[kictanet] Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues

[Catherine Adeya]

Thanks Edith some details are in the summary I attached and if there are any others listers please share.

Thanks
Nyaki




________________________________
From: Edith Adera <eadera at idrc.or.ke>
To: Catherine Adeya <elizaslider at yahoo.com>
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 10:46:43 PM
Subject: RE: [kictanet]  Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues

 
Nyaki,
It would be nice to be
reminded (in some cases informed) of the Kenyan labour law and implications
within the context of BPO sector
Edith

________________________________
 
From:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke
[mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=idrc.or.ke at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of  Catherine Adeya
Sent: 10 June 2009 08:12
To: Edith Adera
Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
Subject: [kictanet] Day 7 of 10-
BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues
 
- Day 7 of 10- BPO Discussions, Youth and Gender Issues -

Morning all,
Walu has done a fantastic job moderating  so far and now you are stuck with me
for the next four days.  Today’s theme is on Youth and Gender issues. It
is obvious we have touched on a number of issues that focus on this theme in
the last few days; however, it is still pertinent to address it as an exclusive
issue. 
 Some of you have wondered why we keep referring to S.
Africa, Mauritius and India . I would
like to re-emphasize that those are the countries where the research was
conducted but views from other countries are welcome. The idea is not to
compare Kenya 
per se but to bench-mark on our (or potential) competitors. Views based on
other countries are very welcome, the researchers could not visit more
countries due to funding constraints.
It is useful to begin by noting that the researchers found
that the unemployment rate (2008 est) was 40% in Kenya ,
21.7% in S. Africa, 7.6% in Mauritius 
and 6.8% in India .
The researchers also found that the minimum qualification for professional
staff was a Bachelor’s degree in all four countries.  However, the minimum
qualification for operators/agents varied.  In Kenya 
it was a certificate, diploma or degree depending on operation; in S. Africa it
was Grade 12; Mauritius 
school certificate or below and in India it was a High school
certificate.
The common work related challenges include project management
(especially meeting deadlines) and long hours. Some employees in Kenya 
complained about challenges with transportation.  The detailed summary
findings will be availed. 
Generally there were more women in call centres than male but
more males in the professional cadre.  The youth are mostly found in the
agent/operator jobs. The following are some country specific issues:
	1. In, India there is the Equal Remuneration Act ensures that there is equal remuneration to men and women for same jobs. Under this law, no discrimination is permissible in recruitment and service conditions except where employment of women is prohibited or restricted by the law. NASSCOM has launched the Women in Leadership-IT Initiative to enhance participation of women in the workforce and ensure there are more women leaders in the IT-BPO industry.
	2. In South Africa , there are 40% more females than males below 25 years working in the BPO sector. However, there are 7% more males than females above 25 years old.  There is no gender or age based discrimination in the work place. There exists no law or policy that prefers youth from other groups of people in employment.
	3. In Mauritius , there is no 24 hour work culture. In addition, the Labor Act prohibits employment of female employees in industrial undertakings between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m; while youth are not allowed to work between between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Interestingly, there is clause that no person shall, except with the Permanent Secretary's written consent, transport a female worker or cause a female worker to be transported in a goods vehicle; any other vehicle, unless the vehicle is provided with an easy means of entering and alighting which does not involve climbing.
 In Kenya we have the Employment Act
which many of you know. 
This leads us to the following
discussion questions:
Discussion Q9: Are the Kenyan laws adequate to protect the youth and women from
exploitation by BPO&O employers?
Discussion
Q. 10: The
BPO sector is not seen as a long term source of employment for most employees.
Most believe it is a stepping stone to other lucrative opportunities. What
needs to be done to ensure the youth and women view the industry as attractive,
especially in terms of quality of employment and career progression?
Discussion Q11:
Attrition and poaching are prevalent in most countries studied. What mechanisms
should employers adopt to attract and retain their staff? 
Let the games
(oops! Discussion) begin!
Thanks
Nyaki
To be Encl: Synthesis
4 – Youth and Gender Issues


      
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