Freedoms of assembly and association are respected, although police occasionally refuse to issue permits for demonstrations. Numerous nongovernmental organizations operate. Nine labor federations include 300 unions. Women constitute approximately 20 percent of the paid labor force and generally occupy a subordinate role in society. The law does not require equal pay for equal work or prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace.
Women are underrepresented at the national university.
Government campaigns have sought to improve the status of women by removing some legal barriers to advancement. Official and nongovernmental agencies have mounted educational campaigns to reduce widespread domestic violence and have launched programs to assist abuse victims. Tensions between the Hindu majority and Muslim and Creole minorities persist despite the general respect for constitutional prohibitions against discrimination and constitute one of the country s few potential political flashpoints.