NHRC Probes Foxconn for Alleged Gender Discrimination Against Married Women

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Union Labour Ministry and the Tamil Nadu government regarding reports that Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer, has been excluding married women from jobs at its Sriperumbudur plant. This action raises serious concerns about gender discrimination and the violation of equal employment rights.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a significant step to address rampant gender discrimination allegations against Foxconn, a key manufacturer of Apple devices. On Monday, NHRC issued notices to the Union Labour Ministry and the Tamil Nadu government over troubling reports that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from employment at its assembly plant in Sriperumbudur.

The NHRC emphasized that gender equality is enshrined not only in the Indian Constitution but also in international treaties like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, all of which mandate non-discrimination in employment based on gender.

According to media reports, Foxconn's hiring practices systematically discriminated against married women due to 'cultural issues and societal pressure.' This claim, based on statements from a former HR executive and other sources, has been refuted by Foxconn, which maintains that its safety protocols and hiring policies are non-discriminatory and inclusive, affirming that 25% of new hires are married women. The NHRC, however, demands a detailed inspection to ensure the adherence to labor laws and the right to equality.

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