Gender discrimination

Mr J. Kahlil (The Sunday Times, June 19) stated that he applied for a job as a receptionist/information clerk, but when he spoke to the employer, he learned that the vacancy was open only to females.

As presented by Mr Kahlil, this case amounts to gender discrimination, and is in breach of Cap. 456, Equality for Men and Women Act. Art. 4 (1) of this Act clearly states:

"It shall be unlawful for employers to discriminate, directly or indirectly, against a person in the arrangements made to determine or in determining who should be offered employment or in the terms and conditions on which the employment is offered or in the determination of who should be dismissed from employment."

The NCPE is the Government entity that has the specific remit of promoting gender equality in all spheres and also has the role of ensuring that Cap. 456, Equality for Men and Women Act is abided by.

Thus, in cases such as the one illustrated by Mr Kahlil, a complaint can be made to the NCPE, who then initiates investigations to verify these allegations. Therefore it is of utmost importance that when such a complaint is made, NCPE is provided with all the necessary details, such as the date when the contact with the employer was made and the name of the person spoken to. All this information is requested in order to give a solid basis to NCPE on which to proceed.

When, after the due investigations, allegations of discrimination are verified, provisions against the guilty party can be enforced according to the provisions of Cap. 456, Equality for Men and Women Act.

As stated by Mr Kahlil, that type of discrimination is against the law and definitely men and women are to be treated equally when it comes to discrimination. Therefore, we invite Mr Kahlil, and other persons who go through similar experiences to present their complaints in writing, so that NCPE can take the necessary action and work towards the eradication of these practices.