth and those living in
rural areas. The Committee also recommends that the State party continue to assess
the effectiveness of measures taken to increase employment opportunities in general
and for specific groups and adopt other measures as necessary. The Committee refers
the State party to its general comment No. 18 (2005) on the right to work.
Women’s right to work
28.
The Committee is concerned about the continued existence of the list of 456 banned
professions for women, and about the lack of scientific or medical assessment of the real
impact these professions may have on women’s reproductive health. The Committee is
concerned that, in reality, these restrictions contribute to furthering inequalities between
men and women. The Committee appreciates the information provided by the delegation
that there is an ongoing discussion in the State party to review that list (art. 6).
29.
The Committee reiterates its recommendation (see E/C.12/RUS/CO/5, para. 16)
that the State party review the list of restricted occupations and sectors for women,
and ensure that it covers only restrictions necessary for the protection of maternity
and is based strictly on medical considerations (see general comment No. 23, paras. 17
and 47 (a)).
5