On April 29, 2026 a round table “Women’s Occupational Safety and Health” dedicated to World Day for Safety and Health at Work took place at the Commonwealth of Independent States headquarters.
The event was initiated by the Belarusian side and supported by the Advisory Council on Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Population of the CIS Member States, back to back with the Year of the Belarusian Woman declared in Belarus in 2026.
The participants discussed:
- a wide range of theoretical and practical aspects of women's occupational safety and health;
- the real positive experience;
- innovations and current solutions in regulating women's labor in various economic sectors, taking into account national specifics in the Commonwealth countries.
During the round table, the importance of legal regulation of women’s occupational safety and health was emphasized, as nearly half of the working population in the CIS countries are women in need of special state protection. Furthermore, this is due to the changing role of women in society and in employment.
It was noted that today the Commonwealth of Independent States pays great attention to creating decent working conditions and occupational safety and health for women. All member countries have adopted legislation restricting women’s labor in hazardous working conditions. Efforts are being made to create opportunities for balancing work with family responsibilities and childbirth and child-rearing, and measures are being taken to establish additional opportunities for women's career advancement, including leadership and government positions.
The Advisory Council on Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Population has approved Recommendations for developing a model List of Types of Work, Professions and Positions in which women’s labor is prohibited or restricted, taking into account economic activities in the CIS member states. The document will help relevant ministries and agencies to develop national regulatory acts in the field of occupational safety and health, and contribute to constructive interstate interaction, including joint systematic work to improve forms and methods of preventing industrial injuries and occupational diseases.
The round table participants also noted the practical value of exchanging experience and information on the issues discussed, and reviewed modern approaches to ensuring women’s occupational safety and health with national specifics and international experience in view.
The Resolution agreed by at the round table will be circulated by the CIS Executive Committee to the Commonwealth countries.
Additionally, within the framework of the round table, an exhibition “Women’s Occupational Safety and Health: Safety, Stability, Well-being, Prospects” took place. Books, printed publications, and posters presented by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus and the Presidential Library of the Republic of Belarus demonstrate the inseparable connection between the legal regulation of women’s occupational safety and health and women’s role in the society, family, and workplace.
The competition works of young artists from Belarus clearly demonstrated the unity of enduring values shared by all people and nations: safe work – happy families. Through the eyes of children, openly and somewhat naively, pride in their country's honorable work and professions, a desire for a joyful peaceful life, and love for their parents are expressed.
It should be recalled that World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed annually on April 28 to promote the prevention of workplace accidents and diseases. In the Commonwealth countries, governments, trade union organizations, employers’ organizations, and occupational safety practitioners organize events for World Day.
This information and awareness campaign aims to draw public attention to occupational safety and health issues and the rising number of work-related injuries, diseases, and fatalities.