manual: women workers' rights and gender equality - International ...

• During the first two months after returning to work they are only allowed to perform light work
and to carry a maximum of 5 kg.
• Enterprises with a minimum of 100 women or girls should establish a nursing room and a
daycare centre
• One year from date of birth, breastfeeding mothers are entitled to one hour per day during
working hours to feed their babies
Although article 187 of the Labour Code 1997 states that a regulation should be issued by the
Ministry in charge of Labour detailing the conditions for setting up and supervising the
breastfeeding room and the day-care centre, such a regulation has yet to be issued.
Important: laws are subject to changes. Therefore, check carefully which situations are presently
covered by the law. When other situations than the ones mentioned under step 5 are covered you
should fold a corner of the card presenting the new situation as well.
If the group is interested in experiences on maternity protection in other countries, you can explain
the ILO Maternity Protection Convention (No.183). This Convention states the following: It covers
all employed women including those in part-time work, home work and in atypical forms of
dependent work. Twelve weeks of maternity leave with entitlements to cash benefits and medical
care are the minimum provisions required for women who are responsible for caring for
themselves and their babies. After the termination of the maternity leave, women should have the
right to nurse their child. Areas of concern are: benefits during maternity leave, interruption and
termination of employment.
This Convention covers more than the Cambodian law at the moment. It would be good if different
organizations, like NGOs and trade unions, can advocate for the ratification of this Convention.
Related sessions and briefing notes
4.3 Equality at Work
Briefing Note 8 Health Rights and Work
Briefing Note 9 Violation of Rights at Work: File a Complaint
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