GENEVA — A new report by the International Labor Organization finds the large majority of women workers, at least 830 million, does not have adequate maternity protection and continue to face discrimination in the labor market.

Despite progress in maternity protection, ILO officials say motherhood remains a handicap for far too many working women.

ILO Gender, Equality and Diversity Branch Chief Shauna Olney says almost 80 percent of the 830 million women who lack maternity protection are in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

“The report also shows that some groups of workers, often female-dominated, are excluded entirely from protection in law and practice,” she said. “We look at self-employed women, migrant, domestic, agricultural, casual and temporary workers, as well as indigenous and tribal workers.”

Continue reading: ILO: More Than 800 Million Women Lack Maternity Protection

(VOA – May 13, 2014)