MNCS AND THE PERSISTENCE OF GENDER INEQUALITY IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Abstract

This article explores how multinational corporations (MNCs) discriminate against women in their
workforce. MNCs are a crucial source of employment opportunities for women, particularly in the consumer
goods and service sectors. Despite this, MNCs often pay women less than men, subject them to poor working
conditions, and terminate their employment without notice in times of economic downturn. The article
presents case studies of Colgate-Palmolive and Ford Motor Company to support these claims. Additionally,
the article highlights the lack of accountability held by MNCs for violating human and labor rights in both
their home state and host state. The legal regime fails to provide a framework to address gender discrimination,
and international law does not hold MNCs accountable. The article argues for the need to establish an
international legal standard to protect women's rights in MNCs, which must be versatile enough to address
various types of discrimination against women. This non-empirical paper draws from treaties, declarations,
academic journals, books, and website materials relevant to women's rights.