Freedom of assembly and association is 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.
The country is preparing a national gender action plan with the long-term objective of greater equality. It addresses the integration of gender issues into the mainstream of government and private sector activities and the enactment of a domestic violence act. Two women serve in the cabinet and another two are parliamentarians. 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.