IFC's Good Practice Note on "Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity," the latest in a series of publications providing how-to guidance and good practice examples to private sector clients on a variety of social and environmental topics. The Note seeks to help IFC clients and the wider private sector with the challenges of eliminating discriminatory workplace practices and promoting workforce diversity in accordance with international standards and best practices.

The publication aims to increase understanding of the non-discrimination issue in a number of key areas, including: recognition of the various types of discrimination; how and where it can occur in the workplace; obligations under national law and other international provisions; practical approaches and options for addressing workplace discrimination; and the benefits derived from diversifying the workforce.

The approaches outlined in the Good Practice Note may help employers derive a number of business advantages including: penetration of new markets, improved employee morale, a wider pool of talent from which to recruit, reduced vulnerability to legal challenges, and enhanced reputation.

The publication of "Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity" supports IFC's forthcoming Performance Standard on Labor and Working Conditions. However, the Note goes beyond lender compliance to highlight broader corporate good practice through a number of emerging market case examples. We hope that you will find this document useful and share it with your colleagues and clients as appropriate. The Note can be downloaded as a PDF file at:

http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/enviro.nsf/Content/Publications

As always, we welcome your feedback. Please send any comments to: enviro@ifc.org

International Finance Corporation

International Finance Corporation

The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is the largest multilateral provider of financing for private enterprise in developing countries. IFC finances private sector investments, mobilizes capital in international financial markets, facilitates trade, helps clients improve social and environmental sustainability, and provides technical assistance and advice to businesses and governments. From its founding in 1956 through FY06, IFC has committed more than $56 billion of its own funds for private sector investments in the developing world and mobilized an additional $25 billion in syndications for 3,531 companies in 140 developing countries. With the support of funding from donors, it has also provided more than $1 billion in technical assistance and advisory services.

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